Outfit of the Week 2/3/13

                                                     MintRainbows-->

 <--ScarlettGarnet








                          UnlimitedCraftworks-->

<-- TammyJoFashion

                      EpigramVintage-->

 <--PoisonPuddingFaire

Outfit of the Week 1/27/2013

                      Crochet cat ear hat

                        Lapuzelo Wild-->








Upcycled vintage ring earrings

<--ThreePeats

Crocodile Stitch Rainbow Arm Warmers
                             Mare Shop-->

Purple spikes necklace

<--My Selvaged Life

    
                   Black jersey knit top

                                 LoreTree-->

Upcycled vintage kitsch mini skirt
 <-- 
FuriousDesigns

                                     Purple gradient tights
                                             Rabbit Cave -->

Handmade oxford brogue leather uppers

  <--GoodbyeFolk












      Chunky red vintage purse-->

                              BlondiesBags

Outfit of the Week 1/20/2013-1/26/2013

I am finally getting back into my Outfit of the Week blog entries after too long of a break. I hope you enjoy this! I've been seeing so many wonderful things on Etsy lately, it was difficult to decide what to feature. I had to remind myself that there is always next week.
Be sure you visit the links to each of these wonderful items below. And if you have time, check out some of the Outfit of the Week posts from 2012--just for fun.

Upcycled Wire Bracelet by Margaret Hansen of Ecolibrio

Bobby Pin Earrings by Rebekah Valerio of Amplified People
Bow Knot Necklace by Natasa Jukic of NasuKka
Salvaged Eco Dress by Katie Neall of Furious Designs
Socks by Yoyo of Yoyo Vintage Life 
Handcrafted Leather Boots by Anat Dahari of Walk by Anat Dahari

Another Salvaging Adventure--Wool Cordage

On one of my scavenging adventures I scored a large bag of handmade vintage wool cordage, sewn from rolled strips of wool fabric. It appears that the previous owner had been working on braiding these cords together, and then perhaps intended to make one of those rustic braided and coiled throw rugs.  

I love all the different pinstripes, plaids and herringbone patterns of the wool fabrics. A few crafty things that immediately came to mind were belts, headbands, and chunky cowl necklaces, which seem quite the accessory these days. 

A length of wool cordage becomes the simplest chunky headband.

A few lengths of cordage and a tiny scrap of vintage lace combined so sweetly to make a funky, cozy tie belt.

I braided three strands of contrasting cord together and tied scrap leather at the ends to make this chunky tie belt. I think it looks adorable paired with one of my mini tunic dresses.

Then I decided to make a crochet chain using some of the cordage and came up with this design for a chunky cowl necklace. The ends of the cord are wrapped with ribbons for a smooth finish (and so the wool is not itchy on the neck). I think it came out nicely and adds just the right amount of indie pizazz to any variety of outfits.

Minimalist, Classy, Mother of Pearl

This past week, my daughter's and I celebrated their father Travis' birthday; he would have been 41 this year. He passed away almost seven years ago now, and though time passes it does not heal all wounds (I hate cliches and that is one of the worst); we merely learn to live with them.  

For me, November is always a somewhat difficult month to get through. The seasonal transition to Fall/Winter always makes me feel a bit forlorn, introspective, and filled with a deep longing to move or migrate. Instead, I hunker down; I bake a lot, cook warm comforting foods and create. 

The last few days I've been working on a series of classic, simple, minimalist earrings made with antique and vintage mother or pearl buttons combined with upcycled jewelry elements. I have always adored the luminous sheen of mother of pearl, and I absolutely love the delicate simplicity of these unique eco earrings. 

One of my first purchases from Etsy was an vintage tin with dogwood blossoms filled to the brim with antique and vintage mother of pearl  and white milk glass buttons. 

If I'm feeling colorful, I might use some of the other vintage buttons I have been collecting.

 I use jump rings and jewelry pliers to link the buttons together for a truly unique classy look.

Below are some picture of some finished pieces, which will be available for sale soon on my Etsy and Copious shops.