Idle Hands 3rd Annual Holiday Edition

In art, the hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can imagine. Ralph Waldo Emerson


Crazy Fox is excited to announce that they will be taking part in the Idle Hands show on Saturday, November 26, from 10am - 5:00pm. This will be our first show with Idle Hands and our first show in the big city of Ottawa. The location of the show is St Luke’s, 760 Somerset St. W, in the heart of funky Chinatown. We have made some new pieces just for this show, upcycled leather earrings, vintage marble necklaces and more. This show is a great place to find one of a kind, handmade holiday gifts. I am looking forward to selling and buying from all the talented vendors!

Idle Hands show is all about giving local artist and crafters an opportunity to sell things they love to make, to connect with other creative people and sell their wares at reasonable prices without a middle man. It is also a place for people to come see and meet some of the regions best independent talent and buy directly from them. Why would you go to the mall and buy factory made massed produced items that have been shipped here from half way around the world?

This year Idle Hands have included some local photographers, painters and print makers. They have some delicious vegan baking and chocolates. Preserves made using recipes that have been passed down generations. There will also be gorgeous knits and felted work made into clothing, hats and children’s toys. Jewelery made with silver, wood, upcycled vintage (Crazy Fox) and other mixed media pieces. Clocks, pillows and other home decor items. Screen printed shirts, scarves and upcycled clothing. Recycled leather wallets, purses and bags. Collage work, cards and stationary. Soaps, face and body care products made with natural essential oils. Beautiful ceramics and hand blown glass. New this year we’re featuring seasonal floral creations. The list is endless and all items are handmade.

Check out the Idle Hands website for a more info, directions and a list of vendors attending the show. And don’t forget to visit Crazy Fox!

Copper Cuff with a vintage escutcheon plate - Spellbound

Thank You, Handmade Harvest show!

I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks.  William Shakespeare

ALMONTE IS A PEACEFUL and beautiful community of 4,600 people, located 50 kilometers from Canada’s capital, Ottawa. Once a thriving textiles centre — known in its heyday as “North America’s Manchester” — Almonte is now primarily a commuter town, with the majority of  citizens working in the city. Almonte straddles the banks of Canada’s Mississippi River, which flows east until it empties into the Ottawa River. The Valley is a unique and lovely place, still closely in touch with its Irish and Scottish roots, large sections of the town remain essentially unchanged from a hundred years ago or more!

The Almonte Old Town Hall is an architectural wonder and was the location of Handmade Harvest Craft show. Handmade Harvest show is the brainchild of Emily Arbour and Colleen Hewitt. Both these ladies love anything crafty and wanted to provide an outlet for emerging craft artists of all ages…and to make buying handmade items easy and fun to do. This event host 35+ vendors, Crazy Fox being one of them! This show is full of talented enthusiastic artists and it was a pleasure to be part of this creative group. We met the nicest people and had a great time selling Crazy Fox designs. I’m always blown away that people really like our pieces, every piece does have a story and my husband or myself are only too willing to tell you where everything came from. Escutcheon, keys, buttons, vintage jewelry they all have stories, we create memories everyday, sometimes without knowing the impact, I hope Crazy Fox jewelry create's a memory of something you want to hold on too! One woman had been searching for a special gift for her niece’s 21st birthday, who lived in Britain. She said it was an old tradition in England to give a key for your 21st birthday and was searching for a special key, when she saw our necklaces, she was so happy to send her the perfect gift, keeping an old tradition alive with a new twist. Necklaces with lockets are traditionally for pictures, but I always tell people they can be used for holding wishes. Write your wish on a tiny piece of paper and place it in the locket, give time your wish will come true. Our weekend was filled with stories like that, people choosing special gifts with a little history, that hopefully creates a new lasting memory. Almonte, Ontario is a truly unique and inspirational rural community that makes visitors feel welcome. Crazy Fox had a wonderful time at The Handmade Harvest show and would like to thank Emily and Colleen for all their hard work. Thanks girls! 

Emily Arbour checking out a necklace after the show on Friday evening

Getting ready for the show to begin on Saturday morning

This necklace was bought as a gift and will be sent to England, for a 21st birthday!

The Pampered Pooch

I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love.  For me they are the role model for being alive.  Gilda Radner

Boo getting groomed

 This last weekend I was dog sitting at The Pampered Pooch Vacation Retreat and Grooming Studio, a 21 acre hobby farm, 5 minutes away from our house in our historic village of Williamstown, Ontario. The owners Laura and Bill Budd are good friends of ours and had a wedding to go to so, we took over for the weekend. My husband took care of the horses, Willow, Duster and Poncho while, I was on dog duty. Luckily, Laura did not book a lot of dogs as she knew she would be away that weekend, so I had their two dogs Rudy, a labdoddle and Ginger, a goldendoddle, both are 9 months and full of energy. And Maurie, a shepherd mix, who was missing her family while they were vacationing in Wales. And of course I had my dog Boo, who after being there for two hours was begging to go home. These dogs get more activity and attention than most kids do. The dogs wake up and have breakfast, then have 3 hours of play time, then a nap, then 5 more hours of play, all outside in a huge fenced run. Then, they have supper another nap and one more hour outside before bed. At The Pampered Pooch it is ALL about the dogs!

The Pampered Pooch Vacation Retreat and Grooming Studio is truly a “ retreat” not a “kennel”  Laura treats all the dogs like they her own and gives each dog tons of attention, exercise and most of all love! Laura and Bill have created a home away from home for all four legged guests to play and socialize with other friendly dogs. They are not  what you would think of as a typical dog boarding kennel. And I had no idea how much work went into creating this fun, safe environment for the dogs. While I had a great time, I don’t think I will be giving up my day job! which by the way was designing Laura, logo and brochure, poster and business cards. If your dog needs grooming or if you are going on vacation I highly recommend The Pampered Pooch, check them out at www.pamperedpoochretreat.ca

Rudy, Ginger and Maurie

Renovations and New Beginnings

Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.  Vincent van Gogh

We recently renovated our bedroom and en suite bathroom. In the midden or the hottest summer ever to hit Ontario we decided to start renovations. Our bedroom was done on impulse over 12 years ago after we had a house fire. My husband was seriously injured in the fire and was not expected  to live and was transported miles from home. So while he was in the hospital (over 5 months) I would come home and work with contractors and try to rebuild our home. Most of the second floor had to be redone, walls have to be rebuilt, fixtures, sinks, showers, carpets, curtains, furniture, colors had to be chosen, and all done while under stress. Everything was rushed! While it all looked good, it always reminded me of that horrible time in my life. We started with pulling up the dark blue carpets, that I don’t even remember picking and then things just snowballed after that. One thing lead to another  and before you know it the bathroom was getting done. All the walls are white in the bedroom now with bright color accents and the bathroom is white and turquoise. The comfort set and curtains are from www.anthropologie.com most of the other furniture is from www.johnsonsantiques.com

The one thing I wanted was the room to be light and happy. Now every time I walk into our room my heart sings, I cannot believe what a change this has been for me. I was finally letting go of the past and ready for a new beginning. And the most wonderful thing was my husband did everything for me for our anniversary gift. Years ago he was not expected to live with 78% of his body burnt and now he is renovating our home, life is an amazing thing!!!!

Boo on his princess bed

September Giveaway - on Etsy Stalker

Crazy Fox Studio is back on http://etsystalker.com/ for September, in one of the gallery shadowboxes, with a wonderful giveaway! Etsy Stalker features artists who have been hand-selected to bring you variety, creativity and style. Check out this great blog that offers wonderful giveaways and highlight some wonderful Etsy sellers through interviews and profiles, and share with other lovers of handmade goods. Thanks for all your great comments last month. Leave your comments all month and on October 6th, I’ll be picking 3 random winners! 1st prize, YOUR CHOICE of any NECKLACE on my site with free shipping. Pick any necklace you love and I’ll send it to you absolutely FREE! 

2nd prize is the below AGATE NECKLACE “Autumn Equinox” which includes free shipping. This necklace is perfect to wear with jeans, it is super-cute “without even trying.” That’s what I love about this necklace. It’s so simple, without even trying. Just the beauty of the agate's intricate burnt sienna swirls (2 x 1 inches) off-set by beige suede.  “Autumn Equinox” is a choker style necklace that measures 16 inches and will arrive gift wrapped with a vintage ribbon.

And 3rd prize are the below FEATHER EARRINGS “Harvest Moon” which includes free shipping. I made these earrings with a beautiful selection of all natural feathers. These feathers are securely clamped and hang from decorative copper cone with a copper bead at the top. Earrings are 3 inches in length and hang from copper ear wires. The are lightweight and comfortable to wear. "Harvest Moon" will arrive gift wrapped with a vintage ribbon.

2nd & 3rd prize  - www.etsy.com/shop/crazyfoxstudio

How to Enter:
1) Leave a comment on Etsy Stalker about your favorite piece of jewelry at Crazy Fox. (1 entry per day, please).

2) Follow Crazy Fox on Facebook, and leave a comment on Etsy Stalker with your Facebook user name saying you’ve done so.

3) Follow Crazy Fox on Twitter, and leave a comment on Etsy Stalker with your Twitter user name saying you’ve done so.

4) Follow the Crazy Fox blog!

Good luck and enter often!

2nd prize - Agate Necklace "Autumn Equinox"

3rd prize - feather earrings "Harvest Moon"

Thanks!

The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention. Oscar Wilde

The August Giveaway's have all been shipped out and I would like to thank everyone who left comments. Your comments are all so kind and thoughtful and encouraging! And I'm always surprised with the jewelry that people comment on and pick as their prizes. This month "Secret Love" was chosen. This necklace uses a Victorian coin purse made from a sea shell. These purses were sold at the seashore resorts as souvenirs. Tourists could hold coins, thimbles and even love letters in them. Most of these purses did not withstand the age of time, however, some of them were lucky and did survive. This purse has been repurposed into a necklace and is especially pretty because of the lovely shades of burnt sienna. It has a nice brass frame, closure, and hinge and opens from the bottom. I found this little coin purse at an auction sale in Eastern Ontario, it is in mint condition! I also attached 5 semi precious stones (found at the same auction on a brooch) in earthy tones. Very light-weight and unusual and perfect for your love notes! "Secret Love" is being sent to Minnesota with a tiny present inside for this August Giveaway Winner. Thanks again!

Secret Love - Victorian Coin Purse

 

AUGUST GIVEAWAY - on Etsy Stalker

One must know not just how to accept a gift, but with what grace to share it. Maya Angelou

Crazy Fox Studio is back on http://etsystalker.com/ for August, in one of the gallery shadowboxes, with a wonderful giveaway! Etsy Stalker features artists who have been hand-selected to bring you variety, creativity and style. Check out this great blog that offers wonderful giveaways and highlight some wonderful Etsy sellers through interviews and profiles, and share with other lovers of handmade goods. Thanks for all your great comments last month, I received so many comments that I won a free shadowbox for September, so be prepared for another Giveaway next month, with totally new giveaways!

Leave your comments all month and on September 6th, I’ll be picking 3 random winners! 1st prize, YOUR CHOICE of any NECKLACE on my site with free shipping. Pick any necklace you love and I’ll send it to you absolutely FREE! 

2nd prize are the below FEATHER EARRINGS “Gypsy Breeze” includes free shipping. I made these earrings with a beautiful selection of laced hen saddle feathers and fuschia, pink and black coque saddle feathers. These feathers are securely clamped and hang from decorative copper cone with a copper bead at the top. Earrings are 4.5 inches in length and hang from copper ear wires. The are lightweight and comfortable to wear and are perfect for a conjuring magic into your life! "Gypsy Breeze" will arrive gift wrapped with a vintage ribbon, ready for gift-giving or simply a gift for yourself.

And 3rd prize are the below VINTAGE BOBBY PINS “Gypsy Blossom” includes free shipping. These beautiful repurposed vintage burgundy 50s floral rhinestone earrings are mounted on to floral copper bobby pins (2 inch). They can be worn with pretty much anything from jeans to dresses to gowns! Incorporate these fun, feminine pieces into your wardrobe. “Gypsy Blossom” will arrive gift wrapped with a vintage ribbon, ready for gift-giving or simply a gift for yourself.

2nd & 3rd prize  - www.etsy.com/shop/crazyfoxstudio

 























How to Enter:
1) Leave a comment on Etsy Stalker about your favorite piece of jewelry at Crazy Fox. (1 entry per day, please).

2) Follow Crazy Fox on Facebook, and leave a comment on Etsy Stalker with your Facebook user name saying you’ve done so.

3) Follow Crazy Fox on Twitter, and leave a comment on Etsy Stalker with your Twitter user name saying you’ve done so.

4) Follow the Crazy Fox blog!

Good luck and enter often!

2nd prize - feather earrings "Gypsy Breeze"

3rd prize - vintage bobby pins - "Gypsy Blossom"

D. Johnson’s Antiques - best antique store in Canada!

“You have to have a passion for what you do!” Doug Johnson

D. Johnson’s Antiques is one of the best stocked shops in all of eastern Ontario, Doug and his shop are one-of-a-kind. Located just 1/2 mile north of the city of Cornwall, Ontario, on Hwy 138, with over 6,000 sq ft and more than 10,000 items on display. Doug has been in the antique and reproduction furniture business for 30 years and I’m proud to say that Doug is a good friend. I met Doug over 15 years ago, while I was shopping for antique furniture and over the years our friendship has grown. Doug and his wife Ann always make you feel welcomed, they are kindest and most generous people you can meet. And Doug has tons of stories to tell and wants his cool stuff to be your cool stuff so other people can enjoy it the same way he has. Did I mention he’s willing to ship?  “It doesn’t feel like a job to me. I get to hang out and talk with people all day.” says Doug. His shop is always an adventure, you never know what you might find, china, jewelry, old gates, windows, quilts, garden ware, collectibles, any type of furniture even the kitchen sink! The reproduction furniture is newly-made but with an aged look and is made out of wood that has been salvaged from old homes, barns and buildings. You can check out his website http://www.johnsonsantiques.com/ and find him on Twitter or swing by the shop everyday from 9am-5pm, I’m sure you will leave with a new treasure and a smile on your face. I love you Dougie!

Doug and Patches

http://www.johnsonsantiques.com/

Books: the Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry

Summary: Every gift has a price . . .

Every piece of lace has a secret . . .

My name is Towner Whitney. No, that’s not exactly true. My real first name is Sophya. Never believe me. I lie all the time. . . 

Towner Whitney, the self-confessed unreliable narrator of The Lace Reader, hails from a family of Salem women who can read the future in the patterns in lace, and who have guarded a history of secrets going back generations, but the disappearance of two women brings Towner home to Salem and the truth about the death of her twin sister to light.

The Lace Reader is Brunonia Barry’s first novel, published in 2006, and is a New York Times Bestseller. There is just so much to say about The Lace Reader that I’m sure I won’t do it justice. The writing is spectacular, the storyline is incredible, and the characters are just so well-developed. The characters in this book are so memorable -- all of them, not just one or two. The the story and characters in The Lace Reader have stayed with me for days! Probably one of the most memorable characters that I have “met” in recent years is Towner, the story’s narrator. I loved that she begins the book by admitting that she lies all the time. It made me question so much of the story. I can’t tell you any more of the story, (although I can share a few key words:  lace that tells the future, secrets, witches, romance, an old house, tunnels, dogs, the sea...) so you will just have to read it for yourself. This book has definitely earned a spot on my heart, pick it up, read it this summer and enjoy the magic!

Pick up the Lace Reader this summer and enjoy the magic!

The descriptions of lace in this book are so beautiful, lace can be found in so many objects

Enjoy the day at Finnegan's Flea Market

Real treasure lies not in what that can be seen, but what that cannot be seen. Author Unknown

I’ve been going to Finnegan’s Flea Market for over 17 years and always find some unique treasure to bring home. Finnegan’s is located in Hudson, Quebec at the west end of town in the fields of the Aird’s farm. The Aird’s started the market over 26 years ago and named it after their dog, Finnegan, as it was a “flea” market. Since then it has grown to include antiques and many handicrafts and has spread to encompass the whole field beside the Aird’s house and barns. Today you’ll find hand crafted goods (who knew birdhouses came in so many varieties), flowers, organic foods, artesian dog biscuits, paintings and collectibles of every kind. We always have lunch under the huge willow trees, they have the best bbq hamburgers, the food there even seems to taste better. And if you are a dog lover, bring your dog along, everyone seems to bring their dogs. Finnegan’s is the perfect weekend trip for the whole family, enjoy the atmosphere, enjoy the treasures, enjoy the food and support handmade/hand-grown!

Finnegan’s market is open Saturdays from the first Saturday in May to the last Saturday in October. Even though it opens at 9am in the morning (close at 4:00 pm), vendors - some of whom come from 100’s of miles away - line up as early as 2 am for a spot. Some show up every weekend. Others, only occasionally. Understandably, the better the weather, the more competition there is for the few non-reserved stalls. Finnegan’s is located at 775 Main Road, Hudson (Trans Canada Highway exit 22) and east of Montee Lavigne (Trans Canada Highway exit 17).

On our last visit I found lots of treasures for Crazy Fox, below are two new pieces, one made with the found treasures from the day. “Home” which includes a compass from the 1950s, vintage skeleton key and locket all on this one-of-a-kind necklace. The other is a vintage flower necklace “Summer Garden”. Originally I was going to transform it into something else however, it is so beautiful and delicate that it is going to stay the way it is. The woman I brought it from said it was from and estate sale and dated back to the 1930s. The rose flowers are made from brass and hand painted in the brightest colors, pink, aqua, orange, mauve and yellow. Perfect condition and can be worn with any summer outfit!

Compass, skeleton key and locket necklace, objects found at Finnegans - "Home"

1930's hand painted flower necklace - found at Finnegans - Summer Garden - SOLD

Over 150 vendors arrive at Finnegans every Saturday during the summer and early fall

GIVEAWAY - on Etsy Stalker

From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life. Arthur Ashe

Crazy Fox Studio is back on Etsy Stalker’s blog, in one of the gallery shadowboxes, with a wonderful giveaway! Etsy Stalker features artists who have been hand-selected to bring you variety, creativity and style. Check out this great blog that offers wonderful giveaways and highlight some worthy Etsy sellers through interviews and profiles, and share with other lovers of handmade goods.

Leave your comments all month and on August 7th, I’ll be picking 3 random winners! 1st prize, YOUR CHOICE of any NECKLACE on my site with free shipping. Pick any necklace you love and I’ll send it to you absolutely FREE! 

2nd prize are the below FEATHER EARRINGS “Mid Summer’s Eve” includes free shipping. I made these earrings with black and turquoise beautiful laced hen saddles feathers, and aqua guinea fowl feathers. These feathers are securely clamped and hang from decorative copper cone with a turquoise bead at the top. Earrings are 3.25 inches in length and hang from copper ear wires. They are lightweight and comfortable to wear and are perfect for a conjuring magic into your life! “Mid Summer’s Eve” will arrive gift wrapped with a vintage ribbon, ready for gift-giving or simply a gift for yourself.

And 3rd prize are the below VINTAGE BOBBY PINS “Starry Night” includes free shipping. These beautiful repurposed vintage Triad rhinestone earrings are mounted on to floral copper bobby pins (2 inch). They can be worn with pretty much anything from jeans to dresses to gowns! Incorporate these fun, feminine pieces into your wardrobe. “Starry Night” will arrive gift wrapped with a vintage ribbon, ready for gift-giving or simply a gift for yourself.

How to Enter:
1) Leave a comment on Etsy Stalker about your favorite piece of jewelry at Crazy Fox. (1 entry per day, please).

2) Follow Crazy Fox on Facebook, and leave a comment on Etsy Stalker with your Facebook user name saying you’ve done so.

3) Follow Crazy Fox on Twitter, and leave a comment on Etsy Stalker with your Twitter user name saying you’ve done so.

4) Follow the Crazy Fox blog!

Good luck and enter often!

2nd Prize - Feather Earrings - Mid Summer's Eve

3rd Prize - Vintage Bobby Pins - Starry Night

Hidden Treasures - Lachute Farmers’ Market Lachute, Que.

A box without hinges, key, or lid, yet golden treasure inside is hid. J. R. R. Tolkien

Flea markets are a shopper’s delight, a perfect source of hidden treasures. Historians trace “flea markets” to the unclean goods sold at an 18th-century bazaar near Paris. In the 1950s, farmers began selling produce and auctioning horses at the Lachute Market and now Lachute is opened all year round. The warmer the weather, the more vendors there will be. 15 acres with several hundred vendors in the summer months. The market is an ALL day affair starting with antiques at 5:00a.m. and finishing with a horse auction and western band in the afternoon. Over the years, the market has become the largest in western Quebec, but it retains its roots with wares ranging from horse saddles to live ducks.

WHERE: 25 Main St. (Highway 148), Lachute, Quebec
WHEN: Tuesdays, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What to Bring:
Comfortable shoes and several layers of clothing are a must. You’ll be walking for a long time and need to have comfortable shoes. Dress down, dress casual. Don’t forget the sunscreen and a hat to protect you from the sun. In addition, a pull cart or recyclable shopping bag will save you from trekking back to the car with your purchases. Remember to bring water and a snack. A wish list, but be flexible you never know what you could find. A measuring tape is great in case you want to measure an item. And MOST of all, bring plenty of cash (with lots of smaller bills), as most vendors won’t accept checks or credit cards.

Negotiate Flea Market Prices:
If you see something you like, don’t be afraid to ask the vendor if the price marked is the best he or she can do. They expect negotiation from customers at flea markets. Make sure you don’t show too much excitement when looking at the item, or they will know you are already going to buy it. And if you really like it don’t wait and go back for it later in the day because it may be gone. I’ve done that so many times and got mad at myself for not paying an extra $5.00! And arrive early, better parking and first choice at the items for sale.

And most of all have fun searching for those hidden treasures.

Pocket Watch Necklace - Sparrow's Song - SOLD - watch case and key were picked up at Lachute

Skeleton Key Necklace - Willow Sage - both items were picked up at Lachute flea market

Skeleton Keys, rhinestone buttons and locket necklace - Twin Sisters - SOLD

Add a little SPARKLE to your life!

For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream. Vincent Van Gogh

I love buttons, when I was a little girl my “nana” Stirling would give me a jar of buttons to play with to keep me amused. I would spend hours sorting through colors, shapes and sizes but my favorite were always the shiniest buttons the RHINESTONES.  Even when I was 5, I remember stringing the prettiest buttons onto ribbon and making necklaces for my mom, nana and of course myself. I loved the sparkle and beauty and thought my button necklaces were like stars in the sky. Over the years my button love has continued to grow and my necklaces are a reflection of that love. I find buttons at garage sales, auctions, thrift shops and flea markets. This pass weekend I found all the buttons in the below picture and have already created two necklaces from them, one is already sold and off to Washington! These buttons all have a story and we only have to close our eyes to hear their voices.

When it comes to collecting, nothing really beats antique buttons. Button lovers get crazy about their subject, and there are many online sites to wander through by searching such items as antique buttons, collectibles, antiques and Victorian buttons. There are button clubs, button conventions and button fairs, not to mention the fact that some buttons are truly valuable treasures. It’s really fun to learn how the different little treasures were made, too. Once you get started collecting antique buttons you are unlikely to ever stop. From rhinestone, glass, shell, bone, wood, to colorful composition to handmade buttons, the button search is on! So clear out a drawer and put some empty boxes and jars in it, then hit the antique stores, thrift shops, garage and estate sales and remember to add a little sparkle into your life.

I found these buttons at a local garage sale this past weekend.

Repurposed button necklace - Moonlight Reflection

Repurposed belt/button necklace - Starlight Reflection - SOLD

Skeleton Keys - Unlock Hidden Doors

The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence. Confucius

What waits for you behind the unopened door – perhaps it’s fate? 

The first locks and keys were probably invented by the Egyptians around 4,000 years ago, but since they were made of wood, they haven’t survived. Once keys and locks started being manufactured of metal, especially bronze, which doesn’t rust, they became collectibles. Skeleton keys consist of a bow (the part you turn), a handle and a combination (the part inserted in the lock.) Many of these antique and vintage keys have highly decorative designs on the bow. A set of Victorian keys in different sizes, for instance, might be beautiful when arranged and framed against a background of velvet. You can wear an ornate key as a necklace. You could even weld or glue several together to make an impressive brooch. If your home is older, leave them sticking out of door locks, or from the locks of cabinets, sideboards or pianos. String several together to create a unique wind chime. Tie a key onto a vintage bottle to create a unique flower arrangement. Try your luck at hunting down some vintage keys at garage sales, auctions or maybe your Grandmother has some in her basement just waiting for you to explore with some creative ideas. Who knows they may even unlock the door to your future...

When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us. Alexander Graham Bell

Skeleton Key Necklace - Mystic Journey - SOLD

The Nest

“A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.” Chinese Proverb

I have collected fallen nests since I was a little girl. The idea that one little bird could create such beauty, so effortlessly is amazing. Nests are architectural wonders, tiny homes tucked safe away from danger. Dorothy said it best “there’s no place like HOME” my home/nest is where I create and work.  My jewelry is often inspired by nests, birds and wings.

Brooch - the Nest - SOLD

Pocket Watch, Nest Necklace - the Promise - SOLD

Copper Etched Stamped Cuff - Awake My Soul

I remember the first time I dreamed of flying, I was 5 or 6 years old. I was high above our house, looking down on my family and wonder why they weren’t flying with me. I’d tell my Mom in the morning I was flying all night and she would say “you must be tired, sometimes you have to put your dreams to rest and sleep”. I’d wake up from those dreams and wish I could go back into the dream for that sense of total freedom. To this day I still dream of flying, flight has and will always be magical to me. In reality, we cannot really fly thus, such dreams can be representative of things that are beyond our physical limitations. Another way of interpreting flying dreams is that these dreams symbolize your strong mind and will. You feel indefectible and that nobody can tell you what you cannot do and accomplish. I encourage everyone to fly or a least listen to the songs of the birds because we all have our individual songs to sing. Each one as magical and beautiful as the next...

Original Watercolor Cameo Brooch - Brinley Blueblue

Feather Earring - Fairy Whispers - SOLD

Shadow Box Locket Necklace - Wings of Hope