|
This is a simple one – I just got in a new packet of vintage style rhinestone jewels. They’re new, not vintage – I think of them as “classic” style but new out of the box. And this is probably not a “classic” color. These are ORANGE. I mean, vivid, bright, happy, and did I mention bright? Hyacinth tangerine orange. Love, love, love!  You just can’t be indifferent to these jewels. Love ’em or hate ’em, they’re right THERE. And yes they’re available in my Etsy shop 🙂 Because Chris Hadfield’s too cool for words. And he’s the first one (that I know of, that is) who is actually talking about what it’s like when you first get back to Earth, after months in space. About how heavy your teeth and tongue feel and you have to re-learn how to talk in this heavy gravity stuff. About wearing a pressure suit under your clothes for a while because your body has to re-learn how to function in, you got it, this heavy gravity stuff. About how it usually takes about 3 weeks before a returning astronaut can drive a car, because – yeah, you got the idea. And besides, a music video from space? Is pretty great too. Here’s Chris (linked on my Pinterest page):  Like I said: too cool. The man’s got chops! First – I am not organized by nature. I have to work at it, because if I don’t, stuff grows around me in piles and jumbles and pretty soon I can’t find anything and, well, you’ve been there, right? So: organization is good. DIY is good. Free or cheap is good. Also Pinterest is good! Look at the terrific do it yourself jewelry storage idea I found today:  The back of the frame could be screening, or fabric, or foam core, or, well, lots of things that you could slip earring wires through – or stick pushpins in to hold necklaces – there are lots of alternatives. And you’ve probably got the iongredients sitting in your junk drawer. Go to Goodwill and find a frame for a dollar – spray paint it – and you’re on the way 🙂 And speaking of great storage and DIY organization ideas – follow that pin to its source and you’ll find I Heart Organizing Blog. Jen, the blogger, has TONS of great storage ideas over there. And it’s fun to read! P.S. And if you’d like a little organizational help – check out Jen’s I Heart Organizing Etsy shop, too! And then of course, if you’re feeling just a bit craftish, you can Do It Yourself. Sometimes this can be daunting, but you know, it doesn’t have to be. If you have no sewing skills at all this won’t be for you. But if you have just the bare basics – you’re good to go. Take a look at One Little Momma’s self-described “Easiest, Quickest, Dress Refashion. Ever.” 
and here’s what it looked like before she transformed it:
Yes, the sleeves were literally torn off, it was stained, etc. She gives clear instructions – with pics – on how she turned it into a cute wearable garment. Truly it’s not a big job. It cost her about a dollar, I think. And it has elastic in the waist now, so she can wear it while she’s expecting – and then later. If you can’t sew – find some great vintage. If you CAN sew – find some great vintage and refashion it. Like I’ve said before – win/win 🙂 PS Plus her blog is full of great styling ideas and it’s just fun. Go read! You know I”m always hunting (low key or top priority, depending) for lovely vintage frocks – my favorite way to dress. Interesting, flattering, unique, low cost compared to the high end stuff I’d want otherwise – AND it’s good for the planet. This is a win/win! Sorry, I got sidetracked 🙂 Today I mostly just want to share this totally yummy dress I just found:  Is that a fabulous dress or what! Look at the detailing, the flattering cut, the total wearability – day or not-too-dressy evening. With the short sleeves, it’ll be great in springtime and summer – but you won’t freeze when you’re inside with air conditioning. And it’s meant for a woman with curves! So in love with this one. And I’m very impressed with the offerings at Youthstep – Vintage shop on Etsy. You can find some lovely and unusual items. And she’s very careful to describe the condition of her items – the hallmark I think of a quality shop. Like I said – a win/win 🙂 I’ve found some wonderful new settings for my vintage rhinestone jewels – in golden brass, vintage patina brass, and silver. They make gorgeous multi-stone jewels for your DIY jewelry! Here are just a few sample colors:  They measure just a smidge over 1″ high, so they’re a great size for earrings and pendants too – not too heavy to wear but plenty big enough to be noticed 🙂 And I’ve got lots of colors yet to photograph – vintage glass jewels in emerald green, rose pink, sparkling crystal and more. And the sparkly little rhinestones can be varied too – there are some wonderful combos possible! Make your own earrings to match that perfect dress – or for your bridesmaids – or your mum for Mother’s Day. Do it – you’ll love the earrings (and she will too!) P.S. Just an added bonus: the settings are all made in America and they’re brass, which is nickel and lead free – these are gentle and easy on the skin. I swear, I saw another “RIP Jeff Goldblum” thing on the net today. I get that it’s an April Fool’s joke, this time. What I don’t get is, why him? What did he ever do to whoever invented that story in the first place? This has got to be the 3rd or 4th year I’ve seen it floating around. Jeff’s still around and kicking butt, I’m happy to say. And always interesting and watchable. Go Jeff! But I still don’t get it. Just a peek at some new vintage glass jewels, beads, and rhinestones that are available in my Etsy jewelry supplies shop. I’ve just been able to resupply some of my favorites… and a few new ones 🙂 And… just for the record: if there’s ever a stone, or setting, or jewel, that you’re trying to find – and can’t? Come over there and send me a note – I’ll try my hardest to help you find one! I have to say, it is so fun to discover new stuff out here in webland. You know I’m always on the lookout for vintage recycled and refashioned ideas – well I struck a gold mine today. I found a site called Refashionista. The fabulous woman behind the blog is Jillian Owens. Her tagline says “I’ll change the way you think about fashion”. And man, she is good at what she does. What she does (among other really fun stuff) is find thrift store rejects, shows you what they look like “as is”, and then transforms them into something you would love to wear. And she shows you, with clear pics, how she does it! For example, here’s a recent Before and After:  to this!  And look at this one:  To this!  I would totally wear that dress! Well, assuming I had a cute figure like hers, anyway. She mentions in her article how much each of those cost – I think one was a family gift, and the other one cost…. wait for it… a dollar. One whole dollar. Now that’s my kind of shopping. Go visit Jillian’s blog, she has tons of great ideas and she’s not even all Taking Herself Seriously. Latest Development! Jillian accepted a challenge to remake a totally rejected garment EVERY DAY for a year. And showing us what she does and how she does it. And then – donating the refashioned garment to a shop where all the profits benefit a women’s shelter! Read about it here – and share the love! This is such an easy and obvious idea – once we’ve thought of it or (in my case) seen this darling example – it’s one of those slap-self-upside-head and say “WHY didn’t I think of that? I need nightstands!”  Isn’t that great? I don’t even need specific instructions. Remove the top, find a board or tray to use as a new top – and voila, you’ve got a nightstand that fits even in a small bedroom, that offers you STORAGE, that can be customized to your exact taste, and that you probably found at a thrift store for, what, $20? Or on Craigslist as a giveaway 🙂 And may I say, bless Pinterest! There are so many wonderful ideas over there – this one is originally credited to Sugar Bee Crafts. I couldn’t find the exact link to this dresser-to-nightstand idea but there are so many wonderful ideas over there – you’ll want to explore! P.S. And I haven’t even mentioned – okay, haven’t *emphasized* – that this is one more useful and wonderful example of the Recycle, Reuse, and Rethink mantra that I love. That you love. |
Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
|
