A soft spot for hardware

Patina.

When I am looking for hardware bits, patina is one of the characteristics that captivates me the most.

Even though there are many products on the market which can alter or enhance patina, finding a piece of hardware with decades of authentic patina developed onto it holds its own special magic.

These are some of the interesting bits of hardware I found on a recent antiquing trip here.  The shop had bins, boxes and trays full of hardware treasure.

I went looking with the intent on finding fresh vintage components for jewelry making.  However, some might eventually be used in other repurposing projects.

Check out the oxidation and style of this keyhole plate.

Isn't it grand?  I don't think I will change the patina a bit.

The one to right definitely needs some cleaning so it might be a fun piece to experiment with painting and altering.

I love the bits of paint on some of the pieces.  

For the pieces which have peeling paint, I like to give them a gentle cleaning and use Krylon matte sealer to protect as much of the original patina as I can.

A quick share of the simple vignette I made using the cabinet card found in the above referenced post.

I am still tinkering with it so I am not sure this is how it will stay for now.

That is the fun of it, isn't it? :-)

Thank you for visiting!

xo ~ Heidi

Glam goods, a new repurposed life

 

Always hunting for pieces to be used in new projects, I was strolling through a local antique store and spotted some interesting finds.

 

A simple band medal with the iconic state of Georgia shape caught my eye.

I would love to know the history/people behind this piece. What instrument did they play? What school did they go to? What memories did this medal hold for them?

What would they think if it was repurposed on a charm bracelet or on a necklace, a life outside a box or drawer?

 

 

The gold compact still has a mirror and makeup cake pan attached.

Once used for everyday glam, it now holds potential for a new life.

I have special plans for this one - with the makeup cake pan removed. ;)

 

 

One of the most interesting items was this small case. (approx 2" in length)

 

 

A little push of a spring revealed a teeny lipstick case.

On the reverse of the case is a beveled mirror.

Lipstick is no longer manufactured to fit such tiny cases.

However, with the help of a Dremel, I have created a hole in the top to begin it's new life as a jewelry component.

I love that the woman who wears it will have something both charming and functional.

 

Of course, I could not pass up a wonderfully priced jewelry box.

More economical than some of the plastic art bins, it will live a repurposed life as bit and bauble storage in my studio.

 

 

What fun finds have you come across lately?

Thank you for visiting! xo ~ Heidi

Caged Hollywood Beauty

The talented Molly Jacobs of Fleur De Bee  both designed and assisted in the production of a 2012 Emmy VIP Awards party.  In this role, she seeks out unique finds and talented artists to sponsor goody bags for the event. 

She also has hosted numerous give aways to share her finds and sponsors with all of us!

Rochelle Gaukel of What Lola Wants Lola Gets is one such artist whose jewels was showcased in this Hollywood event.  If you get the chance, you must stop by her blog to see her incredible work!

When I saw Rochelle's gorgeous birdcage and nest necklace on Molly's blog, I quickly tossed my name in the hat, fingers crossed.

I am beyond excited to say I was selected as one of the winners for her stunning jewelry!!

Her work is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!

Beautiful details - I adore the sparrow charms and freshwater pearls.

The detail on the chain is amazing too - twisted, antiqued brass beads.

Check out her soldering work on the birdcage pendant - incredible!

Thank you Molly and Rochelle!!

I am completely smitten with this beauty and can't wait to wear it!!

Molly regularly hosts giveaways for various events and shares her beautiful art on her blog, Fleur De Bee.

Please stop by to say "Hi" and tell her I sent you!!

xo's sweet sugahs ~ Heidi

Wishy Washi

Paper tape and washi tape ~ they are like chips, you don't want to have just one.

When I heard a scrapbook expo was coming into town, washi tape was at the top of my list of supplies to hunt for.

I have loved using paper tape in different projects, even scrapbooking.

7Gypsies makes the paper tape with the words, fronds and florals.

I love their soft colors and interesting graphics.

I am not sure who makes the tape measure and hand tape.

You know I could not leave without the tape measure, right?

I adore the way Hope Wallace of Paper Relics uses washi tape to embellish and hinge elements of her art journals (click here for a peek).  Her work is amazing!

She offers wonderful journaling classes and posts free vintage images on her blog.

Wishing for more washi tapes?

Pretty Tape offers a wide array of washi goodness.

Thank you for stopping by!

xo ~ Heidi

Happy Summer!

***cricket noises*** 

Hey, is anybody still here?  I promise, I am still here ;D 

I put the pause button on the regular schedule for a little bit of this

and definitely some of this!

With a whole heaping cup of this . . .

Here is a pic of William and Alex slowing down to taste the sweet life at  Back in the Day Bakery in Savannah, GA.

If you are ever in Savannah, you must make a trip to Bull Street to visit Cheryl and Griff's scrumptous bakery!  The red velvet cupcakes are too die for!

The ambience is enchanting and vintage inspired.

Strolling through the parks and squares.

Thanks for stopping by sugahs!  I hope you have had a great summer filled with doing the things you love. 

I have some fun things in the works.  I will post some pics soon!

xo's ~ Heidi

Tidying teacups

Lately, I have been able to squeeze in a few minutes here and there to tidy some teacups and a few other random things like this curvy mirror.

It measures about 5x7 inches which makes me wonder if it was used as a shaving mirror

or maybe for a vanity.

The mercury glass tealight holder splashes light against the mirror when I light it at night.

At a recent trip to TJ Maxx, I scored this super cheap and super chic wire basket.

I knew I could find something to corral in it {like our pile of napkins}.

 And, there were other sizes too!

If you need a pretty basket to hold towels, art supplies, toys, get over there quick!

{sidebar tip -- their reusable shopping bags are usually cute only cost a dollar = cute gift bag for cheap}

Many years ago, I found some German morning glory placecard holders.

They are just too pretty to keep in storage.  Not only do they make sweet placecard holders for a tea but they also make beautiful beverage or dish markers.

I have been culling out alot of what I don't use {yay Goodwill and some happy friends} and trying incorporate what I love and use more in my decor.

While some people may love a china hutch filled with chintz, I think my love would be Limoges.

{pale, delicate pastel flowers, and curvy designs}

A petit Limoges tureen and some butter pats - the butter pats have also served as tea bag rests.

One of my dearest and best friends, Kelli, gave me this soup bouillon cup (my first one!).

The pale green wash is a perfect backdrop to the handpainted flowers.

Wouldn't a shrimp bisque be pretty in this one?!

Here is a closeup of the handpainted flowers and gold flourishes.

What spaces have you been tidying up that you love?

Thanks for stopping by sweet friends!

xo's ~ Heidi

Baby It's Cold Outside

I am shaking off the chill with a little Anthropologie love!

Love this bib necklace . . .

a little sunshine to melt a girl's heart . . .

snuggle up with this dreamy sweater {i have been loving lots of charcoal lately!}

Keep warm friends!