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!

Vintage Fresh

Vintage beads from a broken necklace! Even though the finish on these plastic beads was worn, they were irrestistible. They had organic shapes, but an electric color! I played with some color combinations and decided that less was way more!

First, I made a focal pendant by wire-wrapping one of the "crumpled" beads. Next, I used a more substantial wire than I have previously to crochet new aqua seed beads together with glass bicones and faceted plastic beads that were rescued from a stuffy black vintage necklace.Note to self: Plastic crochet hooks do not stand up well to the lower gauge wire. Invest in an aluminum one.