Sacred Cake, Vintage Assemblage Jewelry and Art by Jennifer Valentine

Antique Buttons Jewelry by Sacred Cake, and a Magical Happenstance Meeting to Share

2012-02-14T05:50:00.002-05:00

Victorian mourning button bracelet by Sacred Cake

For years I've admired them. Lusted after their perfect antique patina, their intricate elegance...their antique button mystique. I've literally sat for hours sifting through sale boxes of buttons perfectly sewn to little white cards...and when a bit more money permitted, asked the sales person to open up the case...aaahhhh the glorious coveted Victorian button case, sprinkled with Art Nouveau button offerings of carved mother of pearl and Bakelite...in colors I've never seen and beautiful Victorian Picture buttons like tiny scenes from an even tinier world.

antique floral buttons earrings for the Etsy Shop

For years, I wondered about the owner of the booth and how she amassed such an extraordinary collection. Now she was someone I wanted to meet! It just so happened that Nancy (her name) was there during a recent visit, restocking buttons as I came around the corner on the way to leave. I greeted her like a long lost friend. "It's YOU." "I can't believe you're HERE." I introduced myself and shook her delicate hand. (Nancy is in her 80's.) Well, to make a long story a little shorter, I practically invited myself to her house...yes, i did! I proclaimed that I was not a serial killer, that I wrote things for magazines and did her children want my number so they could check me out first?

antique cut pewter button with Water Lily


some of my exquisite floral Victorian antique buttons

I called her the next day and we made a date. I could hardly wait to talk with her more. The older generation has so much to talk about...so many stories to tell...and I love to listen. I wondered to myself on the hour long drive to her home if I'd be fortunate enough to make it to 80. Would I still be "hip"? Would I be set in my ways...? Be the crazy cat lover lady that already lurks inside of me?
Nancy is lovely with bright blue eyes and straw colored, wavy hair. We sat together for hours and talked of buttons and life and children, and more about buttons. We commented excitedly on the superbly detailed buttons I brought for her to see...I found it so amazing that out of the thousands of buttons Nancy has, she brought her favorites out to me in a small, rectangular glass topped box! That was it. Just one little box. I was amazed that she could limit herself to just that one...well, that one, and thousands more behind glass at the antique mall in Coloma, Michigan! (but those are all for sale)


antique black glass button bracelet by Sacred Cake

I brought a few pieces of button jewelry for her to see and we had tea and the best zucchini bread ever known. I bid farewell before the darkness fell. And it was just beginning to snow. Years ago, I would have just seen her there and politely told her that I liked her buttons and left it at that...I've learned to be more outgoing, to try to connect more with the world when I'm out in it, because my work is so solitary... and I have been dearly rewarded for it. It is funny that I've finally found my life's work, which I so dearly love, and it is such a quiet and solitary thing. I was always "the loud kid"...the one who always got in trouble for "talking to her neighbor in class." It has become such a remarkable gift, this "talking to my neighbor." I find it so easy to relate to people...to make them feel at ease.
I hope you feel that way when you come here to visit. I really enjoy sharing with you here and I am so grateful for your presence.

more of my Victorian button stash

Nancy has convinced me that I need to put some of my buttons on cards to show them off...to not ever use them for jewelry, and so I shall when time permits. Until then, they'll live in an old mason jar on my table, where I pour them into my hands and choose just the right ones for bracelets and necklaces and earrings like these...

antique glass button bracelet by Sacred Cake

vintage button and buckle necklace by Sacred Cake (me)

The song of my heart, made tangible.

And Finally, the Winners of the Assemblage Earrings Raffle and Sacred Cake Gift Certificate

2012-02-02T17:45:00.000-05:00

I'm still a bit "under the weather", but I managed to get to the drawing finished today using a random number generator from Random.org. Each person was assigned a number beginning from the number one and the first person to donate...to the last name on the list and their numbers. I used the random number generator to pick the twelve assemblage earrings recipients and the gift certificate winner. I already have your address from your Paypal donation invoice, so unless your address is different, no need to do anything but wait for your little package in the mail!

And the recipients of the peridot assemblage earrings in memory of Kimberly are~

Corey H.

Jacqueline M.

Becky's R.

Jennifer H.

Diane C.

Elizabeth B.

Karen S.

Juanita H.

Cheryl Z.

Heather P.

Susan M.

Cheryl B.

AND the gift certificate goes to Catherine D. ! (Catherine, please contact me through my shop at www.sacredcake.etsy.com to receive your coupon code.)

Again, my heartfelt thanks to everyone for participating and helping a grieving family in need. May your lives be blessed.

A Little Delay

2012-02-01T01:18:00.002-05:00

I am quite sick, so the drawing for the earrings will be delayed a bit...so sorry about that...
we make plans...
God makes other plans...
Meanwhile, why not visit my husbands lovely little blog and see what he's been creating?(click on the photo to visit)


Christmas Pears, by K. W. Morford

See you soon.
Jennifer

Assemblage Wedding Jewelry, My Brides, and Birthin' Babies

2012-01-29T23:34:00.001-05:00


one of "my brides" rockin' a hair comb & earrings from Sacred Cake!


close up...assemblage comb with matching earrings

vintage assemblage bridal comb, silver, rhinestones, and leaves

I always, always love it when i get a sweet little surprise message from one of "my brides"...I thought this particular photo was great! There she is, in her lovely wedding dress, wearing the assemblage earrings and the bridal comb that i made with a Rolling Stones jacket over her shoulder! Don'tcha love that?


Lovely Sam with her Brooch Bouquet (she made that!) (I made the hair combs!)

For Sam's wedding, I made these matching combs for her and her maid of honor, Danielle~

And I'm at it again with my favorite pallet of shabby whites and antiqued gold. I am particularly smitten with antique buttons. Have been for ages. They are like tiny works of art in themselves. Have I said that before? I'm sure I have somewhere along the way. I spend way too much time sifting through the buttons at my favorite antique haunt. It is like some strange form of meditation for me.

Forest. antique assemblage bridal earrings from Sacred Cake

antique Victorian picture button earrings from Sacred Cake

Lately, my days are filled with helping Em care for sweet baby Benjamin, my assemblage jewelry work, and helping my oldest daughter prepare for her baby shower...you heard me right. They swear they didn't plan it that way, this double grandma whammy thing going on. Benji was just born in November and little baby Vincent is due the beginning of March. I'll be there when he is born too. And I think that will be about all I can take of birthin' them babies for awhile!

our sweet grandson, baby Benjamin

See you again soon. Thank you so much for being here today!

Jennifer Valentine

My profiles:

Handmade Shabby Chic From the Hearts of Etsy

2012-01-26T19:50:00.000-05:00

I got a special package just the other day, from a dear couple in Idaho, who have an Etsy shop called KMHandyKrafts. When I found their little shop, I was instantly enamored by their original style and Eco friendly, shabby chic approach to creating. I fell in love with a precious hand made heart featuring a sweet little bird on a real branch, sewn to the puffy heart with the word, Dream~

front of shabby birdy heart

But that wasn't the best part. There was more on the other side! Hand sewn words, vintage buttons and precious beads made from antique papers...the time and attention to detail on this sweet little heart was obvious. Their work truly comes from the heart.

back of shabby birdy heart!

What really got me was the extremely low prices. I almost feel like I am taking advantage of them! (SO I sent them a big box of goodies from my stash!) If you need a sweet little hand made vintage something for a gift or something to make you smile that is very very easy on your wallet, this is the shop to visit. Mary and Kerry did not put me up to this post...I'm doing it because they make things that make my heart happy. And I want to share this heart happiness with you!


shabby chic pale pink draw string bag with antique photograph transfer

I love what Mary says about her shabby chic bags~ "I love to create my little bags with raw edges because I think it adds to to overall feel that I am trying to get. I love to use scraps and left overs-It is like our lives-little pieces that come together to make us who who are-rough edges and all. Stray threads and torn edges are a part of what I create and they are left because I think they add to the Shabby Chic Vintage look."

my wonderful extra "loot"!

Mary was so sweet to send along some extra gifts in the sweetest shabby chic bag I have ever seen...she sent a tiny little decoupaged heart box, some tiny doilies, a tiny vintage perfume bottle, a vintage metal child's spoon, antique skeleton key, and a darling hand made slide pendant that says "work of love"...well, that is so obvious when seeing their work.

There is no perfection, just honest creative goodness, raw edges and all.

little heart wall hanging

Last, but definitely not least, a lovely little wall hanging made with deckle edged paper, sewn with tiny beads, ribbon and vintage lace.

I feel completely spoiled, and ever so grateful for the extra love. As we "speak", the shop is packed with hearts for a Valentine's Day celebration...and everything is priced more than fairly, if you consider the amount of time they invest in each piece they create together. I'm so glad I stumbled upon their shop when looking for heart things on Etsy...I find myself smiling as I visit each new item...I visit their sweet Etsy shop every day now, to see what is new. I particularly love the handmade journals...such a joy!

these chickens give me smiles for miles...

Be Still, Listen. inside of shabby pink journal

I hope you'll visit Kerry and Mary and be inspired! (click on any picture to be taken to their shop)

Blessings and Light,

Jennifer Valentine of Sacred Cake

Apple Blossoms and Fences

2012-01-24T07:11:00.001-05:00

Kim’s passing haschanged me. Last night I dreamed of apple blossomtrees and skipping and running myfingers along a chain fence…I’d forgotten how that felt. I knew she was the reason I was experiencing thosethings. Winter is here in Michigan,and the landscape is wiry with empty trees and sheets of white. No wonder Idreamed of childhood and springtime…but even then, asleep; I was aware of her presence.

There is not amoment that is not infused with the knowing that it could have been me in thattruck, on that road, on that wintry day. Or any other day for that matter.

Each moment of my life has become more vivid, more detailed,more about love and loving more, and less about the lack of things.

Now there aretimes, like any human being, that I loose my way and the frustration of everyday life cowers over me. I grumble about this and that, like we all do…then Ithink of her.

And I wonder ifshe knows how she has changed the world in the leaving of it. I wonder if thatis ok to say. There are so many questions, as always, that I have learned toaccept. Questions that never have answers…like why someone so vibrant andlovely has to die and leave little girls behind. My sister and I were those little girlsonce. Left behind by the death of someone vibrant and loving, and left with the wonderingwhy and the unanswered questions.

Kim has put thecolor back into my life. She has infused each day with the intricacies and wonders of it…she has brought brillianceback into glints of sunshine through the trees and richness in sounds and morejoy in the every day moments that get lost in the day. For me, there are a lotless of those lost moments now. I have become more aware of my life and those moments…more absorbed into them…needing very much to braille them into the pagesof my memory.

I wonder if sheknows this. I want her to know this. Her passing was not in vain. She livesinside of me, so that I may pass that vibrancy of life and loving on toothers…and on, and on, and on.

It is a strangething, this grief. It is a muddy composition of sadness that catches me offguard, and an awareness of overwhelming joy and gratitude for the gift of lifethat I have been given.Each day; a gift.

Thank you, sweetKim, for your presence here in this life, so that I may be more present in mine,and in the lives of others. It isn't with selfishness that I say these things. Your passing was not in vain. You are not lost tothe world. You are forever a part of it; living on through your children andthrough those who will hold you in their hearts and minds always.

Generations are touched by the sun of your smile.

Thank You....Thank You.

2012-01-13T14:26:00.004-05:00

     The outpouring of generosity for Kimberly and Tim Jacko's family was more than I could have ever imagined. I did not expect that I would have over 1,200 raffle tickets to run my grateful fingers through. I visited Tim the day after the funeral. He asked me to thank you, from the depths of his heart, for your generosity and gracious gifts...he wanted me to tell you that he wanted the money to go toward something meaningful. I admit, I still get choked up, even trying to type the words...but I will, because you should know. He is using some of the money collected to buy Kim's grave stone. It is something that he would not have otherwise been able to purchase for her memory.
     When I went over to visit him and his daughters, it was very emotional for me...it was a bit awkward because I wanted to hold it together for the youngest. I did. But it took all of the composure I had. Kim was all around there...every single wall of their little home was covered with family photographs. She valued family. She valued togetherness and children and laughter. SHE was valuable. Tim said she was in the midst of preparing for the new year with a fresh start. She was rearranging photos, organizing cook books and kitchen cabinets...and I thought of how often I'd done the same, never ever thinking that I may never be able to finish...but all of that has changed for me. I think of her every single day. And I'm sneaky. I quietly let the tears go when no one is around and it is quiet (like right now) and before I drift to sleep at night. They are tears of sadness mingled with tears of overwhelming gratitude for the life I have been given. For the outpouring of donations for her family that I never expected. For the restoration of my own hope in humanity. For divine grace.
     Tim's daughter Shaylee is 14, and Kim's death has been so difficult for her. After leaving the house, I could not get her little face out of my mind. I saw myself in her, sitting there with the saddest eyes. I was transported back in time, fresh from the funeral of my step-father, who was the absolute world to me...he was every joy to me. I was 14. Just as Shaylee is...and floundering to make sense of something so senseless. It has been almost 30 years since his death, and I still get tears in my eyes and an ache in my heart with the missing of him. Angela (my sweet neighbor and friend) is actually making a birthday cake with Shaylee today, since her birthday is tomorrow.
I am going to put a donation spot on my sidebar here on the blog, for the family. There are still at least two weeks left until the drawing.

I just cannot thank you enough for your selfless gifts for Tim and his family. To everyone who contributed in every way, may your lives be blessed.
UPDATE: I am going to be giving away more than six pairs of vintage assemblage earrings. I received a generous donation from one of my favorite suppliers to make at least six more pair of Kim's favorite green earrings. Many thanks to Scarlett of Valclaws on Ebay for your generous donation of supplies!
I better get busy, eh?

Blessings to You and Yours,
Jennifer Valentine of Sacred Cake

A Heavy Heart

2012-01-03T01:35:00.003-05:00

What I am going to tell you is hard to hear. It's sobering. It's sad. It is real.
I met Kim last year through my dear neighbor, Angela. She loved my jewelry, I loved her smile and her enthusiasm and the way she looked at her little girl. I gave her a simple pair of earrings and you'd have thought I just handed her the entire moon...she was like that. She was feisty and bold and funny. She was a mother, a wife, a daughter, and a friend...

She was you. She was me. She was any of us.

Kimberly Jacko and her daughter May 2011

On new years day, she was gone. A snowy road on the way home claimed her life. A car accident that left her little girl without her mother, and a husband and family and friends drowning in grief. It was the first snow here, and after 8 years of life here, I know all to well, that the first snow always claims lives and injures people. But no one ever thinks....

There is a heaviness here, in this little town...almost like everyone has felt their own mortality smack them in the face.

Including mine. My grief is private, and tears spill in the quiet spaces of my evenings when the house is still. When I look at my young son...my tiny grandson...my husband... My head is reeling with constant thoughts of my brief time with Kimberly, what her family must be going through, the grief her husband must feel...the mental list is endless. And dear Angela, my sweet and kind neighbor, she is beside herself with grief...coming to me with sad eyes that I can hardly bear to see from such a joyous soul. They were good friends. And in her grief, Angela is gathering tangible and useful things from family and friends to take to Kim's husband and family to help. Kim was not only a mother to her and her husbands little girl, but step-mom to her husband's older children as well.

Kim and Angela 2010

Kimberly and Tim's Children 2011 (photograph by Angela)

I am asking of you something simple. Look around you. Count your blessings. Take a breath. Thank God for it. Call your friend. Send the unsent letter. Sing in the grocery store (or sing and dance, as I often do.) LOVE your life. Love the questions. Let go. Choose to be happy.

Kim and Tim

Tell your child you that love them. Call them now. Hug your loved ones...your friends. Make amends. Hold you husband. Your wife. Your family, your friends. Really notice the little things.

Live for women like Kim.

I have always believed in a collective good...that togetherness makes us stronger. That we should try to use our gifts for a better world.This is how I want to honor her on this snowy eve, and use my gifts to do so. It is all that I have to give. Her family needs the help.

I am asking you to please purchase a raffle ticket. All that it will cost you is one dollar. I am raffling off a gift certificate for FIFTY DOLLARS worth of merchandise in my shop, Sacred Cake on Etsy.
When you win, I will give you a special code to use for your gifts in the shop. You can use it any time on anything you'd like. EACH DOLLAR YOU DONATE EQUALS ONE TICKET. Each ticket you purchase increases your chances to win.

Peridot green necklace by Sacred Cake

ALSO, There will be SIX MORE lucky winners of a pair of simple, pretty peridot (pale green) crystal drop earrings in remembrance of Kimberly.

Kim's last words on Facebook were these~
"HAPPY NEW YEAR! Live well, be healthy and happy and appreciate all of your blessings!"

I am asking you to help me to help her family in their time of need and grief. Receive something special in return. A chance to win something pretty and a chance to make a difference...a chance to be a part of the collective good in the world.
Please spread the word. Click on the "Share this" in green letters under the post between the comments and the post itself. Then you can easily choose to share on facebook, twitter and a multitude of other ways.
Winners will be drawn on January 31st, for a 50.00 gift certificate and six earring winners. Remember that each dollar you donate equals one raffle ticket in the pot.

Shabby Chic Woodland Wedding Offerings from Sacred Cake

2011-12-31T01:55:00.001-05:00

healing hills collage necklace

shabby chic bridal earrings

original shabby chic woodland ring bearer book

champagne bridal earrings

shabby chic woodland card keeper

wedding lanterns

antique rhinestone bridal earrings

original shabby chic ring bearer book

woodland wedding card keeper

I've been busy with family, enjoying the holidays and doing some creating! All of these shabby chic woodland wedding themed earrings, necklaces, ring bearer pillow, card keeper and more can be found in the etsy shop by clicking the photographs, or right here:
http://www.sacredcake.etsy.com
See you again very soon!
Many Blessings,
Jennifer Valentine of Sacred Cake

Assemblage Jewelry Angel Ornaments, a nifty holiday project idea

2011-12-15T19:03:00.000-05:00

I had an order for quite a few ornaments recently and wanted to share some of them with you. It is a fairly simple project, that will hopefully stir your imagination as well!

What you will need:
large vintage filigree piece
photograph of a small face for the center
some clear plastic or celophane to cover the center
vintage jewelry parts and pieces
old buttons
old chandelier crystal (also found on ebay or etsy.com)
e-6000 glue (found at walmart, online, or at a craft store)
aged ribbon or seam binding
diamond glaze
sheet music or decorative paper

each one with crinkled aged seam binding ribbon hanger

each have different vintage chandelier crystal dangles

sweet little vintage boy angel ornament

Directions:
Cut the angel's face a bit larger than the hole in the filigree, along with a piece of mica, or plastic. I used a piece of old yellowed plastic on some and a piece of Mica on the others. Glue the circle of Mica on to the back of the filigree by beading a little glue around the opening. Place the plastic disc over the opening and clamp the edges with small clamps or press under a book. Be sure to put a piece of plastic, like a ziploc bag between the ornament and the book, so the book doesn't stick to your ornament.
Working with one ornament at a time, coat the plastic on the back with a coat of diamond glaze and firmly press the photo onto the plastic. Press out any air bubbles. Don't worry, imperfection is part of the charm!
Now, turn your angel over and add your embellishments. I used vintage jewelry parts and pieces, antique mother of pearl buttons and seam binding ribbon that I aged myself with walnut ink. Be sure to wear safety glasses when removing the backs from old jewelry.
E-6000 glue is self leveling, so the backs of your vintage parts do not have to be completely flat, though it helps to sand them down as flat as possible. I use a dremel tool, but a basic metal file works well too.
For the backs of the ornament, I glued on a square of scalloped vintage sheet music to cover.


antique little girl's face ornament

If you don't want to cut an old photo, just make a copy of it on your computer, like I did. I used three different sweet little faces for my angels. You can even make these with photographs of your own children or ancestors...these are too cute to store away after Christmas! They make very cute decor wherever you need a bit of cheer and sparkle!
***If you'd like me to create one for you, just leave a comment with your email address (it will absolutely not be published), and how many you'd like. The price is 18.00 each plus 3.00 to ship, and will be billed to you by my business Paypal account through the email address you provide. I can most certainly make these with any photograph you'd like, or the ones I have shown here. Each one will be one of a kind!

antique angel baby ornament

Stay tuned for more holiday projects!
Blessings and Light,
Jennifer Valentine of Sacred Cake

Nine and Fifty Swans and My Bum Pinky

2011-12-07T20:26:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I was off to the neuropsycholigist for testing to see what might be the issue with my failing memory and increasing issues with peripheral neuropathy (progressivve nerve damage in hands and feet). I was early and the view of the lake in Paw Paw was so beautiful.~

Seeing the swans gliding on the water made me think of my first ever college class. It was British Literature. I loved it. I would walk through the Bellevue Community College campus near Seattle, Washington and tears would leak from my eyes with the amazement and the gratitude for finally being there in that place. College meant more to me than anything in the world. I was a high school drop out, and 17 years later, the longing to learn...to be taught...was finally no longer a longing, but a reality. We studied names I'd never heard before...Yeats, Housman, Wilde....and it was unforgettable.

I wanted to share with you, a favorite poem of mine by William Butler Yeats~

The Wild Swans at Coole

THE TREES are in their autumn beauty,
The woodland paths are dry,
Under the October twilight the water
Mirrors a still sky;
Upon the brimming water among the stones	5
Are nine and fifty swans.

The nineteenth Autumn has come upon me
Since I first made my count;
I saw, before I had well finished,
All suddenly mount	10
And scatter wheeling in great broken rings
Upon their clamorous wings.

I have looked upon those brilliant creatures,
And now my heart is sore.
All’s changed since I, hearing at twilight,	15
The first time on this shore,
The bell-beat of their wings above my head,
Trod with a lighter tread.

Unwearied still, lover by lover,
They paddle in the cold,	20
Companionable streams or climb the air;
Their hearts have not grown old;
Passion or conquest, wander where they will,
Attend upon them still.

But now they drift on the still water	25
Mysterious, beautiful;
Among what rushes will they build,
By what lake’s edge or pool
Delight men’s eyes, when I awake some day
To find they have flown away?	30

I am praying that "they" find out what is wrong with my hands. I try not to fear the worst...which is, that they are going to leave me the same way my feet have. The pinky on my left hand is almost completely numb...I call it "my bum pinky"...it is frustrating to type with it, but it really hasn't affected the work with my hands, for which I am SO grateful. I keep my focus on abundance. Not lack. Finding gratitude for the little things is so cathartic...and lately, so is much prayer.

self portrait

I'm thinking about my "word" for the upcoming year...I didn't choose one last year, like a lot of people in the blog world did and I felt kind of "nekkid" without it this past year. I think maybe I need more than just one word for the new year...embrace, grace, and self love.
Lord will someone give me some kind of spackle recipe for my dark circles?

My Talisman, the first Assemblage Necklace, and my dear Vintage Photo Booth Photos for You to Use!

2011-12-03T08:33:00.001-05:00

my dear sweet talisman

She smiles and says, something is coming...it is a secret that I can hardly keep, but it's good. It's really really good.Wait for it. Just wait. and keep going. Do what brings you joy. Because you only get this one wild and crazy life. This is not a dress rehearsal. Hold on to your child-like wonder, your creativity, your smile.

I found the vintage photo booth picture of her while dumpster diving after the residents of a small house fire began clearing their basement. I spent hours that day foraging for old books, photographs, antique lace and scraps...it was the most amazing "dumpster dive" I had ever encountered. (and I've had many. My children will unabashedly attest.) I went back for one more look when the throw away frenzy came to an end...and there she was...at the very, very bottom of the bin. A bit wet. A bit dirty. A little lost and forgotten.
I took her home.
I began making my assemblage jewelry a few years ago after I purchased a huge 20 pound box of junk jewelry parts from Ebay. I made that necklace first, and sealed her sweetness inside of it.
She is my talisman, when i feel the prying fingers of doubt and dismay pulling at my spirit. I wear her, and she brings me joy. She reminds me that anonymous wholesale or warmly known, the work of my hands will still be out there...touching lives...bringing conversation or compliments, or making women smile at themselves in the mirror. That's what it is all about, she tells me. It's about touching lives. It's about what we leave behind. it's about bringing joy and helping you feel pretty and brides feel beautiful on their most special day~

one of lovely "my brides" Celeste, wearing Joyous earrings. click image to see

So sweet that she has the same beautiful smile that the girl in my talisman has...and her photo and sweet words came along just when I needed reassurance that what I do for a living is significant and relevant in this world.

Ann, vintage photo booth photo

Would you like to make something with some of my collection of vintage photo booth photographs? The collection below was given to me by a sweet friend recently. They were all neatly displayed in a large photo album. Each photo booth photo was labeled underneath with the name of the person. I gently removed them from the album one by one, and wrote the name on the back of each so that I could know their names and return them to the proper spot in the book. I adore these types of photographs, and have been collecting them for years.
The one for my talisman necklace is the original photograph that I sealed with resin. You may use these for a project as well, but be sure to seal the photograph with something like matte medium before using the resin, so the photograph doesn't bleed.

Bernice, vintage photo booth picture

Stas, vintage military photo booth picture

Stella, vintage photo booth photo

Frances, vintage photobooth picture

Elsie, vintage photo booth photo

I just adore old photographs and my collection is ever growing. I have so many more of these tiny photos! If you'd like, I can email you the files. I'd love to share more of them with you.
Here is a collection of more. I scanned them at a high resolution, so they should print well.

My address is sacred_cake (at) yahoo [dot] com. Just send me an email and ask for more.
If you have any questions about how to make a necklace like mine, I'm happy to oblige.

Hey, have I told you lately how beautiful you are? In so many ways...
and I'm happy you are here today.

Blessings and Light,
Jennifer Valentine of Sacred Cake

An Antique Assemblage Tutorial, a Trash to Treasure Stor

2011-11-28T02:55:00.001-05:00

We are doing a bit of restoration on our 100 year old home, which unfortunately, entails crumbling plaster here and there.

So, this little tutorial was born out of lovely finds that appeared among the crumbled plaster in the bottom of the livingroom wall...true story! Imagine our amazement, pulling little bits of history from the dusty mess. We found a well worn antique corsage, an antique boy's collar, and an antique child's shoe and wooden thread spools. I didn't take photographs of each find as it came to us, but I did get a shot of the antique child's shoe that looks to be from the late 1800's. It looked pretty sad. Full of sand and dusty mess~

concealed shoe before

concealed shoe after being cleaned and stuffed

I imagine the life this little concealed shoe had. Handed down from child to child to child. Repaired over and over and over again with patches and tiny nails, until one day, lost to time. Only to be rediscovered over 100 years later, in a very unlikely place! So, being the sentimental and quirky peeps that we are (my husband and I), we wanted to preserve the find somehow, in a creative way~
SO, here is what you need for the tutorial:

an old shoe
some tissue paper for stuffing the shoe
a small chunk of floral foam
some stiff wire
this and that
some old stuff
maybe some moss if you'd like
your imagination
an old photgraph (I'll send you one if you'd like!)(I have lots.)

Directions in a "nutshell"~
First, clean your old shoe as well as you'd like it to be. We wanted ours to keep the shabby chic look, so i just brushed it off well and applied a bit of vaseline to clean the leather a bit.
Then stuff your shoe to the desired plumpness up to the bottom of the heel. Cut a chunk of floral foam, and carve it a bit to fit inside the top of the shoe so it is kinda snug.
After putting in the floral foam, apply wire to your objects by hot gluing them on, or wrapping it around. I used a piece of wire bent in the shape of a "U" to add a chunk of old lace.~

I added some additional old looking velvet violets to the corsage we found in the wall, took a long piece of wire and wrapped one end around the bunch. Trim it a little and stick it down into the floral foam and adjust to taste.
To add the photograph, I curved a piece of stiff wire into a long "U" shape and hot glued it to the back of a cabinet card (an antique photograph on stiff cardboard.) The "U" shape gives the photograph two prongs to put into the foam so it has more support. I then covered the wire with a piece of paper so it would look better from the back.~

My husband wanted to somehow incorporate the antique little boy's collar, so i added a dab of hot glue under the back fold of the collar and added it to the end of another piece of wire...then into the floral foam.

the "foof"

Then I added a few more violets here and there, and bits of floral moss peeking out from the buttons of the shoe, and here and there along the edges. I made a "foof" (my made up word) of shabby chic-ish dark green silk organza. It adds dimension and a bit more shape and fill to the arrangement. To make a "foof" of your own, gather some organza or lace in a pleasing bunch, then twist the wire tightly around one end. Fluff it to desired foofiness and stick into the arrangement to give it a bit of fullness.~

and here is the finished product~

Antique Shoe Arrangement

I hope this maybe inspires you! You too can make something from an old shoe and a bunch of old junk.
See you again soon with some fun vintage photo booth photo printables for collages and such. You will want to see these!
Blessings and Light to You and Yours,
jennifer

I'm Having an Assemblage Jewelry Sale

2011-11-27T09:29:00.001-05:00

I've got lots of things in the shop that would make special gifts for someone special on your list! Neutral palettes, sure to be loved and worn everyday, and special one of a kind pieces...come on by and take a peek! Shipping is free and so is the lovely box and bow. (Click the photo below to get there.) Use the code CYBERMONDAY to receive your discount.

I'll be back on Tuesday with a fantastic tutorial!Hint: it involves an antique child's shoe...be sure to come back then to see the tutorial, and hear the story behind it.

Blessings and Light,
Jennifer

My Love Affair with White, assemblage jewelry, and some Etsy Favorites

2011-11-18T22:43:00.001-05:00

"Beatitude"

"Cathedral Windows"

My love affair with all things shabby and white began in 1987, when I was a young mother, like our Em is now, and furnishings and money were scarce. I had a big ol' green station wagon and a whole lot of determination and strength. (and a better back too!) I'd find things on the roadside that I needed, that were in need of a new home; load 'em into the back of my wagon and bring them home to a fresh coat of white paint.

our lovely bed

The first home decor book I ever purchased was "The Natural Home" by Tricia Foley, and I still own the same book. It is filled with lovely, timeless images of nature inspired homes that I still find inspirational and so soothing.

"Tapisserie"

I still can't resist the charm of white, though now I "paint", making my assemblage jewelry with shabby antique glass and pearls...something that I never would have guessed then, that I'd be doing now.

Some of my favorite "swoon-worthy" items from Etsy~

Pillows and quilts by Cindi at DreamyVintageSheets on Etsy

Paper Angel Ornament by RememberMeEmily

Scarves by Gloria Kirk

Prints by Carissa Paige

collages by Michael Douglas Jones

These are just a few of my faves, I'll be posting more soon during the holiday season...I intend to relish every. single. day. of it.
What is your favorite seasonal thing to do?
I'm also looking for great recipies to share here! Please email them to me at:
sacred_cake [at] yahoo (dot) com.

This season, I am offering free shipping and a lovely pair of earrings, free with any purchase.

free with any Sacred Cake purchase,gold plated antique french rhinestone earrings

I'd like to thank you all for your sweet comments about my new grandson...the house is overflowing with such newness and love!

See you again real soon. Love and Light,
jennifer

Smitten...and Busy!

2011-11-15T18:16:00.001-05:00

I became a grandma this week! Little Benjamin was born on November 12, and weighed in at 8 pounds and 3 ounces! He's a quiet and observant little fella...chubby-wubby cheeks...and I am completely smitten with him...and busy with holiday orders (for which I am so incredibly grateful) and helping Em with the baby. I just wanted to share a couple of photographs with you here. I am still recovering from almost living with Em in the hospital for an entire week. She got very sick before she was due to deliver, with sepsis from a nasty kidney infection. To be honest, I thought for a moment that I would loose her. IV antibiotics for an entire week to manage it. I have never been in a constant state of prayer like that before...ever.

Benjamin David

exhausted new grandma and baby Benjamin

I was given the honor of being present during the delivery, and the incredible grace to calmly see my daughter through a very difficult labor and delivery. Her quiet strength astounded me, and renewed my belief in my own inner strength.
I am so looking forward to watching the changing dynamics of our family...seeing the interactions...watching my husband relish being a new grandpa, and having a new baby to hold and talk to...
there is just no limit to the amount of love a heart can hold.

I wanted to share this little idea and photograph sent to me by my dear mama today. She is so creative and crafty!
Simple ingredients:
glass ornament, old rusty spring, chandelier crystal and pillar candle holder! Turn ornament upside-down, attach the crystal, set inside the spring and into the pillar candle holder and....voilà! How nifty is that? I'm thinkin' maybe I'll try it with an old plate instead of a candle holder, and an old Christmas ball instead of the heavy glass ball, I'm thinking with lighter ingredients there might need to be a bit of glue involved.
whatdya think? Feel free to share this idea with friends!


cobalt blue assemblage by my mom

I Believe in Love...

2011-11-06T06:35:00.001-05:00

Every time I receive a lovely photo from one of "my brides", it reassures me...and always, always melts my heart. As I have said before, weddings give me such hope. Weddings hold such promise...and I believe in love.
When I create a piece of jewelry for a bride, or for anyone for that matter, I infuse each piece with my greatest hopes and love for the wearer. My customers often say they can feel it when they wear it...that means everything to me.

Lovely Ashlee's Wedding

Ashlee's vintage assemblage bridal comb

Glass Garden, vintage assemblage necklace

Glass Garden

In Love, shabby bridal earrings

Ave Maria, vintage assemblage earrings

I have a grandson coming tomorrow, so I'm busy "nesting" here at home. He and Em will be with us for awhile until she can get on her feet. I cannot even describe to you the excitement I feel when I think of seeing his little face for the first time. I find myself gently shaking my head in disbelief, as I write here in the early morning hours, that nine months have flown by already. It has been a rough road for Em, but I know this little fella will help direct her path from here on out. Yup, I have a very good feeling about him...and about her too...

The next time we talk, I'll be a grandmother for the very fist time...magic!
Warmly,
Jennifer

Functional Vintage Assemblage Art Tutorial to Share

2011-10-26T13:40:00.000-04:00

I've been busy making some of my favorite things for the online shop....using everyday kinds of objects and elevating them to little functional assemblage art pieces. I get the inspiration from the curls of wire that I use, from one of my favorite artists, Brian Andreas.

étincelle

This is a bit time consuming, but fairly straightforward.

Here are the things you will need:

vintage salt shakers
sturdy wire, 20 gauge steel is best (check your local hardware store)
two part epoxy resin

small paper cups

wooden or plastic sticks for stirring

vintage pins or earrings

metal file or Dremel tool with sanding bit

wire cutters

paper for protecting your surface

paper towels

safety glasses

painters tape (blue)

e-6000 glue

Directions:

First, clean and dry your shakers. Set them on the protective paper on a sturdy, flat surface. Keep the lids off, but set them next to the matching shaker. Put on your safety glasses.

Cut lengths of the wire about 2 1/2" feet long. Curl one end around your finger a bit to shape it and stick the wire down into the shaker bottom. Do this for each one you want to make. To keep from poking your eyes, curl the top tips a bit to round them out.

If you want two curls coming from the top, like mine, use two strands of wire, or make a "V" shape and stick it down in there.

Next, mix about 1/4 of a cup of the resin in the paper cup, stirring with the stick until completely blended. No need to measure perfectly to make 1/4C. Just be sure to add equal amounts of resin into the cup. It usually comes in squeeze bottles, so hold the bottles over your cup in each hand and squeeze them together in unison and it will be right enough for this project! (because no one will see it if it gets bubbly and imperfect.)(It's ok)(Really. It is.)(It will get hard enough to work fine.)(Trust yourself.)

OK, this part is where you have to work quickly. After you have mixed your resin, squeeze your cup a bit to make a pour spout shape at the top that will fit into the top of the shaker. Small enough to pour the resin into the shaker. This can ba a bit tricky if you have a shaker with a narrow top opening! Especially if you already have wire sticking out of the opening. The trick though, is to cover the bottom of the shaker AND the wire in it, so that it will be sturdy when the resin hardens around it.

If you get resin on the shaker, just wipe it off with a paper towel as soon as possible.

Now, slide the shaker top on to the wires, threading it through the holes you want them to go through. Twist on the cap.

Curl the wire, beginning with a small curl, then work your way outward to form a spiral. Now to decorate, be sure to put on your safety glasses, and remove the backs from the pins and earrings with your wire cutters. File the backs down roughly with your file or Dremel tool. Hold them up to the shakers to see where you'd like them to be placed. File that spot on the shaker a bit to roughen it up. Lay it down and put a dot of glue on the roughened area of your pin or earring or whathaveyou. Wait about 30 seconds, then place your vintage element on the roughened spot on the shaker. Use a piece of painters tape over it to hold it in place and set overnight, or wait several hours for the glue to semi-set before adding more pieces on top of that one. The tape peels right off when you're finished.

Whew! We're done!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I'm very approachable! Ask me anything. Just leave a comment here with your email address so I can answer. Anonymous is just fine. No hoop jumping allowed here. No letters to decipher and punch in to leave a comment.

milk glass shakers with vintage earrings!

an example of an oil can holder I made

If you don't think you want to fuss with all of those directions, then you can purchase some of these pieces from my etsy shop! I can also do custom orders for weddings. These would make great place holders or displays for any shabby chic wedding. Speaking of weddings, here is a recent shabby bridal comb I've got in the shop right now.

Delight

oil cans featured in Somerset Life 2010

I hope you have fun with this project and it sparks your creativity!

Blessings and Light to You All,

Jennifer Valentine of Sacred Cake

Here Come the Brides, to Carry Me Over the Threshold of Doubt

2011-10-20T00:56:00.004-04:00

Happy. Vintage Assemblage Bridal Earrings

When I feel like giving up, I think about them...the precious brides-to-be that come to me and my shop for the assemblage bridal combs, earrings and bracelets that make them feel beautiful on their most special day. I sometimes hear the voices in my head that say that what I do is meaningless adornment in a world filled with so many more important things. The voices say that I'll never make lots of money, or be well known for my work....the voices say that I am wasting my time. Who do I think I am?

And, I say back to the voices, that maybe I'll never be as successful as others...and maybe I won't ever make the big bucks...but what is important is what I feel when I create, and how others feel when my creations belong to them. I feel incredible bliss when I create that nothing, aside from my children, has ever given me. My work is infused with it. It feels like a divine compulsion...something I must do even when I want to give up because my body won't cooperate, or because life gets too complicated or stressful. I escape into the little world at my desk, where old things are made new again...arranged like flowers in a vase until all of the elements seem just right.

custom bridal comb in vintage silver

Making jewelry for brides is my most favorite thing to create. It is such a humbling experience to receive photographs from "my brides" wearing something I put such deep thought and love into. I see the photographs and I shake my head in wonder and amazement and in thanksgiving for such an honor. Such a joy to be a part of one of the most special times in a woman's life...

Alison's Custom Bridal Comb and Earrings

Jenny's Assemblage Bridal Charm Bracelet

Jenny's Wedding (favorite picture)

Custom Bridal Comb Set with Antique Crinoline (some of my most favorites!)

Melanie's Lovely Australian Wedding

Melanie's Bridal Bracelet and her Beautiful Bouquet

Where do you find your bliss? Tell me about it, won't you?
I've also marked down the whole shop to clear things out for new pieces...come take a peek here.

At Your Fingertips

2011-10-06T20:22:00.000-04:00

Em and I and KW have traveled a very rough road together. Her early teen years were extremely troubled, and there were lots of late night talks between my husband and I about what on earth we should do differently...what in the world are we going to do about her? Where did we go wrong? Feeling like failures. Calls to the police. Missing persons reports. Sighs. Yelling. Exasperation. And tears of frustration.

Now Em is expecting her own child. She has settled down and she has discovered a new passion, sewing. She sews for hours....seriously. HOURS. Experimenting with different patterns for baby clothes, making curtains and pillows for the large room she will share here with her baby, who will arrive via induction on the 24th of October. A tiny gift this Autumn, whom I can hardly wait to hold. My other oldest daughter is due in March...so I'll be double grandma within 6 months time. A grandbaby for fall and a grandbaby for spring...my two most favorite times of the year....incredible gifts...

Em looking at her recent sonogram pictures
(love this picture)

Lately I've spent more time noticing. I'm not one to live behind my camera lens, but today there were things I wanted to capture.

noticing light in the kitchen

little white dresses we use as kitchen valances

our middle son Christian's huge shoes by the sofa

I was diagnosed with Fabry disease almost two years ago. Sadly, I am now loosing the feeling in my fingers. It is the same neuropathic damage that has already happened with my feet. So I know what is coming. It begins with the softest things. A child's skin, kittens, the underside of mushroom caps...and it progresses. For now it is just the tips of my fingers. I don't know how fast or how slow it will progress. I just know that I am struggling with it. I remind myself that there are others that have it so much worse than me...and that I shouldn't complain too loudly. I talk myself out of tears. I think about selling all of my jewelry making supplies. I consider giving up.

I won't lie to you here and say I'm coping well. I'm not. Not right now anyway. I take it one day at a time. I'm angry. I feel grief. Uncertainty. I feel like I better hurry up and touch everything and burn it into my memory. I cry. I allow myself to feel sadness. I allow myself to feel anger. But I keep it to myself for the most part. I'm not here to elicit sympathy or make you feel sad for me. I am here to gently remind you to relish the little things. Touch everything you can today. Use your fingertips. Really notice it. Touch your child. Caress your own face. Run your fingers through the grass, crumple leaves, hold soap bubbles in the sink, press the tips of your fingers into the underside of a mushroom. Relish it.

And I'm going to keep going. Because, as I also say in this post in 2010, I don't stay down for long. There is just too much to love about living in the moment...

our little fella enjoying the back yard today

A Thousand Cranes

2011-09-27T13:09:00.000-04:00

I was inspired to share this amazing video with you by my dear friend Mia.
I have never seen anything so lovely....and I love the music...

I am off once again to the OB with Em. We've been going every week for awhile now, and sometimes in between weeks. It is a bit stressful. Baby Ben is not growing like he should and will need to come by C-section soon. We are just waiting for him to grow just a bit more. He will be a tiny fella when he comes. Em needs your prayers. So do KW and I. We will be caring for them both, which is a blessing, but also very difficult too. I won't go into too many details, but she is young and single and in need of our support right now.
I hope you all have an amazing day! Don't forget that this moment is all you have. I struggle sometimes with being present in the moment, don't you? Life is filled with stress and distractions and worry that robs us of our lives. Like my friend Liz says, Be Present. Be Here. Enjoy her beautiful website today. I find comfort and inspirations there, and wanted to share it with you.

Love and Light,
jennifer

New earrings...

poetry leaves available at the shop!

Eye Candy Etsy Treasuries, Assemblage Jewelry

2011-09-24T00:55:00.001-04:00

Whew, there are so many, it is hard to choose. I am so grateful to those who take the time to make Etsy Treasuries that feature my assemblage jewelry and artwork. I know how valuable time is! Hope you love all of these lovely hand made Etsy things! I'm welcoming Autumn leaves with open arms...

Sailing and Ascension, every piece tells a story...

2011-09-21T12:09:00.000-04:00

The Secretary's Ascension

The Secretary's Ascention

I made this assemblage necklace with thoughts of my sweet mother...who since as long as I've been alive, has made work and much sacrifice of being a secretary and bookkeeper. She began in Washington D.C. as a page with a little black metal typewriter on her desk, and in her 20's, we migrated to the south, where i spent most of my life. Every day after school I called her...and in the background, I'd hear the chatter of the keys on her typewriter...over the years, as technology progressed, the keys would become quieter and quieter still...and I was, and still am, sincerely amazed at the speed of which she can type and simultaneously converse. Each time I see an eraser wheel such as this, i think of her...long ago...leaning forward to erase a wayward letter, while thinking of me and longing to be home.

My mother has finally taken the leap she has been dreaming of forever. A move toward the Oregon coast, away from the oppressive heat of the south. A move that she has dreamed of for years. This necklace is a bit of a homage to her, and her brave flight toward a new life.

Sailing to Byzantium

Years ago, during my first attempt at college in Washington State, I nervously sat down in a class called British Literature. One of the first poems we read was "Sailing to Byzantium" by William Butler Yeats. I fell instantly in love with discussing literature, and the lives of ancient poets. Here is an excerpt from the poem:

"Once out of nature I shall never take
My bodily form from any natural thing,
But such a form as Grecian goldsmiths make
Of hammered gold and gold enamelling
To keep a drowsy Emperor awake;
Or set upon a golden bough to sing
To lords and ladies of ByzantiumOf what is past, or passing, or to come."

I think of that poem and those first amazing college days each time I create something with a boat...

You can read the remaining parts of the poem here, at POETS.ORG

So, I've Wanted to Tell You

2011-09-08T00:58:00.000-04:00

I've wanted to tell you about so much...I've wanted to tell you about how the air is changing and the coolness coming in from outside as I make my assemblage jewelry there in my circle of light in the evenings is such a welcome and wonderful gift. I've wanted to tell you about becoming a grandma soon (somewhere around November 2nd) and how I can hardly wait to look into my tiny grandson's eyes, and how he has transformed my wayward and rebellious older teen into a young woman whom I can sing and laugh with...and how I have his presence to thank for that and how I know that everything that happens, happens for reasons we simply cannot foresee.
I've wanted to tell you about the funny "stink bug" infestation on the last of the melons in the back yard, and about the last of the tomatoes in the garden and the sound of birds I've never heard before as they migrate south through this tiny town in west Michigan... and how every time I think that I am now a bonafide "Michigander" it cracks me up; the 'gander" part particularly.
and I want to tell you about how poorly my spelling has become, but my desire to write and for my work to be read burns in my belly constantly...just that life does not desire me to write much at the moments I most desire to write and that is why I am here now, late in the night, writing. Because this is the only place I find time to write. Here in the quiet spaces of the night before bed...So I write here for anyone who thinks I may have something worth reading amid the busyness of life and of love and of daily exhaustion. ( I know the exhaustion, and that is why I appreciate those who choose to read here more than I can say.)
Funny, I have many partially empty journals dating back 20+ years...journals from my 20's with maybe ten pages out of 50 blank pages filled with random thoughts and scribbles and rants between ex-husbands and diaper changes. After they began to pile up, I simply ripped the few pages out of the journals that had writing and I stuffed them into what I call "the suitcase of life", which is an old and tattered medium-sized vintage suitcase filled with random tangible articles that verify that yes, I once existed here somewhere among the concert programs and the award for honorable mention for poetry for the High School Florida Young Writer's contest in 1986. (which has a typo in the program poem title that was supposed to read "A piece of Blue Glass." but instead reads, "A Piece of Blue Grass." which changed the meaning entirely, don't you think? So everyone at the awards ceremony must have thought, hey that 16 year old kid likes Bluegrass, eh?
I'm rambling. I know.

I want to tell you about my husband, whom I have such a deep admiration for, for so many things...one of them being his ability to paint and draw everything from duplicating the insides of the antique pocket watches he collects and repairs, to painting and drawing amazing portraits.

some of KW's recent Sketches

Even his scribbles or painting for fun with our son becomes artistic...like the day we painted paper plates for fun~

dixie plate portrait

I want to tell you how he planted my favorite flowers in the front yard so that I can see them through the window as I work~

the last of the Queen Anne's Lace and Hydrangeas

I have cleaned my table since the last movie I made for you here. I spent a good few hours sorting and cleaning and it just feels better to have an uncluttered place to work. I've also been working on these, which will be in the shop soon~

functional assemblage art
oil can photo holders

the original oil can photo holders
by jennifer valentine

I've been busy working on my new website also, SacredCake.com. If you have a moment, stop by and tell me what you think? It is in fairly basic stages, but I work a little each day. I am moving toward having a working shop of my very own running there soon! Until then, you can find my work in the usual place, on Etsy.com under the under name SacredCake, for those of you who may just be dropping by today! (and I'm glad you did!)

So glad you chose to come here.
Blessings to You and Yours,
Jennifer

New Vintage Assemblage Jewelry and Home Decor, News, and a Little Idea for Candles

2011-08-29T12:34:00.002-04:00

I've made some new things for the shop!

"Red Kitchenette" Magnet Board

Keeping Watch Assemblage Necklace

assemblage bridal comb

Keeping Watch vintage assemblage necklace

Willow, assemblage earrings

"secret" assemblage tiny locket earrings

also, my dear friend Laurie Jacobsen made me a "blinky"! What do you think?

I just love it! (Jenny, you make this so very special!)

In other news, my daughter Emily's pregnancy is doing well, I am looking forward to little Benjamin's arrival sometime in early November! Emily and Ben will be living with us, so i will get lots of grandma time in! I can hardly wrap my mind around it folks! Then, more news came as quite a ~~surprize suprise suprize~~ surprise (i can never ever correctly spell surprise! Am I the only one?!)...my other daughter, Rebecca is also expecting! She is due in March...YES. I'm going to be a grandma twice over within 6 months time.....WHEW. They say they didn't plan it that way....hhhmmmmmm......I wonder.............

OH! I also wanted to tell you about a little trick I do. Sometimes I find decorative candles that I really really like. So, to extend the life of them, I let them burn down about a couple of inches. THEN from then on, I put a small tea light down in the hole and light that instead. I like to use the scented tea lights or just plain ones. I buy a huge bag of them at Michael's and they last a long time! Pretty nifty idea eh?

Thank you for being here today!
Blessings and Light,
Jennifer

A Peek Into my "Studio", and Some Favorite Etsy Peeps

2011-08-22T01:41:00.000-04:00

It has been finally cooling off in the evenings here in Michigan... I've moved my beloved work table (an old and very shabby french provincial desk found in an old barn) in front of the big window in my studio. I use the term "studio" a bit loosely...it is really kind of a middle room in the middle of the house that we didn't quite know what to do with, so we made it into an office with a loveseat and we kept our old antique buffet table in there too. When Jeremy was born, the "middle room" became a baby room. The buffet turned into a changing table with a nice coat of white paint and a purchased changing pad...diapers and baby clothes in the drawers. it was perfect! We added a rocking chair and a baby swing in the room too...
Now that Jeremy is 6, the changing table has conveniently become my shipping table! It works out very well. I have a long surface to weigh, wrap and package my sales and the drawers hold envelopes and boxes and tissue paper and other office supplies...(good idea huh?)
So, now the "middle room" is my studio/shipping area where I create the vintage assemblage jewelry for Sacred Cake, and I share it with my husband, who is a painter and also loves to repair pocket watches when he isn't writing his dissertation or gardening or working with disabled adults or being a dad. He is a very busy man!
I made a kind of silly little movie for you tonight. Just a peek into my evenings in the ~~middle room~~ studio. I often talk about working in my "circle of light". Well, it is a drab goose necked 1940's office desk lamp with one of those special daylight bulbs in it...and I think it needs a paint job soon...

I got the nifty Buddha fountain at Target. You can find it here, but it is out of stock online. Check your local store instead. Oh, and it says it has a trickling sound.....well, no such trickle. But it is a nice soothing water feature to have on my desk nonetheless. I really enjoy it.

If you have time, I want to share a few of my Favorite Etsy finds with you also!

I treated myself to this last week from Mireio on Etsy. She went above and beyond to find a "bigger girl" sized slip for me and dyed it the lovely deep purple color I requested. The price was very right and it arrived wrapped beautifully! I really felt like I mattered to her. And it I feel so beautiful in it! It is perfect with a jacket and leggings or over jeans. Click on the photo or the link above to visit her shop.

my custom hand dyed slip. photo courtesy of Mireio.

I also fell in love with MemrieMare on Etsy. Completely in love with the color and the texture of this hand dyed ribbon. She has amazingly gorgeous colors....and the German glass glitter stars are so perfectly beautiful. Thickly glittered only on one side, so they can be stuck securely anywhere you need them to sparkle!

Robin Egg hand dyed Ribbon. photo by MemrieMare on Etsy.

German glass glitter stars. photo by MemrieMare on Etsy.

and last, but definitely not least, I purchased this spray from Rhea at SweetsnThings on Etsy. Rhea was very kind and added a bit of Cedar scent to the lavender linen and room spray. Just a heavenly scent, if you haven't tried it! The price is great (6.50!) and the label and deep green bottle are very pretty and so nice to keep next to my bed. I spritz a bit on my pillows before I go to sleep. Very soothing! Great customer service too.

lavender and cedar room spray. photo by SweetsnThings on Etsy

These Etsyers did not give me any "kickback" for this post about them...I don't buy things "just for me" very often, and when I do, I like to get the same caring and personal service that I give to my customers. I'm just very pleased with my shopping experience. That is what shopping on Etsy should be...an experience, right? You won't be disappointed with these sellers.
By the way, I'm not going to tell you just how many times I had to fix a misspelled word while writing this post! I need to go back to grammar school! Spell check saves me every time...

Blessings and Light to you all and thank you for being here with me today!
Jennifer

WINNERS!

2011-08-17T14:40:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone! I wanted to tell you the winners of the giveaway.
I put everyone's number into a random generator and here are the results!
The first winner of the Kelly Rae planner is Lois Johnson.
The second winner of the photo album is "bks".
The third winner of the vintage assemblage jewelry holder is Nancy Lefko.
Congratulations ladies! Will you contact me with your address so I can send you your goodies?

On another subject, the weather here in Michigan has gotten a bit cooler and tolerable to be out in (finally!) I spent some time outside with the kids and the cats. We have a huge yard. We hate to mow. So we made a "wild" area way in the back by the tree line that Jeremy calls "Shady Badoo"...a secret place to hide and lay in the grass. And so we did...


me and my K.W.


K.W. and our son Jeremy in "Shady Badoo"

Walking on the Sky

Since the passing of my dear Cutie Cat recently, it has made me more aware of my other pets and having a nice picture of each of them. So we had a cat photo shoot as well...quite fun trying to get them still...

Maisy in Shady Badoo


Alice in Shady Badoo

There are other fur babies, but I won't bore you with tons of cat pictures! Most of our dear pets are rescued strays.
Thank you all so very much for the outpouring of sympathy and love about my last post. I received Cuties ashes today. It made me so sad all over again, but suppose that is normal.
Well, on a lighter note,

I'm so in love with the assemblage jewelry I've made recently... I want to keep it for myself! I've been so drawn to blue, once again. I talked about it in this last post.

Thank you all so much for being here!
Blessings and Light,
Jennifer

If Love Could Have Saved You, You Would Have Lived Forever

2011-08-13T04:47:00.002-04:00

Dear Cutie Bear Cat,

Did you know Jeremy named you? I would have chosen something less child-like for you...something maybe like Felix or Haskell maybe. But it became so fitting for you...and I ended up calling you cootie or coots anyway. Thank you for for forgiving the silliness of it.
I've been looking at urns and stones with paw prints and corny sayings and markers and necklaces with little vials so that I can wear you on my person if I need to...I don't know how to let go. There is such an empty space here, everywhere you were, sweet little fur baby friend.
I knew from the beginning you were extraordinary..my dear nighttime constant. It was you and it was me in the stillness at 2 a.m. as I created away in our shared circle of light. You in my lap or near my feet. The stillness and darkness of night was warmed by the soft wonder of your eyes. You looked to me for love, which I so freely gave to you with a wide open heart. Isn't that how we are supposed to love? Like you did?

I feel foolish for grieving you so. Are "grownups" supposed to grieve like this? Surely you knew how I loved you...and life around me goes spinning on as always and my heart is breaking for the missing of you. The deep and throbbing missing that won't lighten with the passing of days or even shopping for old jewelry to assemble.
I couldn't save you. I keep asking myself if there was more I could have done...did I do the right thing by calling our sweet small town vet for a home visit that would end your life. I can't handle the finality of it. You fought until the end, dear soul.
Thank you for gathering your last tiny bit of strength to visit me one last night as I settled in to sleep. I knew it would be the last time...dear furry companion, as I warmed you with the quilt that she made for me months ago to comfort me when I thought my body had given out for good. You stayed beside me night and day while I was sick and rising was out of the question. Did I thank you for that?

I've cried in the bathroom so no one would hear. I've cried in the bedroom so the children won't see... I've cried at 3 a.m. under the moon on the back yard bench. And the tears arrive again in the corners of my eyes as I write this. When will the ache of your absence leave me? There is such a huge hole in the shape of you here.
Please know that I loved you and that you were so extraordinary in so many ways. You were more than just a pet. There was more to you...i knew that. You had such a spirit, such wisdom, and you loved me............you loved me.....irreplaceable, gentle, you. I miss you terribly.
Your ashes arrive tomorrow. And how in the world shall I proceed?

Your forever, forever friend,
Jennifer

Thoughts on being published in Somerset Home, lots of Gratitude, and a giveaway

2011-08-10T01:08:00.001-04:00

As always, for me, (does it for you too?) life goes by at the speed of light. It is already August 10th and I've been trying to get around to telling you about this for days! I have had the absolute honor to write once again for another Stampington and Company publication. I am always so delighted and incredibly humbled to be chosen to write, and have my projects included in one of their wonderful publications. I so enjoy sharing discoveries, techniques and stories with their readers. It just brings me such joy... just like the joy I feel writing right here on this blog of mine.
To celebrate my articles and projects being published in the current issue of Somerset Home, I am having a few little giveaways! There will be three prizes....the first is a Planner from one of my favorite artists, my sister, Kelly Rae Roberts. She has an amazing, high quality collection of artwork, stationery, and home decor with something special for everyone. My current favorites are the planner~


Kelly Rae Roberts Planner (photo courtesy of Kelly Rae)

Info about the planner: "This datebook features 17 months (Aug 2011 - Dec 2012) in week-at-a-glance views. Click image for more photos. It also features weekly tear-off shopping and to-do lists, stickers for marking important reminders, and a built-in storage pocket. Please note: Unlike previous years' datebooks, this datebook does not feature artwork throughout the planner - only on the front and back covers. Datebook is 6" x 8" and features flexible front and back covers."
Personally folks, I am already using this planner and I really really LOVE it. That is why I want you to have one! Lots of room to write (which we desperately need, don't we?!), and even little stickers to use for remembering important things. Also, the tear off lists and the inside pockets are fantastic. This planner is very well thought out! (and I am not surprised at all. My sister is a class act all the way.)

The second giveaway is the mini photo album~


Kelly Rae Roberts mini photo album, "Gratitude Surrounds" (photo courtesy of Kelly Rae)

Info about the album:"With a meaningful "gratitude surrounds" on the cover, we hope you'll be inspired to put some of your most treasured memories in this sweet mini photo album. Album (approx 6" x 6") can hold up to 24 4"x6" photographs inside its archival quality photo sleeves and features a padded, full-color, easy-to-clean hard cover. We think these make adorable gifts to highlight special occasions."
I love this little album. It is well made and a nice size for traveling. I think I'm going to need more than one soon! Did I tell you yet that I'm going to be a first time GRANDMA this fall?!

And lastly, I'm giving away the chippy, white, shabby chic jewelry holder with vintage glass knobs, that I made for the current Somerset Home magazine. I love it for my collection of necklaces. It keeps them tangle free and pretty to look at!

A peek at Somerset Home 2011
and the jewelry holder

So, no need to jump through hoops to win. Just leave a tiny comment or a simple hello! But, I'd just love to hear your ideas or techniques for when life feels like it is going by way too fast...how do you slow it down? What kinds of things do you like to do to keep centered and in the "now"?
*Please remember, if you sign as anonymous, please leave a name so you and I both know it's you who gets chosen! I don't even make you type in crazy letter sequences to leave a comment. How easy is that? (and lord knows we blog writers LOVE to get comments!)

Winners will be randomly drawn on AUGUST 17th (so I hope everyone has a chance to enter). Please tell a friend!
Thank you all for being here and for your readership and support. It means the world to me.
Blessings and Light,
Jennifer Valentine of Sacred Cake

Neutral on the Brain, Vintage Assemblage Earrings, Indie Weddings Love

2011-07-30T00:45:00.000-04:00

I've been craving neutral...neutrality...calm colors. Calm feelings. Calm surroundings. I think because life seems "colorful" enough for me these days. Sometimes I feel like I am trying to run through knee deep honey...but most days I think I can feel the wind from the passing minutes blowing my hair. To keep calm, I listen to the Patti Griffin station on Pandora.com. I light candles and incense. I pray. I eat some chocolate. I eat more chocolate later. I take deep breaths and know that this one life is all I get. I have everything I need today, and everything is as it should be. I truly believe that. But it doesn't mean I don't get overwhelmed. I'm very human.

étinceler.

A friend of mine asked of me many many years ago, when I was without transportation and worried aloud about how I was going to feed and clothe four small children...she asked me, "Do you have what you need today?"
I never forgot that...
I have more than I could possibly want, or need this day. So do my children. When my emotions start creeping up to the blaring red "overwhelm" mark, I have to talk myself down. I count my blessings, my gratitude, my joys. And it calms me and centers me to make things.

éternel.

luminosity.

One of those joys is being able to still have the ability to create. Earrings are all I have much time for these days. When I commented about that on Facebook, a dear person said that earrings must be all that is necessary right now. I needed to hear that. Thank you Kelly (Barton) for the sweet and encouraging words.
What keeps YOU sane? Please leave a comment and share your story? I'd love to hear it.

Oh, by the way, have you heard about the website called "Ruffled"?...It is a website dedicated to weddings of all kinds...particularly those very creative indie type weddings with amazing pictures. It bursts with creativity! I think I most like it because it is full of photographs of young couples in love...such promise and hope in their faces. I really like that. The promise and the hope.....yeah, that......I need to see lots of that.

I hope everyone has an amazing weekend, filled with little joys.
Blessings to You and Yours,
Jennifer Valentine

Cherir La Vie

2011-07-24T11:54:00.004-04:00

My daughter has been working so hard to open her new etsy shop! It is called Cherir La Vie, which in French means to Cherish Life. I love her use of bright color and simple elegance...

Fleur de Lotus

We've been talking "shop" about photographing, lighting, supplies, beads, wording, descriptions and all things Etsy. I'm super proud of her, and only being 18, I think she's done a fantastic job! She has a new seriousness about making her own money in her own way, now that she is going to be a new mama in a few months...(and yes, I'm going to be a new Grandma!) I love seeing her fly on her own with her own creative ideas...like this amazing locket ring~

Crystal Cluster (only 10 dollars!)

and this asymmetrical peach and gold vintage looking beauty~

Jardin De Corail (only 21.00!)

I love how she photographs her necklaces like they are lost and tangled in branches...there for you to discover. I love that her prices are fair and her work has the same kind of quality you can expect from mine. I love that her work is timeless and young and fresh and pretty. Just like her.


When she was my favorite Etsy model circa 2009

Lovely Mama to be, Emily Cathryn July 2011

Seems like just last week, I chose to name her after one of my most favorite songs~

Well, I've got lots of work to do myself! I think I've got at least six necklaces on my table waiting to be finished...and twice as many pairs of earrings. Look for new things to come in my shop, and in hers~!

Blessings,
Jennifer

Idea: Window "Dressing" to Stay Cool

2011-07-21T11:46:00.001-04:00

There is a heatwave going on...and I don't remember it being so hot last year. I've been roaming around our old house covering windows as artfully as possible to keep the sun out and the cool in. I'm not a huge fan of summer...strange I guess coming from a woman who spent most of her life in Northern Florida....
I've been keeping cool with the old fans around the house my husband has restored to their original glory, and lots of Coke in little glass bottles...
As I was pondering how to keep the curtains out of the way of the window unit, while simultaneously keeping out the sun, I came up with a quick solution! I used an old necklace as a tie back, and then used two clear tacks to tack a vintage white apron to the top part of the window...thus creating a layered defense that keeps a lot of the sunshine out, while still looking pretty...what do you think?

It's all in the layering...on top of the curtains, I also hung a white vintage dress on a wooden hanger and topped with an old brooch...so, three layers. The apron up top, then the curtain, then the dress(es). You could even tie the apron onto little brass hooks, or layer the aprons by tying them to each other to make a valance.

Bedroom window

close up of lampshade

I dressed this old lamp shade up with bunched up layers of old lace and a favorite rhinestone brooch.

window layers

OH, by the way, I'm having a Christmas in July sale! and you get a free pair of earrings with ANY purchase through July at the shop.

FREE with any purchase from Sacred Cake

Hope you like my idea!
Love and Light,
Jennifer

Mountains of Inspiration

2011-07-17T12:28:00.003-04:00

Jennifer Valentine circa 1983

When I was young I'd often visit my grandmother in New Jersey and I'd go to youth camp for a week in the mountains of Vermont...we would gather together around a fire and sing in the evenings...laughter and song bursting into the darkness around us...it was a place where I felt a belonging. I know we all felt it...
and we'd sing my favorite silly song "His Banner Over Me is Love". To make a long story a bit shorter, the song required a lot of silliness with hand gestures and body contortions that had everyone laughing hysterically and feeling present in God's love all around us. This necklace is homage to those summers...we, the branches on the vine of deep and compassionate, unconditional love.
The photo above is of me, my first summer there in Vermont, hiking on Mount Killington. I was 13 and wearing my first pair of Levi's; a bouquet of wildflowers in my back pocket...a Florida girl, touching a mountain stream for the very first time. This picture, I cherish, because it captured me at my essence...a girl immersed in nature, noticing the intricacies of life and flowers and the pebbles in a stream...an innocent heart filled with the joy of creation. Even then I knew that the beauty of this world is no accident.

He is the Vine, religious assemblage necklace

This religious assemblage necklace I created has amazing luminous antique opal beads, flourishes of Art Nouveau elements, bits of vintage chain and an antique, well worn cross. I really love to incorporate leaves and the organically shaped elements of nature into my work.

Custom Vintage Assemblage Necklace from Grandmother's Vintage Buttons

2011-07-12T11:48:00.001-04:00

Recently, I was approached about creating a memorial type necklace for a beloved client who recently lost her grandmother. I was excited about the challenge of using personal mementos to create something my client could wear to keep the memory of her grandmother close...

She sent several buttons and a pair of earrings and asked that the necklace be created in silver and red. The earrings she sent me to use were a bit of a challenge because they were bright and shiny silver, but the rhinestone buttons fit right in.

I added bright silver leaves from an old necklace to echo the beads she gave me from her grandmother's earrings, red rhinestone findings and glass flowers, matte red navettes and vintage Czech glass and Swarovski beads to add a little sparkle. I also used a vintage filigree base in silver and added a secret locket in the back to hold any small personal mementos. That was a last minute thought that I really love...I think she will too!

The silver sparrow on the chain echoes the bird on the antique button dangle that she sent quite nicely...then I added some silver chain and a pretty red glass drop at the end of the chain to make it adjustable in length.

Just wanted to share this custom creation with you. If you are interested in a custom memento or remembrance locket necklace like this one, using your own personal elements, contact me through my Etsy Shop. Or email me.

See you again soon!

Blessings and Light,

Jennifer

The Rapture of the Lego Men

2011-07-07T12:53:00.004-04:00

I wrote this today...kind of formulated it in my mind as I vacuumed and actually had a moment to write it all down! (not easy with a six year old home for the summer!) keep in mind, I never profess to be a real poet...I just put thoughts down and make it look like I might know what I'm doing...

The Rapture of the Lego Men

As I vacuumed today, I thought of it.

How many times it has been done.

Three boys and 25 years now,

off and on again,

I've come for them,

I, a gentle beast

with a sucking machine.

I don't really mean to be.

But once again I become in charge

of the rapture of the Lego Men.

They wait for me with some uncertainty

in crevices behind suitcases and trunks,

under couches and behind curtains, they wait

to be raptured up into the dusty air

with ardent faith in where they are going.

There are others there,

they tell me.

There are others.

I tell them I know.

They look up to the heavens

with eyes transfixed,

sometimes half-smiling and

missing their hat or their arm or their vestiges.

Forgotten by boys who have found

other toys

or whisked away by age or circumstance.

I wonder to myself

as I push and I pull,

what my own rapture will be.

Will I rise up in a whirl of dust

and float and glisten

in the rays of the sun?

settling gently among still water, the leaves of trees,

sprigs of new grass, and on the tender hearts of mankind?

I have listened to the Lego Men.

They tell me there are others...

and I believe.

(copyright July 2011 by Jennifer Valentine)

Vintage Assemblage Wedding Jewelry and a bit about Summer

2011-06-24T21:27:00.001-04:00

Well, once again, I've been away awhile...busy with life, children, work, and getting better.
I've found myself relishing the cool days and the rainy weather we've been having...strolling around the yard after the rain subsides, looking for bits of roses and green things to trim to bring inside. I can't bring myself to cut any roses unless they are almost ready to shed! If there are enough blooms, I'll treat myself to some little buds. Our bushes are still young and not producing tons of roses yet. I've always wanted a rose garden, but never took the time to cultivate one...or splurge on bushes! This year, my husband has been lovingly planting them all over our sunny back yard. Such lovely colors... and I cannot convey the incredible sweetness of the scent some of them have...there is one in particular that is large and pale yellow that smells so amazing that it is difficult for me to tear my nose away from its velvety splendor...have you ever smelled a rose like that?
Today, I brought a few inside to enjoy, along with some bright orange day lilies and a sprig of hydrangea...

I've never been a big fan of summer, but life has a certain amazing sweetness these days. I feel like I am more fully present in it. Less worried. Practicing being more mindful. Praying more. Feeling more and more grateful for my life, my family and my relationships.

I've been thinking about weddings again...and how much I still love making special occasion jewelry! I found myself making a couple of vintage assemblage bridal hair combs for the shop from some of my pretty vintage jewelry parts and pieces...this is one I was particularly fond of~

Cherry Blossom and Crinoline, shabby bridal comb

I used a bit of antique crinoline, a large leaf brooch, a gold plated flower piece from an old bracelet, and a few vintage shabby pearl and rhinestone earrings...I have had a couple of brides that I've made jewelry for send me amazing photographs of them wearing their jewelry and it is always so deeply touching for me to see. I feel so incredibly fortunate that they want to wear my work out of the thousands of jewelry designs out there to choose from...my work speaks out to them somehow, through the thousands of others...and I am so incredibly grateful to be a part of something like this~

Jenny's Wedding

I think it is because it makes me still believe and have faith in happily ever after.

xoxox,
Jennifer

The 4th of July, (a re-post of something from last year that you may have missed.)

2011-06-22T01:39:00.000-04:00

Chicago circa 1940's

     I think of this little girl every fourth since I found her picture almost 6 years ago. This, aside from family photographs of course, is my most prized and adored photograph. I have made up a thousand stories in my mind about her and a thousand questions....where was she?what was her little name?who decorated the buggy?did she tie her own boots? Did she have a good life? Somehow, does she know what she means to me?Though I know she has most likely left this world already....somehow does she know that I send love to her every time I see her face?
I'd like to think so. It gives me peace to think so.
I don't think I could manage this life if I lived it believing there was nothing more after this world...that this was all there is...that there was nothing divine about our humanness...
      Somehow this has me thinking about my father and how I hear his voice speak to me often since I learned of his death. In the small and quiet places when I can talk to him out loud, he answers me. Is he really speaking to me, or is it just a way to cope with his loss? to cope with the profound loss of the hope for reparation that came with his passing from me? Does it really matter?
My thought is, that as long as love and gratitude and wonder take the place of hate and despair and hopelessness, then the world is better....humanity is better....and healing takes place. And that is what works. It is those things that make a difference. It has nothing to do with religious rites or "moralists" or the people out there trying so adamantly to prove that no God exists. I think it is about loving the questions and regarding the mystery with wonder.
      This little girl, the one in this photograph, does she know how she's changed the world? By posing for a photograph on a hot July day so long ago. Simply standing there in her boots and in her innocence...she has changed the whole world. And she knows it because I tell her, and she hears me...and because I am here to tell her story with love and gratitude and wonder.

Do you have a favorite photograph? If so, can you share a bit about it with us? It is very easy to comment. No need for an account. Just use the "anonymous" feature.

Love and Light,
Jennifer

Quilts of a Thousand Prayers; an interview with an extraordinary woman, Cindi Tyburski

2011-06-11T23:02:00.000-04:00

My beautiful quilt, a gift from Cindi. Also, my most favorite pillow from her shop.

(a small excerpt from our Etsy conversations)
ME: "I've been feeling awful...barely able to finish the day...and not sleeping well...
I want you to know that your quilt has become a comfort for me...I actually hold it like a child would a security blanket throughout the day when things are particularly bad..."
CINDI: "I often wear a quilt too--my mom made one for me--she calls it the quilt of a thousand prayers. It makes me feel better, I can feel her love."
I met Cindi on Etsy a couple of months ago, when I discovered her shop filled with lovely one of a kind pillows, vintage pre-cut sheet bundles for quilting, baby quilts and even colorful quilt kits...through our written conversations, Cindi has become quite an inspiration to me as she battles her own rare illness and keeps her spirit strong with her unwavering faith in the divine, through her creativity, and selfless giving. Cindi uses the proceeds from her etsy shop sales to buy supplies to make quilts for children fighting cancer.
I asked her a few questions so you could get to know her and be inspired by her and her lovely work.


part of my personal pillow collection! Perfect on the vintage sofa...

more beautiful vintage Barkcloth pillows...

ME: "Cindi, tell me a bit about how you got started with quilting and how you got started creating quilts for children with cancer."

CINDI: "I began to sew when I was 5, my mom would let me sit in her lap. I would steer the fabric and she would press the pedal. We made baby doll clothes and later clothes for me. I have a truly wonderful Mom.
I started making quilts for kids battling cancer a long time ago. Something about quilts is magical to me--they carry healing and I think of these children and their brave strong spirits. I pray for them, even though I don't know who will get what quilt. It seems God and/or His Angels somehow guide these efforts. One of our recent receipients was a little boy who had a brain tumor. His pastor had visited the day before my daughter delivered his quilt. His pastor told him that "FROGS" was to be his word, he was to say it if he was sad or scared. His pastor said the meaning: Forever Rely on God's Son. He loved his FROG quilt and his Mama said that she couldn't get it away from him to even get it in the wash. (She sleeps with it now and it brings her comfort.)"

ME: "I love the vintage bark cloth you use in your pillows, what is your most favorite medium?"

CINDI: "Vintage Sheets, bright colors, and whimsical cotton quilting fabric."

pillow currently in Cindi's shop (click image to be taken there!)

vintage quilt kit. all you have to do is sew it together!

ME: "Tell me what you do when you feel discouraged?"

CINDI: "I really don't get discouraged. For me thinking of these brave children means I have nothing to ever be discouraged about. You see, no matter what, they show extraordinary strength of spirit and love so pure. They are my inspiration."

Please stop by Cindi's Etsy shop and see what's new! She is an extraordinary woman who I am so grateful to know and introduce to you. I love knowing that the things I purchase from her shop help a very special cause...bringing comfort to sick children. Her work is impeccable, creative and just beautiful. You can seriously feel the love she puts into it.

With Love and Light,
Jennifer Valentine

Silent Prayer made Visible, Vintage Assemblage Religious Jewelry

2011-06-10T15:51:00.003-04:00

Some of you have been wondering where I've been...I've been making the best that I can of my days, which have been consumed with being a mom to four children and dealing with significant pain issues, nausea, exhaustion and tremendous difficulty getting moving in the morning. Not good for me, who was always quite the morning person...I have suffered with neuropathic pain for several years now and was diagnosed with Fabry's disease in January of 2010. It's very very rare, but it put a name on the neuropathic pain issues I was dealing with. My condition has deteriorated quite a bit in the last few months, and as of late, I have had trouble breathing, and a lot of weakness which landed me in the ER last weekend.
And finally another diagnosis: Fibromyalgia. Through my struggle, I have continued to work when I can, determined to continue doing what I love in quiet prayer. No matter how foolish it may sound, I am a strong believer that whatever happens to us has a reason...a divine reason that we cannot comprehend.
I don't consider myself an organized religion type of person, but I believe in Christ and in the existence of God. I experience miracles every day...connections in life that just cannot be happenstance...
I believe in a divine plan...that the people and circumstances in our lives are there to teach, to reveal, to help us learn to love as God loves us.
There is a bible passage that I keep over my work table that reads:

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart,
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways, acknowledge him
and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3 5-6

Here are my quiet prayers made real:

"Like Water into Wine"

"Dreams of the Sacred Mother"

"the Dogwood Tree"

"Dreams of the Sacred Mother"

"the Dogwood Tree"

These necklaces will be available on etsy soon, along with the stories that inspired them.
I am finding such joy in the little things...finding immense joy in my children and my friends and my dear husband..and I am staying strong through my faith, which has become so much stronger through this illness. I am sending healing thoughts and light to those of you reading this post. You are never far from my thoughts.
I'll be back tomorrow to tell you about someone very special to me, my dear friend Cindi of Cindi0 on Etsy.
An extraordinary woman dealing with her own illness, who makes beautiful quilts for children with cancer...stay tuned.
Love and Light,
Jennifer Valentine

Unconditonal Love and the Dead Bee Heart

2011-05-23T09:47:00.001-04:00

I raised my voice at my 6 year old yesterday. It happens rarely and he is very sensitive....so he writes me a note. I have only gotten two notes so far...so I guess I'm doing ok. I was having a particularly difficult morning and in my frustration to try and get him motivated to get ready for school, I told him he needed to get dressed, NOW. As I went about getting myself together for the day, this note appeared on my dresser, quite matter of factly. Delivered by a frowning and resolute little boy.

Needless to say, it immediately lifted any frustration or crabbiness from my mind and replaced it with laughter and gratitude. It has been said that our children are our greatest teachers. I believe it.

His frustrated scribbles inside a cut out heart shape said it all. I think it is about unconditional love....like the love we have for our children...like the love that God has for us. No matter how much we "mess up". No matter how many mistakes we make or how often we stray, God will always accept us back into the fold of his heart, dead bees and all.

New One of a Kind Jewelry and a Coupon Code Just for You

2011-05-14T17:57:00.000-04:00

I've been trying out some new ways to photograph my work...and I really like it. it seems to be more me. To celebrate the new "look", I'm offering a discount code for 15% off all items: MAYFLOWERS
Just click the images to be taken to the shop to see what else is new!
Blessings and Light,
Jennifer

Gifts of Love

2011-05-10T10:47:00.001-04:00

I just want to share with you some unexpected joy I've received, just because. Sometimes I feel so unworthy of such gifts...but when I'm feeling like I've been feeling lately, I'm so grateful for their presence here around me.
Last night I wrote these words: "I don't have the strength to fight for me today. I just want to sink into this bed and these soft feathers and old quilts into oblivion....simply fade away like dusk...leaving a trail of stars. I'm really not afraid to die. I think I'm afraid of what I'll miss...will I be looking down on my children from heaven or visiting in their dreams, like my father does to me...?
the constant daily pain and creeping numbness have just become something I've learned to live with, but this disease scares me. Why this slow decay? Why now the fumbling hands as I try to create? Why, after 40 years of living, have I finally found my creative joy, only to have it taken from me bit by bit?"

This morning, I awoke feeling a little better. The cats are all out playing in the yard...it is overcast and cool. My dear husband is outside transplanting clumps of violets and wildflowers and daffodils from the back edge of the yard to the front, around our statue of Mary and around the side of our home...It's quiet except for the red winged blackbirds and sparrows tweeting in the trees next door... I hear his shovel turning soil and the hose spraying and the soft sound of curtains breathing in and out with the gentle morning breeze. Life is so incredibly good sometimes I am moved to grateful tears. And then I feel rotten about complaining about anything. I know there are people out there that have it so much worse than I can ever imagine...but it doesn't change my story or my struggle for some semblance of a "normal" life.

Jenny Lee Wentworth sent me this painting recently! It was a complete surprise! and such a delight...I cherish it....and the incredible thoughtfulness and selflessness that went into her work. She even used real egg shells at the bottom and lace from one of her favorite worn out shirts along the bottom. I love the colors and the softness and the words....her blog is a gentle space where she shares her journey into painting and into life itself...wide open to possibility and hope. You can find it here.

My dear friend Carissa Paige is another dear soul who sends me the sweetest things...this just came for my birthday this year and I'm filling it with favorite letters and things.

top of the box

bottom of the box

How sweet is that? It is a big wooden cigar box, painted and screen printed with one of my favorite girls...Carissa Paige is another gentle and dear spirit that I am so grateful for...her etsy shop is exploding with pastel color and movement! You can see it right here.

sweetness from Carissa

Last for today, but definitely not least, sweet Corinne from September House sent me this amazing unexpected gift! I love love love her sweet necklaces..I had ordered a custom necklace with queen anne's lace after I wrote this post...something about the hand embroideredness of them...and the simplicity in design and sweetness that I love. I lost that necklace somewhere along the way and ordered another recently. It came as a gift instead, from Corinne...I cherish it!

I just wanted to share a bit of life with you today...and some things that make me smile. I hope you have (or had) an amazing day today!
xoxox
Jennifer

Checking In to Say Hello!

2011-05-05T07:31:00.002-04:00

I couldn't stay away for too long. Been busy creating custom vintage assemblage jewelry orders! I wanted to share with you some haircombs I created for a sweet person in the United Kingdom. I had to take the photos with my ipod because my camera died...so the picture quality is terrible...but you get the idea anyway. She wanted vintage elements in gold leaves with diamonds and pearls...

I hope you are all doing well....I'm working on some small changes to the etsy shop...making new pretty little keepsake boxes to send the jewelry in, made with vintage wallpaper cut outs. I'll show them as soon as I get my new cheapy camera from walmart! They're pretty cute! Also, new earring cards...oh, and I'm making lots of new earrings and such. Come back soon, ok?
Love,
me

Beautiful Vintage Assemblage Jewelry and Things, for Just a Song...Oh, and Some Change

2011-04-28T21:55:00.002-04:00

I'm taking a little break from blogging...my life is a little troubled, and I guess I don't really want to talk much these days..I just want to work...making my vintage assemblage jewelry is my solace...my escape into shiny and bright and Springtime....it takes me elsewhere.
Sometimes my mind wanders to French markets among the bustle of tourists and the Eiffel tower in sight...sometimes it takes me to Puget Sound, with the light scent of the water in my nostrils and the moist green of the ferns and mossy forests from where I traveled so far to get here....to this small town in Michigan. I have become accustomed to this place and all of its hope and its hopelessnesses.
Always, though, I think of you...and the things I create for you to wear...for you to feel pretty and loved and sparkly as you go about your days. I am speaking to women tonight because I think I only have one or two male readers.
Each piece I create tells a story. A story of the history and the resurrection of what was once lost to time...but also, know this;
each piece tells the story of hope and of love for you. Hope and love for myself and for each and every woman and girl who struggles with self worth, with letting go, with the negative voices. For you who struggle with mistakes and regrets and wavering faith...like I am this moment.
I have made, and remade my life over so many times....and now I feel the pull to begin again. To recreate myself. My life. My work....(and once again, organize my work space!)

In any case, I am having quite a sale over at the shop. I have marked most things down as low as I can make them go. It will be closed for about a week or two in May, while I gather myself, find my center again, and make new things...take photos...write stories....make plans. Some of the things you see will not return again...but I will!

Blessings to You and Yours,
Jennifer Valentine

Loving Spring and a Coupon Code (just for you)

2011-04-22T13:06:00.002-04:00

I've been keeping busy, with spring on my mind...

one of a kind flower arranging...

I'm just so happy that spring has arrived...though it has been raining and raining...I'm off to enjoy the rest of the day! But I wanted to leave you with a secret code for 15% off my already lowered prices in the etsy shop.
Just use the code EASTER2011 at checkout. I'll even throw in free shipping (refunded after the sale) just because you are here! Don't worry, you can use your secret code until next weekend. I just got some amazing vintage finds from my lovely source in France. (I have already used some of the gorgeous pink glass in the earrings above).
I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter Weekend!

Love,
Jennifer

Where Does the Time Go?

2011-04-15T20:17:00.000-04:00

I celebrated my 42nd birthday on the 13th....with a new funky hair-do/highlight thing...I've been wanting a change...and well, I got one. And afterward I felt guilty for being so vain that I'd spend money on highlights....the usual internal tug of war when I spend money on myself. I'm still not used to seeing the new hair...I was a blond until age 4 1/2. Does that count? but do I think I like it. I used a photo app I have on my ipod for my 42nd birthday picture because it is sooooo much kinder to my face! I'm seeing wrinkles pop up in weird places, like under my chin...what's with that?!

We are welcoming spring here in Michigan. It is bursting out everywhere. My favorite part is the tiny clumps of violets that appear everywhere in the yard

and then the daffodils arrive on the very back edge of the yard in big clumps.

I recently watched the movie Eat, Pray, Love...I read the book years ago and just loved it, so I was pretty excited about the movie too. In the movie she talks about the Art of Doing Nothing. I thought about that. I asked myself, if there is ever a time, aside from sleeping, that I am ever just doing nothing? The answer was a resounding "NO."
So I went out into the yard one day this week and did that very thing. I took a photo of it for my journal...this whole notion of nothing doing was different for me, the multitasker-alwayshavingstufftodo-er.

There is a lot to be said for this whole doing nothing concept. I like it. I think I want to do more of it. I did nothing for a full 30 minutes or more....well, I did pet my cats...but I felt the breeze on my skin...the sun on my eyelids...I lay down and breathed in the scent of moist dirt and grass. I began to feel closer to myself...closer to the earth...closer to God. Just those few moments refreshed my spirit and reminded me of what I love best in life: being present in the outside world.
Do you ever practice the Art of Doing Nothing? If you do, where is your doing nothing place? What is your most favorite part of the season you are in?
Thank you for being here today. I'll be back soon with more news and such!
xoxox
Jennifer

Love, a most favorite poem by a most favorite poet, Billy Collins (and some portraits of Saints)

2011-04-04T01:31:00.002-04:00

The boy at the far end of the train car
kept looking behind him
as if he were afraid or expecting someone

St. Teresa

and then she appeared in the glass door
of the forward car and he rose
and opened the door and let her in

and she entered the car carrying
a large black case
in the unmistakable shape of a cello.

She looked like an angel with a high forehead
and somber eyes and her hair
was tied up behind her neck with a black bow.

And because of all that,
he seemed a little awkward
in his happiness to see her,

whereas she was simply there,
perfectly existing as a creature
with a soft face who played the cello.

And the reason I am writing this
on the back of a manila envelope
now that they have left the train together

is to tell you that when she turned
to lift the large, delicate cello
onto the overhead rack,

I saw him looking up at her
and what she was doing
the way the eyes of saints are painted

when they are looking up at God
when he is doing something remarkable,
something that identifies him as God.


St. Catherine by Raphael

St. Agatha by Niccolo de Simone

Reaching Out Together with the Red Cross

2011-04-02T21:25:00.000-04:00

I bought quite a few vintage gems recently...and I've been waiting for their arrival so that I could do a fundraiser for the Red Cross. I know with so many crises going on, great organizations like the Red Cross are strained. I want to do something manageable and something simple. And the reason I waited until now is because so often, we tend to jump in to help in a crisis situation right at the very beginning, but then life gets in the way and our focus is redirected elsewhere. It isn't our fault, really. Life just happens. We get caught up in our own worlds.
When my step father died more than 25 years ago, people came from all around to help....and in the Deep South, what people did to help was bring food. LOTS of food. I was 14, and deeply grief stricken...and all I could remember seeing the next week or so after his death was literally every surface of our home covered with bowls of salads, casseroles, cakes, pies, bread, meat, sandwich fixin's....and I think food was the last thing on our minds. We had to eat though, each visitor would say. Cooking wasn't really on the agenda either, so the food was really nice to have and bless all of the sweet sweet folks for bringing it. Truly. That is just what a good Southern neighbor did...and we had a lot of them. But what about later? When all the old food had to be tossed and the funeral was over and the flowers and cards stopped arriving and everyone went back to their everyday lives....and we were still floundering around inside of grief and uncertainty and heartache?
Then would have been the time for someone to come around and offer food, or to cook or wash clothes or help in some way. And actually, a few folks really did. And it was a comfort, but time went on...
Those of us who have suffered deep, deep loss completely understand why I waited to do a fundraiser now. A month after the earthquake in Japan. I don't expect to make a whole ton of money, but whatever money we give now is right where it is needed the most. Well, that's just the way I see it I guess.

So, for the next month or so, I am offering all of the proceeds from the sale of these earrings in my Etsy shop to be allotted to the Red Cross. You get something beautiful to give as a gift, or keep for yourself, and we both feel like we've helped in some way...even the smallest way helps. It really does.
If you aren't a fan of the color in the listing photo, I have other options. Just leave your choice of the following colors in the message to seller at checkout on etsy. If you don't see the listing, just wait a moment for me to renew it. The price is right for these beauties and I'm hoping you will spread the word! They will each come sweetly wrapped. I will also ship to another address if you'd like that.

the colors available right now are:
Siam red
Smokey topaz (lovely brown color)
Plum
Light Pink
Aquamarine
Peridot
Light Amethyst
Montana Sapphire


montana sapphire

If you don't really want the earrings and you'd just prefer to donate, click here to be taken to the Red Cross donation site.
Thank you for your help!
Blessings to You and Yours,
Jennifer

Winners of the Giveaway!

2011-04-01T12:44:00.001-04:00


being silly with my oldest Daughter a minute ago

It's Friday morning....well, it was.....after an emergency vet visit for Cutie, whose Christmas antics post seemed to make lots of you smile! He's ok. Just a fever and a cold. Whew! He scared me there for a minute...or two.
SO, I'm back after throwing on clothes and no makeup and a hair-don't and rushing to the local vet to give you the winners of the Giveaway! (and winners, be sure to get in touch with me!)

Mia, you are a winner of the earrings!
Karen, you are an earring winner also!
"I aim for Grace", you are a winner of the feather hairpins!
"Teal Water", you are also a winner of the gold plated feather hairpins!
and the last drawing was for the magazine and, Terri Ann, you are the winner of a copy of the Jewelry Affaire magazine!....I feel weird asking if you want me to sign it....I mean, just in case I get super famous or something...you know....(laughing)
I hope everyone has a great day! Remember it's April Fool's day!
I've already been fooled once. I'm soooooo gullible.
So LOOK OUT. And now I have to research why all the vintage April Fools' cards involve someone holding a fish.....I think maybe because "Fool" in French means "Fish"? So it's just the French cards...

Thank you CHICKS57 on Flickr for the amazing antique postcard images.

What Makes Your Heart Flutter?

2011-03-23T00:48:00.007-04:00

My little article in Jewelry Affaire magazine is published and the magazine will be available on newsstands or to order online through Stampington on April 1st! I got my issue already and I am completely humbled to be included in this amazing and gorgeous magazine with so many talented artists...I don't quite feel like I should be there, you know? I have to remind myself though, that just because my work is fairly simple, it doesn't mean it isn't worthy of being seen.
I need to remind myself, and you today, that comparing ourselves to others that seem to be more than we are; more talented, more beautiful, more significant, more worthy, is a "sure fire" way to become quite unhappy.
There are days I look at my work and shake my head...and the voices rattle around in there saying things like, "who do you think YOU are?" "Anyone can do what you do." "You're wasting your time. This will never amount to anything." "You'll never be as successful as Nina or Stephanie or Kelly Rae or, or, or..." I literally have to tell them out loud to JUST SHUT UP! And I keep on creating. I think we all probably have those nagging negative voices, don't we?
So don't let those voices take over! Sometimes, it is really hard isn't it? Have faith in yourself. I have faith in you!

So when I saw this come in the mail today:

and the voices in my head said, "well, you have no business in a great magazine like this." I took a deep breath and firmly told that voice. "I am worthy. I do have something to offer this world. My work is beautiful in its own way...a way that is my own beautiful way."
I don't feel like my work is really "mine" though. I feel very much like it is a gift... and I truly believe that each of us has a special gift, unique to us, if we take the time to explore ourselves and find it.
What makes you loose track of time? What leaves you breathless? What makes your heart flutter? What brings you true delight when you do it? The answers to those questions will be your first clue. Unfortunately, the first answer that comes to mind for me, is ~~eating chocolate cake~~....so you might have to move down your list just a little and that's ok....
I urge you to take a few moments today just to explore YOU.

My sister, Kelly Rae Roberts, has new prints that ask questions like these and more. This one is one of my favorites and it can be found here, with so many other new prints that she has added to her online shop!

Next Friday, I am giving away a free copy of the new Jewelry Affaire magazine (which is packed full of tutorials, beautiful jewelry and stories) trust me, it is a beautiful publication! I'm also giving away two pair of my best selling vintage jewel earrings,

lots of pretty vintage colors to choose from!

and also two pair of feather hairpins.....I am so amazed at how many ladies love these!

All you have to do is leave a comment to be entered. No hoops to jump through or anything....You can even leave an anonymous comment with your name (first name and first letter of last name please!) if you'd like. I'll announce the all of the winners next Friday, April 1st, so I'm really hoping for lots of entries! But please enter only once. There will be 5 chances to win something!
I just love doing giveaways and I appreciate you all so much. Thanks for being here today!
I'd also really love to thank Beth Livesay of Stampington & Co. for believing in me and my work....such gratitude I have for you Beth!

It's All Secretly Perfect

2011-03-18T21:15:00.004-04:00

I've been away...in many ways I've been away, trying to recover from yet another illness...and trying to recover from some things in my life that have left me speechless. I simply can't form the words...and it just isn't something I can share here.
Life has become, for me, a stark contrast of light and of dark.... there is such amazing light, because I choose to live there in that space. But the dark lurks behind the corners of my eyes and brings tears of frustration and grief that I fight to tame....and more questions come as I cling to my core belief that it is, in fact, all secretly perfect.
So, here today, I just want to share some light....and a little peek into my home...a place that has become more and more a haven of rest and joy. Where the scent of Hyacinths, brought to me by my sweet K.W., just today, wafts through the air and light comes through the antique dresses and lace hanging in the windows.

I wanted to share a little bit of a before and after with you today.
K.W. surprised me recently with this antique (and very wonderfully shabby) cabinet we spied during one of our favorite pastimes: JUNKING. The price was so right that it was irresistible!
Here is the before:

Our youngest explores the new arrival...

Pooka and Alice explore the new arrival...

...and then I filled it with my personal treasures...I left all of the old, torn antique layers of wallpaper in tact....almost all of my treasures were found on our excursions to local antique shops. Sometimes I can even get my older kids in on the junking scene...it is always fun to hear their exclamations of surprise when they find something they think is "so cool!"

a chamber pot from the late 1800's, bird s&p shakers
and parts of my "old bird stuff" collection

my most favorite treasures are the really stained
and chipped and uber neglected ones.
my prize is the old pitcher on the top shelf without its handle.

blue willow vintage child's plate and crystal is one of many
very shabby Christmas ornaments I made this year
that I couldn't bear to put away!

I've begun writing in favorite journal again today. I never seem to find time to write unless I am writing here. My journal is by one of my favorite artists Sabrina Ward Harrison.
This is the journal I chose because it spoke so loudly to me recently. (and I love the happy colors) On the cover is says "It's All Secretly Perfect"...and I need that reminder sometimes. You can see it or purchase it (or one like it) by clicking on the journal. It is on sale now for 11.00 at Papaya, one of my favorite sites. Quite a bargain! It is reversible, opens up flat, and has nice thick pages for painting and gluing and such.

So now, at almost 9 p.m., I close the curtains against the night as I type in front of this huge picture window on the world. I have some work to do...earrings to make and orders to wrap in pretty blue boxes....
Here is a sneak peek of what's coming to the shop tomorrow...

more wedding jewelry from vintage elements, I love
the super shabby elements of the hair comb...

See you all again soon...thank you for being here and reading these words...sharing your life and your time with me means so much. Love and Light to you all.

A Letter

2011-03-06T23:25:00.000-05:00

Dear God,

The brief darkness inside of me has given way to light. It doesn't take long for the light to come....I spend a lot of time within myself, working things through....and praying.
You know that, right? I try not to bother you too much, because I know there are people with much bigger needs, but lately I've been talking to you quite a bit and you help me work things out in ways I know I should. The sadness and the anger gives way and I feel your presence as always. Sometimes it just takes a day or two. Thank you for listening to me.
By the way, I like for you to be a "him". I'm ok with that. I like the idea of a heavenly father, and I don't get hung up on whether you should be a man or a woman. I just find comfort in you....and joy in your creations....I revel in them, really..... How do the tulips know when to rise? I do enjoy the questions....

Oh, and I was just talking to my husband today about a quote by Einstein

“There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle.”

I think I'll still keep choosing the "everything" option.

Though there were still patches of snow on the ground today, Jeremy and I went out to soak up the sunshine and do some sidewalk drawing...he chose to draw a rainbow...a sign of hope and promise.

Such sweetness and joy in his inside-out shirt and clunky snow boots...thank you for him. Thank you for all of my children. They have brought me such joy and they have truly been my greatest teachers.

I know that you know sometimes I loose my focus on what is good and what is deserving of thought and thanksgiving and what is deserving of just letting go. There are things I have simply just given up to you. So, I'll just let you handle the big stuff and the hard stuff and the tough questions that I can't answer, and the things that I just don't know what to do with anymore. Because you make life so much lighter. So much simpler. So much easier. So much softer. More joyful. More manageable.

More miracle.

I always come back to you.

I Am Brave

2011-03-04T21:21:00.004-05:00

I received my locket weeks ago. It was perfect. The colors of the beautiful blue Czech glass beads... the perfect font of tiny letters lovingly hammered into into it that claimed, "I am brave." After much deciding about which locket spoke to me, I felt so strongly that I needed it, and I so adore Liz Elaine's work.

But I gave my locket away two days after I received it to someone I felt needed it much more. I gave it to my youngest daughter when she decided at 17, to go out on her own...and now, now I feel the desperate need for another locket. I need that reminder again that I too, am brave. I need the locket with the words lovingly pounded into it with Liz's loving hands....with her intentions of peace for the wearer.

There is such a duality to my life. The joy I feel about my hearts work and my marriage and the myriad of blessings so present in my life...and the joys that being a parent of five children (four of which still live at home) brings to me. The laughter, the silliness, the noise, the love, the dancing....
but lately I feel like I'm crumbling. Crumbling under the pressure of physical pain once again limiting my life and the way I want to live it; but mostly, I'm crumbling under the pressures of being a mother to three older teenagers and a little guy who just turned six.
I feel like life keeps throwing such tough things at me...I get cynical and think maybe to see how much I can take before I break. I have been reduced to my knees in prayer...prayer in thanksgiving, but also so often in tears. I feel I am at war with myself in many ways.
I ask the questions of myself that some parents might ask..."Have I done enough?" "Was I supportive enough?" "Did I make too many mistakes?" "Is it my fault my child has gone astray?" "What should I have done differently?" "Should I have been more strict?....less strict?....more expectations?....should I have made more money?...less of this...more of that..."
I have truly learned to love a lot of the questions about life...about God....about spirituality....but I am not loving the questions I've been asking of myself.
I know in my heart that I've done my very best for E. It is the hardest thing I've ever had to do...witnessing the destruction and chaos and tears. And I am not unaware of how hard it must be for her to tell me things that disappoint and sadden me. I have had to tell my own mother things that I knew would brake her heart, and make her question her own parenting.

I encourage you to write about your struggles here. Or even send me an anonymous letter...or leave an anonymous comment if you'd like. Talk to me about your heartache, your joy, your moments of clarity.
Because this blog is so public, I cannot reveal the specifics of the experiences I am having as a parent in this moment that are causing me such heartache....I am not anonymous! but I am ever hopeful....ever hopeful still.

I think instead of the "Brave" locket, I'll choose this one:

Yes, I need this reminder...I need this one now.

Dearest Liz, I thank you ...for your healing works of love from the Little Room... for your words....for your gentleness through the many years I have followed you....for your amazing new BOOK,which I adore......thank you for you.
My daughter, E. is back home now. She is wearing her "I am brave" necklace. and She needs it now more than ever.

Birds and Blossoms on my Brain, vintage assemblage jewelry

2011-03-01T02:09:00.002-05:00

ice drops on the big tree out front
taken just this past week

It has been such a looooooonnnnnnnggggggg winter. There is still snow on the ground here in Michigan and I hear birds singing (FINALLY) outside, which means that spring is coming. It is a welcome relief from the subzero windchill that has been happening lately. I haven't been outside much this winter...I'm happy to watch it from the warmth of our home, which I am so grateful for.
I've been thinking about spring and weddings and flowers and little girls and buttons lately among other things. It helps to keep my mind off of my defective body parts and yesterdays visit to the ER (instead of going to church as planned) at the insistence of my dear husband, who was concerned for me. I'm having back trouble again...the kind that makes me afraid to move. It has been awhile since this ol' spine of mine has misbehaved so badly....and I had forgotten all about it really, until yesterday. I'm thinking it must be the change in weather...but I am recovering.
Anyway, I've been working on some new things here and there. I so adore these antiqued brass birds I've acquired and I want to put them on everything! (though so far I have resisted.)
I am so excited to be working on another order for Declaration Boutique this week. It is an amazing shop in St. Augustine, Florida that carries my vintage assemblage hair combs and earrings. I am so grateful to Heidi for her trust and confidence in my work.

Flight of Fancy Necklace

gold plated feather hairpins

antiqued brass bird hairpin
with antique mirrored glass cabochon

Stay tuned for another giveaway, OK? (I love doing those!) I'll be back again sooner this time, than later.
THANK YOU for being here, and for taking the time to read my words and such. It means so much to me. it really does.

Atlantic City Assemblage Necklace and a Little Story Too

2011-02-20T03:43:00.000-05:00

When I was a child, I spent most of the summers with my dear grandparents in New Jersey. I hold young memories of Atlantic City, softened with age...riding the huge ferris wheel and the far flung swings...the fortune telling machines and the smell of the salty ocean air...the drifts of sand along the boardwalk...the smell of the wide sun-baked planks under my feet. I remember the sweet cotton candy (always the blue, not pink) and the welcome respite of cool shaded booths filled with cheap touristy things...I imagine where this little pin has been, but I do know where it started out...in the hands of a hopeful, smiling tourist...maybe a couple on their honeymoon... or maybe in the fist of a little girl just like me.

I just had to make this necklace when I came across this wonderful vintage tourist pin in a recent purchase of "junk" jewelry....and it has been so long since I've told a story associated with my work.

I like this one...Yes, I like this story.

WINNER WINNER chicken dinner!

2011-02-14T19:06:00.000-05:00

Thank you all who left amazing poetry comments and such on the blog for the giveaway! I wrote all six names on little slices of paper and put them into my favorite vessel....swirled them 'round and had my husband choose the names out for me to be extra fair!
And the winners of the 20.00 gift certificates are (drumroll please):

SUSAN and EMILY!!! (*will you send me a message so I can give you the details?)
I love each and every one of you for taking the time to write and share your poems and favorite words. You are each and every one so special to me.

I got a most amazing and inspiring Valentine email from Magpie Girl today and I want to share the links with you right here:
http://www.magpie-girl.com/a-blessing-for-the-single-people/
http://www.magpie-girl.com/a-blessing-for-the-separated/
http://www.magpie-girl.com/a-blessing-for-those-with-partners/

I don't know how her blog escaped me, but I have found a new daily read. Her words inspire me and the above blessings are so incredible. I hope you enjoy them as well.

with love,
me

A Special Valentine's Day Giveaway!

2011-02-12T00:17:00.000-05:00

Well, I am keeping my graphic design (almost but not quite yet) degree warm with a little practice, but this didn't quite come out the way I wanted it to. Might look better in print...anyway, this is my Valentine to you!

Enter a line from your favorite love poem for a chance to win a 20.00 gift certificate for my Etsy Shop! I'm giving away two of them on Valentine's Day.

IN OTHER NEWS, I have opened a separate shop for my children's line. I a very excited about the things I have planned for this special venture. Making the sweet hairpin sets and necklaces just makes me smile huge, and melts my heART. Here is the banner and link (just click on the banner) for the new Etsy site if you'd like to visit:

SPECIAL THANKS to The Graphics Fairy for all of the wonderful free Valentine images and such!

Black and Blue and other Stuff

2011-02-09T23:51:00.002-05:00

I try to post more often, but where does the time go? I am finding it hard, still, to balance work with play with blogging with twitter with website with etsy with relationships with laundry with raising kids...and on top of it all, exhaustion is back again and not feeling so hot these days (again). I forget, when my health is pretty great, as it has been for exactly ONE month out of the past 7 of them, that I have this damn disease. I forget that I can't push myself too hard. I can't stay up too late or eat bad food or get less sleep or forget my medicine. To be honest, it kinda pisses me off. And yup, I'm getting older. There is so much I want to do and time seems so limited....and then I feel so dumb and ungrateful for uttering a single peep about my life when so many folks out there have it far, far worse. So what's an ungrateful, overwhelmed, sick and sometimes, angry gal to do? She makes pretty things in black and blue.

(click on the picture above if you'd like to see more)

(getting pretty good at photos with my trusty old AA battery powered Sony Cybershot 7.2 megapixel, eh?)

AND what else does she do?

She celebrates the moments that make life so incredibly beautiful. Moments like this:

My youngest with his birthday PIE. Key Lime to be exact.

Love, Your Typewritr

2011-02-06T02:08:00.001-05:00

I opened my front door Friday to a tall stack of packages...a welcome sight.I always enjoy opening the vintage treasures i use for the shop. But there was one package I was not expecting.... I knew from the sketch on the cover that it was filled with goodness and love. I knew it was from my dear friend and artist Carissa Paige.

I was so overwhelmed and touched to see what was inside! I had just asked her several days before receiving this amazing gift if she'd like some vintage erasable typewriter paper that I had brought with me years ago from Seattle. She didn't respond and I just thought she was busy...little did I know that she was giggling to herself! The most touching part was the typed note that came in the typewriter...

I have always loved to send unsuspecting people small packages of simple blissful things. Random acts of kindness in boxes filled with my love and sent out into the world...I just don't often receive things like that, but I love love love to give them. That is the best part...the giving of thought manifested in physical form. This was such an absolute unexpected joy. I had to share it with you too.

She even enclosed a vintage typewriter brush wrapped with a large feather and soft whispy things..as if to say that any mistakes I made would be effortlessly brushed away. Lord knows I make enough mistakes.

Carissa my dear friend, thank you for your precious self and the precious gift. I can't look at that machine without smiling wide....

p.s. Dear readers, if you'd like to see Carissa's work, you can visit her etsy shop!

Won't you share an unexpected joy in a comment? I'd love to hear it! and by the way, when was the last time you used a typewriter?

New Vintage Assemblage Wedding Jewelry

2011-02-01T01:30:00.000-05:00


butterfly collar


vintage crystals and tiny celluloid flowers

I've been almost obsessing on a neutral palette lately. Toning the shiny golds down to antiqued tones...and relishing the new tiny antique glass flowers and leaves I recently bought to play with (more about those soon!). My mind is very much taken over by jewelry for little flower girls and on weddings and spring...maybe it is a way to relieve the constant chill that the thick snow leaves in this Florida semi-native's bones...(I was born in Jersey but I'm mostly from Florida, and a little from Seattle and Michigan, if that makes sense.)

ah, but I love the idea of creating something that someone will wear during one of the most precious days of her life...yeah....I think it is more about that............it's really much more about that.

By the way, Layaway is now available at my shop. Just stop by and ask about details on something you might like.

The World's Best, Not So Best Kept Secret

2011-01-29T19:58:00.001-05:00

Well, I wanted to tell you I'm having a Valentine's Sale in the shop. 15% off of everything in the shop, including vintage items, with coupon code "VALENTINE2011" at checkout.
and I made a new banner and profile square for such an occasion:

What I really wanted to tell you about was this amazing site that I've found that has amazing FREE downloadable vintage and antique graphics!

I used quite a few of her free images for my Etsy banner and icon.

This site is a load of fun if you enjoy playing with graphic design elements. I have an almost degree in graphic design, and though hands-on creating with vintage and antique things is my passion, I still thoroughly enjoy making the occasional banner or add, or card. This website makes it so easy to find things with cataogories and such.

Here are a couple of quickie banners I've made for a couple of my favorite Etsy shops:

(Click on the banners to be taken to the shops!)
I hope everyone has a great Sunday! See you again soon.

A Surprise Sale and Vintage Assemblage Jewelry for Little Girls

2011-01-23T03:50:00.004-05:00

I'm having a sale in the Etsy Shop...
look for the items marked "SUNDAY SALE" for 15% off lots of things. I'm kinda diggin' pink lately...apparently it is the Pantone Color of the Year as well...a color called Honeysuckle, which is a reddish pink. I like happy colors like pink.

I'm also starting a small jewelry line of lead and nickel free vintage jewelry for little girls. Thinking about doing "mommie and me" earrings and such. For now I have made up some sweet little vintage earrings and hairpins. (I'm listing them today)

teenie vintage porcelain studs

sweet vintage rose hairpins

Would you mind leaving a comment telling me what your favorite color is to wear? I'm always curious about what colors you like. Do you like the vintage jewelry for little girls idea? No need to sign in. You can leave an anonymous comment with just your name! No passwords and word verifications and such.

Oh, and I have new boxes...kind of like faux Tiffany blue...it was kind of an accident because I ordered white and ended up with these instead...and I like the color, so I bought some ribbon to compliment it and have lots of these vintage millinery flowers on hand....and Voila!(did I spell that right?)

So, this is my new wrapping these days...I mix it up a little with monograms and such. I love for my sweet customers to feel like they are not just making a purchase, but they are receiving a gift of love...sounds a little corny, I know, but seriously this is what I do.
I create the jewelry and then I place it on my little "altar" above my table for the night before I photograph and list it. I thank God for the gift of being able to create and I ask blessings for my readers and my dear customers and I say a prayer that goes something like, "may those who wear the work of my hands, and read my words feel the love I put into each and every piece."
Thank you, each and every one of you for being here today. For reading my words. For leaving such heartfelt comments. For your prayers for healing. I am so grateful for each and every single one of you. So grateful.

A Portrait of Self

2011-01-21T11:52:00.000-05:00

I want to remember this day. I want to remember this bedhead in bright red with dark roots and makeupless face and wearing all of my spring clothes in the middle of this Michigan winter. Putting on her amazing springtide earrings, and a favorite necklace given to me by my mama years ago by Mati Rose. I put it on when I most need it. I need it today. Bright colors on one side and on the other it says "There is nothing wrong with you." If I can't hear anyone actually say it to me, I need to wear it close to my heart.

redheadbeadhead

I have painted myself with color today...in the brightest I have. Red shoes, green pants, blue shirt bright green sweater....my kids still make comments even after almost two years of it. I come from literally years of wearing all black...a throwback from working at Eileen Fisher and living in a Seattle suburb years ago. I guess I thought it was easier and more "chic". It was. I desperately wanted to be chic. But that was then. I'm not worried about "chic" anymore. Now I paint myself in layers of color whenever I can. I don't much care anymore even if it really "matches". It lifts me. It was my 40th year resolution and I've kept it going. Quite possibly the only resolution I've ever kept.
Yes, I want to remember this day. The sounds of my little boy playing in the other room. Patty Griffin station playing on Pandora. Jewelry waiting to be finished on the table.
Hope in my heart.
And the feeling that there is really nothing wrong with me. Sometimes I allow others to make me feel terribly terribly flawed. I'll be 42 soon. I like myself. I heard about this revelation when I was 30. How when you turn 40 things change. They have. I've let go of some stuff...some clutter in my heart. I like the light in my eyes and the new big wrinkle in the corner of my left eye that I discovered the other day. (I don't spend much time in the mirror, so it is always a surprise when I really look!) I do, however have issues with my chin. Still trying to make peace with that......
uh-um but anyway, what do you do when you need to be lifted?
Aside from wearing lots of color, I love a big cup of double-spice Chai tea and take maybe take in the scent and sight of lemons. (I keep lemon oil on my table and sniff it...sometimes even putting a dab under my nose and inhale deeply) I prefer lemons to fresh flowers (they're cheaper too.) Sometimes I keep one or two on my table to feel and scratch and sniff until they loose their lemony-ness.
and I read this poem called The Journey by Mary Oliver that I want to share with you:

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice--
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do--
determined to save
the only life you could save.

Je t'adore

2011-01-20T19:30:00.000-05:00

Isn't this just lovely?!
Thank you to RewElliott for including my luscious Cobalt blue French perfume bottle. (at the time it is still for sale!)

Mamma, the Beach and Edgar Allan Poe

2011-01-19T11:01:00.001-05:00

When I was 16, my mother presented me with this book.

I was a young novice poet, writing and brooding about broken hearts and love and wounds and teen angsty things...and I loved the dark words of my (then) favorite poet, Edgar Allen Poe. I learned from a friend that today he'd be 201 years old. My little antique book was published in 1882...I don't think I own anything else that is quite that old, or a possession that I've had quite as long.
My little Poe book has moved with me more times than I care to count. Packed and unpacked. Darkness and light. And always in the first box I opened in the new place. My Poe book and my children and I have criss-crossed this country from cities and towns in Florida to Seattle,Washington, and then finally landing here in small town Michigan where we live our days celebrating each unique season. Though my three teenagers would disagree, there is something very charming about living here for the past seven years.
In each place I've ever lived, my little old Poe book became a reminder of my mother and from whence I came. It grounded me. It has always been there, resting quietly until I take it down from its place and gently turn the brittle pages and run my fingers over the lines of my favorite Poe poem, Annabel Lee.

I once recited it in High school English class, bringing with me my red "boom box", and on it, a recording of the ocean waves (I crept out that night before the assignment and traveled with a friend to the beach to record them.) Barefoot and skipping in the shallow waves and twirling in the darkness, I practiced the poem aloud with the ocean mist in my hair and recorded the gentle rushing forth and receding of the waves. Yes, I was quite the romantic then and the world was wide open. Quite the dreamer at heart...and I suppose that hasn't changed much.
There was something about those last lines of Annabel Lee that resonated within me and furthered my love for poetry. For the past 28 years I have written off and on, sometimes going years uninspired to write...but always, my little antique Poe book was there waiting quietly for me. And my mother, never too far from my thoughts.

So, Happy Birthday Edgar...and thank you for your words pressed into the yellowed pages of a little brown book that made everywhere I lived a home, and inspired me to write. And thank you mama, for the very first gift of poetry...and the little old book that holds the memories of my young-ness and my spirit....and always reminds me from whence I came; of you mama, my forever home.

Resolution gone BAD....and maybe it's GOOD?

2011-01-15T12:07:00.000-05:00

OK, I didn't write down any resolutions or words for the year yet...I only know this: I told myself I'd be more organized. I wasn't really specific. I made myself a notebook this year to keep track of labels and receipts and such, so I got that much done....and well, that's about it. I clean my work desk at least once a month and it takes A LOT of my time to do. I always feel better afterward....and then two days later it looks worse and worse and worse...........and I am surprised I get anything done. I really do have a great little space and I am planning to paint the ugly tannish-brown colored walls soon. Anyway, an excersize in humility brings me here to show you where I work. Where I spend serious blissful hours making things for you...infusing them with joy and with love...in an organized chaos. Is there such a thing?
Thanks for being here today and sharing your time with me. I really enjoy sharing my life here. It is very cathartic for me; but also, someday my children can come here and see where their mama came from....
(my apologies for the video quality ahead of time.)

Off the Cuff...Well, I guess really it's ON the cuff..but it seemed clever enough...

2011-01-14T17:53:00.000-05:00

I'm smitten these days with bracelets. Particularly cuffs. I have a large amount of vintage Art Nouveau stampings,shapes and swirls, little leaves, religious medals, vintage earrings, rhinestones...oh my. I've been collecting vintage and antique "supplies" for a couple of years now. It's time to use more of them. I've found the versatility of the brass cuff...

The Beekeeper's Daughter


Wedding Song

My Baroque Valentine

Oh, and for the rest of January, I am giving away free button or rhinestone or button-rhinestone hairpins with each order.
Thank you for being here.
Blessings and Light,
Jennifer

An Easy Shabby Pendant Lamp Idea

2011-01-09T21:33:00.001-05:00

It has been ages since I've decorated anything. I am slowing down a little this month and focusing on organizing and such. I wanted to share with you an easy project I did today. The supplies involved are fairly simple:

*a thrifted lamp (mine costs about 6.00)
*cheap lamp shade (old or new) (a little too large or too small is fine)
*bunches of old lace, vintage hankies, silk flowers
or anything that you fancy
*hot glue gun
*ceiling hook
*extension cord

Ok, so to make the pendant lamp just really entails using bunches of fabric (I used lace) to cover the shade enough to make it kinda flouncy. I began by loosely hot gluing some old lace around the bottom. I used the "cool melt" kind of glue so I didn't burn the skin off of my fingers! I just gathered the lace, added a blob of glue and pressed the lace into the glue. It kind of squishes into the lace layers and holds it where you press it down.

I began with a layer draped around the bottom, then added two more layers. No need for perfection. I wanted it to be kind of haphazard and messy.

Once the shade was covered, I added it upside-down on to the inverted vintage glass lamp base and hung it from the ceiling. I covered the cord loosely with a long length of vintage lace and puddled it a little into the open lamp base. The lamp then plugs into an extension cord. The joined ends are perfectly hidden in the fluffs of lace, so it just looks like one continuous cord.. Anchor the lamp cord to the ceiling hook by just looping it back over itself a couple of times and adding a tie. I found a low wattage bulb is best. I put a 60 watt in for this photo and it got a little too hot.

A mishap with the old plaster walls while attempting to tear down some tacky plastic paneling (glued and nailed to the plaster walls!) became a welcome bit of shabby chic-ness that my husband and I both like a lot. We decided to leave the rest of the walls alone and cover them with antique sheet music and book pages. It is still a work in progress...I'll post that project next week.
If you decide to try this lamp project, I'd love to see your creations!
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today.