MyMothersPearls

When the going gets tough, the tough make jewelry!

Sue — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 23:45:51 +0000

This piece incorporates an antique portrait tin type, framed by a lovely Victorian pin. The grape motif on the pin works perfectly with the grape leaf metal finding that I used as a base.

It’s been a stressful couple of weeks at work. Luckily I am blessed to have wonderful family, as well as supportive and encouraging friends. How does one refocus and find a way out of the darkness – why by heading to the studio of course!

I picked up some wonderful jewelry findings during a trip to California a while back. My sweet friend Robin and I met up at the fantastic Urban Barn for one of their monthly flea markets. When I reached the booth for Broke Jewels (can’t find a good link for them, sadly) – man oh man, I couldn’t get enough. I have been waiting for inspiration to use these wonderful pieces, and this seemed like the perfect time. What better way to cure the doldrums than to work with my most treasured bits of stash, to create something that will make me feel special.

2 more pieces, waiting for the right chain!

Rejuvenated and renewed, I am ready to face whatever comes up next.

Altered Spoons with Friends

Sue — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 18:53:26 +0000

On Monday I had the fantastic experience of introducing some of my friends at work to the wonderful world of mixed media collage.

Even my principal got into the spirit! I keep thinking Dr. Who when I see this!

Using this altered spoon tutorial as a starting point, my enthusiastic group of “students” spent about 45 minutes creating their own version, dipping their toes a bit into my world. Everyone seemed to have a good time – I had brought a huge bag of supplies and goodies from my studio for them to use.

Ramona’s spoon. One of her favorite pictures of her grandmother. Precious!

Next time I take some days off for an art retreat (Spellbound 2 in November!!!), these folks will have a bit more understanding of what I might be doing, and how enriching an experience it is!

Debbie’s spoon (on left), and Brenda’s (on right). The enthusiasm of these gals just made my day!

Of course, an art day wouldn’t be complete without a visit from my friend Cindy. Her spoon is just enchanting, don’t you think? Thanks so much to everyone for participating in this, and once again, thanks especially to Vicki for your inspiring tutorial!

On the Studio Table Today

Sue — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 20:20:36 +0000

So let’s just come right out and say that Pinterest is an amazing source of inspiration. No matter what your interests, you are sure to find all sorts of ideas and images to get the creative juices flowing. I had found a picture of altered spoons a while back, which led me to a tutorial by Vicki Chrisman. I knew this was something I just had to try someday. Soon after, I was approached by the organizers of our staff wellness day, and asked if I would consider teaching a class. For the record – I teach kids – special education to be precise, and have a major phobia of presenting/teaching in front of adults. Wellness day is basically a fun afternoon for the school staff – there’s yoga, a reading room, a what the heck is Pinterest session, knitting, etc. As long as I picked something that wasn’t too complicated, I figured I would be OK. So I went back to Vicki’s Altered Spoon Tutorial and decided that this is something I could show other folks how to do. I made my class sample today and think it turned out sort of cute!

Wellness day is tomorrow afternoon, so I am busy pulling supplies and materials together. Hopefully everyone will have a stress-free and fun time!

Photo and wings from Pinterest (where else!), book text from an old book on Queen Victoria, vintage lace and button from my personal stash, crystals left over from girl child’s skating days, moss and ribbon from Michaels, old silver plate serving spoon from recent auction.

I give Vicki full credit for this awesome idea.

Crochet Envy

Sue — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 18:40:32 +0000

I don’t know how to crochet, but that doesn’t stop me from appreciating the artistry and technique of this craft. Many of the vintage garments I collect come embellished with a touch of crochet or tatted lace, adding to their allure and loveliness. And so, when I happened upon these vintage how-to booklets recently at an auction, I just could not pass them up. I will be keeping a couple, but plan on sending a few out to my sweet friend Robin, who’s crocheting skills I much admire.

Perhaps she will be able to recreate some of the lovely edgings, yokes, corners and insertions features in the pages of this vintage treasures. As for myself, I will have to be content using the vintage and antique crochet bits and pieces from my collection on my sewing and art projects. It’s a hardship, I know, but one just has to make do!

It’s in the Details…..

Sue — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 16:05:14 +0000

Breathtaking Details

Work of Art

“In the Reference List is given a list of addresses of dressmakers who we know are satisfactory both as to fit and finish. All the addresses given are places that we know personally or through friends. All are reliable and make things that are good for their price. ”

pg. 146 – “Francis (tailor-made dresses), 9 rue Auber”

From the book Sojourning, Shopping and Studying in Paris: A Handbook Particularly For Women by Elizabeth Otis Williams – published in 1907

This magnificent piece was gifted to me a while back from my dear friend, Robin. I had such an interesting time researching the label, and was so excited to find it mentioned in the fabulous turn of the century travel guide. The travel guide has actually been reprinted, or you can read it on line thanks to some enterprising soul who scanned in the text in its entirety.

Just handling this remarkable piece of history is such a privilege. One of the things that draws me to vintage clothing is the history – this piece was obviously treasured, to have survived more than a century. Packed away with other mementos of special occasions, long past. A textile treasure. Inspiring me to create…….

Checking In …….

Sue — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 20:01:56 +0000

Hi there everybody. Molson here – Sue’s #1 assistant. She asked me to check in and let you all know that she’s been enjoying some down time during the month of January, and is now all inspired and excited to do some creating in the studio! She has been sorting through boxes of old papers and is prepping to send some bundles to a few of her artsy friends. Plans are in the works for some major sewing projects, more soldering , and some lace curtains collaged from bits and pieces from Sue’s collection of vintage laces. That girl sure knows how to keep busy! She had a bunch of fun during her trip to California last November and has lots of fun new things to try.

In the meantime – have I mentioned that Sue collects lots of stuff? Like vintage jewelry boxes

Vintage clothing, including cotton day dresses from the 1940′s and 50′s…..

And of course vintage laces……All of these old things make her very happy. And when she is happy – so is her #1 assistant!!

Warm Wishes

Sue — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:50:24 +0000

Isn’t this little fellow just the cutest guy ever? I just adore his over-sized, fuzzy coat!

No snow here yet in Maryland, but the weather has finally started turning chilly. We are wrapping up the final days of school before the holiday break. All my little friends (and some big ones!) have been enjoying creating “Frosty Boxes” to give to their parents. I was so inspired by the Fairie Shrine I made with the mega-talented Debrina Pratt at Spellbound last month, that I just knew I could adapt the idea into something the kids could create.

The kids (ages 5-8, special education students) spent several days painting the boxes, gluing vintage looking pictures (thank you Pinterest!), creating little personalized snowmen, and then adding sparkle with glitter glue, snow glitter and super fine antique silver glitter (thank you Martha Stewart!). The “Frosty Boxes” came out stinking cute, I have to say!!!!! Art is such a wonderful medium to reach my special students – vocabulary, sharing, turn taking, following directions, not to mention expressing themselves creatively – so many opportunities to sneak in a bit of learning while creating something beautiful and unique.

Have a Sparkly Day!!

Casting a Magical Spell at Spellbound

Sue — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 01:42:31 +0000

Just back from the most wonderful and inspiring event in California – Spellbound-with the ever elegant mother and daughter team of Debbie Murray and Shea Fragoso of A Gilded Life. This is the first event of theirs I have ever attended, however it most certainly will not be the last! From the Welcome Dinner Thursday night featuring a pep talk by none other than Jo Packham of Where Women Create, to the last bit of shopping at the Rose Bowl Flea Market Sunday afternoon, this event was packed full of creative experiences, amazing projects and kindred spirits. The venue - historic and luxurious Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena – fabulous! The event featured a dream team of instructors for everything from soldering, needle felting and bead work, to collage arts and paper crafts. I signed up for 5 classes and can honestly say I learned something new in each and every one. My roomie and partner in crime for the 4 day event was Robin Sanchez. Such an amazing talent – her crochet work is lovely ( and I just adore the wrap and slouchy beanie she made for me!!)

A special shout out to Stacey and Cindy from Spellbinders. We had several classes together and they were so very sweet, not to mention hysterical and fun!

Shea and Debbie said that they are hoping to repeat the experience next year – same weekend and same location. I’m already saving my pennies – ’cause this event is one not to be missed!

Feeling Spellbound

Sue — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 23:46:26 +0000

So excited to be heading to California soon for the Spellbound art event put on by the ever elegant and inspiring Debbie Murray and Shea Fragoso of A Gilded Life. I am busy putting together my totes for the vintage trim swap, and have so enjoyed rediscovering hidden treasures in my stash – looking forward to sharing some and receiving some pretty bits in return. Deciding what to bring for the various classes is always a challenge, so I am gathering vintage rhinestone pieces, pearls, antique buttons, silk and velvet ribbons, and of course some of my vintage lace stash. Small vintage jewelry boxes serve as the perfect organizers!

I’ll be rooming with Silver Bella buddy Robin and know I can count on multiple evenings of laughs, art, lace, and of course glitter! I will return with a full report!

I Believe in Faeries

Sue — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 20:10:01 +0000

I while back I signed up to participate in Karla’s Faerie Book Swap. Each participant was to make 8 pages for a book with a faerie theme. All the pages get sent to Karla, and she then mixes and matches various pages from everybody to make each of us a book, featuring her original artwork as a cover piece.

I love projects like this, as it gives me a reason to dip into some of the vintage ephemera and laces from my stash. If I use them up, then I can justify getting more, right?