Wedding Wednesdays: The Ring

I guess I never fully explained the story of my stunning engagement ring. My Godfather, Uncle Carl (who was actually my Mom's uncle), was one of my most favorite people in the world. He was married to my grandmother's sister, and even after Aunt Alice's sudden death - and him remarrying - he still remained a big part of the family. Uncle Carl was almost 60 when I was born, but I still had so many connections with him. He was a typesetter for the Youngstown Vindicator newspaper for years. He would share stories of the newspaper industry, the deadlines, the changes in machinery, I found it all so interesting (maybe that's where my love of newspapers started?). I would write to him through high school and college and send newspaper articles I had written or photos I had published. He'd always write back with an enchanting story and how proud he was of me.

After he passed away in 2011, my Mom gave me a fancy black box, in it, a necklace. It was a gold choker with 9 graduated brilliant cut diamonds. My Uncle Carl had bought it for Alice and later had given it to my Mom, who wore it on her wedding day. My Mom recognized that I wasn't much of a gold (or a choker) kind-of-girl, and that the clasp was a little iffy, so wearing it in general could be a little dicey. She said that maybe one day I could use it as a ring, or trade it in for something I would actually wear. We kept it in her jewelry box for a year or so, then I approached Mike.

"I'm going to give you this and I'm not going to ask about it, or look for it, or say anything else...but if you ever wanted to use this as an engagement ring, you can." That's what I told Mike in late 2012 and didn't see the necklace again until March 2014, as an engagement ring.

photos by DCPG photography + design

Mike worked with the jeweler at Either Ore in Strawbridge who created a couple different custom designs. Since the diamonds were all different shapes (the one in the necklace center was the biggest, and they all decreased in size from there), it certainly wasn't an easy task. The diamond cluster came out just brilliant. After six years of dating, when Mike took the ring out of his pocket as he was proposing, all I could think was, "Oh my goodness, did he really do it?! Is this really it?" - concerning the ring, and not the actual proposal, haha. Of course I immediately snapped out of it and listened to all his sweet words, then the cheers of all the tourists who had gathered around our picnic on Colonial Williamsburg's grounds. It was certainly a perfect day, and the most perfect way to hold dear of piece of someone so very special to me.

Felt Brooches Galore!

If you don't have a Fairview Place original brooch adorning your coat or sweater, it's about time you do! We have tons and tons to choose from, available at Kitsch and coming soon to the etsy site. Now there is no reason not to own one (for every season).

Contact me if you're interested in a specific color or flower. They make great gifts, awards and even alternative wedding arrangements.

Autumn Brooches

Some nights I make things and I feel like I should probably never craft again. I will have to say that last night was definitely NOT one of those nights. Kitsch asked me to teach a class so we decided on Fall Brooch class (to be followed up by a Holly-Day Brooch class in December), in early November. I was kind of cramming to get them done so I could photograph, package and drop off to the shop....which never means a good outcome. Although, I'll have to say I'm pretty happy with the way these cuties came out.

These would make lovely boutineers, brooches or corsages for an Autumn wedding, a nice hostess gift, or cute stocking stuffers for all the ladies in your family. I'd be happy to take custom orders :)

I may make another batch tonight for Glass Gardens to showcase at the Portsmouth Farmer's Market, which is every Saturday at 10 a.m. Stay tuned for class details, or check Kitsch's class schedule for updates.

Momentairly Obsessed With...

retro spring dress.  I'm absolutely dying for Spring over here. I'm over tights and scarves and the bitter cold mornings. I just want to slip on a sundress and get my bare legs under those warm rays. Until I can do that, this dress takes me to that place.

wraparound watch.  Yeah, I know, I already have a gold watch. But, let's be real, one just isn't enough. And I bet this would fit perfectly in one of those little plastic Easter eggs. I wouldn't even ask for multiple eggs, just one!

JT's 20/20 experience.  Mike was the most awesome boyfriend to surprise me with this CD earlier this month. Not gonna lie, it contains some baby-making music...but also some excellent Motown-style jams and I just can't get enough of!

illustrated coffee cups.  Aren't these cups killer? I am fantasizing about all the different designs I could create to cover to-go coffee cups...Wouldn't that be a super cute idea for cups at a wedding hot chocolate bar? Obviously I'm getting a little ahead of myself here. Also, check out this blog in general, great inspiration and beautiful design with every post!

cadbury mini eggs.  I have a love/hate relationship with these little sweets. I love them to death and hate that I can't stop after 3 (or 4, or 7). It's really the only Easter candy I can't live without (and does anyone find it a little disturbing to know that Cadbury is owned by Hersey?).

bling band.  I think there comes a time when you deserve to treat yourself to something very pretty and extra nice. And I think this ring could do the trick! Super cute and dainty, if there ever comes a day when I actually have a real wedding ring, it would stack nicely. Okay, so two eggs in the Easter basket, the watch and this :)

Thrifty Thursday

 I was bound and determined to get to some estate sales last weekend. I found, what I thought were going to be some real gems on Craigslist, but was disappointed. When I think Estate Sale, I think an entire house full of old furniture, clothes, boxes of old dishes and oddities galore. The first sale, which took me up to Newport News was the closest I came to a gem. However, it did not promise the "sewing and vintage buttons" like in the ad. I was able to convince Mike to come to the others with me and we found a few things we just couldn't live without. And I think perhaps Mike actually enjoyed himself!

I had to get this for Mike. At $1, even if it didn't work I wasn't out much. To our enjoyment, it works awesome!

I think we'll be seeing some new music cards coming from Leo Walker and his Great Dance Bands.

Inside pages of the band book.

Mike convinced me to get this Ginger Jar. After some research, I learned the peacock
design on this jar means "bounty." The woman who lived in the house certainly had it!

1946 Life Magazines. Only 10 cents an issue then, I paid $3 for two!

Canasta set, kinda like 500 Rummy, but you play with 4 people in teams.

The big gold necklace reminds me of a worm...a really fat one...which is why I just HAD to have it.

Newest Earrings

You know one thing I never mind? Late birthday presents. 

My bestie out in Portland sent me a package last week containing these lovelies, that she made herself! Aren't they fantastic? The long dangle pair are the perfect length and instantly dress up an outfit. And the little studs have my favorite color thread in them! She knows me all too well. I'm so proud of her and her new-found artistry! I'm also in the market for thin bracelet...

The Mirror Foundation

 

When I was in Thailand I spent a day working with a group of women at The Mirror Foundation. We spent time working on some prototypes for new clay whistle beads, the heart and a polar bear. I have had this heart bead in my jewelry drawer since I got home and have never once worn it until today... fits the occasion though. My plan was to do something like this, with the unique ribbon and extra beads. So far, that hasn't had time to work itself into my schedule...so maybe next year :)

My Grandpa's Watch

I've been holding onto this watch for a couple of years now. Even though it's too big and doesn't tell time, I love it. And find myself wearing it quite often. I always wonder exactly what "Thursday the 15th" it stopped working. Was it 6:20 in the morning or evening (date and time of when I originally got it)? Did my Grandpa pick out this watch? Was it a gift? I suppose I could figure out what Thursday that was, but as for the other questions, I'll never know.

I recently decided I wanted it fixed and suggested to Mike that be my birthday present. Three links out and a new battery, how easy of a birthday present is that? I knew he was going yesterday to the watch store so you can imagine my excitement to come home yesterday and see my brand new working heirloom. Right? Wrong. Turns out the watch is broken and a new battery won't do the trick. There is some mechanical issue that'll cost - get this - about $250! I was a little surprised how sad I felt when I heard that, but am positive my Grandpa never would have paid that much for a working watch to begin with. So, it'll remain my non-working mens watch, but at least now it fits!

New Arrivals

 

I'm very excited to announce we've added a new artist to Fairview Place, my sister, Adrienne. For years she has been making adorable little bracelets for me and my friends and she's finally taking my advice and going to sell them. Her most recent handiwork has been named Cosmic Bracelets (the dark collection). I love that no two bracelets will ever be the same. She's collected these beads from all of her worldly travels, which make the final product even more unique. Get 'em while you can...she's leaving for another journey soon and we'll be out of stock until she gets back :)

Check out the set of three and set of two.

Something for the Guys!

We're excited to finally offer a little something for guys in our shop (not that the guys couldn't do a little shopping for the ladies - or children - in their lives)! I acquired some vintage cuff links, tie pins and money clips when I was home for the holidays and am so excited to get them in the shop.

They make a great Father's Day present, wedding or best man thank you or even for the upcoming Valentine's Day. Check out the new selection and happy shopping!

New Creations!

My holiday creations are coming a little later than I had hoped, but nevertheless, they are here! I'm excited to show off my handmade felt brooches with vintage buttons and ribbon (collected and bought at a local estate sale!). These make perfect gifts for those hard-to-buy for ladies in your life and dress up an outfit without looking like you're going to an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party :)

I've started out with just five different pins to see how well they do at Kitsch. If they go over well, I may just have to continue them for other seasons! They'll be at the shop later today and are retailing for only $7 a piece. If you have a special request, feel free to contact me and we'll work out something perfect for your needs.

BSqaured Creations

A little while ago I received a package from my bestie with a pair of these amazing earrings inside (along with a super fun handmade card/booklet). Do you see what they are? That's right! Gift cards! They are an original design from Brittany Barkdull of BSqaured Creations. You wouldn't believe how many compliments I get every time I wear them and I should, because they are so darn unique!

Brittany just recently launched her very own Etsy store where you'll find an assortment of these love-at-first-site earrings and her (also very original) photo slide lamp shades, although these cuties will only be available for local pick-up.Those will be coming soon - I have to give you something to look forward to!

Thrifty Thursdays

A big thanks to my friend Krista who went to a great estate sale with me last weekend in West Ghent. She was the one who first spotted the cabinet full of buttons, which I immediately snagged. The whole cabinet was suppose to sell with all the contents, but I worked a deal for all these buttons for only $9. The condo has not been updated since probably, 1963, but I find comfort and a little excitment in 'old house smell.'

This isn't even all of them! I've already set aside a bunch (and snaps and pinking sheers) for Kitsch's next swap meet. Aren't those big green ones amazing? I can't wait to attach those to some hair clips! In a quick estimate I got more than 100 buttons...there were also many more in a separate jar we found in random box.

The thing I admire most about the older accessories, is the packaging. The typography and colors are fantastic. Now everything is just boring white...no design excitement!

I also found these super retro book name plates in a pile of paper goods. A bag of four different designs for $1. I haven't decided what I'm going to do with them...well, I know a few will be going to Thomas for his book collection. There was a huge box of various-sized envelopes, loads of illustrated postcards with greetings for every occasion and party invitations. It's a good thing we were on our bikes, or that box would be wiggling itself into my closet somehow. All in all, it was a nice morning ride with lots of vintage goods in tow. Not to mention, lots of new earring accessories coming soon!

Thrifty Thursday

If you have a piece of cork, use it to stabilize
your earrings while they dry!

I found these cute stud earrings on Etsy, but I knew I could make them myself somehow (not being real gold, of course). So when I came across this tutorial I knew it was meant to be. I've been in need of some silver earrings and just so happen to have this silver metallic paint left over from a King Tut box I made my mom years ago (just go with it).

I spent about $4 on both bags of wood plugs and already had everything else. Not bad for what could be up to 18 pairs of earrings.

Where's what you do:

1. For the big plugs, you can easily hold and paint around the tops. Wait till the top dries and paint the bottom.
2. The smaller plugs are a bit harder, since there is no lip to hold onto, and they are just plain small! I glued the earring post to the stud before painting.
3. However, here's the problem I ran into...the superglue was soaking immediately into the wooden plugs. So, I ended up painting the bottom of the plugs, covering with the nail polish, gluing the earring post on, then finally painting...completely backward!

Whichever way you decide to do it, is fine...continue here...
 

4. Give the stud a couple layers of paint. Jazz it up with a stripe, or polka dots.
3. After the paint dries, give it a top coat with clear nail polish to protect it from chipping and to give it that extra shine. Let dry completely.
3. Use a jewelry adhesive or super glue to adhere the earring post onto the back of the wooden stud.
4. Repeat until you've made enough earrings for every day of the week - or month!

Just Had to Share..

Reason #236 why I love collecting, buying and selling vintage and antique goods. It just warms my heart to know the little things in life can evoke such wonderful memories and feelings.

From a Indiana girl who bought this locket last week from the shop:

You will never know how much this means to me. My Grandma recently died and she left me this locket. It has a picture of my Grandma on one side and my Grandpa on the other. My Grandpa died in 1999, after having a series of strokes starting in 1991. My Grandma being a nurse took care of him at home, on her own that whole time. He ended up a vegetable really and totally helpless. But many years after that she was going through her jewelry with me because I design jewelry and she wanted my opinion on some things. We found this Avon locket and I opened it up. My Grandpa was grumpy to say the least, but here was this picture of him not only healthy but smiling. Grandma said he had just given her the locket for some holiday or another. She was an Avon addict. And then she said I could have it and I burst into tears right there. I didn't want to take it because there are so few pictures of him smiling. She just made me promise that when she passed I would put a picture of her smiling next to him in the locket. And then last year she passed away suddenly. It was a horrible shock to our whole family. She was the glue that kept us all together. When I got the locket out months later, hoping it would help my grieving process, I was horrified to find it was falling apart. I have been looking for a locket the same size to replace it with, so I wouldn't have to cut the pictures smaller and damage them,but I had no luck.

Only now, more than a year after her passing, did I think to look for the exact locket. I was so elated to find you had one and in great condition. It will mean so much to me to be able to put my Grandparents pictures in it and I can only hope it helps a little bit with the devastation I still feel.

Thank you is all I can say. I can't wait to receive the locket.

Start Shopping!

I've been tossing around the idea of making Fairview Place an all handmade shop, since my felt food and books have been doing pretty well online and in the local market. In reality, I know I will still peruse my beloved thrift stores for those one-of-a-kind finds. I also know I won't pass them up, therefore, Fairview Place vintage will always remain.

With that said, I want to free up some space in my Fairview Place closet for new goodies (and the excess felt food), so I'm having a big Summer Sale. Some items are up to 50% off! Jewelry, bags, house goods...I want it all to go!

Thrifty Thursdays

I saw these adorable little earrings on Etsy and thought about the gobs of bias tape I have collected throughout the years. Then I thought, what an easy and inexpensive DIY for today! This project cost me absolutely nothing, but even if you had to buy everything you'd probably spend about $6 and have 40 pairs of earrings (of the same color since bias tape comes in 2-yards of one hue).

You'll need some bias tape, a hot glue gun, earring studs and backs. The yellow and white tape is vintage - from my Grandmother. And the teal is from a package project I did back in January and is from South Africa!

The steps are easy. 1) Cut two strands of bias tape 4-6 inches long (depending on how thick your tape is and how big you want your earrings). 2) Tie a knot at one end. 3) Put some glue on the tape and wrap around in any direction. 4). Hot glue the earring studs onto the back of the earring.

And voila! You have earrings....in less than 10 minutes!

Thrifty Thursdays

Alliance is the mecca of button shopping! I scored all these buttons for less than $5 from This and That outlet and antique stores downtown. And just when I thought I had enough, my aunt brought me her whole button collection! New Fairview Place earrings, hair clips and more on the way!

New at Kitsch

Dropped of my weekend creations at Kitsch yesterday, which should be available today! Trying out a new 'stacking' button earring idea... A good use of my mismatching buttons.

Also, some larger, more gaudy style earrings. Come to think of it, some way small dainty creations for the little kitschy girls as well. Hell, there is something for everyone, so just go check it out for yourself!

Thrifty Thursdays: Before and After

Today's updo comes from many inspirations...Me wanting a jewelry box, Emily's suggestion of making over a tea box into a jewelry box, Pinterest, and finding the right pieces at the thrift store. I already had the teal paint (from the buffet table), paint brushes, sand paper and nails, so I only spent $19 in materials:

$1.98 - spice box (top left)
$4.98 - jewelry box (top right)
$5 - spray paint
$5 - varnish
$4 - box of 50 cup hooks

The process was pretty easy for both and could be finished within two days (allowing for drying times). I made the mistake and bought the hooks in the small packages, but word to the wise: always buy in bulk!

 

You can find both of the jewelry boxes over at Fairview Place, and if you're local inquire about free shipping!