From the grave

I bought these ambrographs or daguerreotypes earlier this year at an estate sale. They were being bought up quickly so I told the guy manning the glass case to hand me any that he saw with hair lockets in them. I don't know exactly why, but I too have a fascination with the folks from this era and THEIR fascination with putting lockets of hair into jewelry, photos, cards and other mementos.

One tall looking fair colored guy has a bit of blue ribbon tied to his hair locket. I wonder if it is his or anothers. Maybe a girlfriend or lover.

There is a pair of men looking quite chummy. Brothers I guess, but the locked arms may suggest another relationship and my personal favorite is a modest woman in a floral cotton dress. 

Her photo contains two lockets of hair. One red and one blonde...daughters? or perhaps her hair when she was young and again when older. 

Still together, 100 + years later. Not even separated in death.

Pretty please

 

These are the pieces I chose from the vintage jewelry supply shop a few weeks back. Along with a few NOS vintage findings that I already bought, I put a few things together. Now, just to decide what pieces I will keep or eventually put up for sale? 

Shopping trip

 

A day can be lost at this jewelry supply shop in Dallas. Called 'The Rock Barrel', they have a small warehouse of beads from all over the world.

My favorite part however, is their library of vintage beads and findings. With a little effort and a lot of time, one can sometimes go through and put together a 1930s or 1940s piece of jewelry from beginning to end. All true vintage, all NOS.

Glass cabs, bullet fasteners and Czech beads are in abundance in long, pull out specimen type drawers. 

I managed to get a few things for myself and the shop. More on that tomorrow, meanwhile...If anyone spies a long lost piece or bead that they have been looking for...I will go get if for you.

Seriously. Any excuse.

A pumpkin for everybody

 

 Visited the Pumpkin House this week at the market.  My favorites are the Cinderella's, Peanut and Queensland Blues. Can't wait to make curried pumpkin soup, brown butter Pumpkin lasagna and

Pumpkin Ginger scones!

Fresh from the Farm

 

A few new finds that are untouched, un-steamed and unfiltered. A fresh haul from Dallas yesterday. A few will show up in the shop tonight, but others are being put away until after the new year. Can't wait that long on something that sparks your interest?  Give me a shout on twitter, Etsy or leave comment below. 

Also a new wall mounted hat stand...don't really know how I will use it yet, but this is her debut. I am all smiles on the inside.

Shop update

Sooooo, time to dust off the old blog here and finally do a shop update! Lots of Fall colors (although I might do a rebellious PINK update soon).

All available now in the shop