All Stitched Up

Everyone appreciates the thought put into a handmade, one-of-a-kind gift. This is a poncho I just finished knitting for my mother. It is a simple garter stitch.  The yarn changes colors throughout, creating a striped pattern.  I wove a strand of leather at the neck that tightens to give it shape.  A few months ago, my mom and I were shopping at one of my favorite boutiques. We both really liked a similar tubular sweater, which inspired this design of mine.   It didn't quite turn out the same, but even better.  

Hunting for Treasures

You ask, "where do I find vintage lockets?"  I buy them at estate sales and from antique jewelry dealers.  I always ask the seller about the history of the pieces and learn a lot from talking to them. Recently, while hunting for vintage treasures, I came across the most beautiful lockets that I have ever seen.  It is a rare Art Nouveau locket with a relief of a woman blowing bubbles.  I especially love how the bubbles are accented with jewels.       

Vintage Purse Collection

This is my collection of vintage purses. Some were my grandma's and mother's. Those are very sentimental. The others I found at thrift stores. They are all unique and one of a kind. That to me is what makes them special.  

Them Boots Are Made For Walking

Cowboy boots are symbolic of the Wild West and their designs take their inspiration from centuries of boot making.  Horseman wore boots to protect the inner calf from rubbing on the saddle and the outer calf from nettles and brambles.  The purpose of the stacked heel was to stabilize the foot in the stirrup. One of the most interesting things about vintage cowboy boots is that they were mostly custom made and nearly every pair is different. Here is my collection of vintage cowboy boots.  Like Cinderella, I hunt for a boot that fits. 

Recycled Jewelry Pouches

In addition to recycling, it is important to not to waste materials. Instead of throwing away leftover fabric scraps, I save them to make jewelry pouches for every Vintage Rehab necklace and bracelet. Inside each one is a description of the piece and my business card.  

TOMS - Shoes for Tomorrow

Today, I bought a pair of shoes that are made of 67% hemp and 33% recycled plastic bottles.  Hemp is one of the strongest natural fibers in the world and can easily be grown without the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. 

Also, "for every pair of shoes you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need.  Since its beginning in May 2006, TOMS has given over 10,000 pairs of shoes to children in Argentina and 50,000 pairs in South Africa through the purchases of our caring customers.  In 2008 TOMS plans to give 200,000 pairs of shoes to children in need around the world." 

Instead of feeling guilty for buying another pair shoes that I definitely don't need, I can look down at my new TOMS and know that I did something positive for the environment and for poverty stricken children. For more information go to www.TOMSshoes.com.

A Flower to Brighten Your Day

Throughout the week, my friend goes to his neighborhood flower shop and saves the plants that are being thrown out.  They are still alive and some are still blooming.  I am surprised at all of the beautiful roses, lilies, orchids, and other flowers that are in the dumpster.  He gives them to friends and even strangers to brighten their days.  All of the larger plants and trees he keeps on his patio and nurtures them back to life.  I admire him for doing something everyday to contribute to a more beautiful, healthy environment.  

Saving the Planet

Before you throw something away, think about where it is going to end up.  When it comes to garbage, we tend to treat it as out of sight, out of mind.  We set out our trash, someone comes and gets it, and it magically disappears!  Unfortunately, it doesn't really go away.  It becomes part of the wast stream and travels to its final resting place.   

Four basic options for waste are: 1) composting, 2) recycling, 3) incineration, 4) landfill. Composting is a critical step in reducing the volume of garbage needlessly sent to landfills for disposal.  Here is a guide to composting.  I am amazed by all of the things that can be recycled.  This is a good website to learn how commonly used goods and more obscure materials can be recycled.  Please help save the planet!

Unlocking Old Memories

I recently uncovered this vintage treasure at an estate sale. It is a Victorian locket from the 1900's. Inside is the original photo of a little girl that a woman once wore to remember a loved one.  What a beautiful keepsake.  The face of the locket has a unique basket weave and jeweled design.  I made a new chain for it with gold filled chain and wire wrapped vintage crystal beads throughout.  Check out the 1900's Jeweled Basket Weave Locket Necklace available for sale at my etsy store.

Handmade Jewelry Display

I needed a way to display my necklaces and bracelets on for trunk shows and didn't want to buy some expensive display or a cheap one that would reflect upon my jewelry design. So, I created this jewelry display with a scrap of wood, tree branch, and spray paint.  Most of these materials I found around my house and backyard.  The tree branch fits into a hole drilled in the wood base and comes apart for easy portability.  Best of all, it cost less than $10 to make.      

Vintage Rehab Trunk Show

This past Thursday I hosted my 1st trunk show featuring one-of-a-kind vintage locket necklaces.  It was held at Shiki, a local Austin boutique where I consign some of my jewelry. 

My Vintage Rehab collection was displayed together for the first time.  I (a very modest designer) was in awe and so proud of all of my work.  The most rewarding part was telling people about the history of the antique lockets and other vintage finds.  

Everyone complimented my designs and best of all I sold a few pieces.  Being that the majority of my sales are online, I don't often get to meet my customers and see them try on their necklace.  This was a great experience and great marketing tool to continue on doing.  

Keepsake Child's Locket Necklaces

My sister just gave birth to a baby girl named Emma Rose.  I am a proud aunt and can't wait to watch her grow up.  To remember this special moment, I created a locket necklace for her with a picture of her baby that she can wear close to her heart.  Also, I was inspired to create a new line of one-of-a-kind, vintage child's locket necklaces. What a perfect keepsake baby gift for a mother and child that will be passed on for generations!  

One of my favorite ones is the Vintage Child's Flower Heart Locket Necklace.  This vintage heart locket is embossed with a floral motif and now hangs on new chain accented with gold beads.  Please check out my new designs at www.vintagerehab.etsy.com!

Post-it Collage

My cousin studied for months for his BIG psychology exam. Post-its with facts covered on his test were tacts on every surface of his apartment to help him prepare. All of the colors, handwriting, and what they said inspired me to create a piece of art to hang in his office. First, I made a cardboard structure that folded like a fan.  Then, I glued each color post-it in vertical rows. This 3-D collage is designed so looking from the right side are rows of the darker colors and from the left are the light ones. I hope it reminds him of the great accomplishment in passing his test.  

1900's Scenic Locket Necklace

This an antique Victorian locket is etched with a scenic design and intricate metal work that attaches to the bale.  The necklaces is a new 14k gold filled chain accented with 12k gold plated vintage Swarovski crystals.  

Victorian is designation given to the period from approximately 1837, when Victoria became Queen of England, until 1901, when she died. This long period is divided into early (approx. 1840-1860), mid (approx. 1860-1880) and late (approx. 1880-1900), since it covers a wide span of time and a number of distinctive trends.  This period was preceded by the Georgian period, and succeeded by the Edwardian period after Victoria died in 1901, and her son Edward became king. 

Vintage Mother of Pearl Dove Pendant Necklace

I created this necklace with found vintage components.  The pendant is a mother of pearl dove that hands on a vintage brass bar link double strand chain with a rare, pink flower clasp.  The dove symbolizes the soul and the Holy Spirit.  It signifies peace, gentleness and purity.  In armory, the dove signifies loving constancy and peace.

1900's Jeweled Basket Weave Locket Necklace

1900's antique, Victorian Edwardian gold filled locket with a unique basket weave and jeweled design. The necklace is a new 14k gold filled chain with vintage clear crystal beads that accent the stones on the locket, and my signature cloisonne bead at the clasp.  

Edwardian refers to the period during the reign of Edward VII of England, but the style has it's beginnings during the final years of Victoria's reign, and continued until shortly before World War I when the more geometric influences later to be called Art Deco began to make headway.  In jewelry, this period was characterized by delicate filigree in white gold and platinum with diamonds and pearls predominating, and colored stones used less frequently, producing a light, monochromatic look.  Inside is an old photo of a special little girl that someone wore close to their heart.

1895 Art Nouveau Bird Locket Necklace

1895 Art Nouveau, gold filled locket is etched with a green stone in the center of a flower and a bird. Birds signify things of the intellect, understanding thoughts, ideas, reasonings, principles, consequently truths or falsity. The necklace is a new 14k gold filled chain, accented with vintage Swarovski green crystals, and my signature cloisonne bead at the clasp.

A New Rehab

This is an antique 1800's gold filled ornate Art Nouveau locket with crystal gems around an opal stone. I recently found this locket at an estate sale and rehabed it. Now, it hangs on a 14k gold filled chain accented with mother of pearl beads. Keep checking my etsy store for new items. 

  

Custom Jewelry Design

This is a custom order I just finished rehabing.  The buddha pendant and tigers eye stone once hung on a cheap chain with an unsecured clasp.  I made a new double chain necklace with a vintage gold filed chain and wire wrapped garnet beads to accent the pendant.  My customer loves it and wants me to fix up more of her jewelry.

Do you have a family heirloom, sentimental charm, or some other jewels laying around that you want to wear again or give to someone special.  I will custom design a piece for you.  Please contact me if you are interested and check out my Etsy store to see my other handmade, one-of-a-kind jewelry designs at vintagerehab.etsy.com!

Mother's Day SALE: 15% off Vintage Locket Necklaces

Mother's Day is just around the corner.  A locket is not merely a piece of jewelry, but and heirloom, a keepsake, and a constant reminder of your loved ones.  Last year, my siblings and I gave my mom a locket necklace for Mother's Day, and put photos of us inside.  It is very sentimental to her and will likely be passed onto generations to come.  

Since then, I started collecting vintage lockets and reworking them into one-of-a-kind necklaces.  I hope you find the perfect Mother's Day gift. All heart lockets are 15% off until May 11th.  Please check out my shop: vintagerehab.etsy.com!