The Georgian Jeweled Collet with Contemporary Style, Inspired by Anna Wintour

I didn't know anything about Anna Wintour until several months ago, when a dear customer requested a necklace much like one that she wore. This was one of the first sets of the Georgian Collet/ Anna Wintour inspired necklaces I ever created, in deep plum purple and citrine.

From what I've learned Anna Wintour is the Head of Vogue Magazine, and has a lovely collection of antique Georgian Collet and Edwardian jeweled necklaces that are much coveted by fashioistas and collectors all over the world.
I had no idea such necklaces even existed until I "googled" her name (after she was mentioned to me) and saw her in many different photographs, always wearing sometimes two or three of these jeweled gorgeous Georgian necklaces at a time. I set out to create the same look, without the same price tag...actual antique Georgian necklaces are upwards of 2,000.00.
I began receiving requests for other colors like peridot and aqua and pale yellow...in different shapes. The most popular being the large octagon shape and the medium sized oval. They look smashing when worn together, and the color combinations I've seen from the requests by my Etsy customers have been amazing. I learn a lot from them!

peridot green vintage jewel collet style necklace

aquamarine vintage jewels with antiqued brass settings

Pale Spring Yellow and Citrine

Vintage Sapphire colored Rhinestones and Silver plated settings

So with a little bit of research, and a little bit of time. I've found out about the origins and prices of some of the real Georgian Collet necklaces, worn by real queens in real fairy tales...with prices that only queens could afford!

     I have really loved  creating these lately...it is a lot like playing dress up, no? My husband once told me, when I felt doubtful that jewelry was an "important" thing to create, that wearing jewelry is all about having FUN. I never thought of it that way really. Before I began making these sparkling jewel necklaces, jewelry was a bit more of a serious endeavor for me I guess...heavy with meaning and the resurrection of the old. I rather like his interpretation...I mean, the fun-ness of it...draping vintage jewels around your neck to add a little sparkle...a little fun going into getting dressed. For myself, I have chosen a lovely vintage pale pink called Rosaline (coming very soon to my ESTY shop.) I still love making the assemblage necklaces and earrings I am "known" for, and these vintage "bling" necklaces look quite lovely mixed with other typed of necklaces...particularly a longer chain style or even layers of pearls.

simple pale yellow and rosaline jewel necklace

pale yellow, citrine and grape

clear vintage rhinestones with silver settings

 

     I've been having lots of fun with color lately! These particular collet style necklaces are created to be worn just around the base of your neck, about 16-18". I make them 16" with a 2" extender. I am a larger gal, so a 17" looks just right for me. I am working on designs that can be worn much longer, soon to come! Do you have favorite color combinations you'd like to share? Do tell!

     In other news, I was quite surprised to see one of my assemblage necklaces published in the current issue of Jewelry Affaire Magazine. I feel so fortunate to be involved with such an amazing and creative publication. It is a wonderful magazine full of very talented jewelry artists and I am so honored to be included there. If you'd like a preview, you can find it here~

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend. Thank you for your visit today!

Many Blessings to You and to Yours,

Jennifer Valentine of Sacred Cake

 

If you'd like to see more of these necklaces, click photo just above to be taken to my shop!

Free Victorian Photo booth Style Photographs for You

I recently came across these amazing photo booth style Victorian photographs that I wanted to share with you today. They are scanned at very high resolution, so you can make larger copies of the individual photographs to use in artwork and such. Some talented people use these for quilts by printing them out on fabric sheets made for the printer. I just thought these were to nifty to keep all to myself. Click on the images to make them larger. To download them, just right click on the image and choose "save".

original Victorian photo booth typed photos

Victorian photo booth typed photos (that I Touched up a bit)

All I know about these is that they are a bit rare. Smiling Victorian Women or any smiling Victorian  people in general in photographs were quite a rarity, because they had to hold very very still in order to make a clear photo. It is hard to hold a steady smile, I imagine.
The vintage and antique Cabinet photographs are my favorites. I wouldn't call myself an avid collector, but my husband and I both find it very difficult to pass up great old photos. Especially in pretty frames. Our living room walls are decorated with groupings of old framed photographs from different eras, around a central favorite gorgeous oil painting by the very talented Cathi Isza on Etsy.

some of our collection, and cathi's lovely landscape (ignore the tv, will ya?)

 

I know what you might be thinking. Let's just say I'm not a huge fan of the large black TV and we are looking for a way to disguise it...any ideas? I was thinking old wood frame pieces, but then they get in the way of the infrared sensor. I think sooner than later we will put it in a cabinet. I'm not a fan of TV's that "show". Neither is mom, so my her husband, Greg, actually made their TV so it rises out of an old organ!  I was truly amazed. He took the guts out of it, and put in one of those tv risers. It looks fantasic. Then the cable box and dvd player are on the bench underneath. Nifty idea huh?
ANYWAY, back to the story!
I touched up the second set of photographs above in case you wanted them that way. I didn't spend a whole lot of time, so they aren't perfect, but a bit better than the first set!

cute art quilt by Mary using a free image from my stash!

Hope you enjoy them. One of my favorite shops on Etsy uses my free vintage photos in her artwork... I love to see that! Visit Mary at KMHandyKrafts to see more.

If you'd like to see more free downloads from my blog, like the bird and others, just click here.
ALSO, if you need even more images to inspire you, look no further than The Graphics Fairy! Be prepared to be delighted and inspired by her amazing blog packed with all kinds of amazing antique and vintage images, antique postcards, labels, advertisements and more. I used her images to create my blog banner! (which needs a bit of a change, me thinks.)

Hope you all have a happy week! If you do happen to create something with my images, I'd love to see.
Many Blessings,
Jennifer Valentine of Sacred Cake

My Own Rhapsody in Blue

     I should probably pay more attention to color trends...I know about Pantone color forecasts for 2012-13 and fashion forecasts and jewelry trends. I look. But then I just keep making what appeals to me...and hope that it appeals to you as well. I go through what seems to be color spurts, mixed in with my desire to create pale, neutral, shabby jewelry for brides and bohemians alike. Sometimes it feels like a push or a pull to create a certain style, but I have many "facets"...like we all do I imagine.
     I make vintage jeweled necklaces and earrings for formal occasions, maybe because I dream of attending such fanciful places...and assemblage jewelry resurrected from old keys, religious medals, antiques, tattered remnants and worn out pearls. The sparkle and the shabby.
     The focus for me is on the "vintage" and "antique" part of it. I simply love the idea of resuscitating something old, and making it alive again...noticeable....relevant...seen...and loved again.
Maybe it is bit of what I think we as human beings need to be. Seen. Heard. Understood. Important. And most of all, loved.
    There are some that say that they can see the love I have for what I make in the photographs I take. These days, I don't do a lot of the editing and tweaking I used to do. I use my cheapy camera some old handwriten pages and I pick a window. I might sharpen them just a bit because I never use a tripod (terrible, I know, right?!) and hope that my hands aren't super shaky like they can be!
   I deeply want the love for what I make to flow to you, the wearer, or those inspired by my work. Each thing I make is so infused with it. I feel like I am somewhat of a conduit for God. For love. And this the way I spread God's love. Even if it is only to inspire someone with a color.
   There are times when a harsh voice comes into my head that says that what I do is silly. Irrelevant. Trite. Materialistic. Stupid. And who cares about jewelry when the world is falling in around us?
I push those thoughts away. Sometimes it is easier than others, because I do get discouraged. I replace them with the other voices that say that what I do makes sense. It IS relevant. That it isn't about materialism. That someday the bigger picture will be revealed... this gift, for whatever reason, was given to me at 41 years old. I'll be 43 this year. The passion I have for what I do is something that is hard to explain. I literally dream about it. My husband says I talk about it in my sleep. It consumes me. It brings me immeasurable joy. It is my solace. I am a woman consumed with a passion for something that I don't quite understand myself. I truly believe that it comes from a source outside of myself, that flows through me. A reason for being that will make a difference in the world, if even in the smallest ways, to change it for the better.
     I ask you today, what is the song of your heart? What is it that takes your breath away? What makes you loose track of time...so absorbed that the world around what you are doing ceases to exist? For me, it is creating tangible pieces of love. The song of my heart, that I know, was orchestrated by God.
Why did it come to me at 41 and not 20? Maybe because I wasn't ready to listen...or maybe because I never took the time aside from raising my family to simply be still. The signs were there all along. It began with this~

(somehow I've been able to hold onto this pin for more than 30 years)

     It began with a sparkly vintage brooch given to me by my grandmother in my early teens, that I wore constantly throughout high school. But even before high school, I was making single earrings to wear from little antique pendants when I was 13 years old. This was in the early 80's when asymmetry was popular and I'd wear a pearl in one ear and a hand-made vintage dangle in the other. This passion has followed me my whole life, but the attention, the noticing, just wasn't there. The story didn't unfold until much later, for whatever divine reason, not until my 40's.
     Are there patterns and connections in your life that seem to have been there forever? I never thought there were any specific patterns in mine, until I got still and quiet and really thought about it.
Today, I invite you to find the time this week for stillness; for a bit of quiet. As a mother, as a small business owner, I know how very difficult that can be. Believe that the song of your heart is there.
Be still.
Listen.
Know.
You will hear it.

See more of my work here, if you'd like~
www.sacredcake.etsy.com

Shabby Chic Jewelry Storage and Display Idea

I guess because I make so much assemblage jewelry and collect quite a few different pieces and styles, I like to look at my treasures...I like to have them out so that at any time I walk by them in my bedroom I can gently brush the tips of my fingers along the bits and baubles...thinking of every sweet soul that created those bits of beauty from their deepest heart.

My wheel of goodness and joyful reminders of all of the dear people I've met along the way. So simple to make, and easy to use. I've been wanting to share this project with you forever. I clip earrings on the spokes and hang them on the hooks. This is also great for cuffs and rings.

This project is sooooo simple! I think finding the old carriage wheel might be the hardest part. I just happened upon it while out and about several years ago. I didn't know at the time what it would be. I just knew it would be useful and fun. Try looking on ebay, etsy, artfire, craigslist, or even call around to the old junk malls and antique stores.Once you find your old wheel, be sure it is the kind with the solid kind of tire, so your hooks stay in. Screw some larger than average sized cup hooks into the wheel at evenly spaced intervals. I dipped mine into a chemical called  "Novacan Black" to darken them a bit. And that's about it! I embellished the center part with a hunk of filigree and an old vintage brooch. Use E-6000 glue to glue anything on. Just sand each surface a bit before adhering, because most likely your surfaces will be rusty and such.

In case you were wondering who made some of the lovely pieces on my wheel, here is a little list of designers that I hope you will visit! They are all so talented and such sweet spirits.

* Colorful wire wrapped necklaces and birdy earrings are from dear Liz. Visit her shop here:

www.lizlamoreux.etsy.com

* Shabby tribal earrings and various necklaces with buttons and bits are made my Marina. Visit her shop here: www.fancifuldevices.etsy.com

* Sweet  round broken china pink floral pin by sweet Lana, who makes the sweetest Marie Antoinette inspired things here: www.fionaandthefig.etsy.com

*  Gorgeous pottery earrings by Michelle right here: www.mudluscious01.etsy.com

*  Favorite Queen Anne's Lace embroidered pendant necklace (not pictured because I was wearing it) made by dear heart Corrine at www.SeptemberHouse.etsy.com 

* Amazing leather, sterling and cross "faith" necklace by beautiful Nina right here: www.ninabagley.etsy.com

* Large flower necklace, a gift from my daughter years ago.

* Super long antique hand knotted beaded jet necklace, a lucky find. (and a big fave)

*  Pale celluloid earrings, and long pale blue pearl and crystal earrings are by yours truly. You can find me here: www.sacredcake.etsy.com

My wheel has gotten a bit messy now that I'm really lookin' at it! I hope this project gets your creative wheels spinning...

Think of the possibilities to use this idea for an old hunk of wood or cutting board, vintage cane, mirror frame...anything that can hold a cup hook!

AND as always, you can write me with any questions right here:

sacred_cake {at} yahoo [dot] com

Many Blessings to You and Yours,

Jennifer Valentine of Sacred Cake

Bark Cloth Pillows,Quilts, and Quilting Supplies by Cindi of Dreamy Vintage Sheets

gorgeous pinwheels baby quilt

Cindi has been a dear online friend of mine for quite some time now...we've shared stories of hope and of joy and of deep sadness. I did a small interview with Cindi here, last year.Her friendship and deep connection has been such a joy to me, and my home is filled with her lovely quilts and colorful quilted pillow creations that add brightness to my days...every day. I have found such comfort in her amazing work, so infused with the love for what she creates, that I can actually feel it.

windowpane quilt from vintage sheets

modern and vibrant baby girl quilt, or lap quilt

The vibrant color combinations are indicative of her vibrant spirit...and believe it or not, her mother, who is 84 years young also helps create things for her shop, called "Dreamy Vintage Sheets"

Here, a sweet friend models Cindi's mothers' Mommy and Me Aprons. She made these with pink roses fabric with pink and blue checked trim. What a sweet idea, don't you think?

Spring has Sprung Pillow (a ray of sunshine!)

Her passion is quilting, and she loves to use vintage sheets as the basis for her designs. Vintage sheets seem to has unsurpassed softness and amazing color combinations that inspire her...she also loves to use vintage bark cloth and vintage lace,which adds rich texture and color to her designs.

oriental design bark cloth pillow in her shop

bark cloth pillow at my home

(more of my collection)

Cindi believes in superior quality in her designs and it shows. My pillow covers hold up to wash after wash...tumble after tumble, and still arrive in the laundry basket looking like just received them.
Now, for those of you who are quilters and crafters, there are plenty of charm packs and fat quarters and vintage fabrics to choose from in her shop, from pumpkin spice to pink.

"spice cake" charm squares for quilting

pretty vintage sheet fat quarters

Lots of lovely things to look at at Dreamy Vintage Sheets on Etsy! I just wanted to share her amazing talents with you today. When I find something (and someone) I really love, I want to tell the world about it, ya know? I hope everyone has a great day, and I'll see you again soon.

Many Blessings to You and Yours,
Jennifer Valentine of Sacred Cake Jewelry art Art

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

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

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

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

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

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