Vintage Valentine Jewelry and Art

Monday at the All About Home Link Party I featured a post with a wonderful piece of Valentine Art. It was created in the style of antique and vintage art pieces created with vintage jewelry pieces and buttons. Traditionally these were created with a black or dark velvet or velveteen background.  Often times we see these for Christmas in the shape of a Christmas tree, but this was done in a heart design that I absolutely fell in love with.

Fashion Finds for Summer

Hi Friends, just wanted to share a little post on some Fun Summer Fashion I've found. I love to go shopping, but lately I've let my fingers do the walking and just browse around the Internet. That can lead to finding some great pieces, and some trendy boutique items that are still at good prices. This isn't a sponsored post, just sharing some things I like and have purchased. I love to see what you all are wearing and get some ideas for myself. 

I like a bigger bag, no matter what the season. I have a lot of "stuff" that I seem to need to carry around with me: make-up, meds, contact lens paraphernalia, phone, glasses, sometimes a camera... the list goes on and on. I also like to change out my purses to match my outfit; color coordinate, especially in Spring and Summer when I tend to wear brighter colors.

Small treasures...

I've felt a little frustrated these last few weeks on the unpacking front. We accomplished alot last weekend in the garage organization, but now box after box awaits my attention. I can't do much of it on my own since I have to wait for Hubbs to be around to lift the heavy stuff. We've made so much headway, but then I look at what seems mountains, and it's easy for me to get overwhelmed. 

Violet Vignette

Just wanted to share a little Spring Happiness with you this Sunday.

I was going through some of my old Easter and Spring postcards and found a few that had Violets and Pansies; some favorite lavender Spring flowers. I had a few silk violets in a peat pot so I put together a little Easter vignette on top of my armoire in my studio.

Moss bunny in a wicker basket, a vintage fern mister, and a white matte vase with angel vine.

Last week I received a precious soldered necklace from my sweet friend Rita of Mammabellarte. It was one of those "just because" little gifts that make it especially endearing. Little Bluebirds are happily perched among roses. Rita knows how much I love Bluebirds. 

Someday I hope I can tell you how much you all mean to me,

your friendships are such a blessing.

Hope this put a little smile on your face today...

Happy Sunday, Happy Spring!

Joining in on these lovely gatherings:

Amaze Me Monday at Dwellings

Sunday at Home with Thoughts From Alice

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday from Coastal Charm

Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

The Scoop at Cedar Hill Farmhouse

Love Squared Designs

I think we all like to keep a positive outlook on life, even if our day to day circumstances might cause us to lose focus every once in awhile. Sometimes it's nice to just have a little tangible reminder of those dreams and attitudes we're striving to work toward and build on.

Today I want to you to meet a talented jewelry designer and really great gal, Lisa McKenney, from Love Squared Designs. Lisa and I "met" through my "Spiritual Journey" blog, and she has shared with me how she wholeheartedly believes in the empowerment and encouragement of women. This bracelet is my personal "word" of encouragement and truth from Lisa.

One thing that most of you in blogland don't know about me is that I really DO have a bracelet compulsion. Call it a fetish, an addiction, or maybe that I just really love bracelets...but I cannot wear just one. nope. gotta have a stack, and this one has been such a perfect addition. Each time I look at it, I'm reminded that God is there watching over me and that He really does call me "Blessed".

Lisa has lot's of colors, styles and designs in her leather cuffs;

 here are just a few.

Here are Lisa's own words as she shares about her designs:

"Ever since I was a little girl I have loved to create beautiful things. Throughout the years I have created in many different mediums, but I have always loved being able to wear my art. In November 2012 I opened an etsy shop and began to sell personalized soldered photo pendants and ornaments.  I loved being able to capture my customers most precious faces in a piece of jewelry. In February of this year I had the opportunity to sell a soldered heart necklace design to raise money to fight human trafficking. Over 500 heart necklaces were sold in a matter of 8 weeks– raising more than $11,000! I had the blessing of witnessing a miracle! I never imagined anything of this proportion was possible but God took my little creation and did something BIG with it!"

"This summer I expanded my offerings to include stamped metal and leather jewelry. I have repurposed leather belts and given them a new life and message. I love creating these custom leather cuffs with words that speak life and hope!"

"We all need words of truth and encouragement and what could be better than to wear a beautiful word on your wrist!? It's like having your own Wonder Woman cuff to remind you of your superpower! :) My heart feels most alive when I am creating a beautiful piece of jewelry with a meaningful message. I'd love to create something special for you!" 

I want to share and support Lisa's amazing shop Love Squared Designs with all my friends and blog followers. Lisa will be giving away one of her wonderful leather cuff bracelets or a personalized photo pendant to one of you out there. You can choose from her store, or have one that is personally designed just for you. Lisa is also giving a 10% Discount Code for your use during the month of October.

Here are the ways you can enter.
 Please leave a separate comment for each:

1. Head over to Lisa's Etsy Shop, Love Squared Designs, decide what you'd choose, then come back and let me know, here in a comment.
2. Check out her Facebook Page and sign up to "Like" for news and information on her designs.
3. Be a follower of this blog, Common Ground, and let me know.
4. And if you'd like to give this a shout out on Facebook, Twitter, or your own blog, just let me know for another entry.

Thanks Everyone!

xoxo,

French Inspired Romance

It's been quite awhile since I took the time to sit down and actually "create" something. My stash of old crosses, keys, and hearts have been calling to me to come spend an afternoon with them. Since Valentine's Day is just a little over a week away, I wanted to share a few of the new pendant necklaces that I put together yesterday.

Each one is different, and unique in it's own vintage way.

tarnished and well loved elements

with a past life...

mixed metals for some vintage romance

I've been trying to organize my cabinets in the studio, and I came across this wonderful old book that I'd forgotten about. A Wanderer in Paris  which was first published in 1909 by British travel writer and essayist, E.V.Lucas.

This copy was a reprint from the early twenties. It's in pretty good condition, with just a few signs of wear. One of the best things about this travel anthology are the wonderful illustrations and images of French masterpieces.

City map of Paris

Lucas covers all the landmarks and attractions of Paris of the day, but I thought it peculiar that he didn't have any illustrations or images of our favorite, the Eiffel Tower, except this one small faint reference. You can see it to the left of the illustration below; misty and almost unrecognizable.

Here is what he writes about the modern day quintessential Paris icon:

"The merit of the Eiffel Tower is that it shows you not only Paris to the ultimate edges in every direction...but it shows you (almost) France too. How long the Eiffel Tower is to stand, I cannot say, but I for one shall feel sorry and bereft when it ceases to domineer over Paris. For though it is vulgar it is great, and it has come to be a symbol....The Tower and I came to Paris at the same time, in 1889."

My dress form, Irma, is modeling for you.

Necklaces available in my Etsy Shop,

The Petite Boutique

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend, 

with a little French Romance mixed in...

joining in at
Coastal Charm
Savvy Southern Style
The Charm of Home

xoxo,

New Vintage in the Petite Boutique

Recently I found some wonderful old rosary crucifixes and religious medals, so with a few added charms and tags, I wanted to share the "new" vintage one-of-a-kind pendant necklaces that are in my Etsy Shop, the Petite Boutique.

I've also added a new chain to these pieces; 

a small link, but with a nice weight.

Love the antiqued brass.

One of the great things about these pendant clasps

 is that you can add on or remove the individual pieces. 

That way if you have some personal charms or pendants

they can be worn with the rest.

I also can put together a special pendant 

with your choice of elements,

just email me for info.

I'll be making more of these,

 just wanted to get these first few listed.

Seeing this pretty girl wearing my very first necklace listed on Etsy,

was what inspired me to make some pieces with a new look.

Thanks,  Anne...

(isn't she cute?)

 I'm linking up with my friends Patti and Paula

over at Ivy and Elephants

xoxo,

Celebrate Rhoda's 5 Year Anniversary with a Give Away

One of Blogland's favorite gals, Rhoda from Southern Hospitality,

is celebrating her 5 Year Anniversary this week.

She has graciously included my Etsy Shop,

 and one of your choice of my pendants as a Give Away.

These photos were taken last year,

but since they are a Valentine theme,

I thought I'd share them again.

I have the adorable Valentine charms again this year.

The Petite Boutique is loaded with goodies...

So run by Rhoda's and congratulate her,

and join the Give Away here!

I'll be having a 10 % off sale until Valentine's Day

just use the coupon code CGETSY10 at checkout.

XOXO,

Valentine Pendants in the Etsy Shop

Here are just a few fun pieces for Valentine's Day

that I have listed in my Etsy Shop,

The Petite Boutique

If you have an idea for something special,

 just email me or convo me at my Etsy Shop.

XOXO,