Etsy Front Page

In Small Spectacles' "The Dark Side Earrings" were featured on the Etsy Front Page.  It was at 3 a.m. this morning and I am THRILLED!  Here it is:




Many thanks to Lindsey at Creative by Heart for creating such a dark, creepy, and lovely Treasury that is perfect for Halloween!

Sara

Project Accessory

If you like Project Runway (I do), you'll probably like Project Accessory which premieres tonight on Lifetime at 10:30 pm.  The same formatting and concept like Project Runway only with accessories including bags, jewelry, shoes, belts, etc.  I submitted an application with photos/samples of my pieces earlier in the year.  They didn't call.

One day...

Sara

Flexibility

"Flexibility is the key to air power."  My husband with the private pilot's license says this all the time.  Things don't rattle him too much and if best-laid plans have to be abandoned due to an unforeseeable turn of events he trudges on without missing a beat.  I'm not so flexible and while I like to think I can roll with the punches, the truth is change and I don't mix too well.

But in this economy where people watch every penny, the extras sometimes need to have dual purposes and flexibility is a must.  This includes jewelry.  No one wants to fork over good money on pieces they can only use or wear once or with only one outfit.  A pair of earrings is like Thanksgiving turkey:  that bird needs to last a week.   

I got this chain belt and thought of ways I could give it several different looks.  Here's the plain belt:

I took the antique bronze swivel clasps I use on my beaded vintage metal tassel bracelets and added the large vintage metal tassels, vintage metal rhinestones and skeleton keys, and chandelier crystals:

...and thought they would look great not only on the belt like here:

 

....but these bad boys could go on my purses...

....and could give a face lift to all those keys I can't find locks for...

I have a few of these belts in my Etsy Shop here and the Vintage Charm Clusters here.  Go take a look!

 I think my flexibility has increased exponentially!  My husband would be proud....

Sara



Winter Wonderland

In Small Spectacles will be at the Winter Wonderland at Northpointe Elementary in Hebron, KY on Saturday, December 3rd from 10:00-2:00.  I remember what a magical day it was last year:  the snow was coming down, Santa arrived, there were craft stations set up for the kids, and there were lots great crafters/vendors to help you pick out something special for someone special's Christmas gift.

If you are unable to attend any of the shows I have mentioned but are still wanting to see the pieces in person, please send me an e-mail at InSmallSpectacles@gmail.com and we can set up a time to meet.  I also love doing custom work!  If you have a special button, a piece of jewelry you had as a child, or a cherished piece from someone special (even if it's broken), send me a picture and together we can work up a one-of-a-kind piece that will forever hold meaning for you. 

Have a great weekend!

Sara

First Impressions

I think presentation makes up a big majority of a person's opinion on anything.  A beautifully-wrapped gift draws oohs and aahs before anyone has even seen what's inside.  You can never redo a first impression. When I show my jewelry in shows, I like to use backdrops that are unusual and unconventional and enhance the age and patina of my pieces.  More often than not I find myself drawn to wrought iron and and trays which are great at setting up little vignettes among a larger display.  People like my displays as much as the jewelry and sometimes that is what initially draws them over.  I am often asked if a certain tray or antique lock set is for sale.  I thought I'd show you a few pictures I just snapped from the last show:

Wrought iron hand to display Madonna and Child solid brass rings.

3 tiered tray to display the solid brass etched corsage bracelets.

Iron tabletop folder stands for the vintage tassel bracelets.

Iron tray for the Madonna and Child solid brass necklaces.

Wood!  How did that get in there?!  Wood trays for the vintage assemblage necklaces.

More vintage assemblage necklaces.

Hoops hanging from more tabletop folder stands.

A cherub and vintage solid brass bowls for the vintage charm necklaces.

A treasure box full of Lockets.  Boy 2 is in charge of the set up for this portion of my display and is very proud of it!  Didn't he do a lovely job?

A mug stand for the mixed media vintage tassel and button bracelets.

I use wire garden bell jars to hang leverback earrings from.  People can pick them up, spin them around, and see all the earrings without any falling off.

More trays.

 Solid brass escutcheon bracelets and solid pewter key vintage assemblage necklaces.  This is my favorite tray.

Paris muslin mannequin and wrought iron mannequin to display the One of a Kind Chandelier Assemblage Necklaces.

As you can see, my love affair with wrought iron and trays has paid off as I just grab something from a counter or wall and incorporate it in my displays at shows.  As a result, no two show displays are the same. 

Still four more shows in October and November and pending ones for December.  Come out and see what display I will use!

Sara



The Crown Jewels of Hollywood

I'm kind of indifferent about Elizabeth Taylor as an actress and a person and wasn't distressed at her passing.  I didn't recoil anytime a movie of hers popped up while channel-surfing, I just didn't get too jazzed about her like some.  I guess the married-eight-times and having-an-affair-with-a-married-man thing is a big turnoff for me. BUT she was physically stunning at the height of her stardom and let's face it:  she had killer jewelry:

Said to be internally flawless "The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond"

33.13 carats, D color

(Estimated $2,500,00-3,5000,000)

The "Taj Mahal" Necklace from the 1600's and my favorite piece because I'm all about the tassels lately

(Estimated $200,000-300,00)

Snake Bracelet & Watch by BVLGARI

(Estimated $12,000-15,000)

The "Granny" Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels

(Estimated $120,000-180,000)

All of these pieces and more can be yours because Christie's is holding a public auction of Taylor's possessions including jewelry, clothing, luggage, art, and more.  So you were wondering what to do with all that loose change?  Now you know.

Actually, she has more than 900 costume jewelry brooches up for online auction with estimates being a reasonable $100-200.  Not bad for a piece of Hollywood glamor.

Let the bidding begin!

Sara

Birds of a Feather Fair

In Small Spectacles was a featured artist gearing up for the 1st Birds of a Feather Fair, so click on over to check it out.  I met Leslie, one of the founders of the Birds of a Feather Fair, at a craft show last Fall and she was looking for unique crafters to include in this new juried show she and the other co-founder, Misty, were putting together.  As they state so well, their show "...isn't your usual church craft show :)  No crocheted toilet paper holders allowed!"  Love it!  The BFF blog is featuring a different show artist every day, so as you can see if you head over there what they have put together will not disappoint!

All proceeds for the BFF will go to The Women’s Crisis Center located in Hebron, Kentucky.   A small admission fee of $2.00 will be charged.  Leslie and Misty's goal is to "...provide the Women’s Shelter with a substantial check to allow them to use the proceeds as they see fit to help with their operations. We will also take a portion of our proceeds to supply the Women’s Shelter with craft supplies (crayons, coloring books, craft kits, scissors, glue, glitter, etc.) for the children that often are with their mothers at the Shelter. We feel that through providing the children with stimulating activities that it will help in some small way
lessen the burden on their mothers and on their circumstances surrounding their stay at the
Women’s Shelter.

A representative from the Women’s Shelter will be in attendance the day of the Fair and will have information about the Shelter or information for those in need.  If you would like to participate by supplying craft items, please bring them with you the day of the show and we will gladly send the item with the representative from the Women’s Shelter."

I'm looking forward to this new show, I hope you are too!

Sara

New Show Added

I always think MOPS programs are a wonderful outlet for mothers.  Who doesn't love a preschooler;  their sweet songs, crafts, games, and excitement at learning something new?  What mother of a preschooler doesn't need a time of encouragement to arm them with fellowship and helpful hints to do their best in their most-important, and underrated, role as a mother? 

Here's a great way to support such a program:  The MOPS program at Mason UMC (Mason, Ohio) will be holding its 7th annual Craft Bazaar on Saturday, October 29th from 10:00-3:00.  In Small Spectacles will be there and I can't wait to help you pick out something beautiful and unique from the newest pieces in my collection. 

For those of you who don't want to cross that "Great Divide" (Ohio River), I say go for it.  Have you seen the Autumn foliage lately?!  It's well worth the moderate and scenic drive up North. 

Hope to see you there!

Sara

A New Store for In Small Spectacles

Cincinnati tri-state area residents don't have to wait for a juried show to view In Small Spectacles in person.  Patina at Home is now carrying a great selection of pieces to chose from:  vintage metal tassel necklaces with solid pewter keys, vintage solid brass beads, pewter Joan of Arc medallions, vintage brass lockets and chandelier crystals and much more have found their temporary home in this beautiful boutique that carries a little of everything.  One look at Patina and you'll see why In Small Spectacles jewelry and shop owner Patty Pfahler's wares are a match made in Heaven:

  

  

 Loving this bird just not the "Sold" sign

Patty's items are so beautiful and displayed thoughtfully;  you can really tell she's an artist.  And each piece carries with it that vintage patina only time can create. 

"...I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

Sara

New Listings

New shows, new stores, and now new listings.  I have put a handful of new pieces in the Etsy Shop.  Here's a sampling:

I think grey is a wonderful neutral, don't you?   

A great way to add sparkle without going over-the-top.

This solid pewter key necklace is a great way to add edge to an outfit.  And there are those tassels again!  These are the larger version of the ones in my bracelets I listed in the Summer.

This looks very Shabby Chic to me.  If I didn't have a house full of boys, I'm fairly certain my home would look like this necklace!  

These earrings go with virtually every other piece in the shop.  Actually, everything goes well together without looking too matchy-matchy. I'll be listing more this week including assemblage necklaces with more of those tassels and different combinations of elements, e.g. vintage rhinestones and wood.

Thanks for looking!

Sara