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…

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.

Shades of Gray

                     Misty,

Dull, 

Ashen,

Tarnished,

 Hazy,

Smokey,

Foggy, 

Shades of gray.

Age Before Beauty

The "Tole" Story

The term tole painting comes from the French word, "tole peinte" which was a popular form of decorative painting on metal from from 1700-1900.

  

This style of painting is referred to as 'one stroke painting'. Typical designs were often flowers, fruit, leaves and swirly swishes (you know that technical term). 

Early toleware used Japan-paint, which is a varnish-like paint that resembles an Oriental black lacquer finish. However, most of the toleware that we are familiar with, trays and other decorative kitchen-ware, wasn't varnished.

 



I've added rhinestones, gemstones, and various vintage findings to this vintage Toleware set (probably 1940's or 1950's).

 

 Listed soon, at Age Before Beauty.

Organized Chaos

Well, this may look like mayhem... or an I Spy photo... but it's really a sampling of some of the new/old/reconstructed necklaces that I'll be bringing to the Craft & Fancy Show here in Iowa City on Saturday, Dec. 4th. 

More pictures later in the week... busy, busy, busy!

No Peeking...

Well, okay... here's a peek at some baubles I've been brewing.

A detailed, tarnished, sterling silver steam fire engine tie bar...

An amazing Victorian lovebirds finding...

A royal ride...

An antique bangle bracelet...

It's bangle time...

and a Cinderella bracelet... Listing soon at Age Before Beauty.

Heart of Jesus

Since opening my etsy jewelry shop,  Age Before Beauty, I have gained a love and appreciation for old religious pieces. It seems fitting to incorporate them into my jewelry as the sentiment and meaning is so heartfelt. I especially look forward to introducing more religious pieces for the holidays. 

This necklace that I have just listed at ABB has the most lovely old scapular as its centerpiece. The image itself is behind celluloid and can slide in and out. The frame opening is cut in the shape of a heart. 

I've embellished a broken antique wood rosary with vintage moss stones, rhinestones, antique mother of pearls and vintage brass filigree beads. 

The Heart of Jesus at Age Before Beauty.

How Do I Love Thee?

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
 

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight 











For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

 

I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. 

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
 

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

 With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

Poem by--Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Jewels by--- Age Before Beauty