Bari J.

Vintage Stash Rehash

I have issues. Vintage bling hoarding issues. Even when I say, "Man, I've totally run out of vintage goodies for my bags". That really means, "There's nothing I feel like using... right now.".

Last night I was searching online for a piece of jewelry to go with an outfit that I want to wear at market next week. And I soon realized that even if I did find that fabulous piece, it was never going to arrive here on time. So... because I have SO much spare time, out came the goodies and the old jewelry making materials... (Did I ever tell you I used to make and sell jewelry from salvaged pieces? No? Wellza, I did. It was like a thousand years ago. My youngest was two or so when I started so let's see... it was almost a decade ago.)

Anyways, I digress... I got out the old jewelry making materials and fussed and mussed with it until I came up with a couple options. 

I like 'em, but I am super pleased because Anna called dibs on one (didn't matter which one) for "When you get back from market, Mom.". 13 year old girl likes it. Now, that's a compliment (Don't tell her I said so... she'll take it back.)

 

"Is it real or is it Memorex?"

I have had a growing need for easy access to sparkly stuff. Every once in awhile I go to adorn a bag with a pretty and head to my stash only to find zero that will do. Usually the issue is lack of sparkle. So, I broke down and ordered up some really gorgeous vintage inspired pieces. I actually special ordered them to my specifications. And really, I wasn't expecting much, but when these turned up I was pleasantly surprised. They're super sparkly and very vintagey looking. Wee-hoo! You'll see them dancing on some handbags very soon.

Moody Jewels

Dear Mood Swing Studio,

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

Gorgeous earrings, One.

Incredible necklaces, Two.

Surprise goodies in my package, a fantabulous three.

How fortunate am I to receive unexpected and glorious ribbon? I thank thee.

Oh, the delights that come with shopping online with fabulous independent designers!

I would if I could, go on from here to eternity, oh Moody One.

But alas, I must keep it short or those who read this blog shall become bored and turn elsewhere for entertainment. I would miss them so.

Let it be known however, that my mood swung and swooned upon opening your lovely little package this afternoon.

The joy of new earrings cleverly created with vintage findings and buttons overwhelmed me. Giggling with delight, I ran to the mirror to admire my beautiful self in the loveliness of your inspired designs.

I suppose the question is not, "How do I love thee?". But rather, "How could I not love thee?"

XO,
Bari

Oooow-lery! (I mean, Jewelry)

Amy Bengtson

"Ooooow-lery!" is how my daughter, Anna, said jewelry when she was about one and a half. That's because grandma wears a lot of ooow-lery. Anna would sit on her lap and grab her necklace or bracelet, and Grandma would say, "jeeew-ler-y, Anna, jeewlery..." Anna would respond with an enthusiastic "oooolery, Gamma' ooooowlery". My point here (aside from loving to tell that story) is that we girls have a thing about our ooolery, and when we find beautiful ooolery, we must share these findings with the world. I have recently found an artist that I'm totally excited about, Amy Bengtson.

Amy's is a true artist who has a degree in architecture which she says "has brought structure and a sense of balance" to her pieces. Her Swedish style is simple and clean-lined, and her work can be worn with just about anything. I love the lack of fussiness to these pieces. I love the contrast of the gorgeous rosewood to the simple silver. And I love simple nature-inspired designs. These are some of my favorite pieces...

Of course, as you know, I can't resist anything birdie themed:

And oooh, Cherry Blossoms... 

There's something just so satisfying about these pieces!

By the way, I contacted Amy to ask her permission to post about her. She replied yes, and she graciously offered all of you a discount. Not only is she talented, but she's a really nice person as well.

Use coupon code BariJ07 for 20% off until the end of October at Amybengtson.com

Bags, stuff, and a cool new find to add to the "Who do you love?" List

A deep breath...A whole slew of handbags went marching out the door late this afternoon. I had meant to have them out by 9am, but, stupid me, I stayed up until 2am last night. This means that the girl who never oversleeps (at least not in my life with children unless I am super sick) overslept. I didn't wake up until my 9 year old jumped on the bed at 10am scaring me half to death. 10am! I don't think I've slept that late in 11 years, since my Anna was born.

This episode had me off kilter for the rest of the day, flying around in my nightgown getting things done. But that group is gone (I bid them a fond farewell, tears and all.) and on to the next group which is due next week. Can't complain. It's all good. BTW, if you just have to have one of these handbags, you'll need to check in with Elizabeth at Daphne's Cottage. She holds claim to them. I don't know if you'll be able to pry them from her, but you can try.

That said, I'm sick of talking about me and want to mention an artist I "bumped into" on the web. Shannon from Miss Fickle Media wrote a comment on this blog. So of course I linked over to her Etsy shop and I must tell you I was blown away. I love what she does and put in an order right away. And honestly, I'm sort of a browser on Etsy. So this is saying something. I ordered one of these with a "B" of course. And another that I can't remember because I had a really hard time choosing. The one below I really like too though!

In other super fun news... you may remember the post I wrote about "needing" espadrilles. I did end up buying an unimpressive pair later that week. However, to my great surprise the owner of espadrillesetc.com whom I mentioned in the post came across what I wrote. She is actually from San Francisco... such a small world. AND, she offered to send me a pair of espadrilles as a gift. Really, I can't get over the kindness I have found with the network of women on the internet. It made me think of this post from Anna Maria Horner about kindness which brought me to really unexpected tears.  I haven't told you how much I love Anna Maria's work. I know most of you know of her, but if not, I hope you will get to know her work. Also, you HAVE to look at the photos of her home on Flickr. OH MY GOODNESS. You'll just die when you see the colors. IN-CRED-IBLE! Anyways, I am trying to get to a great big THANK YOU to Laura from espadrillesetc.com. Gracias.

That's enough gushing for now, I suppose. Except it is late and my internal clock is way off so I could probably go on for hours.  Nothing a dose of benedryl can't cure, I suppose.

Applique Day

Vintage Jewelry on Etsy

As I have a lot of vintage jewelry, I've been remaking some of it.  I've decided for the meantime to sell these on etsy. There's a couple of makeup bags there too along with the watch necklace. I thought I'd test the waters there and also, I think it's good to have your logo popping up in many places.

Also on etsy, I will be selling some vintage wallpaper packets that I am putting together as again, I have a lot of these kinds of goodies that someone should put to good use. I should have the whole deal up by Saturday. For now there are just a couple of items. If you have time, please stop by.

 

More, more, more for my "who do you love?" list...

This beautiful clasp is from another new favorite of mine... Junk2Jewels. Tracy's work is beautiful and super-original too. You'll have to check out her website and her blog to get the full picture.  Each piece is made to order special for you! I'm coveting this charm bracelet.

Tracy works with a lot of aged vintage rhinestone pieces, so I was inspired to send her a little collection I had laying around going completely to waste. I can't wait to see what she does with it!

Who do you love list continued...

Sweet Horse Chestnut Hoops...
Originally uploaded by Abigail Percy

I recently came across the most wonderful jewelry designer. Check out these incredible designs from Abigail A. Percy! Abigail is in Scottland, but you can get her pieces on etsy. Don't forget to check out her photostream on Flickr and her beautiful blog.

Uh Oh! I dug out the jewelry making goodies!

I had to cut myself off from the bead and bauble addiction when I aquired the fabric addiction. No 12-steps for me. I just replaced one addiction for the other & make it a rule to only have one obsession at a time... Sound good?  But...(whining) I've been working on these ribbon brooches, and getting more and more carried away. I started hunting around for findings and others goodies when I remembered a stash I had buried deep in our guest room closet. Zoinks! The addiction has resurfaced. I thought I had that one licked.  (Don't worry Elizabeth, the best goodies made their way onto your brooches).

These lovlies are going to be great as earrings or something. Wow, I had the best filigree bead caps! What were they just sitting there collecting dust for? Can you see the chippy little pink flower looking ones on the second photo? Oooh! I love that one. I've already started layering these up to make charms. The two bottom photos are a compilation of several half finished projects from years ago. I do need to mention that the idea of using the watches came from Connie... she's brilliant isn't she? Also, the little clam shell the jewels are in was a birthday gift from her too. See the dolly shoe... classic Connie Govea Stuart. Love it!

Well, that was fun! Don't know what I'm doing with any of these jewels (except wear them) because it's not really part of the grand plans for Bari J. as a business, but oooh I love those shiny things!

 

Around the Studio Today...

Busy, busy...

New appliques I'm playing with... and more ribbon, ribbon, ribbon...