Wednesday, February 29, 2012

My Name

Over the years, I often get asked where I came up with my jewelry's name "In Small Spectacles."  It's from the lyrics to a This Mortal Coil cover song, "The Jeweller" off of their "Filigree and Shadow" cd.  My twin sister and I used to listen to this cd over and over again when we were teenagers and I've never grown tired of their music, even as an adult. 



I've always appreciated the simplicity of the cello and the piano, the mournful quality of the music.  I love the imagery in the lyrics:  a jeweler who appreciates that vintage patina and the scars of time are beautiful and permanent, despite his best, and physically painful, efforts to restore their luster. 

His work and late night craft are his worship offering to God.  Our praise to Him can come from even the smallest and dingiest elements in our lives. We are commanded in Scripture to “…do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.”  I try and do this too, doing the very best job I can in every bead and pearl I wire and every brass plate I etch.  It’s why I take pride in my policy that those who buy a piece are always right and if given the opportunity I will do whatever it takes to make them happy, even at my own expense. 

I enjoy the creative process and am thankful for its solitude.  To stay up late at night in my own space, listening to my favorite music,  pondering on the day’s events and meditating on lessons God has for me to learn is a pleasure and a respite from all of the craziness and chaos.  I am thankful every time He plants a new design or technique in my head and refreshes my creativity.

Hopefully you get an idea of what I'm thinking about when I approach the jewelry.  If not, you at least get a lead on a great band you might not have heard of before.

Sara 

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

New Listings

I just posted a handful of new listings and designs in the Etsy Shop.  I have been personally layering a lot of In Small Spectacles pieces with ones I had already owned and love the result.  I either layer bracelets on one arm or necklaces, never both at the same time as that would be a little over the top I think.  One piece I made recently goes very well with a strand of brass beads, pearls, or a simple gold chain:




This piece has loads of vintage goodies on it and is made entirely of solid brass.  It can be lengthened up to an additional 2" and is very versatile.  I'm going to make several more of these with different vintage charms, so be on the lookout for them very soon in the next few days.

Some other new pieces:

Amethyst and garnet art deco brass earrings





One of a kind commemorative brass medal necklace



A shabby chic piece with mother of pearl, river shell, and vintage brass.  Perfect for Spring!




As always, thank you for your interest and stopping by!

Sara

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Art on the Levee

Art on the Levee at the Newport on the Levee is now carrying In Small Spectacles pieces!  I am so thrilled to be in this space which offers incredible art in several different mediums.  Francisco and his staff are extremely friendly and helpful which is always nice when picking out something major like art.....and jewelry! 

I've included pieces I haven't listed on the Etsy site, so be sure and stop by!

Sara

 

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Belle Armoire Jewelry

Yay!  Just got word that the quarterly Stampington and Company publication   Belle Armoire Jewelry will be featuring one of my assemblage demi cuffs in one of their magazines (don't know which one yet).  I am so excited and honored as one of my favorite things to do is pour over this incredible magazine.  The artists and the pieces they feature inspire me to stretch artistically and learn new techniques. 

I'll let you know when the magazine is printed!

Sara

Friday, February 10, 2012

Sale

Valentine's Day sale going on now through February 12th in the Etsy Shop.  EVERYTHING 20% off with coupon code "HEART2012."  Had your heart on something special?  Send your sweetie my way and we'll hook you up!

Have a great weekend!

Sara


Monday, February 6, 2012

Vintage Keys

It's been a crazy busy the last few weeks, but I have managed to squeeze out some pieces that I am slowly listing in the shop. I've got more vintage cabinet key bracelets that are so popular and fun and edgy to wear:

Austrian crystal rhinestone brass chain and vintage silver-plated beads



Vintage solid brass beads, rhinestones, and champagne freshwater pearls


Vintage solid brass saturn finish beads and rhinestone disco balls


I also listed some silver necklaces with vintage crucifixes and antique brooches repurposed as focal pieces. 

I will be adding some necklaces with the large antique skeleton keys and vintage metal tassels that I wear almost every day.  Love them!  

Thanks for stopping by!

Sara