Green Paintbrush

2012-02-02T20:17:00.000-08:00

Piazza Anfiteatro, Lucca, Italy

ThanksGIVING

2011-11-23T20:55:00.000-08:00

You wouldn't be smiling either if you had to wear THAT hat.

My new favorite thing to make: Treasures displayed inside vintage pocket watch crystals.

Post Cards from Italy

2011-08-04T15:38:00.000-07:00

Rome - inside the Colosseum

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

As luck would have it, the beautiful town of Lucca had an Antique Market while I was there!

I wanted EVERYTHING, but I settled for a few small treasures and took pictures of all the great antiques that wouldn't fit into my suitcase...

I brought home some buttons...

and a couple of these beautiful old tins...

I wish this could have come home with me...

This large rug was even more beautiful in person...

A few of these monogrammed ribbons came home with me...

I wish...

In the 16th century the massive walls were built around the city as a means of defense.

They remain intact today and are a distinguishing feature of this charming Tuscan town.

Under the Tuscan Sun....literally!

Walking around Rome...

Strolling through Pisa...

Luckily I wasn't driving...

Buon Appetito!

The beautiful beach in Viareggio...

A path to the Mediterranean...

Ciao!

Charms Galore

2011-06-12T14:54:00.000-07:00

June 11th Workshop

2011-05-16T13:29:00.000-07:00

Make your own Wine Bottle Charm Necklace

The perfect summer accessory!

All supplies will be provided, no experience necessary.

You will learn how to take cut pieces of glass from Chardonnay & Cabernet bottles and solder them into your own, one-of-a-kind necklace. The workshop will be held in the amazing Hip Chick Designs studio/shop in Benicia - arguably one of the most creative spaces in the Bay Area!

June 11, 2011

11am - 3pm

Hip Chick Designs

946 Tyler Street

Benicia, CA 94510
Workshop fee: $65

Call to reserve a space: 707-747-5543

The First Day of Spring

2011-03-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

Purple garnets, rhinestones, vintage beads and fleur de lis earrings.

2011-03-17T23:22:00.000-07:00

Our elementary school Gala is quickly approaching. The school relies on donations brought in via the Gala to provide funding for teachers aids and educational programming throughout the school year. Due to the despicable state of our public school funding, this year - more than ever - we have high hopes that the Gala will be successful.

I'm teaming up with another Mom, who happens to be a professional photographer, Laura Cottril, http://www.lauracphotography.com/ to create custom charms. Laura, not me - the photographer - took portraits of the kids at school. Once the parents see her amazing pictures of their kids at the Gala, hopefully, they will want to order a custom charm necklace, which means more money for the school!

Right now I'm packaging some charms for the Gala Volunteers... I hope they like them.

Creating an Heirloom

2010-11-08T09:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Mom!

To My SF Indie-Mart Shoppers....

2010-09-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

To those of you who ventured all the way down to 16th Street to find me - Thank you! It could have been lonely down there on the end, but you guys kept me entertained! Thank you for your support and encouragement.

To Artist #2: I've got a number "1" if you're interested, send me an email.

To The Fabulous 3-some: Ms. Little Green Pouch, Mr. "Hot" and Mr. 3 Charms-on-a-Chain: Thanks for all the laughter and for being my best customers.

I didn't have an email sign-up at my booth, but if anyone would like to receive notices regarding my upcoming shows, either leave a comment here or send me an email laura_ellington@yahoo.com

And last, but not least, please watch my Etsy shop. I'll be uploading items over the next two weeks...... and here's the good news...... NO SHIPPING CHARGES. The cost of the jewelry is all that you pay, the shipping is on me! http://www.lauraellington.etsy.com/

Thanks again,
Laura.

2010-09-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to have a booth at this Sunday's

San Francisco Indie Mart Street Fair.

For event details visit: http://www.indie-mart.com/

I'll be in booth #34, close to the 16th Street entrance.

Hope to see you there!

2010-09-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

Waiting for inspiration to strike.

2010-09-07T10:09:00.000-07:00

http://www.lauraellington.etsy.com/

Look for me on Etsy

2010-09-06T17:21:00.000-07:00

www.lauraellington.etsy.com

Work in Progress

2010-08-31T11:17:00.000-07:00

Pendant or Brooch....not sure yet.

Victorian Vesta

2010-08-30T09:16:00.000-07:00

I've had these beautiful ocean jasper beads for quite some time now. It wasn't until I discovered this vintage vesta that I knew just the right use for them. The original purpose of this intricate, cut-out, open ended vesta was to hold a small box of matches. It's hard to imagine that something this beautiful was crafted for the simple purpose to hold matches! This one, singular treasure, is the perfect example of what my jewelry is all about... honoring the beautiful craftsmanship of the past.

The stamping on the bottom is well worn and difficult to read. It's going to be hard for me to part with this piece, but it will be available at the next Napa Vintage Flea Market, September 25th, 8am - 3pm, 1746 Yajome Street, Napa, CA 94559.

Hope to see you there!

Vacation Watercolors

2010-07-24T15:06:00.000-07:00

Enjoyed this past week in Napa with family and friends. I love to bring my watercolors on vacation and carve out some quiet time to paint.

2010-07-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

The Downtown Napa Antique & Flea Market

Saturday, July 17th, 8am - 3pm

1746 Yahome Street, Napa, CA

Stop by my booth for a visit.... come early so you won't miss out on some great treasures!

Flea and Fashion

2010-06-28T21:44:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the 2nd Downtown Napa Antique and Vintage Flea Market. It was great to see the shoppers strolling through the booths, many with their sachels of fresh produce from the Napa Farmers Market. Most shoppers appeared to find at least one vintage treasure to take home.

THEN...on Sunday I had the thrill of watching my jewelry adorn some beautiful models at:

One of the designers who selected many of my pieces to compliment her designs was Alyssa Nicole.

My vintage pieces looked fantastic with her delicate, feminine designs. I happened to stand next to Alyssa's Mom during the fashion show and it was very sweet to see how proud she was of her daughter.

necklace: sold

When the show was over, I had the opportunity to meet many of the event attendees at my table.

Thank you to Aspiring Couture for including me in their lovely fashion show.

Downtown Napa Flea Market - This Saturday!!

2010-06-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

I've been working on some new pieces for this Saturday's Flea Market....charms, pendants and earrings made from WINE BOTTLES !

Very Special

2010-06-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

(sold)

A small vintage, leather coin purse, French cross, rhinestone bauble and the most spectacular antique souvenir photo album from Berlin.

These treasures all come together to make one very special necklace.

B I N G O !

2010-05-28T17:22:00.000-07:00

Vintage wooden bingo pieces make great charms.

Quintessential Napa

2010-05-24T08:22:00.000-07:00

Napa's 1st Downtown Flea Market vendors were greeted in the early morning by a chill in the air, hot air balloons overhead and coffee and donuts provided by Alice's Consignment Shop. It didn't take long for everyone to set up their wares, thanks to the super-organized system put in place by Alice & Sarah, consignment shop proprietors extraordinaire. And once everyone was set up, we did what us vendors do best.... we shopped in each others' booths!

It was a fun day filled with crazy weather -- sun, wind & even a bit of rain -- but most memorable were the people. How fun to see the delight on peoples' faces who stumbled onto this event in the course of their daily routines. And my neighboring vendor, Jennifer Smith of Rosey Little Things who was visited by her beautiful family. I captured Jennifer with her youngest....

Upcoming Downtown Napa Flea Market Dates:

June 26

July 17

August 21

September 25

October 16

Hours: 8am - 3pm

1746 Yajome Street, Napa, Ca

For more information call Alice's Consignment Shop at 707-927-3224

The New Downtown Napa Flea Market

2010-05-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

I'll be one of 20 vendors at this highly anticipated event. Hope to see you there!

Benicia Open Studios

2010-05-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was the Benicia Open Studios Event and Studio 29 was hoppin! I invited two talented artists, Sally Rodriguez and Mitch Neto to display their paintings in my studio and their artwork brought the place to life. Thank you to all that visited and contributed to the laughter and fun.

Now, it's back to work for this recycler to get ready for my next event: the first Downtown Napa Flea Market, May 22nd 8am - 3pm, 1746 Yahome Street, Napa.

necklace: sold

(sold)

Souvenir Necklace

2010-04-20T16:52:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to have one of my necklaces in the Arts Benicia Group Exhibition, April 22 - May 2, Arts Benicia Gallery, 991 Tyler Street, #114, Benicia, CA - Open Thurs thru Sun 12 - 5pm

When I dropped my necklace off I got a look at some of the other art in this exhibition...fantastic!

Souvenir Necklace available at http://www.lauraellington.etsy.com/

Lock & Key

2010-04-11T16:10:00.000-07:00

Vintage Graphics

2010-04-02T10:37:00.000-07:00

I grew up in the days of manual typewriters and typewriter ribbons. When we got to the end of the ribbon, we'd flip the spools around and type with them a second, third, maybe even a forth time through. And the carbon paper, remember the carbon paper? If we needed two copies of a document we'd slip a piece of carbon paper between two pieces of paper, roll them into the carriage and cross our fingers that we didn't make a mistake.

My Mom would keep the typewriter ribbon canisters and use them to hold buttons, pins and miscellaneous things she wanted to keep safe. I think that's why I have such an affinity for these old containers, they remind me of my childhood - typing at the kitchen table with my Dad's old Remington and all the treasures I would discover on a rainy day searching through my Mom's sewing kit.

(sold)

She's Getting Ready

2010-03-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

Benicia Open Studios, May 1st & 2nd!

A Memory from Niagra Falls

2010-03-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

This darling vintage souvenir needed to be rescued! I've done a bit of mending and now it's ready to become the focal point of, what else, a Green Paintbrush necklace.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T09:57:00.001-07:00

Oh, the Possibilities...

2010-02-25T18:56:00.000-08:00

Imagery

2010-02-24T13:18:00.000-08:00

(sold)

She Must be a Special Lady

2010-02-15T19:30:00.000-08:00

This little lady was a treasured figurine. She took an unfortunate tumble and lost her arms and split in two at the waist. I made her appear whole by crafting an ornate skirt from vintage fabric and ribbons. She now is the centerpiece on a necklace and will be adored for years to come.

Valentine's Day the Green Paintbrush Way

2010-02-14T20:23:00.000-08:00

Reclaimed paper roses!

Vintage Chatelaine

2010-01-26T19:47:00.000-08:00

This chatelaine will hold your business cards, small note pad, special photo or your favorite treasure. The sterling silver case is engraved "Given" with the date "25 . 4 . 23". That's April 25, 1923!

A vintage rhinestone embellishment hangs from the main ring which is attached to a vintage, ornate chain.

Rhinestones & Pearls

2010-01-20T18:57:00.000-08:00

A vintage rhinestone monogram brooch is now the centerpiece of a delicate necklace surrounded with vintage faux pearls, beads and vintage chandelier crystals.

Stop by Studio 29 at the Historic Benicia Arsenal, Saturday, January 23rd, 11am - 4pm.

Just the Right Touch

2010-01-19T22:30:00.000-08:00

This piece was a lot of fun to put together. A vintage tin monogram "GT" scarf medallion is now the centerpiece of this statement necklace. The medallion is adorned with a rhinestone heart charm, dainty hand with a wonderful patina, English token charm and rhinestone drop.

It will be available, along with many others, this Saturday, January 23rd at my studio.

The doors will be open from 11am to 4pm.

Studio 29 @ The Historic Benicia Arsenal

940 Tyler Street, Benicia, CA 94510

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The Benicia Arsenal... getting "Hipper" everyday

2010-01-17T11:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, my very creative friend, Carrie Clayden, held the grand opening for her new studio shop at the Benicia Arsenal: Hip Chick Designs. Hip Chick Designs will be open Wed - Sat from 11am to 4pm.
You'll find one-of-a-kind treasures for your home and unique accessories for yourself!

A Great Day in the Studio

2010-01-16T21:41:00.000-08:00

Who said a pair of earrings has to consist of two identical images?

Vintage, silver coin purse with handmade Paris charm, mirror charm and rhinestone heart.

Inside the vintage coin purse - slots for nickles, dimes and dollars. There is also a mirror, a clip to hold paper money and a secret compartment for holding special treasures.

Vintage coin purse necklace.

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Vintage cloth coin purse with vintage colored rhinestone button.

What personality!

This sweet little cameo keeps watch over the small gold coin purse.

Vintage bottle with Eiffel Tower charm.

Bottle top can be unscrewed to enjoy the aroma of the lavender inside.

2010-01-01T18:23:00.000-08:00

A New Family Member

2009-12-29T21:18:00.000-08:00

This is Bryndal. The sweetest dog I've ever met. Due to circumstances beyond any one's control, Bryndal needed a new home. I was lucky to be in the right place at that right time. I've considered bringing a dog into our home for the last 2 years and have searched Petfinder.com and visited local shelters. About 6 months ago I became aware of Muttville, a non-profit organization that rescues and places senior dogs - giving them the opportunity to enjoy their golden years. I was lucky to have the opportunity to meet Bryndal and her owner on Christmas Eve. After our initial visit, I felt confident that Bryndal was the right dog for us. On December 26th, Bryndal came home with us. The hard part of this story is that Bryndal "Bryn" is nine years old and has been diagnosed with cancer. We're not sure how much time we'll have with her, but we're making every day count - which is how life should be lived.

Holiday Treats

2009-12-16T16:03:00.000-08:00

Let me climb up on my soap-box for a minute...

2009-12-13T11:38:00.000-08:00

The Holidays have landed with a flurry of activities. "Thank you" for your kindness and support at my Open Studio event, the Holiday Art Boutique at Colorz and one of my favorite annual events, the Pleasant Hill Elementary School Art & Craft Fair. It was heartwarming to hear from many people at these past events that they're going about their Holiday shopping with an underlying sense of community and sustainability.

It seems everyone has a personal connection to the effects of our troubled economy. As a result, shoppers I spoke to are being very careful about the amount of money they're spending on gifts this season, and consciously planning where they will spend their money - choosing to support local artisans and small businesses rather than mindlessly fighting through the aisles at behemoth big box stores.

Some of the talented people I have had the pleasure of meeting over the past few weeks shared their stories with me. Corporate job layoffs have forced them to rely on the income they make from their 'hobbies'. So before you head to the mall to finish your Holiday shopping, give some thought to where your dollars are going. Stop by a small retail shop in your town or log onto www.etsy.com and search for local artists. Spend your money in a thoughtful way that will provide unique gifts while supporting your community.

And by all means, before you venture into Wal-Mart, think of how this company is changing the retail landscape across our country.

November already? How did that happen?

2009-11-04T16:19:00.003-08:00

Trunk Show at Gardenseed in Danville

Special Order Custom Necklace!

New Designs for Fall

2009-10-21T18:24:00.000-07:00

How CHARMing

2009-10-20T16:49:00.000-07:00

This one cracks me up... my Mom shared this saying with me:

Front

Back

Quick Update on New Designs

2009-09-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

Thanks for stopping by!

Turn Down the HEAT !

2009-08-29T19:28:00.000-07:00

With a string of 100+ degree days, I'm spending the weekend in my studio in Benicia. Take a look at what I've been working on:

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Bingo anyone?

These little lovelies, wearing their pendants, are now pendants themselves that you can wear.

These pieces will be available at the upcoming sale events listed in the right-hand column. If you see something you MUST have, please email me and I will set it aside for you.

Thanks for stopping by!

Comments are greatly appreciated.

Getting Ready for September

2009-08-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

August Offerings

2009-08-14T22:56:00.000-07:00

Vintage, stamped, metal tags that have outlived their utilitarian use - now enjoy them as unique pendants that have a magical link to the past.

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A few years ago (well, actually 7) I spent a few days in Taos, New Mexico. It was there that I was introduced to shrines / nichos / reliquaries - call them what you may, they serve as personal devotional altars. Shrines were prevelant in the Taos galleries and shops. Here, I created a shrine pendant that is an altar to something near & dear to my heart.... Paris.

Culinary Treats

2009-08-09T08:43:00.000-07:00

Whether you're a fan of Julia Child or Marie Antoinette, these are the perfect earrings:

These charmers will be available at this month's sale at Room With a Past.

My Julia

2009-08-08T20:47:00.000-07:00

The purpose of the Green Paintbrush blog is to celebrate the art of recycling. However, I'm making an exception in this post and writing about something, rather someone, I am passionate about.... the legendary Julia Child.

Julia was a pioneer in the culinary world. Her T.V. cooking show, The French Chef, premiered a year before I was born. When I was just a little one, I remember watching her show with my Mom. (The Galloping Gourmet, Graham Kerr, was also one of our favorites.) So I feel it is legitimate for me to say that I have known Julia Child my entire life.

When my sister and I were in Paris in February, 2008, we had both just finished reading My Life in France, Julia's book which recounts her introduction to France, cooking and the culinary arts. Julia, and her co-author Alex Prud'homme, who ultimately finished the book due to Julia's passing, created a product that makes a culinary enthusiast and Francophile out of all who read it.

While in Paris, Karen & I spent a day walking from the Place Vendome, to the Obelisk, down the Champs Elysees, down the Avenue Victor Hugo to the Eiffel Tower and finally to 81 Rue de la Universite.... Julia's first Paris apartment.

Here's our photo shoot at Julia's apartment, including Karen posing with My Life in France.

Since this last trip to Paris I have read many culinary focused books: Long Ago in France: The Years in Dijon and Last House: Reflections, Dreams & Observations 1933-1941 both by M.F.K. Fisher. M.F.K. Fisher, Julia Child and Alice Waters: Celebrating the Pleasures of the Table by Joan Reardon (a fantastic overview of these three amazing women). And another book that you'll probably recognize: Julie & Julia by Julie Powell. And this brings me back to why I'm writing this - and my question for you is: how do you entrust your precious, personal memories to Hollywood's rendition? The thin thread of recollection that still exists in my ever fading memory of watching Julia Child on T.V. from the white couch or green chair (classic 1960's decor) in our family room on Jomar Drive in Napa. Will those images get intertwined with the images from this movie? I'm not sure I'm willing to take that risk.

To help make my case, consider the book cover of Julie & Julia. When I read Julie & Julia, this is what the book cover looked like:

Now, with the release of the Julie & Julia movie, Hollywood has rebranded the book with the images of Meryl Streep and Amy Adams and the book looks like this... there's even two versions:

There wasn't anything wrong with the original book cover - I liked how it allowed the reader to create their own mental images. But when Hollywood gets involved, it seems to reinvent products with a self-serving strategy. If the cover had to be changed, it's too bad they didn't feature Julie Powell and her favorite image of Julia Child... I guess Julie Powell isn't famous enough, yet, to have her own image on the cover of her own book. I'd be interested to get an inside view of what happens when a book gets swept up by Hollywood... does a new, unknown author maintain any control?

So I'm worried, worried about seeing this movie. I'm worried about allowing Hollywood into my brain to rework my memories the way they reworked the cover of Julie Powell's book. I'm worried that the Devil Wears Prada and Mama Mia visions of Meryl are still too fresh to allow me to believe that I'm watching Julia Child on screen. And even more importantly, I'm worried that Ms. Streep's portrayal of Julia will erode my fragile 40 year old memories and I'll be left with the images Hollywood has decided I should have rather than the images I saw while watching Julia Child from the brown shag carpet on Jomar Drive.

Thanks for listening and...

Bon appetit

(UPDATE: I saw the movie. I'm very happy to say that my personal memories remain intact - for the time being anyway. What did I think of the film? Well, since you asked... Meryl Streep did a nice job - although her effort to mimic Julia's pattern of speech became a bit annoying. Ms. Streep sprinkled tsp after tsp of forced, hard enunciations into every sentence, when just a pinch would have sufficed. However, my main critique is not aimed at the actors but at the idea of combining these two books into one movie. My Life in France most certainly deserves to be the sole focus of a film and/or documentary. Similarly, if an entire script were dedicated to Julie & Julia, that would result in an enjoyable, charming film. But folding both books into one movie reminded me of how my very Italian Mother would allow us to take a sip of wine when we pleaded to do so as young children - she would put a quick drizzle of wine into a glass and then fill it with water. We tasted just the slightest hint of flavor from the varietal - and my sister and I would pretend we were drinking wine. The Julie & Julia movie-goers were given just a drizzle of the content of each book, diluted by the forced scenarios that were required to get the movie back and forth between story lines. And finally, most reviews of the movie mention that the audience leaves hungry - well this movie-goer left the theater hungry - but I was craving content, not cassoulet.)

A Charming Wedding Gift

2009-08-08T18:48:00.000-07:00

I was asked to make a charm necklace as a special gift for a bride. Armed with only the wedding invitation and the envelope it arrived in, the charm features the cancelled wedding cake stamp from the envelope with the invitation's ornate border and chocolate brown background. The smaller charm features the bride's name on one side and the groom's on the other.

For custom charms for your bridal party or wedding favors, contact me directly at laura_ellington@yahoo.com

How to Wear a Chandelier

2009-07-29T14:14:00.000-07:00

If you're as crazy about chandeliers as I am, now you can wear a piece of that captivating brilliance . I'm working on a new series of Chandelier Jewelry.

Here's a sneak peak...much more to come. Thanks for stopping by!

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder...

2009-07-23T21:46:00.001-07:00

July @ RWAP

2009-07-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

The July sale at Room With a Past was phenomenal! The shop was filled with friends, old and new, hunting for treasures and sharing laughs.

Studio 29 at The Arsenal

2009-06-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

On my first visit to The Benicia Arsenal I fell in love with the grandeur and history of the structure. It didn't take long for me to decide that Studio 29 was the creative space I've always dreamed of. I'm in the process of moving in - defining a space to create, a space to relax and a space to hang out with friends. And, of course, Evan will have her own creative work space. I've lived within 20 miles of The Benicia Arsenal my whole life and never knew it was there. I thank fellow artist, Carrie Clayden, for introducing me to this magnificent East Bay treasure.

I'm looking forward to inviting you all to Studio 29. I would like to have my first Open Studio event in July or August - I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Happy Birthday Evan Lane!

2009-06-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

A tray full of new charms.

sold

Two new Haute Hardware pieces.

New House Charms made with vintage watch crystals.

Fun Vintage Wooden Ruler Charms. Perfect to celebrate a birthday or just add a graphic element to your chain.

Please contact Green Paintbrush for pricing and availability
Thanks for visiting!

"Haute" Hardware

2009-05-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

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I love vintage hardware! Old intricate metal pieces from doors, cabinets and windows. Their worn surfaces tell their history - patina from the weather, scratched from repeated use, even layers and layers of paint give you a glimpse of the evolution of color trends.

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I enjoy taking an old escutcheon (key hole cover) a demur piece of hardware that probably didn't get noticed much while it was in service...I like to take these little sculptural pieces and feature them in my jewelry. And I like to call these pieces "Haute Hardware".

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Gave this one to my Mom

And here are a few new charms...Sold

Sold

All Hail...

2009-04-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

Marie Antoinette!

Just a glimpse of what's waiting to be soldered...

Happy...

2009-04-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

Bedside Table (before & after)

2009-04-19T16:56:00.000-07:00

Pocket Watch Shadow Box

2009-04-19T16:09:00.000-07:00

I'm still enthralled with silhouettes. Here, I used a vintage pocket watch casing to create a wearable shadow box.

Let them eat...

2009-03-22T21:27:00.001-07:00

The wedding cake jewelry I wrote about in a prior post was for this gorgeous cake. I have to admit, the sprigs of crystals rising above the pale green and white hydrandea flowers added just the right amount of sparkle to this beautiful cake.

Delicious too.

Gala Donation

2009-03-17T20:22:00.000-07:00

Here's my donation for this year's Spring Gala at Pleasant Hill Elementary School. It will be part of the Silent Auction - I hope it brings in a nice donation.

A dainty sterling silver chain adorned with 15 treasures: 4 handmade charms, 2 crystals, 3 buttons, 1 vintage rhinestone earring, 1 vintage faux pearl with rhinestone earring, 1 vintage watch face, 1 vintage aqua stone earring, 1 vintage drop pearl earring and 1 small glass vial filled with 5 fresh water pearls.

Cake Jewelry ????

2009-03-01T11:51:00.000-08:00

A very dear friend, getting married soon, asked if I could make her Cake Jewelry... jewelry to adorn wedding cakes. Thinking that the stress of her upcoming nuptials may have resulted in (to put it nicely) an overactive imagination, I googled "Cake Jewelry" and was shocked to find out there were 469,000 websites with references to "Cake Jewelry".

The world of Cake Jewelry offers many options to add some bling to the traditional wedding cake. My dear friend, having exquisite taste, set her sites on the creme de la creme of Cake Jewelry options. That's when she called me. After a little online research we acquired some beautiful Swarovski crystals and I started experimenting.

Here are pictures of the Cake Jewelry I made. These seven delicate crystal and twisted-wire sprigs will be carefully inserted through the hydrangea flowers on the top of the cake to give it a little extra pizazz.

Silhouettes Galore!

2009-02-17T09:32:00.000-08:00

As you can see by my new crop of charms, I'm hooked on Silhouettes.

All of these pieces, and more, will be available at Room With a Past during this month's warehouse sale - please check their website for dates & times.

Can you find President Obama's profile above... he's wearing a party hat.

2008 was Great!

2009-01-16T19:37:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all for your support and encouragement throughout the year.

Distractions

2008-09-07T13:57:00.000-07:00

I turned my attention away from jewelry (momentarily) to embellish some vintage, satin hangers I found in a local shop. They were in great shape and I thought a bit of vintage fabric, buttons and ribbons would make them extra special.

Saturday at the Spa

2008-08-23T18:45:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day to be outside, listening to a gifted musician and talking with friends at the Le Jardin at the Spa summer event.

Necklace with Presence

2008-08-12T21:26:00.000-07:00

I took some of the goodies shown in the previous post to create this eye-catcher...

Bowl Full of Goodies

2008-08-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks I've happened on some wonderful estate sales. One in particular in Napa, amidst the grapevines, yielded these treasures...

Hot off the Soldering Iron...

2008-07-15T21:02:00.000-07:00

Hello! Thanks for stopping by. I've been busy creating new bracelets, charms and necklaces for this month's sale at Room With a Past. Here's a sneak peek:

Charm bracelet SOLD

Charms Galore!

Vintage Pendant Necklace SOLD