Aubergine

"Princess Emma"

I must admit, I had never heard of the regal hue, aubergine, until Stampington recently issued a call to artists to use this rich hue of purple in a mixed media or paper project for an upcoming issue of Somerset Studio. They asked artists to dig deep into their color palettes to use the color that has inspired royalty through the ages. We might call it eggplant, mulberry, plum, violet, or maybe grape. I call it gorgeous. They submit aubergine to be the queen of the color wheel. Maybe so, but you have to be a

princess before you become the Queen! I am a hard core Etsy buyer. It all began quite innocently. I do occasionally shop on eBay, but Etsy just has more of a draw to me. No bidding....just click and buy.

I began Emma by oxidizing a piece of vintage etched chain. I used 600 grit sandpaper to bring out the highlights in the etching.

I knew I wanted to use the brass pieces I had bought from several Etsy shops, beginning with a connector from Brass Bouquet, as the centerpiece of the necklace. This was also my inspiration for its name, as it was called the Emma filigree connector. Jill's 100% brass is all hand-finished AND made in the USA. This is a huge plus for me~being made in the USA! I decided to oxidize it just a tad more, again using my sandpaper to highlight the high points. I attached it to the top of the chain using two small oxidized jump rings, and just love how it rests there so easily.

Next, I simply began using all of my aubergine colored Swarovski crystals and Czech glass beads. The tulips are marbled glass amethyst beads bought from a new Etsy friend, Gypsy Spirit Studio.

I also added a sprinkle of amethyst nuggets bought from another Etsy favorite, UBB. Her fine gemstones are exquisite.

I did add a few vintage raw brass flower charms, which I also oxidized, from thatsmycharm. A couple of Vintaj natural brass findings bought at a bead shop in Kerrville, and a few Swarovski crystal rondells, which I oxidized.

But, lastly, I have to tell you, Emma truly began with the locket. My friend, Daryl, saw a previous post where I included a picture of the "princess" locket I had added to a necklace for a class proposal. She said she had many chains, and wanted a Princess locket. Yes, Daryl is a Princess!
This gorgeous Trinity Brass Company locket can be bought from Sharon at
Gypsy Spirit Studio. Doesn't it have the most beautiful aged patina? I did not even think about touching or altering it in any way. It is perfect just as is.

But, look inside. A little princess!

I actually had bought a large framed vintage photo of her with thoughts of using it in my class with Stephanie Rubiano. But, I just couldn't take the original frame apart, as it was well bound and I knew I could get a photo of her without dismantling the entire picture anyway....which I did.

I put her inside using The Ultimate Glue, and then gently covered her with a thin covering of mica.

I think I am in love with mica. And, oh yes....aubergine.
p.s. The vintage love letter used above, dated 1935, was purchased thru
Altered Paradise at Regina's Studio.

You too (2) can be a winner!

I hit the jackpot in May!

I was a winner of my friend Daryl's Pay It Forward giveaway. I received this box of lovely little things from NYC! So now, it is my turn. Here's how it works~

Leave a comment saying you'd like to pay it forward and I will randomly pick 2 comments. I will send a box of goodies to the (2) winners within the next month. THEN, those winners will want to pay it forward on their blogs, linking me to their Pay It Forward post.

~Simple~

The prize, or prizes, can be anything! Make it as simple or not..... as you choose. I will draw the two (2) names the evening of June 4th, so please leave a comment (be sure I can notify you) if you want to participate. Doesn't this little domino magnet from Tina have the neatest quote? I won it too (2). I must say, I can relate.

We went to our new grandson's home to play with him for the evening, while his parents went out for some needed together time. His eyes are the most beautiful shade of blue. And, he has a gorgeous Rock Hudson cleft in his chin.At 3 months old, he is learning the art of focusing.

Oh, to have the eyes of a child......

Cleo's Turquoise

This cross reminds me of a piece of jewelry Cleopatra might wear. Can't you just see Claudette Colbert with this around her beautiful neck? I think it has to do with the shape of the vintage rhinestone shoe clip I used. I added nuggets of turquoise, those that weren't perfect, but with uneven beauty. The Czech crystal beads are also vintage, with the most interesting and irregular shape. They were bought from a vendor at the last Gem & Jewelry Show. Also added, were wrapped Swarovski crystal rondells and several flat sterling silver beads with great texture.

This will make someone I know very happy.

Lost in the mail

In November I had posted about a new piece I had finished called "Cross my Heart". It was bought, by a very good blog friend, promptly shipped off and never made it. I was totally surprised. I could not believe it was lost in the mail. How could it be? It had never happened to me, and I've mailed alot of packages! I had purchased delivery confirmation and insurance, so I was covered, thankfully. After a couple of weeks, it became evident that it was stuck forever in limbo and was not going to be delivered. But, we remained optimistic. We waited another month, and still no package! I thought any day it would get to her. I just knew it would! I contacted her, and wanted to refund her money. She said, no. I could make another piece for her. The reason I didn't just make another one right away, was because I had bought only one of these beautiful crosses at the jewelry show. I would have bought more, but that was the only one I really liked! Now, I would have to wait till the next show, which would be January 16th. I looked online, other jewelry shops~none as nice as this one. So when January 16th came around I, of course, went to the International Gem & Jewelry Show. The very first piece I bought was another turquoise cross. Anyone who designs jewelry knows that no two pieces are ever alike. And, if you like a piece, you better buy it then, because you won't get a second chance. This cross is slightly smaller, so a refund is still in order. And, I bought more than one cross this time. I told her I would make it up to her in some way. I thought these might help. Thanks, Daryl for being so understanding. I hope you like what comes in the mail~this time I am using FedEx.

snow is falling

Last week we had snow in Houston, Texas. It fell in downtown Houston, and north and east of the city. I work downtown, and live West. I missed it completely. I got off work, and then it snowed! I would have loved to see it. The last time I saw it, was Christmas Eve 2004~it was magical! Our children built a small snowman on top of my Expedition. The next year I used a picture of it in our Christmas cards. We don't get snow this far south very often, so when it falls here it is monumental! It was such a big deal that a book was published called The South Texas Christmas Miracle 2004. And, then, More Snow ~ The South Texas Christmas Miracle was published. Both are beautiful coffee-table books, full of the most gorgeous snow scenes in Texas! I now see they are considering publishing a 5th Anniversay Edition in 2009. As you can see, we are really excited by snow!
Since, I missed it, I added it to my blog...thanks to Daryl, and her post on how to get it!
While online, I also pulled up this website~How to get snow in Texas. How much fun is that? Can you imagine paying for it? As much as I love it, I won't pay for it. But, I do love snow. Can you tell?

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I bought the above little bird, made by JoAnne the fabulous artist in Bellville, who filled Nothing Ordinary Antiques & Oddities with the most beautiful flock of birds! He is now perched in my Christmas tree.

antique metal rocking horse

"can i have the horsie in the window?"

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Daryl, once again, has inspired me to stretch myself with my photography. Thanks Daryl! She had posted a picture she submitted to a group called Paintbox Pictures. This blog is hosted by Tom Wigley, living in Hyde, Cheshire, United Kingdom. I am now a contributing member, and am looking forward to learning so much more from using Photoshop Elements 6, which I have had since Christmas (thanks again to my dh).

Above is my first submitted picture, which was taken in an antique shop in Uvalde last Sunday. It was the first metal rocking horse I had ever seen. I loved it, so I had to snap a quick photo of it before I left. I hope to use it in both a mixed media art project, AND in a piece of jewelry.

I wanted to share a few more of my favorite photos taken at Liberty Bar. But, mostly, I wanted to pass on what my very good friend Daryl, at Out & About in New York City, shared with me. It is Picnik.com. Have you used it? Have you heard of it? I may be behind the curve on this one. You must know, I have Photoshop Elements, and dearly love it. (Thank you so much my dear dh for this wonderful Christmas gift). But, it takes time to learn how to use that wonderful little editing & more program. Picnik is fast and fun. That is what I want~right now. So hop over there, and let me know what you think.

And, while I am at it....several weeks ago, Daryl gave me a sweet and wonderful blog gift. An award she designed, and gave to many other wonderful blogs she likes to visit as well. So, thank you Daryl. You are the one who deserves this award, as I daily read your words of laughter, life and wisdom at

Out & About in New York City on the M104.

(P.S. I have a few more awards to acknowledge, so please know that I appreciate and cherish each and every one of them...I am getting to you!)

Have a blessed day!