I've been crafting… now it's time to get fancy!

I've been busy making things for the Craft and Fancy Show… 

It will be this Saturday, December 7, from 10 until 5 at Home ec., 

which is on Linn Street in Iowa City. 

I'll post some beauty shots here over the next few days. 

Here are some new earrings… 

from old industrial brass tacks, 

to buttons, 

charms,

 and pieces of history.

I'm looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones! 

Enjoy the season, and thank you for supporting local vendors and independent artists!

Oh, and don't take any of those in the above picture…

Getting Ready...

Craft and Fancy 5 is this Saturday, Dec. 1st at Home Ec. from 10-5 in Iowa City.

 I always go a little crazy--- so many wonderful bits and bobs that I've collected all year long. And never enough time to make them into all the jewelry that I've imagined.

But my sore little fingers are trying...?

Hope to see you Saturday if you're local, and if not, hope you pop into Age Before Beauty on etsy this Sunday for new listings in my shop.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Inspiration and Creation

 A treasure trove of inspiration...

 Bit by bit,

Piece by piece,

Creating,

Something new,

From something old.

I'm getting ready for Craft & Fancy 5! 

Saturday, December 1, at Home Ec on Linn Street in Iowa City.

If you're local, and can come say hello, I'd love to see you. If you can't make it, please visit my etsy shop, Age Before Beauty, and feel free to 'convo' me and say 'hi'.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Tobacco Tags

After the Civil War, the demand for southern tobacco was in very high demand. The tobacco was wound, or flattened into 'plugs'. These plugs were shipped in wooden cartons that were labeled with the company's name. However, once these cartons were opened, one plug looked like another and it became very easy to pass off lesser quality tobacco as premium. 

Therefore, companies began inserting first wooden, then tin 'tags' into the plugs, so that they could be identified after being unpacked from the case. 

These were beautiful advertising opportunities for the companies and became one of the first widely available 'premiums' in the U.S. to be offered and collected.

The graphics on these old tags are phenomenal. 






The colors--- exceptional. 

 

I've incorporated my collection into some graphic earwear. Some will be listed at Age Before Beauty, and also at Craft and Fancy, December 3.

Thank you to all who have served, and are serving, to protect our country. 
Happy 11-11-11, everyone!

Event-full

The other day I assembled some of my assemblage necklaces for a photo shoot.

I'll be taking my wares to the Craft and Fancy Show here in Iowa City.

I get a little giddy seeing all these glorious textures and patinas together!

The show is Saturday, December 3, 10-5. I'll remind you again...

Several talented, fabulous, artists and craftswomen will join

Age Before Beauty at Craft and Fancy.

Please come say 'hello', and revel in a bit of the past.