Cupids Charm - Notes From A Charmed Life

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-23T22:18:00.002-05:00

Wishing you a beautiful Christmas

filled with peace, love, joy

and an abundance of sparkle.

~ xo Joy ~

Easy Buckeyes in the Pan!

2009-12-21T14:40:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite holiday treats when growing up was the yummy goodness of a Buckeye - those chocolate covered peanut butter balls that tasted like a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup but they took Mom forever to make. Rolling all those little balls by hand and then dipping each one, with a toothpick, into a vat of melted chocolate and paraffin wax.

Although I loved the taste, I thought they were too much trouble to deal with during the busy holiday season…until I came across this recipe in our local newspaper and knew I had to give it a try.

Hallelujah!!! Buckeyes are back in my life!! It’s been years since I’ve had one of my mothers Buckeyes, so tasting this delicious treat brought back a flood of memories. This recipe tastes great and making it in a pan makes it super easy and fast to whip up…

Buckeyes In The Pan

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
2 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar

For the top layer:
1 bag (12 oz size) semi-sweet chocolate chips
6 tablespoons vegetable oil

Mix the softened butter with the peanut butter until creamy. Add graham cracker crumbs and confectioners’ sugar. Combine well then pat into a 9 x 13-inch pan.

Melt the chocolate chips over low heat with 6 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Pour over top of peanut butter mix and refrigerate until set.

* Makes about 35 squares.

A Fun Artbeads Project!

2009-12-20T18:04:00.006-05:00

I am very happy to be part of the blogging team for Artbeads.com and every now and then, I am invited to create beaded jewelry using their products and also provide a review of the components I’ve used. I was recently invited to select a number of Cubic Zirconia beads and I was intrigued because I had never worked with these beads before.

I selected a number of pretty colors and cuts with the idea of making simple beaded earrings. I am an earring gal and love to wear dangly beaded earrings…everyday!

When the beads arrived I was really impressed with the crisp facets on the beads.

I loved the Rectangle CZ Beads! The beads are cut like precious stones and it really releases the sparkle. They really do have the appearance of genuine stones!

I thought the Oval CZ beads were very elegant. The unique shape and also the color of the beads are truly lovely and I was really impressed with the quality. I added CZ Bezel Set drops to the bottom for a little extra sparkle and they really catch the light!

I liked working with these beads so much that I plan to incorporate these pretties into my line.

The Round CZ beads were just as lovely. The facets on the beads add a little more twinkle than your typical plain, round, crystal bead.

I had so much fun making these earrings that I was inspired to continue and create a number of pairs to add to the shop. It’s been awhile since I’ve had earrings available so please check back over the next week or so.

I think my favorite beads were the Square Cushion Cut CZ beads! I love the unique shape of these beads....like little sparkling pillows! I was also impressed with the quality of the Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Ear wires and plan to included these in my line as well.

If you are a beader and enjoy creating jewelry too, please visit Artbeads.com because they have hundreds of different Cubic Zirconia elements to choose from. You are sure to find something to add a little sparkle to your beading projects!

And best of all, Artbeads.com is offering a 10% Share the Savings card for my blog readers! It’s good through the end of the year and does not require any minimum purchase. Just enter coupon code SCF10P-ARTBEADS-0424. There is also free shipping in the US and $1 shipping to Canada.

FTC Disclaimer: I received the Cubic Zirconia products free of charge from Artbeads.com in exchange for an honest opinion and review of these products. I was not paid nor did I receive any additional compensation for any endorsement as it pertains to the products received.

A Thoughtful Surprise….

2009-12-18T09:44:00.007-05:00

I wanted to share with you this lovely surprise I received in the mail from one of my sweet customers!

I’ve been working with Sherry Simmons over the last couple of months, creating custom jewelry pieces for her holiday gift giving, and she has just been such a doll to work with. This has to be one of my favorite reasons for doing what I do… the connections I make through my website and blog have been so meaningful for me.

Sherry is a talented crafter who enjoys crafting from the heart. She created this little book as a surprise for me....

Each page is crafted by hand and included folded pockets where she hid little trinkets.

The attached ribbons, trims and glittered pages added to the beauty of each page…

As I flipped through the book and discovered each treasure, I couldn’t help but let out a few oooohhhhs and aaahhhhhhs!!!!!!

…and Marie Antoinette was all through this little book!

…just look at the pretty details! I felt the love with the turn of each page...

It was so easy to see how she created each page with me in mind.

What a special gift! I will treasure it always.

This beautifully handcrafted book is already displayed in a special place in my studio where I can see it each day and give thanks for the wonderful friendships I have made through this little blog.

My heart if filled with such appreciation for the kindness I have been shown from friends I have yet to meet, but know deep down that the bonds of these unique friendships are true and meaningful.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your lovely generosity Sherry… and thank you to all my customers and blogging friends who take time out of their busy days to send messages and notes of appreciation and encouragement. Your kindness means the world to me. xo ~ Joy

Holiday Orders Update

2009-12-12T21:27:00.002-05:00

THANK YOU! To everyone who came by to order sparkling gifts this year! I’ve practically moved into the studio this past week to work hard on completing all your orders.

I’ve schedule the last of the holiday orders to ship by Tuesday, December 15 so everything will arrive to their special destinations in time for the big day. I’ll be back blogging after the last of the holiday orders have shipped, so until then, everyone enjoy all the hustle, bustle and special moments this joyous time of year can bring. xo ~ Joy

Last Call…

2009-12-08T20:08:00.002-05:00

Just popped out of the studio to post a quick note that tomorrow at midnight will be my last day to accept custom orders guaranteed for Christmas delivery.

After that, orders can still be placed for holiday delivery, but only for items that are in stock and do not need to be created from scratch. If you have any questions about an item, please feel free to contact me before placing your orders. Things are busy busy busy in the workshop right now and I am doing my very best to make sure that everyone will sparkle and shine on the big day!

A Package From France

2009-12-05T21:34:00.005-05:00

When Mr. Cupid poked his head in my studio to announce the arrival of a package from France, I couldn’t get to the front door quick enough!

Yes! There is was….a package of antique and vintage French papers sent to me from dear Corey Amaro of the popular blog Tongue In Cheek. If you already follow her blog, you know how special she is and if you don’t know about Corey, please click my link and add her to your blog roll right this very minute! You won’t be disappointed reading about her life as an American living in France. Her blog will make you laugh, cry and touch your heart with the sweetest of sentiments.

Corey and I are kindred spirits in our love for the old, tattered, neglected, worn and discarded. We both see the beauty in imperfections and things from the past. What others might consider junk (Quelle Horreur!!!) we consider treasure.

An antique French playing card…the Queen of Hearts!!! What a perfect choice for me and Cupids Charm!

The enclosed pieces of vintage ribbon and antique lace & tatting sent my heart racing. Corey is the Brocante Queen of France and knows where all the best treasure is buried…under the tables…inside closed boxes….she has the gift, the eye and the built-in radar system to search and rescue these forgotten treasures.

Antique diary pages, old letters and prayer book pages….all in French! C’est magnifique!

I have a passion for handwritten text and font’s. Just look at the care in which this diary page was written long ago when writing was an art…

I loved these old inventory lists and pages hand stamped to record their importance. Some of the pages go all the way back to 1844. What history I am holding in my hands!

I am thrilled that Corey has agreed to be my shopping assistant in France! Until I can get my glittered heels (think Dorothy here….there’s no place like France…there’s no place like France…) over to Paris and shop for these treasures myself – I am totally confident to send her on a personal reconnaissance mission for me. Her first mission…..antique French lace and trims…stay tuned……

Workshop Announcement!

2009-11-30T20:45:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to announce that I’ve firmed up 3 more workshops for the month of December! My next class will be this Saturday, December 5th , from 10-1pm and the class theme is Vintage Soldered Ornaments.

In this class, we’ll create several large soldered ornaments using beautiful beveled glass in different sizes. We’ll also be using vintage images, vintage papers and scraps, glitter and we will enhance the ornaments with beads and vintage chandelier crystals. This will be a great class for beginners and also a fun class for those who already know their way around a soldering iron.

There are two additional workshops schedule for Vintage Soldered Charm Jewelry and a workshop for Vintage Soldered Charm Bracelets. For additional information, click HERE to visit my new workshop page on my website.

FYI Update – on my new line of Couture jewelry…. I changed my mind and decided to premier this line a little later in the month. Silly me trying to launch a new line between Black Friday and Cyber Monday!!! My studio right now is a swirl of china, glass and clouds of glitter. Poor Barkley is walking around with his fur sparkling like he’s been dipped in a vat of fairy dust and me personally…. I’ve found glitter in places that I can’t even begin to explain……

Couture Jewelry and a Craft Tip!

2009-11-28T14:36:00.003-05:00

Black Friday did not find me at the local mall this year, but instead, I spent a glorious afternoon attending a Gem, Jewelry & Bead show held at our local historic Coliseum Ballroom.

Talk about a kid in a candy store!!! There was so much sparkle in this room that you practically needed to shop with your sunglasses on. I am only sorry that photographs were prohibited because I really wanted to share this event with you on my blog.

I came home with a bag of sparkling vintage components and beautiful beads (NOT pictured above). Many vendors were from all over the world and some of the antique and vintage gems and estate jewelry pieces, simple took my breath away. I was happy happy happy!

After finishing a few orders this afternoon I have a date with myself tonight to have some playtime in the studio. It will be just me, with the holiday music cranked up, a pitcher of fresh homemade cranberry margaritas and piles and piles of sparkling vintage jewelry components!!! It could only be more fun if you, my dear blog friends, could join me.

I’ve been carving bits of time in my schedule over the last month or so, working on a new line of jewelry. I am happy to announce that my new Couture line will debut on Monday! This collection includes one-of-a-kind vintage pieces that I create from my stockpile of vintage components, mostly rhinestones. So please mark your calendar to come back and visit with me on Monday, November 30.

And my craft tip for you today…..see my simple but pretty bead dish? It’s really a vintage deviled-egg dish! It’s a great little dish to sort beads or work on color compositions. If you are a beader, you might want to try this! xo ~ Joy

Giving Thanks

2009-11-25T18:00:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving is all about being grateful and one of the things I am grateful for this year is YOU! My dear customers and blog readers. You might think that sitting behind a computer and running an internet business is pretty impersonal, but it’s really not. I’ve been blessed to meet so many sweet women who are literally from all over the world.

For example, this one dear customer who goes out of her way to make the world a little better place. She shares…and cares…so much about her friends, family and those she does business with. She has one of the kindest hearts I’ve met in awhile. I’ve been joyfully working with her over the last month or so, creating a number of custom Christmas orders.

She recently sent be these beautiful and tiny antique monograms to turn into jewelry

They are small, intricately detailed and oh so romantic! Initially they were created near the turn-of-the-century, and were once intended to personalize clothing or household linens.

I just love how the pieces are suspended between the layers of glass!!! They look as if they are floating in air since you can still see through the glass. And the combination of lace, pearls and crystals is so romantic don’t you think?

Would you like one of these for yourself? I was so taken with the beauty of the lace and the final outcome of the jewelry that my sweet and generous customer shared her European source with me. I will be adding these special pieces to my line of Lace Jewelry so please stay tuned for that announcement!

And now dear ones....I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with much love from those you hold dear...be it from family, friends or even those you work with, who make you realize that everyday is a blessing and there is always something to be thankful and grateful for. Sweet Blessings to each and every one of you ~ xo Joy

Craft Project - Glammed Silverware!

2009-11-23T10:43:00.003-05:00

If you have an addiction for anything that sparkles, like I do, you might enjoy this simple and fun craft project!

When I shop for silverware to use for my spoon bracelets, I often come away with odds and ends of serving pieces. I can’t use these pieces for my jewelry, so I found a way to use them in my home. Here is the before photo of an old serving fork and large knife…

I grabbed a tube of jewelers glue (you can use any glue that will adhere to metal) and a box of vintage jewelry rhinestone pieces – and created these glammed up serving utensils!!!

With the holidays around the corner, I thought these would look beautiful displayed on the buffet sideboard when entertaining.

They are still functional but you’ll want to take care and wash them gently by hand after using.

This was such an easy project and only took a few minutes to glue everything down and I love the end result! Simple but sparkly, and a pretty way to add an elegant touch to your table settings. I hope you’ll give this project a try! ~ xo Joy

Marie Antoinette Party!

2009-11-18T13:32:00.003-05:00

Finally…it’s time for the long awaited and much anticipated Marie de Fete over at my dear friend Gabriela Delworth’s blog!!!

Please click HERE to go visit her beautiful celebration of Marie Antoinette with a holiday theme. She is hosting a number of guest artists who are also sharing their love of all things Antoinette! She is posting several “themes” each day, so be sure to check back often….you never know who you might see there….wink wink….

Gabriela is always such a creative inspiration and her party has inspired me to have a SURPRISE SALE on all my Marie Antoinette jewelry! Save 15% on your favorite Marie pieces until Sunday, Nov. 22, when the sale ends.

And when I think of Marie Antoinette, I can’t help but think of Paris, so all my Parisian theme charms are on sale too!

For Marie Antoinette jewelry, click HERE and for my French Market Collection, Click HERE

Merci Beaucoup Mes Amis!

Soldered Charms Workshop Wrap-Up!

2009-11-16T20:22:00.004-05:00

This past Saturday I taught my first class in making Vintage Soldered Charm Jewelry!

I had 5 students and 5 fun-filled hours to teach beginning and more advanced techniques in creating soldered charm jewelry. Everyone created and took home 4 different sized charms that could be added to charm bracelets or worn as a necklace. I was really proud of my students, as a few had never soldered before and they all did a great job. My big hope is that my students left inspired to continue creating with this fun form of crafting.

I’ll be teaching several more classes in the coming months so please stay tuned to my blog for further updates!

French Roses Soldered Charms!

2009-11-13T09:37:00.003-05:00

I’ve added a new category, Vintage Roses, to my line of Art Charms! These designs are inspired by beautiful vintage illustrations from my collection of postcards and botanical prints.

I just adore vintage botanical prints, especially the ones with roses. For this jewelry, I’ve layered rose images, from turn-of-the-century French illustrations, over pretty script writing from a vintage French letter. I really love the combined look. What can be more romantic than combining French art, roses and love letters?

Even if it’s already cold where you live and the blooms of your rose garden are a distant memory, wearing these pretty charms will surely celebrate your love for all things romantic and keep the beauty of a summer day close to your heart.

Charms are just $25 and include a FREE chain and FREE First Class shipping.

I hope you like my newest creations and the charms pictured here are just a few of my favorites. If you’d like to see the others, please click HERE. Merci ~ xoxo, Joy

The Shop Around The Corner...

2009-11-12T07:33:00.008-05:00

As promised, here are some fun photos of a new shop, Vintage Designs by Hedwig, that opened recently near my home. I can tell this shop is going to be BIG trouble because I already have my eye on at least a dozen items that I hope will soon be living with ME! Don't you just love this shabby wood carved love seat?

The owner, Anna, is a delightful shop host and she is full of interesting stories about the items in her shop. She also has the most charming European accent and I could listen to her all day as she describes how she created many of the items for sale in her shop. Anna’s talents are amazing, as you’ll soon see…. let’s step inside.

The lace draped front door gives you a clue about what you’ll soon see! Stepping into the shop is like stepping into a lovely, feminine boudoir…needlepoint rugs, French silks, chandeliers……

A charming teacup chandelier embellished with lace, roses, ribbons and crystals….

Anna refinishes and paints furniture like a pro! This beautiful cabinet was once part of Anna’s kitchen and she has a funny story about how it ended up in her shop.

Anna has a love of old books and you’ll find them ribbon tied, stacked and tucked in little corners all around her shop.

She also has a love of vintage fabric and lace and you’ll find many beautiful pieces to use everywhere in your home.

Lace is everywhere and it’s all displayed so beautifully. If you love lace, you will LOVE Anna’s shop.

She also has a love of vintage clothing and has some real treasures to show you. Beautiful lace and velvets dating back to the late 1800’s!

I loved her use of lace panels to swag around the shop! The ceiling lights really show off the design in the lace.

Anna is also an extremely talented seamstress! She sews many of the items in her shop. These are gorgeous lap quilts she makes using heavy French silk, and bits and pieces of collected lace. All sewn together to created something useful and beautiful. The quality of her work is truly amazing.

Here are just a few of the lace and silk pillows she makes for her shop. Each a unique piece of artwork.

She also used lace and ribbon to make these beautiful little purses! Perfect for when you want to carry a small purse, but still want to be stylish.

She has such a creative eye for putting things together…like these romantic caged birds….

She uses her collection of gorgeous fabrics and trims to create large totes and purses. The quality of the fabric, trim and jewels used on these purses will amaze you!

She makes all these purses by hand too! I found it very difficult to select a favorite.

You’ll find romantic china pieces set in pretty displays all around the shop.

Anna also makes these needlepoint and silk pillow covers…tapestry and silk together is a beautiful combination.

Anna also created this lovely lace embellished dressing screen! She used lace sections to create storage pockets on the back of the screen…

…and the front of the screen is covered in a quilt pattern of lace sections with romantic fluffy flowers edged along the top. It’s simply gorgeous!

Anna is one of the most talented ladies I’ve met in a long time. Not only is she a charming shopkeeper, but her artistic talents are used to create many of the items for sale in her shop. It’s easy to see the love and passion she pours into her shop and if you are in the area, I highly recommend a visit – you won’t be disappointed!

Vintage Designs by Hedwig
2530 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, Florida

(727) 804-3416

Found Treasures!

2009-11-10T11:19:00.004-05:00

Last weekend was a busy one in our historic neighborhood. Every year there is a home tour called Bungalow Fest and we had an open house. We invited friends over to help with traffic flow through our home and after the event was over, the husbands headed to the patio to watch football and my girlfriend and I headed out to shop a few nearby antique stores.

What treasures we found! I found these gorgeous antique French Limoges tea plates. The rose pattern is so feminine and I simply could not leave them behind.

And finding a set of 6 matching plates is pretty rare for me. I usually stumble across a single lonely plate. And with a price tag of just $4 each, it was not hard to resist these pretty plates!

Anything with a Cherub on it always catches my eye and when I saw this cute little dish, sitting on a half-price clearance table, this sweetie came home with me too.

On closer inspection I noticed that it was an old ashtray. The leaves on the side of the dish served as cigarette holders. But now, it will have a more fun job of holding vintage buttons or sparkling bits-and-bobs in my studio.

I have a vintage rhinestone chain that I think I will glue around the edges of the dish. I love the look of faded rhinestones against old brass or worn silver.

Another thing I am always on the lookout for are old creamers and sugar bowls. I use these items everyday and they are so pretty displayed near the coffee pot.

Not only are they great for their intended purpose, but I often use them as small flower vases, and the sugar bowls also make a great holder for silverware when entertaining.

All in all, my girlfriend and I had a fun day and our total purchases cost less than if we had gone out to lunch. And the cherry on top was that I discovered a new Shabby-Chic-European-Style store that just opened within a mile of our home. This is the shop where I purchased the beautiful French Limoges plates! The owner and I bonded like long lost friends and I’ll be visiting her this week to photograph her shop and share her wonderful treasures with you…right here on my blog! Until then…

Workshop Announcement!

2009-11-06T11:03:00.002-05:00

Come join me for a Vintage Soldered Jewelry Workshop I’ll be teaching next Saturday, November 14th at Grand Central Stained Glass, in St. Petersburg, Fl.

Spend a morning and early afternoon with me and create four dazzling pieces of vintage soldered jewelry charms and/or pendants. You’ll also learn decorative soldering and jewelry beading techniques and we’ll have lots of fun doing it!

Where & When

Saturday, November 14, 2009
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Grand Central Stained Glass
2425 Central Avenue

Tuition is $75 and includes all materials.

Register at Grand Central Stained Glass (727) 328-2428
Or register on line HERE

Workshop size is limited! Only a few spots remain open and if you find the class is already full, there is a wait list available.

Hope to see you there!

Marie Antoinette – The Party Continues!

2009-11-04T17:26:00.002-05:00

Wait!!! Before you put away your party slippers, I wanted to tell everyone about a fun event coming up on November 18 - 22, over at my dear friend, Gabriela Delworth’s blog.

Gabriela is hosting a Holiday inspired event, with a Marie Antoinette theme and you JUST KNOW it is going to be fabulous…and creative! She will have secret surprises in store for everyone and you can click HERE to be taken directly to her blog for more info.

Please feel free to copy this button for your own blog and share the party info. Then mark your calendars to save the date… Marie Antoinette and sparkling Holiday crafts… what could be more fun than that?

Marie Antoinette's Birthday!

2009-11-02T11:11:00.004-05:00

She came into this world 254 years ago and the world is still talking about her. Born on November 2, 1755, she was a tiny and healthy infant and the 15th child of Queen-Empress Maria Teresa. That’s little Marie in the cradle, in this family portrait.

She would become one of the most infamous Queens in history and to know her true story is probably different from what you may have been taught in school. Reading her biographies, one can’t help but feel a loss for what could have been and admire the depth of strength and courage she showed as her days came to an end.

Today, devoted fans all over the world will think of her on her special day. And I have a little gift to share with you in celebration! A Vive la Reine (long live the Queen) blog button!

If you are a devoted fan of all things Antoinette, please feel free to right-click this button I made and post it on your blog (if you need a smaller version, use the one located on the left hand sidebar on my blog). There are no links back to me necessary, this is just a pretty graphic for you to enjoy and show the world your interest in Marie.

If you’ve followed my blog for any amount of time, you’ll already know about my passion for history and all things about Marie Antoinette. Last year, I hosted a Marie Antoinette Birthday Soiree here on my blog with participants from all over the world, and it ended up being published in Stampingtons Artful Blogging magazine! What a thrill!!! Click HERE to see the fun party we had last year!

I also hosted a seven-day celebration of Marie earlier this year, after my Marie Antoinette Charm Bracelet was published in Stampingtons Marie magazine. You can click these links to my blog posts and learn more about: Marie Antoinette’s Charm, Marie Antoinette’s Jewelry, Marie Antoinette’s Beauty Routine, Marie Antoinette’s Fashion, Marie Antoinette’s Style, Marie Antoinette Beauty and Marie Antoinette’s Life.

I’ll take time today to watch my favorite Marie movie, Marie Antoinette by Sofia Coppola. Filled with frothy dresses, gorgeous architecture, glittering jewels and a pallet of feminine pastels, it’s the ultimate girly-girl movie.

I often receive emails with requests for the titles of my favorite books on Marie. I have researched so much on her life that it was getting difficult to keep track of all the books, movies and music. So I recently partnered with Amazon.com to create a small book boutique that is stocked with everything about Marie Antoinette that I have already read and enjoyed.

If you have an interest in learning more about Marie Antoinette, please click HERE to come visit my book boutique and see all my recommendations. But please visit again because I am always reading and still spend time researching her life.

I hope you’ll join me today in a toast of pink champagne to celebrate all the good things from her life - all the grace, beauty and style that she shared with the world, and to this day, still symbolize her legendary life. Happy Birthday Marie!

Holiday Ornament Winners!

2009-10-31T20:41:00.011-04:00

A big THANK YOU to everyone who came by to visit with me for my trunk show!

Your kind words and all the orders I received were very much appreciated. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And now… drum roll please…… here are the 3 names the fancy-dancy Random Number Generator selected for the winners of my holiday ornaments.

#1 - Sheila, of Mustard Seeds blog

#2 - Marie Antionette, of Dolls by Marie Antionette Blog

#3 - Gayla, of Oatmeal and Whimsy Blog

Thank you ladies for participating in my giveaway! Please email me your mailing address and your ornament preference.

And everyone, please stay tuned…there are still more jewels to come and I’ll be announcing their availability right here on my blog.

Merci and congratulations to the winners!

Holiday 2009 Collection

2009-10-23T18:54:00.014-04:00

Welcome to my Holiday Trunk Show! Today I am sharing with you many of my newest designs for Christmas 2009.

I hope you’ll enjoy the beautiful French Christmas music I’ve added, so if you have speakers, turn up the volume and lets get into the holiday spirit together!

Although I think Madonna jewelry is lovely and can be worn all year long, I think it is really beautiful to wear during the Christmas season. I just love the beauty of vintage religious images and found several that I wanted to incorporate into my holiday collection this year.

The classic French Sacre Coeur (sacred heart) is my personal favorite and I found a beautiful one that also has tiny cherubs floating over her halo…. how charming is that? To make these Madonna jewelry pieces extra special, I’ve used lovely ornate Sterling Silver Bails and I also raided my precious stash of crystal beads taken from vintage French Rosaries.

I hope you’ll like these pieces as much as I do!

Every Christmas collection needs Santa’s! And this year I went whimsical by adding fun Skinny Stick Santa’s! You’ll find classic images of Santa Claus, Shabby Pink images of Santa and a few Old World style Santa’s.

All my Santa pieces this year include a special surprise on the back! While vacationing in Colorado a couple of years ago, I came across an old, worn, ledger book from an old coal delivery business with all the entries dating back to 1917. Each hand written receipt included the date and the amount of coal delivered. I used actual snippets of these coal delivery receipts on the back of all the Santa charms! We all know that when you’re extra naughty, Santa brings you coal! I think this is really fun and unique jewelry!

I also love the sweet images of children from vintage postcards and photos. This year I added several to my collection and each one has a sweet soft and shabby style.

Two of the designs are perfect to wear all winter long and are not just for Christmas. And one of the images has beautiful script writing in French…. Joyeux Noel. Each necklace really has the feel of a Christmas holiday, although they are not a traditional holiday style. I am sure you will love these little sweeties!

Angels at Christmas are another personal favorite. My Christmas tree and home are filled with angels that are hard to put away at the end of the holiday. I kept that in mind when selecting images for these jewelry pieces. Each one is perfect to wear for Christmas, but you can also wear this jewelry all year long.

I think these make perfect stocking stuffers or gifts for co-workers, teachers or friends. Just the right size, sparkle and budget friendly price to get one for everyone on your list! All my jewelry is shipped to you (FREE!) and comes to you beautifully packaged in a gift box. All you need to do is add a tag and you’re good to go! Easy peasy stress free shopping!

While I was soldering away in the studio this week, I create several special holiday ornaments. Each one features a word that I think best describes this special season… Love, Peace and Joy.

I designed each one with vintage French writing for the background and an image from a vintage postcard collaged over the pretty script. Each ornament has vintage sparkling chandelier crystals attached to the bottom.

I am sure you will like them and I’d like to offer everyone a chance to win one!!! I’ll be giving away 3 - just a little giveaway and early holiday gift to celebrate all the friendships I have enjoyed here on my blog this year. I cherish your visits and comments from the bottom of my heart.

I’ll be leaving this post up for one week, so if you’d like to be entered in the drawing for one the ornaments, please leave a comment on this post. I’ll select 3 winners, using the random number thing-a-mah-jig, on Sunday, November 1 by high noon EST.

Merci and may this year be your most beautiful holiday yet! ~ xo Joy

Friday Flowers For You!

2009-10-23T10:28:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday! I picked these flowers just for you from our garden! One benefit of living in Florida is that we can pretty much garden all year round. There’s always something in bloom and I love to bring little snippets inside and make small arrangements. Fresh flowers just seem to brighten the day and are one of those small touches that turn a house into a home.

Today’s post is a quick one. I’ve got a busy day in the studio with orders and also preparing for my Holiday Trunk Show, right here on my blog tomorrow morning! I hope you’ll come back to see my newest jewels created for the fast approaching holiday season and I’ll be having a few giveaways too!

Wherever you happen to be, I hope your weekend is filled with beauty and fun. ~ xo Joy

New! French Market Soldered Charms!

2009-10-20T13:10:00.004-04:00

I just added a number of jewels to my *new* French Market Collection of soldered charm jewelry!

As often as I dream of going to Paris one day, I thought I should put those dreams and desires into a few pieces of fun jewelry to celebrate my love for all things French.

I’ll have more designs coming soon because I have about a bazillion ideas twirling around in my head these days….

But for now, there are fun Eiffel Tower charms and several other designs with a French flavor….

…and when I think of Paris, I can’t help but think of Marie Antoinette. So I added a few new pieces of Marie jewelry to my collection – fun Stix necklaces, which look great on a long chain with other charms layered into the mix. Ooh La La!

If you also dream of going to Paris, please click HERE and come dream with me. Merci ~ xoxo Joy

~ p.s. ~ FREE chains and FREE shipping are still available!!

Parlor Games

2009-10-18T13:44:00.004-04:00

I escaped from the studio for a few hours yesterday to visit one of my favorite antique shops located in Tarpon Springs. I am always on the hunt for old broken china, vintage lace, anything Marie Antoinette, creamware, old silver… well, the list really goes on and on. But yesterday, it seemed like the only items popping up in front of my eyes were wonderful old books.

Old books are a happy find for me and the more weathered, the better. I love old books that are well-worn with dog-eared pages, spines hanging on for dear life and especially books that have names, dates or words written on the inside pages.

I found this charming book for just a few dollars (and it was on sale for 25% off that!). The sweet cherubs on the cover caught my attention first but the subject of the book was equally as enchanting.

This book was published in 1864, which means it was around when Abraham Lincoln was in the White House!

This book was written as a handbook to keep in your parlor for ideas on how to entertain family and friends. Without today’s distractions of TV, radios, cars, cell phones and computers, folks used to gather in the parlor and amuse themselves with games and conversation. This little handbook contains instructions for dramatic charades, pantomimes, parlor games, card and board games, parlor magic tricks, puzzles and games of wit. Some of the games are underlined and marked in a way that it is easy to tell which ones were the family favorites.

I can just imagine the family gathered in their parlor after dinner, wearing their mid-1800’s dress, spending quality time together and amusing & entertaining each other as the day came to a close. In today’s world, it’s hard for a family to even sit down and enjoy a meal together much less spend hours entertaining each other at night.

1001 Home Amusements is a totally charming book and a fun look back at the way things used to be. I am going to have to think of something extra special to do with this book. Perhaps as I read through it, I’ll share some of the games with you here on my blog. ~ xo Joy

Playing With Pumpkins

2009-10-11T21:10:00.003-04:00

Outside, our Florida temperatures are still hovering in the 90s…. hot, muggy and steamy… not a note of fall in sight. No cool crispness in the air, no leaves in the trees turning those beautiful autumn hues and no indication whatsoever that a change of season has taken place.

Except at the grocery store! When you live in Florida, this is how you know the seasons have changed – by the store displays. We are now shopping amid piles of pumpkins that have suddenly appeared. And this year, I can’t resist the cute baby pumpkins, especially the little white ones.

I put this sweet little one under glass. Anything under a glass dome seems to become a little more special… a little more important. Almost like a jewel from Mother Nature that needs to be displayed and admired.

I filled a crystal dish in the center of our dining room table with several small baby pumpkins and mixed in some ivy vines. I love looking at the pumpkins tucked in the greenery when I pass by.

But I’ve run out of display ideas. How do you decorate with pumpkins, especially the small ones? I would love to hear how you decorate for fall so please leave a comment below if you have any advice or ideas to share…….. xoxo ~ Joy