7.20.2011

so much jewelry so little time...

Sometimes when I'm at the auction to buy jewelry I buy entire trays just to get a few pieces.  This means I end up with gobs of jewelry I either just don't want or that is awesome but maybe a little too worse for wear, missing some stones and so forth.  Those are the pieces I like to use in making new pieces like this...


We call that "upcycling" in the Etsy jewelry world (that one sold last year).  So while I have the jewelry listed in my shop organized quite well (especially for me)...


and the jewelry waiting to be photographed and listed waits in a fairly organized manner as well...


The "shabby chic" stuff is kind of piled into containers where it sits for months waiting for me to feel inspired to make something and give it a new life...



Yesterday I felt inspired and made this bracelet from a fabulous vintage 1950s brooch that had a small chip and a great bracelet that has lost most of its plating...


I wore it around the house yesterday to make sure it was comfortable and I'm afraid I might keep this one.  I really like it.  I'm also working on some new necklaces using my original photographs...


Trying to decide what kind of chains, whether or not I should add a little accent bead or charm or stamped metal with a quote or something.  Should I try to combine some of those shabby chic vintage pieces on a chain with these photo squares?  So many possibilities it is at times, overwhelming.  What do you think?  Suggestions?  Do you like a particular image or think maybe one or more don't work well for a necklace?

Seriously, looking for some input from my bloggy peeps?

20 comments:

MJM said...

You know I love the necklaces, especially the carousel one. I think it's so whimsical.

Thelma Frayne said...

The wall display is cool!

jandjhome said...

Your jewelery is so pretty. I've been wanting to find old broches to make the wreath taht the DIY Showoff made. It's amazing that you have so many.

Maria said...

You know I love anything that has to do with the sea - so the life guard stand is for me - but I also love the carousel - for the kid in me :-) But, I like them just as they are. There is a refined beauty in their simple clean lines. I'd wear it hanging on a thinnish silver chain - maybe a box link. Really beautiful creations you have there lady!

bronwyn said...

I love the necklace in the first photo and I think just about everything in the photo with the pliers would make a similarly necklace. And I think some sort of small bead or charm would look nice with the photo squares on a really simple chain.

KR said...

I think simple and clean is best for these pendants. They can definitely stand alone.

KR said...

P.S. That bracelet is amazing!!!

Jillian said...

hey there Jeanette! I love your work, you are quite talented.

Baby has yet to come haha. Any day now though!!!

Tess Kincaid said...

That first piece is just WOW!

Beatnheart said...

Oh now that’s how you do it Jeanette! Combine
all the elements...and make it work for YOU! Your
organizational skills make be a little blue...you are
so amazing at everything you do...i’m a poet and
i don’t even know it
but seriously...blogging, etsy it all works as one whole
to make us whole. love you and thanks so much for
being there for me. Cynthia

Carol {Everyday Delights} said...

Very petty, love the bracelet!

angryparsnip said...

The first necklace is really a statement piece. The chain you put it on is really wonderful.

Love the boxes of jewelery waiting to be used. The little elephant is so sweet.

what a fun shop !

cheers, parsnip

k said...

wow jeanette, i would love to take a look at all of those pieces hanging on your wall!

Anonymous said...

I love what you've done with the vintage pieces to make that stunning bracelet, but then I love the simplicity of the squares containing your photos. The daisy is my favourite. A plain silver chain would really appeal to me, because they are a beautiful statement in themselves.

ching said...

whoa. all those jewelry is mind blowing!

Stitchfork said...

Your work space is looking great! Love how you see the new ways to use these pieces. With your photo pieces I'd say simple, that accents to e photo as the focal point. Would love to sneak a peek into all those trays!
xo Cathy

Dhymalk dhykTa said...

wow...your collection so wonderful and unique.....


so pretty...

whre do u get all of yours????

pamela said...

some great stuff!! clever bracelet and i love the photo charms.

MaiPie said...

I love those photo necklaces! Very neat way to incorporate your talents.

julie of Monkey Grass Hill said...

I'm seriously in awe of your organizational skills AND trays of vintage pieces!!! Your photo pendants are very pretty -- you could offer your customers the option of little add on charms like so many of the jewelry designers do with the initial and name necklaces. Do you know what I mean?... if not, e-mail me and I'll find a link and send it to you.