Keepsaking, Part One

One of the most wonderful gifts that is sometimes handed me is the opportunity to redesign keepsakes for loved ones whose beloved family member has passed away.  Recently, I was granted access to a dear lady's jewelry so that I could create new memories for the surviving ladies in her family.  Because I went wild with this stash of costumery, I've decided to divide this story into several parts.

First, I gave myself an evening just for sorting through and dreaming about each item.  What could I possibly mix together?  Since I know a  bit about each of the prospective recipients, I kept in mind what may and may not work for these ladies.  And I honestly had to keep myself from totally projecting my own preferences into the process. 

New life began to unfold as I cleaned and shined each item.  I am so guilty, myself, of not always keeping my personal jewelry clean and presentable.  Imagine how it is when the jewelry probably hasn't been worn for years.  The unearthing is quite exciting!
Since the lady recipients range in age from early 20's to midlifers to golden gals, I recognized the need to design more simply than I might otherwise do.  From a rather chunky bracelet, for instance, I deconstructed and redesigned six simple pendants on silk cords:

I think that the young and midlifers will enjoy these.  In fact, once I find out if the senior member would care for such a piece, I can easily make one up for her, as well. 








Last of the duplications came in the form of ankle bracelets.  This trio is made from three different necklaces. All I had to add were new clasps:

The following set contains double stranded anklets, again only requiring new clasps from my supply:

I've so much more to share.  Be sure to stay tuned!

Vintage Corsage ~ A How-To

 I'm ready to share!

That little somethin'-somethin'  to which I referred in my previous entry is none other than a vintage corsage brooch, contructed from linen remnants.  My dear Aunt Jane, was a remarkable woman from late Victorian days.  (No, I'm not THAT old; my father married late in life, and his half sister was a grown woman when he was born).

In my collection, I have vintage crocheted pieces and linens that I have cherished for years.  The trouble is, I no longer use them for display in my home, and I have no one to whom I would pass them down.  Instead, I've begun to deconstruct a few of the pieces. 

 My first project entailed sewing crocheted appliques to my most favorite jean jacket.  I'm now wrapped in Aunt Jane, where ever I go.  The other day, I decided to figure out what to do with some of the linen to which crocheted pieces were once attached in the form of lace edgings and insets.  A floral corsage brooch was absolutely what came to mind.

And now I'm ready to share how to create such a piece with you.  I haven't yet decided if I'll start making these for my Etsy shop or not, but the possibility is definitely there.  Meanwhile, I'm all too happy to show you one way that you can preserve your own memory, and attach it near your heart.

What We'll Need

fabric

corn starch

water

needle and thread

scissors

drying rack

hair dryer (optional)

laces, ribbons, buttons, beads, charms, or baubles

pin back, safety pin, hair clip, or magnet

The How-To

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  Start by cutting circle approximations (no need for perfection, here), in increasingly larger sizes and diameters. 
  
  
  
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  Rough up the edges so that they appear tattered and torn. 
  
  
  
• 
  
  Dip each piece in liquid starch and lay on drying rack. (Recipe for starch, listed below)
  
  
  
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  Speed up drying process by using hand held blowdryer. 
  
  
  

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  When completely dry, crumple up each circle to add to the worn and wrinkled appearance.  Unfold to check on desired effect.
  
  
  
• Layer circles on top of each other, with the largest circle on the bottom, and smallest circle ending up on top.
• With needle and thread, stitch through the center of all circles, so that they are secure.
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  To the center sew on desired adornments. 
  
  
  
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  On the back of the corsage, you may either stitch on a pinback or hairclip.  You can also glue down a magnet, or simply use a large safety pin.  The sky's the limit.
  
  
  
  
  

Enjoy  your new creation. 

As for this piece, I'm not finished.  I may add an extra couple of doodads before I'm satisfied.

Liquid corn starch recipe:

Mix together 1 or 2 teaspoons of corn starch  to a tablespoon or two of water. 

Microwave 1/2 cup of water to boiling.

Add hot water to corn starch mixture and stir.

If consistency is somewhat thickened, you are ready to use it.  Adjust with more boiling water, if needed, or add more starch, if necessary.  There is no hard and fast rule to apply.

Let mixture cool to the touch, before using.

The Gift of Inspiration

Oh wow, but I can hardly contain my enthusiasm! Actually, I've been sitting on it for days, now, but am finding that I simply have to share. When something inspires you, it lights a spark which should not be contained.

On the artistic level, the latest edition of Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine has me dreaming on soft vintage clouds of faded fluff. Be watching future entries. I'm hoping that this will be the start of something beautiful!

Hint: I'm in the process of making myself a little somethin'-somethin', and though it wasn't directly in the pages of Belle Armoire, it transpired in my clouds. And I'm possibly going to make a how-to entry about it!

http://www.stampington.com/html/belle_armoire_jewelry.html