A Perfect Example of Why I Love Working With Antiques!! There is Always Something To Learn!

The front of the fob depicts a man and woman, LE PERE 1846-1912 and LA MERE 1850-1940. 

The back of the fob has The Tree of Life with the words 'CULTE ANTOINISTE' in the branches.

Below the tree are the words: l' arbre de la science de la view ou mal, which translated mean: the tree of knowledge of the view or poorly

I was first drawn to the wonderful detail on the front of this fob. Little did I know that I would discover a religious sect, or cult as it is sometimes called, started in 1910! 

Antoinism is a new religious movement founded in 1910 by the Walloon Louis-Joseph Antoine (1846-1912) in Jemeppe-sur-Meuse (Seraing). Mainly focused on healing, the group has many temples in Belgium and France.

The group believes in a moral progression through reincarnation. They believe in a dualistic Universe in which matter is an illusion. They consider Louis-Joseph Antoine to be the "Father." This makes him, in France, the arbiter between humanity and God or even the reincarnation of Jesus. They tolerate other religions as they see them as detaching people from the material world.

This fabulous fob now hangs from 3 antique brass links with mottled green colored cabachon stones set in the center. The links were found in an antique store, just remnants of what I presume was a bracelet. Various vintage brass chain allows this to grace your neck at just over 16 in ( 40.64 cm ), a perfect length to showcase this attention getting necklace!

Absolutely One of a Kind

You can find this piece here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/60256855/fabulous-french-fob

Autumn Riches

I fell in love with this vintage earring and just knew I could create something amazing with it.  It exudes the feeling of Autumn!   Warm brass pinecones, brown beads, and just the right amount of sparkle, this would be a lovely addition to your fall wardrobe!

I'm Passionate About Passion Flowers

I received a start of the Passion Flower vine from my Dad, and although he is no longer with me, this hardy  vine faithfully returns and continues to amaze me every summer!  As soon as the weather gets really hot here in Indiana, up pops this lovely vine.  I  watch it daily, anxiously awaiting its beautiful blossoms.   I just wanted to share this with you!   Thanks Dad!

The story of the Passion Flower can be found at the bottom of this post.  Enjoy!

Passiflora incarnata L.

Purple passionflower, Purple passion vine, Maypop, Apricot vine

Passifloraceae (Passion-Flower Family)

This unusual flower is widely distributed in the Southeast, especially from Florida to Texas. The plants were given the name Passionflower or Passionvine because the floral parts were once said to represent aspects of the Christian crucifixion story, sometimes referred to as the Passion. The 10 petal-like parts represent Jesuss disciples, excluding Peter and Judas; the 5stamens the wounds Jesus received; the knob-like stigmas the nails; the fringe the crown of thorns. The name Maypop comes from the hollow, yellow fruits that pop loudly when crushed. 

Lady In Red

I love how this piece turned out!!  I found two wonderful mesh compacts in a local antique store and just had to have them!  They have been waiting patiently for the righ combination of other vintage components.    This is one of my 'Changeling' necklaces-- meaning, it can be worn more than one way!   It can be worn very long, or remove the bracelet to make the necklace shorter.  The bracelet can also be worn by itself.  Definitely more bang for your buck!!!
This will be listed later today in my Etsy shop!  I hope you like it!

Take A Chance

As promised! Who doesn't love a chance to WIN something and get a special discount!!! If you like my jewelry, here is your opportunity!!! A fellow seller on Etsy has featured my jewelry on her blog! Check it out to enter my giveaway and obtain the discount code. A big thank you to Samy for featuring my creations!
http://samyinwonderland.blogspot.com/2010/08/what-once-was-interview-discount.html

BED AND BREAKFAST

Today as I was standing at my sink and looking out the window, I couldn't help but notice two very loud and active wrens at the bird feeder hanging in the tree.  I also noticed that all of the other birds where eating seed off of the ground.  The wrens continued to be very vocal and stayed perched on the feeder.  Thinking that the feeder must be empty, I went outside to fill it.   As I approached the feeder, this is what I saw:

  The bird feeder had a lot of twigs!   When I opened the feeder, this was inside:

The little wrens had managed to create a BIRD BED AND BREAKFAST!   I guess they were waiting for BREAKFAST IN BED!

Very Eclectic

After over a year of creating my repurposed antique and vintage jewelry, I have come to one conclusion--  my choice of components is very eclectic!!  As I haunt antique stores, estate sales, flea markets and even the internet--I am drawn to many different things!   In fact, I have drawers full of bits and baubles just waiting to be called upon!!  Or, maybe I should say, I am just waiting for them to tell me how they should be repurposed!  

My creations all begin with random thoughts fueled by a song, a quote, a passage in a book, or the antique itself!!   Depending on my mood, my creations are sometimes glamorous, sometimes shabby, but always unique!

Stay tuned for more on my jewelry making process!!!  Below is just a small sampling of items just waiting to be called upon!