Vintage Fresh 2

Kathy, from Icebox Antiques and Collectibles in International Falls, MN, has given me a vicarious thrill by shopping for vintage jewelry and beads that I can reimagine. These wine-colored beads spoke to me right away, but I wanted more glass and metal to make them look more up-to-date.

I showcased beads with interesting finishes and shapes and created a focal bead by netting around one of the larger ones. Finally, I strung some seed beads that I love (matte and rainbow peridot with bronze lining, shimmery burgundy, etc.) together with premade chain and added dangles of glass flowers and leaves.

Several days after I made the necklace above, I pulled it from its display and cut a few links from the chain above the glass flowers and leaves because the proportions were bothering me. While I was at it, I crafted some cluster drop earrings with the same motif.
I've added this additional photo of the necklace so that the beads are more easily seen. The initial picture showed the shape, but not the cool finishes and textures that enchanted me!

"Out West" Inspired

My friend and I were chatting about my beading pasttime and she began to tell about a fabulous bracelet she bought at an art fair on her summer travels "out west." The seller works with a cooperative of Guatemalan women to produce the jewelry and then brings it to the States to sell. The next day she wore the bracelet and it was everything she said it would be...except it was breaking and tiny seed beads were pitter-pattering onto the tile. I wanted a good look at it so, of course, I offered to try to fix it! I was able to reinforce her piece of artwork and I started making plans to imitate it right away.