Treasures by Louise

A visit to a Car Museum turns up a Jewelry Display. It's fun to find jewelry inspiration in the fashions of the past. At a recent visit to the Gilmore Car Museum, a section on the display focused on the 1930's era. To answer the question: "What did the people who rode in these cars wear and look like?", there was a 1930's fashion display. I learned that "...at the start of the 1930's, trends emphasized the natural waistline as a way to close out the boyish look of 1920's fashion." This lovely jet seven-strand collar was displayed with a beautiful dress once owned by Matilda Dodge Wilson. Museum Display: Vintage seven strand choker: Seed beads and Jet ( Copyright: my own photograph, 2014) This elegant pale blue crystal necklace on gold metal chain is displayed with an exquisite beaded embroidered pale blue gown. Museum Jewelry: Graduated crystal necklace strung on gold chain (Copyright: my own photograph, 2014) I...

I hope you are enjoying your last-minute gift making and shopping for the Holidays! If you find anything in my Etsy site:  LilyAndJasmine on Etsy , I recommend the last day for first class shipping would be December 19, at the very latest. The USPS says December 20, so that would give me time to package, label and drop off at the post office on the way to work! Enjoy your days leading up to the holidays! December 21st note: My shop is on vacation, while I spend time baking cookies and enjoying family traditions. Hugs!

I have discovered a wonderful new blog - Full of fun and creative crafting ideas. Claire writes the blog 'blah to TADA!' and I'm having so much fun exploring all her projects. Cruise on over and check it out! I especially like her take on a simple leather and beaded bracelet that is very trendy. blah to TADA! - Leather and Studs Bracelet.  I am going to try one of these myself,  so check back after a while and I'll post some photos. Have a Happy Mother's Day!

I had a strand of 'ugly' beads, think they are plastic, and a wild combination of colors. My mother found them at a rummage sale. I set them aside, not knowing what I would do with such beads. I recently pulled them out and sorted them by color. I found the green and orange colored ones went nicely with some assorted beige glass beads, they made up into a very nice necklace. I'm showing it today in honor of earth day. It has inspired me to create more upcycled jewelry coming soon!

  I am finally posting this bracelet that I made in October - inspired by the fall colors. Made with memory wire, eye pins and four colors of Bead Gallery glass polygon beads. Here is my inspiration: http://www.michaels.com/Seaglass-Cuff-Bracelet.   I used just four beads per pin and arranged the black beads to form the chevron pattern. The colors used were black, amber, gold and lavender. I have had many compliments on this bracelet!