Button Post Earring Collection

The idea to transform little vintage buttons into earrings kept nagging me for quite some time, but taking a crack at it sure took even longer. The logistics of removing and sending down the shanks off of tiny buttons, which when held down between my fingers leave very little space to maneuver the Dremel sanding attachments, took a bit of brain burning. None of the sanding tools in home improvement stores or pliers seemed to be helpful, but I finally figured out the best way to prep the buttons.

To minimize the horrible glass dust cloud, which used to banish me to my back yard, I purchased a Plexiglass grind box. I wish it was a bit bigger since maneuvering the Dremel and the buttons needs some finessing, but I love the fact, that I was able to get rid of the dust mask and goggles. My fingers still get sanded, burned and poked with flying bits of glass, but the final effect is so worth it.

Some of the buttons I found are modern, made using the same old molds used even back in the 19th century. They are truly stunning, especially in the lovely shades of blue with golden yellow aurora borealis finish.

The vintage and antique buttons are my favorite, some near 100 years old. I get a bit nervous, when working with them, since not all of them survive the assault of modern day power tools...

This last pair of buttons is 80-90 years old. I love how the hand painted background makes the raised flower design pop.

To check out more of the button post earrings, visit my flickr page or my Bonanza shop

Thing-a-day, project # 4, Vintage Filigree earrings

Staying away from online supply shops poses a real challenge…yes! I admit…I’m addicted! Last Sunday, friend of mine told me, that she was shocked by amount of supplies in my studio and she did not think I will ever use them all.I will try to use as much of what I already have and try to minimize new purchases. The filigree elements I used for this project, have been purchased probably more than two years ago from a vintage supply shop on the web. I reached for them several times, but did not come-up with anything I really loved to use them and they kept going back into the box. This time I’m happy with the design! The right Czech glass beads arrived just a week ago and with a tiny addition of Swarovski crystal sparkle, they came out perfect!Hmmm…what other goodies my boxes hide? Need to go on a hunt…;O))

Enamel Flower earrings

I have been working on new jewelry for the Handmade Cavalcade and reached for the remaining vintage enamel flowers left in my stash. They are so cute, that I'm having a hard time letting them go... Here are the newest 3 pairs I made on Saturday.

Trumpet Flowers

Couple of weeks ago I came across beautiful carved flower beads online, and just could not resist the temptation to purchase them. They come in variety of colors and materials, and in two different sizes, perfect for necklaces and earrings. First couple of pair of earrings are all finished, photographed and looking fabulous complemented by antique finish brass elements and a touch of Swarovski sparkle:o) The first pair is made of beautiful green aventurine stone with filigree beads, leafy bead caps and tiny vintage bell caps. The second pair is in beautiful, deep shade of amethyst

and this time the beads are made of glass. The centers of the flowers are sparkling beautifully with genuine faceted Swarovski crystals.

There will be more of the trumpet flower earrings and necklaces coming soon:o)

June 25Th

The coral trumpet necklace is ready! The bead is larger than the earring beads, it measures around 30mm and it's made of man-made material. I also used antique finish brass filigree beads, antique brass finish alloy ring, beautifully detailed brass filigree bead cap, brass leaf element and little sponge coral bead. I looove the end result! The leaf and coral dangles were added later and they complete this piece very nicely.