French Antiquities...

I have been so busy running around lately tending to my shop spaces and trying to procure one more in the next town over. We have had such a busy start to our summer down here and business in the shops has been booming! (thank you, sweet Jesus!!!). Today, when I happened by Antiques on Holiday (one of my current jewelry locations), the ladies had just received their summer shipment of French Antiques. The whole shop smelled of France and instantly you felt like you had been transported to a European castle brimming with treasures. Here is a peek at what Ms. Ann, "antiquer extraordinaire", brought back from her recent French countryside treasure hunt....

...yes...that is a rustic and shabby old beehive! How cool is that? 

Because everyone needs a beehive for their home.

...there were lots and lots of beautiful antique French mirrors laced with ribbon frames...

....huge architectural fragments...

...large doors and door frames from French estates...

....a child's cast iron bath tub... (so precious!)

....many pieces of  GORGEOUS artwork!...

...I just loved this old vintage fencing mask!!! I may have to spring for it...it would make a fabulous jewelry prop, don't you think?

...and lots and lots of beautiful religious statuary...(my personal favorites)...

Here are a few fun pieces that I am currently working on...

...French mother of pearl links accenting a rhinestone buckle ...

...an antique French lithograph tape measure which will make a darling little necklace...

...a pendant watch locket piece that will pay homage to our favorite French female heroine...

...and an antique carved ivory bird bath brooch that will make an exquisite one of a kind necklace...

..stay tuned, will have pictures of these precious pieces turned into very special pieces of jewelry... and will show you what the ladies brought me back from their French treasure hunt in the days to come. 

Au Revoir mes amis!!!!

Simple Statements...

The sun has finally peeked out down here in 'not so sunny' Florida and I have finally had a chance to photograph all of my pieces I have been working on this week. This group is called "Simple Statements" because of the exquisite pendants that take center stage in the necklace design along with a simple strand of vintage elegance that I have used to compliment them....

...also, London is officially booked for September!!! I am so excited I can hardly stand it. I will be doing lots of antiquing so if  anyone would like for me to keep my eye out for that special little bauble, I'm your MAN! (or, I mean, WO-MAN)

Speaking of eyes....

...I hope to ride the fabulous London Eye while I am there this time. I have always loved Ferris wheels and this one is the king of them all. There is just something so magical about a Ferris wheel, especially one that overlooks such a historical city like London.

That little thingy called "Pinterest" has got me all worked up about traveling the globe. Have you all noticed the amazing travel pictures on there? This is one of the stunning London pictures...

photo by Pepeketua

...that happened to put my travel bug in overdrive.  If you have a chance, go to Pepeketua's  Flickr page and see all of his amazing travel photos. They will, be assured,  put the travel bug in you too!!!

I also have been working on some new earrings.... 

...coming to Etsy soon...

...and lots of custom orders have been in the making...

This one was for a pageant queen...hence the crown.

Will see you back here in a few days. Hope every one's creativity is in full summer swing. Does anyone have any fun summer travel plans coming up?...would love to hear!

Inspired...

Bonjour Blogland! Hope everyone's having a great start to their summer. I have been so hypnotized lately by that new little thing called "Pinterest", and it has got me so inspired and motivated to attempt this beautiful Michael Trapp garden design:

to my own little humble 'garden-thingy'  that I started last year...

...I've got a long, long ways to go right?

hey, a girl can dream, can't she?

...and so what if I am dreaming this big...

because I always say, 'if you're going to dream....dream BIG'!

And that's just what I am doing from my Pinterest Garden inspiration. If you want to see more of my inspiration, go and check out the rest of my garden 'Pins' here....

I will keep you posted as the new garden project is coming along.

I've also been busy with some new earring designs...

....and some special custom orders...

...and also planning my Fall trip to London...

...yes, I said London! Pinch,Pinch! I am so excited to be going back again this year. And, I plan to hit every London antique market while I am there...so get ready for my Fall designs to be loaded with antique European goodies. More to come on my trip in the coming days. 

My new earrings coming to Etsy tonight and tomorrow.

Take care everyone, see you back here in a few days with some new designs and a report on how that garden is coming along!