romantic decay jewelry

A Little Structure

2012-02-08T11:10:00.000-05:00

a time to be still

2012-01-27T13:06:00.000-05:00

victorian cuff link with sterling silver band

YIKES!

2011-10-28T12:33:00.000-04:00

nuff said

Spent Ammo, Hardware & Games

2011-09-14T12:28:00.001-04:00

are you making vrooom vroom sounds?

Getting ready for 3 shows - yikes! I promised 40 (yep 40) pieces to the last show, easy to commit to in April, now it's WHAT were you thinking.

A little behind on my blog reading and comments . . . my apologies!

Hope your having a great week!

A Peek

2011-07-30T07:48:00.000-04:00

Hearts and hands have always been a favorite.

Plan B - Part 1

2011-06-23T12:13:00.024-04:00

Thought I would share some pieces that didn't turn out as planned.

I showed this in a earlier post. Pretty as it is it didn't function, the focal was constantly on the inside of my arm.
Really annoying, and not a design I would be comfortable lising.

Plan B

Not annoying to wear, stays where it should and I think the swirly design on the etched metal looks good with the cut steel.

And just to put it out there . . Plan B needs a little tweaking. The rivets stretched when I formed the cuff around the mandrel (good grief will this ever be done). Sooooo, I'm starting on Plan C this afternoon, tiny nuts and bolts will be replacing the rivets.

And since things don't work out as planned I'll be posting Plan B - Part 2 soon.

Have a great week everyone!

I had to Have them

2011-05-26T13:10:00.000-04:00

Aren't these the sweetest beads

I'm not sure how I missed them before, but

when I saw them on www.SueBeads.blogspot.com post

last Friday I didn't waste anytime

I'm wearing them now

(while I wrestle with the gi-normous dust bunnies that have taken over the house)

Hope everyone has a nice looong weekend!!

New Design (kind of)

2011-05-20T14:51:00.002-04:00

Same old bezels

on hoops . . . does that count?

Finally Finishing

2011-04-15T11:09:00.000-04:00

Pieces parts are all here

So I thought I would share some finished pieces

not as simple

more steel

I really need to start adding some color to my work

have you seen the quartz gemstones dipped in silver?

I can't find them anywhere

again no color:)

I'm rambling

yep, had to make another one

smaller version

OK, I'm done rambling now

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Simplicity

2011-03-31T11:09:00.001-04:00

Same old new stuff

2011-03-18T12:11:00.001-04:00

Larger and smaller bullet casing bezels

with some vintage hardware
the locks work as the closure
kind of limits the size
but alot of fun

I'm keeping the bracelet with the small bezels

This one will be listed on etsy soon

Hoping you all have a great weekend!

Seven LONG Days

2011-03-15T17:12:00.000-04:00

That's right seven days without internet service.

I have a lot of blog reading!

A quick peek at what I've been up to.

A birthday present for my youngest daughter.

This is made from steel (can you believe the price of silver!!!!)

And . . . . did you see Renate's copper bezel? Beautiful!

On the Mend

2011-03-01T13:22:00.000-05:00

finally
Flu season in Ohio (or anywhere)
YUK

I did manage to do a little sewing in between naps
the schedule - pin, stitch, nap and another nap
so here they are

Sleeveless

with sleeves

needs some fancy smancy stitches

all photographed in . . . . . .

natural light

I hope you all are having a sunny day!!!!!!!!

back to blog reading, i've missed alot

This Weeks Post

2011-01-18T10:13:00.000-05:00

Which I was going to post last week.

It's about sewing, free motion stitching and Lisa at http://www.mudhoundstudio.blogspot.com/.

Surprise . . . how many post were there last week about the same thing?

Is it nesting?

I'm a nester, the only reason I leave in the winter is for food.

So here's a peek at my sewing project

Not a ruffle person so the sari ribbon was the perfect choice, a little girly but not

foo foo.

Here's a lame photo of the ribbon. Artifical lighting doesn't do the colors justice

(no sun, not for the next FIVE days)

And yes I totally copied the hangers from last months Where Women Create.

Hoping you all have a sunny week!!!

Last Weeks Post

2011-01-12T13:39:00.002-05:00

I was going to post some pictures last week

What happened?

Herniated disc. . . ouch that hurts

I'm on the mend now so I can sit for more then a few minutes.

Making rivets on curved metal was tougher than I thought it would be.

These are all small Victorian Bar Pins.

I really like the ones that are engraved with names.

Did she wear it all the time or save it for special occasions?

Who gave it to her?

Love the connection to the past,

wearing a piece of jewelry that was worn by another women 100 years ago!

I haven't taken the rings off since they were finished.

Finally finished

These are so tiny and they open.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Still Celebrating

2011-01-03T11:35:00.004-05:00

I hope everyone had a great New Year!

I would like to thank everyone for leaving such encouraging comments on my yes, no, maybe so post.

Without them I'm not sure I would have sent the necklace off to Stampington

for the poetry challenge

So off she went, and here she is

Very exciting to see your work published!

I did managed to make a few pieces of jewelry over the holidays.

I'll post some pictures later this week.

In the mean time a piece of jewelry from one of the grandbabies.

Isn't she a cutie, loves to play "artist"

Have a great week!

Insert extraordinary blog title here

2010-12-28T12:12:00.002-05:00

I had a much better title but after trying to sign into my blogger, gmail and upload scans for TWO hours
you know . . . frustrating

some shameless self promotion

My little journal

this book

To Kerin Gale

THANK YOU

and

great projects!!

PS. . I'm over my pi**y mood now and would like to add how exciting and surreal it is to see something I've made in print.

The resin clay is very easy and fun to work with and Kerin has some way cool projects in the book.

I forsee a "Persephone Tassel" in my future.

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-22T11:36:00.000-05:00

Victorian Biker Collection?

2010-11-17T14:08:00.003-05:00

That may be the best description for the jewelry I've been working on.

This cross was inspired by a victorian necklace. It's made from steel.

Victorian steel cut

More victorian steel

future bracelets

the softer side of steel

seems to be a steel theme

i believe i mentioned obsessed in a previous post

And yes, I do ride and have the required leather jacket and chaps

but . . . . . .

these are my biker boots.

obsessed

And the Winner is . . . .

2010-10-29T07:25:00.000-04:00

Cindy Wimmer of Sweet Bead Studio.

Email me (romanticdecayjewelry@gmail.com) with your choice and address.

To everyone else Thank You for the positive comments!

One for Me One for You

2010-10-22T19:53:00.002-04:00

Yes, it's a giveaway. Leave a comment and your enetered. No matter where you live.

Your choice

Check back next Friday for the winner.

Love My Art Jewelry

2010-10-12T14:44:00.000-04:00

Have you checked out this new blog Love My Art Jewelry. Run by a group of generous artist, full of great information, and a giveaway. Hop on over and check them out. You won't be disappointed!

A closer look

2010-09-29T11:45:00.003-04:00

Printed muslin - the base layer of the cuff.

The second layer of fabric is a loose weave cotton

I used silk thread on the top and white bobbin thread underneath

The bobbin thread does show a little on the top so next time I'm using matching thread.

Coating both layers of fabric with a diluted fabric stiffner (it smells like regular white glue) and quilting gloves

made it much easier to control when doing the free motion embroidery

I started sewing some beads on with waxed linen thread - hoping some dust and dirt will stick and give it that been around a while look

however, some garden dirt might be in order

It should be done this weekend. I'll post some more pictures when it's finished.

Hope everyone is having a great week.

P.S. To print mulin - iron freezer paper to your fabric and run it thru your printer (old quilting tip)

Where did summer go?

2010-09-24T11:03:00.001-04:00

I can't believe it's fall already or that its been WEEKS since my last post.

I've been inspired by Renate to do a sneak peek.

Well, not exactly a peek, it's a full on picture.

There has been some wrist cuff envy going on here so again . . WHY NOT?

Some vintage seed beads to add around the text

and a crazy closure

then wearing it for awhile to make sure the crazy closure isn't tooo crazy.

The free motion embroidery was a lot of fun and WAY different than anything I've ever done with the sewing machine.

More text and embroidery will be showing up in the future pieces.

This weekend is my last show for this year. The weather is supposed to be great AND it's in my hometown.

Hoping you all have a great weekend!

obsessed

2010-08-30T16:18:00.001-04:00

"to think about something unceasingly or persistently; dwell obsessively upon something"

Yes, it's true, I've been obsessed the last couple of weeks.

Not with a piece of jewelry.

My Booth.

Some observations from the last show.

The name of my blog? etsy shop?

yep

romantic decay

When we attached the sides to the booth what did i see?

WHITE PLASTIC

It screams decay doesn't it?!

I used tags to display my earrings.

Did I mention the heat index was 105 degrees with 999% humidity

They were folded over in a couple of hours.

And then there is attracting people to your booth.

I use a dressmakers form on the outside which people would stop and look at, but not wander in.

Solutions?

20 yards of tulle to drape and soften the plastic.

5 lbs. of rebar wire

6 days of twisting, bending, looping, wrapping

36" of quirky

my husband calling me "obsessed"

My earring chandelier.

(indoor pictures are awful)

This will be hanging in the back.

I hope it works.

I would hate to have to grab people by the ear and drag them in :)

Now back to the jewelry obsession!

Grace

2010-08-09T06:46:00.002-04:00

I wish the photo captured the true color.

When you anneal old metal you never know what it will look like after all is done.

This was a great surprise.

The words in the bezel are

"elegance or beauty of form, mannor, motion or act"

Try as I might, I could not get the patina I wanted on the links.

Heat - nope, liver of sulpher - nope, satin finish another no.

Now they look a little wonky (technical term) which seems to

fit most of my work.

I'm getting ready for another show this weekend, and of course way behind. Trying to tweek my booth,

have enough jewelry for a two day show and figure out how to stay comfortable when the heat

index will be of over 100 degrees.

I'm sure there will be some great stories.

See you next week.

yes, no, maybe so?

2010-08-02T07:29:00.000-04:00

send her off on a challenge

Just for Fun

2010-07-30T10:28:00.000-04:00

the links spell out

"runs with scissors"

i'm having a hard time taking a good picture of her

notice where i placed the camera

most of the 50 something neck is covered

the expression on my face . . .

are you really going to post a picture of yourself?

it may be gone in a couple of hours

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Where has the time gone?

2010-07-22T14:02:00.000-04:00

Thought I would dust up on my bezel making

Made over one hundred jump rings

Made over one hundred links

Practiced my riveting

Scored some cool stuff

And the best part . . . Dad was in town for three weeks. Lots of family time. Hope you all are having a great summer!

P.S. what is up with blogger this has been the most frustrating post I've ever done!

Sneak Peek

2010-06-18T09:07:00.003-04:00

At one of the ideas that has been rolling around in my head.

I thought

make my own book chain.

Easy right?

Took FOREVER!

But . . I see a few more in the future.

i blame barbara

2010-06-16T14:26:00.003-04:00

for one more addiction, that's my story and i'm stickin to it

I couldn't wait till my husband came home from work to set things up properly, so I used my acetylene/atmospheric torch. The colors are a little muddy and a bit of a challenge with only one hand, but not to bad. I may have to break down and use some color in my work!

Workin on the Chain Gang

2010-06-01T15:25:00.001-04:00

My thoughts are jumbled. Words not happening.

The voices (ideas) are all talking at the same time.

I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Brave Woman

2010-05-30T15:23:00.001-04:00

If you haven't seen Barbara Lewis studio post check here http://www.paintingwithfireartwear.com/ and enter her give away. I can't imagine having to pack up my studio Cleaning it took forever and yes, the work table is covered already. It has been fun messing it up.

All Clean or This is as Good as it Gets

2010-05-26T12:42:00.000-04:00

I've spent the last couple of days cleaning the studio and thought I would post some pictures so I can remember what it looks like when it's clean.

Presenting the studio - formally known as the Living Room.

What I see when I look up from the work table.

What everyone else sees.

By 8 o'clock tonight there will only be a 12" x 12" place that's free of clutter.

Magical Indeed.

What does your studio look like?

My First Show

2010-05-18T10:43:00.001-04:00

How did it turn out? zero sales. I should be in a funk, but I'm not. I had a great time. BOTH of my daughters where there to help. It's a rare occasion for us to have that much time together. I met several artist who suggested shows where my work would sell. Lots of compliments and encourgement.

And a swap. The young lady showing her ceramics didn't sell anything either, and she really wanted these earrings

and i really liked this vase.

You know the rest of the story.

I should have some updates on my found object projects soon.

Have a Great Day!!

It's Getting Closer

2010-05-12T08:35:00.000-04:00

My first show. Also, the first show for Arts in Bloom. We all will be learning together. The hardest part:

Pricing your work.

Not the best picture of my cabinet. It is beautiful, my brother made it for me.

Business cards - simple.

Fingers crossed. Wish me luck!

Cartoon Inspiration

2010-05-05T14:44:00.000-04:00

Not really inspired by a cartoon, but, everytime I looked at the strand of stones before they were incorporated into this necklace all I could think of was Wilma Flintstone. Of course Betty wore the pendant or was that part of her dress:)

Small update on the bird in the hand . . . I have been accepted into a second art/craft show and have applied for a third. Now if I could only find a job (that would be three birds in a bush - you can tell I have 20+ years in accounting)

Protecting Patina

2010-05-02T13:36:00.001-04:00

Kella, sorry it took me so long to answer your question about protecting patinas. I use Dorlands Wax Medium straight from the jar. A little dab on a old rag, smear it all over the metal and then buff it up. It doesn't make the metal shiny and seems to give more depth to the patina.

The first picture is raw metal, the second with the wax medium.

This is a less textured piece of metal with the medium applied. As you can see it doesn't give the metal a overly shiny appearence. Although I haven't tried it on rust I think it would seal the metal and protect your clothes from any stains.

If you have any advice for sealing rusty objects please leave a comment!

Surprise

2010-04-19T09:08:00.000-04:00

Don't you love it when something unexpected happens? Who knew the beads and compact would look so good together. I'm keeping this necklace. When the compact arrived the pin holding it together fell apart as I opened it, not sure about the hinge. Well . . . . that's my story and I'm sticking to it. I'll update later this week on the big hinge necklace. In the mean time have a great day!

New Work

2010-04-15T08:41:00.001-04:00

Two new necklaces for the show. Also, I had to change the settings for comments to moderate all. Someone in India keeps leaving a link to sell your jewelry and Moscow was all over this blog and the blogs i watch. Hope it didn't effect you.
Have a great day!!

Two Reasons to Celebrate

2010-04-10T13:27:00.001-04:00

First it's our anniversary. Eight years ago we were married at Mile 0 in Key West, FL. The best week I've ever had. Married my best friend, saw the ocean for the first time (I was 45), St. Augustine, Daytona, South Beach, Miami, Everglades, Seven Mile Bridge, Key West. Then a visit with Dad and Sandy in their new home. Wonderful!

Second, I have been accepted in a Arts Show. My first. I need some help with what I should take. It's inside, any suggestions?
Thanks and have a great weekend!

Vacation Prizes and Update

2010-04-05T16:05:00.000-04:00

The prizes. Shells from Florida. My daughter comes by it naturally, so do my grandaughters. I always bring home lots and lots of shells when I get to go to the ocean. These are little beauties, and headed for some bezels and resin. I can't say no to my girly girls.

The update . . . only a small amount of blood was given getting the pin out of the hinge.

Can I just say WOW!

2010-04-02T09:30:00.002-04:00

Look at the patina on these beads. Click on the photo to see all the detail. Beautiful! They come from http://www.missficklemediacom.blogspot.com/ . I ordered the chestnut brown beads today thinking they will work with the hinge necklace. If not there is a vintage compact just waiting. . . . .

Future Necklace?

2010-03-29T09:43:00.001-04:00

At first I thought one necklace, big dangle from the bottom, paper and resin in the opening, and a chunky chain. Then the hubs said "be sure you don't fall in the water wearing it". Humm, probably two necklaces.

Bezel Chains

2010-03-22T10:13:00.001-04:00

Snap shots of some chains I've made with the bezels. The smallest casings are from http://www.objectsandelements.com/, they are a little more difficult to work with but worth the time.

My Favorite Bezels with Words

2010-03-21T15:58:00.000-04:00

Not sure what I did on the first post but the typing wasn't happening.

Yes, the first photograph is brass casings. Scarry since you know what damage they can do. Cut and filed in the second photo. Way to shiny for my taste. The last photographs are earrings I've made with them, and show the different sizes. Not so scary now.

My Favorite Bezels

2010-03-21T15:46:00.003-04:00

Nice Surprise

2010-03-16T15:35:00.000-04:00

This past Friday my daughter and I went to a bead store in Dayton. I was expecting to see the standard issue beads you see in any other bead store. What a surprise. Twenty drawers of vintage beads. I pulled up a stool and went thru them all, S L O W L Y. Then to the walls. Old tribal beads. What a treat to be able to pick up a strand and see the craftmanship and patina.
Of course the best part was having some time with my daughter, we don't get to do that very often any more.
Have a great day ladies. The sun is shining and I'm headed to the studio.

Not Moving On

2010-03-12T14:31:00.001-05:00

O.K. I lied. I can't stay away from the flea markets or antique stores. These are a nice distraction when my signature style leaves me scratching my head. Now if only I could figure out how to duplicate that rich soft patina on my new metal. Back to the studio. Have a great weekend everyone!

Play Time

2010-03-08T13:52:00.000-05:00

Taking photographs of my jewely in natural light. I was given some advice on how to photograph my jewelry, natural light being one of the more important things. Sun has been precious little around here this winter, no more than a few minutes at a time. We have sun today (and tomorrow). These are a bit bright but . . . .

Positive Energy

2010-03-05T09:33:00.001-05:00

We have all experienced it. If you haven't read the post it's here http://www.storiestheytell.blogspot.com/. My thoughts and prayers for Vila and her family.

Snow Snow Snow

2010-02-15T15:29:00.000-05:00

What looked so pretty several days ago is driving me insane now. It' snowing today and tomorrow.

So for all of us stuck in the snowy, gray, never ending winter I thought I would share some green.
I really miss green.

St. Augustine, my favorite city.

now i've done it

2010-02-07T16:51:00.000-05:00

Joined the http://www.paintingwithfire.ning/ group Barbara Lewis started and ordered some supplies. Play time starts soon.

Beautiful

2010-02-06T07:09:00.000-05:00

Moving On

2010-01-29T13:42:00.001-05:00

My last piece using vintage jewelry. On to the lessons learned at KC's Mindset.

free form bezel

2010-01-21T12:26:00.003-05:00

Have you checked out the new resin dvd at http://www.objectsandelements.com/. Although I've used resin in my work for a few years the free form bezels offer more freedom. I need to finish the back of both pieces, but all in all pleased with the possibilities.

three words

2010-01-02T17:19:00.000-05:00

This year instead of making resolutions, which honestly I never keep, I thought I would choose three words to keep me focused and have with me everyday.

What three words would you choose?

instant gratification

2009-09-21T13:08:00.001-04:00

After spending so much time on the necklace I thought something fun was in order. NEW Earrings for me. The tiny lockets open, they are so cute.

And now . . . back to the studio there is sawing and filing to be done.

the never ending project

2009-09-15T14:32:00.010-04:00

When I started this blog I thought I would post once a week. We see how well that has worked.

My excuse . . . I had an idea for a necklace based on a Victorian Chatelaine. After many visions and revisions this is the results. The little journal is made of resin clay, a material I learned about on Kerin Gale's blog. After all the trial and errors (and dust all over the house) I think it looks like a well loved journal. The necklace pictured is one I've listed on etsy. My personal necklace has a ruler and pencil sharpner instead of the nib.

reader challenge

2009-07-01T13:54:00.009-04:00

My first challenge as seen on the http://www.objectsandelements.com/ website. Please leave a comment, I would enjoy some communication with like minded souls.

2009-06-29T09:13:00.001-04:00

Under construction