The Gift of Creating

It always drives me nuts when people don't appreciate homemade gifts,local artisans, or antiques. Growing up in the antique business, I learned how unique and special things are. I have always appreciated it. Doing something creative with old things is really special, I think. Being able to look at an object and picture it created into something else...kind of amazing. A lot of people ask me when I wear my key jewelry,"what is the key to?" They usually reply with a corny line like, "to your heart?" I actually have no idea what the keys go to. I can distinguish which keys are clock keys, doors keys, and furniture keys but I have no clue what particular clock, door, or furniture each key goes to. So I wear this key around my neck that goes to a door that is somewhere in the world right now and I have no idea where. The door has possibly even been made into something else. Kind of neat to think of.

I found some old tin photos and have been thinking of some designs I could make out of them and into jewelry.That I can tack onto my winter project list...

P.S. This is my favorite door. Adare Manor Castle, Ireland.

You Are What You Create

Long time no talk. It has been a busy semester. My Antique Key Jewelry biz has taken off. I have been doing craft shows and selling privately and have done great.Providence Artisans Market, Sandwich Artisans Bazaar, Pine Hills Holiday Craft Show... I recently went to a bead show and bought a bunch of new gems and have been incorporating them into designs. I also have been inspired by vintage items. I love to recycle and I think it is really cool that I am able to do this. I started using key holes as charms along with the key. I also started making pendants out of antique book pages and leather. They look really cool when they're finished! These pieces make great gifts and they can be personal to! Contact me if you're interested.
Winter Projects: Just got a sewing machine...going to whip up some leg/arm warmers.
New Camera on the way...much needed. Photography is sweet!
Learn to knit...in need of some beanies!

Be Well, Key Happy.

No Worries, Key Happy

Summer on the Vineyard...Found a fun hobby! I have been working at a Bead/Imports Boutique Citrine on Main St. Vineyard Haven. I love it. With all of the beads, tools, and everything you could possibly need, I have been inspired to start making jewelry. I asked Rusty (my dad) for some old antique keys (he is an antique dealer.) He gave me about a dozen and I have been whipping up everything from bracelets to necklaces to rings. Emma, the owner of the boutique has taught me a lot about clasping, beading, and consignment selling. I will start to sell my jewelry at Citrine hopefully by next week!! I have used chains, beads, wire, suede, rocks from the beach,and broken china to inspire my new line of jewelery.The keys are a hit! Maybe I will become famous and I will name it Rylie Lux. A few youthful ones are made with suede and can be worn as wrap bracelets (too cute.) The prices will vary.Check it out!!

Cup of T

For a couple of years now I have been on a mission to find the most unusual jewelry pieces. I have an eye for jewelry...and lately material. I have collected some of the funkiest pieces of jewelry that all fit my personality. Depending on what type of mood I am in, I can select pieces from my serious collection. My most recent collection started about 2 years ago. I started collecting mismatch, antique Tea Cups and Saucers from flea markets, yardsales,and antique markets. I use the Tea Cups to sort my jewelry. My collection of jewelry lives in my collection of Tea Cups. These Tea Cups don't match each other but that's the beauty of the collection. Sometimes I say my fashion advice is not following fashion advice. I believe this goes along with mismatching. With fashion in general, you don't have to match. Breaking through the "guidelines of fashion" is the best part of fashion. I like the way my tea cups are mismatch as I like the way I can wear yellow pumps with a silver dress. It's all about how you wear it. Mismatching is out of the ordinary...why blend in? Currently my tea cups reside on the top of my dresser; each one filled with something different. Cocktail rings, basic rings, necklaces, charms, bracelets, and earrings. Another Trick I have used in order to display bangles is using wine bottles. Wine bottles are fun. Besides the actually contents, the bottles can be really useful. I have a couple with very long "necks" which work perfect in displaying my bangles. (My bangles don't fit in my tea cups...) Looking for unique treasures is my pleasure.Thank you for tuning into a "Cup of T."

Lust Spoons

Sunday, I spent the day at the Marshfield Flea Market.There is nothing better than a steal! After digging through a ton of silver, I found two rusty spoon rings sitting at the bottom of the pile. Bought them for $5 each, shined them up, like new! Lately, I have been rocking big rings on my index finger, although the middle finger works too. My next purchase was a small wooden vintage bangle, flowered with blacks, reds, blues, and greens. I was rummaging through a big box with a sticker that said $1-$5. I bought the bangle for $3 and have been wearing it since. This vintage bangle works well with many other bangles or just by it self.I will pair it with an over sized T and jeans for the day. I will pair it with skinny jeans and black heels for the night.With the many different colors, I can wear this bangle with everything. The best part? It was $3 and I love it! Have got many compliments. One of the best thing about shopping for steals, which is my favorite thing to do, is being able to buy something that nobody else has.

In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.-Coco Chanel

Style is individualism mixed with charisma.