Last Minute Details

Three days left before the big show and I'm starting to feel more relaxed as I continue to stroke things off my to-do list. Other than packing, which I'll take care of on Thursday night, most tasks that are left are quick and easy. The plan is to sit down and sew all day tomorrow and most of the day Thursday. Hopefully I can make a few new ties, hats and carpet bags....and necklaces, bracelets, earrings....and rings, scarves, belts, and headpieces.

I never seem to make as many items as I think I should. That's one of my worst fears--that I won't have enough to fill my booth. And fear # 2 is that I won't sell anything....oh yeah-and fear # 3 is the weather. This will be  my first outdoor show and the heat wave that we're currently experiencing is supposed to break on Friday, along with the severe thunderstorms that normally accompany a big change in the weather. Yes, Friday is Day One of the show. So as the British say, "Keep Calm and Carry On". I know in the end that these are normal pre-show jitters and I just try to keep them at bay. Things always seem to work out fine in the end.

I'm still working on new displays and had a last minute thought on a unique way to display my bracelets and Gatsby hand ornaments.

                  I purchased a collection of vintage gloves on Ebay, and with a little batting...voila!

Bracelet displays!



 

 

 

 

This is a Gatsby inspired headpiece that I made for the show in black and silver.....

 

 

.....and stacks of business cards are printed and ready to go!

 

So, I'm nearly set and can't wait to get started. To meet lots of new folks, see some familiar faces, enjoy the music

and fingers crossed, have a very successful show!



Take care.....Marian  xo    

Tasseled Necklaces

Tasseled necklaces are my absolute favourite. Their long length gives them such elegance, and their sexy sway when the wearer moves makes them so appealing. Most of the originals were created with a necklace made of glass beads that ended in a tassel. Originally these necklaces were called sautoirs, but they became known as "flapper necklaces" in the 1920's when they became the craze with the "bright young things" of the Art Deco period. Tassels also started appearing in earring designs. They were perfectly matched with the latest style of bobbed hair, dangling below the flirty new cut. Tasseled shimmy dresses were also a fashion trend during the same period. The flying beads and tasseled ends created a lively sense of movement when the flappers participated in the latest dance crazes like the Charleston and the Shimmy.

With the release of the Great Gatsby all of the jewellery of the era has become popular again. Lucky me! I've had a great time designing lots of new tasseled necklaces. Below are some pics of my newest creations. For a look at my entire collection, you can visit my Etsy shop by using the link on the right.

 

 

Thanks for stopping by and hope you'll come back to visit again!

 

Take care.....Marian  xo    

Great Gatsby Inspired Jewellery

I'm not sure if you've had a chance to see the newest version of "The Great Gatsby" yet, but if you're a fan of art deco architecture, fashion, jewellery or design; it's a must see. The reviews weren't particularly great, and I have to agree for the most part, that the movie lacked substance. Fitzgerald's novel doesn't translate very well into film. The writing always stood out as The Great Gatsby's strongest quality, and with the exception of some of the dialogue, nearly impossible to duplicate in a movie.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the movie with all of it's eye candy...the clothes, the jewellery, cars, furniture, décor and houses-absolutely gorgeous. I also enjoyed Leonardo DiCaprio & Carey Mulligan's 'Jay & Daisy' over Robert Redford & Mia Farrow's. But truthfully, the clothes and jewellery were worth the price of admission alone. Tiffany & Prada were responsible for the jewels and fashions, with ad campaigns in all of the magazines for the last few months.

With Art Deco pieces being my favourite, I've been completely inspired by the jewellery featured in the movie, especially the hand ornaments. I've spent the last six weeks working on my own Gatsby inspired collection for my Etsy shop. The response has been wonderful and I thought I'd share some pics with you.

 

A bit of a different take on the hand ornament. I thought this would look beautiful with a prom outfit.

 

 

Pearls, rhinestone pendants and flapper necklaces with tassels were all popular during the Art Deco era.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There has been a resurgence of art deco influence in this spring and summer's fashions, jewellery and decorating trends, especially with regards to wedding and prom fashions. Maybe this is why the movie was delayed from its original release date of December 2012. It will be interesting to see how long the trend lasts. Movies are a huge influence on the fashion industry, so probably only long enough until the next movie with gorgeous actors, fashions and jewellery and a huge publicity campaign comes along.

 

 

I hope you'll stop by my Etsy shop and to see my entire collection of Repurposed Vintage jewellery and fashion accessories. Lots of Gatsby and Art Deco inspired pieces that I think you'll love!



Take care.....Marian  xo