A Gathering of Tearful Beauties

BeJoyfulVintage in Blogland and Vintage Lace Pendant Necklace Giveaway

 
"Coeur et la Tete" Pendant Necklace

I've begun doing some online advertising of late.  The BeJoyfulVintage avatar and link now appears in the VintageIndie Blog and CityofDionne Blog . 

Both blogs are run by dynamic, trend setting women, putting themselves "out there" to brand great artisan made and vintage wares and sharing bits and pieces of their daily lives with the masses.  Take a moment and check these blogs out - you'll enjoy some great reads and pix. 

I am contributing my vintage lace pendant necklace, "Coeur et la Tete", to a giveaway that will be held on the CityofDionne Blog in the near future.  The necklace features a vintage lace snippet and vintage french dictionary phrase sandwiched between two glass slides.  A freshwater pearl and heart charm add more spice.  And, a vintage ribbon bow bedecks the simple silvertone bead chain.   

Keep watch on Dionne's blog for the giveaway details.  There will be several different gift bags to be won and the pendant will be in one of them. 

 
I will be making more of these necklaces, each OOAK, and offering them through my BeJoyfulVintage Etsy Shoppe . Keep a watch for them. I continue to offer my OOAK Art Jewelry History Collection pieces through my BarbaraDoone Etsy Shoppe .

Oh, BTW, I'm also offering a 15% discount on all items in the shoppe from now 'til the end of January, 2011.  Use discount code XMASJOY2010 at checkout time to ensure the discount is processed automatically. 

BJF and Merry Christmas!

3rd Annual MaMi Shoppes "A Country Christmas in the Village of Solina"

 

 
 Once again Studio BarbaraDoone will be participating in the annual MaMi Shoppes "A Country Christmas in the Village of Solina" sale.  The brainchild of the fab three, Heather Senter, Rachel Stoklosa and Rebekah Bremner, "A Country Christmas" gathers together a talented group of artisans so they can offer the fruits of their creative labours to the public.  This is the place to get fabulous one of a kind handmade gifts to add to your Christmas stash.

Here are some of the pictures I took from last year's event - just a little "somethin, somethin" to whet everyone's appetite.  I'm certain many of the same vendors will be there again this year and there should be some rockin' new ones too!  Go to the Mami Shoppes Blog  for more information. 

Let's start with some scrumptious cupcakes and "to die for" cinammon buns confected by Rachel Stoklosa at "Sweet Occasions".

 
Rachel Stoklosa's "Sweet Occasions"

 

 
"Green Tangerine Bath and Body Products"

 

 
"Crazy Baby Accessories" 

 
 
"Boho Chic Designs"

 

 
Joanna Potratz of "Life in a Lens Photography"

 

 
Heather Senter of "Ophelia Weeping Jewellery" and "Senter Photography"

 
 
Rebekah Bremner of "Balaboosta Baby Products"

 

Well there you have it.  "Start your engines" and get ready for the show this Saturday, November 27th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Solina Community Centre in the village of Solina. Click here for the mapquest directions Solina Community Centre Location .

Oh BTW, some vendors do have credit card capabilities but remember to bring good old fashioned CASH to make your purchasing alot easier.

See you there and remember to BJF!

Studio BarbaraDoone Open House

 
Studio BarbaraDoone

SPECIAL INVITATION

1^ST ANNUAL "SHOP FOR CHRISTMAS"

OPEN HOUSE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2010   6 PM TO 9 PM

905-668-2307 bejoyful@barbaradoone.com (please call or e-mail for the address)

 A RELAXED EVENING OF SHOPPING FOR CHRISTMAS &

OTHER GIFT OCCASIONS FROM BARBARADOONE'S

ART JEWELRY HISTORY COLLECTION   www.barbaradoone.etsy.com

THE BLISSQUEST JEWELRY LINE ,

BEJOYFULVINTAGE'S HAND SELECTED VINTAGE ITEMS  www.bejoyfulvintage.etsy.com

AND CUSTOM ORDER JEWELRY GUARANTEED PRE-CHRISTMAS DELIVERY

DOOR PRIZE, LIGHT REFRESHMENTS

Well, there you have it.  The announcement for my "1st Annual OPEN HOUSE".  Christmas in October in Whitby.  Please give me a call or e-mail to let me know you will be attending (for refreshment purposes and to obtain the address).   

There will be one or two surprises and lots of my handmade jewelry and vintage wares to browse through.  Also included are vintage rings and vintage damascene jewelry pieces. Come right at 6 p.m. if you're really interested in these as they truly are "one of a kind".  I can never hope to find the same ring or damascene piece again as they are 20 years or older.  

I hope this evening will help you with starting your Christmas shopping early or at least give you lots of ideas.  There is more than enough time for custom jewelry orders to be ready for December delivery.  Also, if I don't have just the right vintage item for you, let me do some shopping to see if I can find it before December.  I've been known to be quite successful in these "hunts". 

Enough for now.  Looking forward to seeing you on the 21st!

As always, BJF!

Alive and Well and Living in Whitby and Studio BarbaraDoone Open House Update

 
This winsome darling is frantically trying to figure out how to get back in her garden on this book cover.  Somehow she fell out or off and desperately needs to return to finish putting her garden to bed for the winter.  I couldn't resist listing this item in The Shoppe using this picture.  It screams that there's "a mystical story to be told".  The story would most certainly involve flitting wood nymphs and an ogre or two. 

It's been a while since my last posting so I thought I better let you know that I am alive and well and still living in Whitby.  This past month and a half has been a whirlwind with another family wedding in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, which I will be doing a post on, and a family visit/buying trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Also, commitments have been made for BarbaraDoone to show her Art Jewelry History Collection at two artisan shows in November.  Details to follow.

I have also been errant with the next "What Is This?" contest.  Stay tuned and keep checking the blog around the first of the month.  I've got a doozy for you!

Studio BarbaraDoone Open House - NOW Thursday, October 21, 2010

The original date of October 14th for the first annual Open House has been changed to Thursday, October 21st.  Our return from Minneapolis was delayed by several days due to Triple M contracting the flu - 2 days in bed and a very miserable man child.  No one likes being sick and being sick AND away from home is the absolute worst. 

I hope I can get to the few friends and customers that I've already given the original date to so please make a point of passing this change to those you know who want to attend. 

Further details and e-mails to follow asap this week. 

So glad to be home and I have been missing all of you!

BJF!

In the Home Stretch

This will probably be the last time I am able to post before the home party this coming Sunday.  I am feverishly working on jewelry, scented bookmarks, handstamped muslin ribbon, gift envelopes, labelling and sorting my vintage items etc. etc. etc.  My muse during all of this insanity is the TLC show "Say Yes to the Dress"  - the sea of white wedding dresses and the Kleinfeld white decor must be calming - it certainly isn't the price of some of the dresses, Youch!  I paid $200 for my wedding dress some 26 years ago, $75 for my hat (yes I had a hat not a veil) and $60 for my lace shoes $335 total. Hmmmmmm.

Fleurs Avec Le Bleu Francais Necklace

 
back of the Fleurs Avec Le Bleu Francais Necklace

I believe that the back of the necklace deserves attention, perhaps not as much attention as the front but it needs that special something to make it more than just a working part of the necklace.  You will find most of the BarbaraDoone necklaces will have a Swarovski Crystal or Pearl dangle or a few complementary beads worked into the chain to give it that special somethin' somethin'.

Le Coeur Bracelet

Just a couple more designs to get you excited about Sunday.  Le Coeur Bracelets are confected of mixed metal chains, chandelier crystals  and Murano foil lined heart beads.  The hearts are available in red as pictured, pink, blue, chocolate brown and chartreuse.  Also, the bracelet is adjustable,  I may not have bracelets available at the show in all of the colours but they can be ordered. 

Angels and Demons, Buddha and the Butterfly, Kitties Galore Earring Sets

Finally, whimsical, diminutive, mismatched, darling earring sets.  Each little ceramic bead "munchkin" is crowned with a Swarovski Crystal.  I will be expanding the offerings and combinations in these sets over the next few months.   The Angels and Demons earring set provides a succinct way of expressing yourself.  On those days when making a decision seems almost impossible or you are losing the struggle to remain on the straight and narrow, you can wear the angel in one ear and the devil in the other!  Family and friends will be forewarned. 

Well, back to work.  I am so looking forward to seeing you all at the home show on Sunday afternoon!

BEJOYFUL!

On The Edge

In the Garden of Good and Evil

My husband declares that "I've lost it"!  I tell him that I'm trying to incorporate new jewelry pieces in my  Etsy Blissquest Shoppe  that are slightly "on the edge", I'm trying to grow and create in new and exciting ways.  Well, maybe this one has fallen right off the edge.  What do you think?  Skull beads are very popular these days with the younguns so I gave some thought as to how I could weave them into my designs.  Thumbs up or thumbs down?

Angels and Demons

Well, what about these?  A pair of devil earrings and a pair of angel earrings sold as a set.  Wear them all at once (if you have 2 holes in each ear) or, if conflicted, wear one of each.

For the more conventional, here's a couple of new designs I will have ready for sale at the upcoming home party and the evening at the Ajax Convention Centre.  Also available through the Blissquest Shoppe.

Circles

Pearls and Wisdom

Always appreciate your thoughts.  Your input really helps me to "be real" and at the same time "push it to the edge".

BEJOYFUL! 

 

CREATING, CREATING, CREATING for the Party and SAVE THIS DATE!!!!!!!

Just wanted to let everyone know to save this date.  On Friday, April 16th from 7 p.m. - 11p.m. I will be participating in the Market Moms Shopping Event titled "Mingling Mommas and Mocktails" at the Ajax Convention Centre.  BarbaraDoone's Grand Magasin will be stocked full of BarbaraDoone jewelry, vintage rings, Damascene and rhinestone jewelry pieces, other vintage delicacies as well as Bliss Gift Packaging, Handstamped Muslin Ribbon and Vanilla Latte scented Bookmarks.  Check out the Market Moms own website  to learn more.  Wishing to see you there!

STIRRED NOT SHAKEN EARRINGS

Still busy creating, creating, creating for the home party on March 28th.  Like Julia Child I spend alot of time thinking about food so look what happened to my jewelry!  I did say that my BlissQuest Jewelry is whimsical and romantic themed - fork and spoon earrings definitely qualify as whimsical. 

NATURE LOVE EARRINGS VERSION #2

Here is another version of earrings for the Nature Love jewelry.  These fall under the romantic themed category and you also could say that they're rather BOUNTIFUL and will definitely be entering the room before you do.  Silvertone etched leaves, twisted rings and swarovski cream pearls make up this recipe. 

 
NATURE LOVE BRASS NECKLACE - THE PARTY DOOR PRIZE

Kate and I thought we'd sweeten the pot a bit for those planning to attend and the yet undecided.  This necklace will be drawn for at the end of the party so you need to attend the party and fill out a ballot to be in the running to win this BEAUTY.   The necklace is confected from 22" of brass rolo chain, a beaudacious brass three dimensional flower pendant and three carved stone beads.  This charmer is remarkably light considering the components.  A $45 CAD value.  These necklaces will also be on sale at the party and, if I run out, can be ordered. 

Most BarbaraDoone jewelry can be ordered and customized if other colours or chain styles are better suited to you.  ALWAYS ASK!

Now my last jewelry piece for this posting -

 
IN LOVE NECKLACE

Multiple lengths of black and silver chain, a silvertone lined black and white lampwork glass bead and a plentiful filagree silvertone heart combine to declare LOVE is in the air and around your neck.  Nothing like LOVE is there?

Are you looking forward to the party?  Let me know how you're feeling and what you think of the jewelry with some comments on this and the other blogs.

BEJOYFUL EVERY MOMENT - HONEST IT DOESN'T HURT A BIT! 

New Design - Nature Love Jewelry AND Vintage Damascene Jewelry

 
Nature Love Necklace and Earrings

Just dangling another new jewelry design in front of you!  Nature Love will be premiering at my friend Kate's home party in Brooklin the end of March.  Try to get on her guest list ............ if you can!

 
Butterflies are Free Necklace and Bracelet

I've also made a slight adjustment to the design for the "Butterflies are Free Necklaces and Bracelets" - just larger twisted rings - very simple change to gain oodles of punch for the necklace and bracelet.

Now let me introduce you to a vintage jewelry love of mine - DAMASCENE!

 
Very Wide Damascene Bracelet in Silvertone

I honestly can't remember how I discovered Damascene jewelry but whenever or whereever it was it started a passionate love affair for me.  I dare you to find this jewelry in anything other than an antique or vintage store or at a BarbaraDoone home party. 

Damascene with Mother of Pearl Bracelet

DAMASQUINADO jewelry has mostly been crafted in the historic city of Toledo, Spain where talented artisans have over the centuries practiced the traditional art of Damasquinado jewelry making.  After inlaying 18k and 24k gold to a design impressed in steel, the surrounding background is treated by a special process, producing a rich black finish which enhances the gold.  The resulting work of art is then prong set into a gold finished jewelry frame. 

Damascene is also made by artisans in Thailand and Japan - I only have a very few pieces of these kinds.  The Spanish Damascene is much more prevalent.

 

Damascene Madonna and Bird Necklace

The Damascene jewelry seen in these pictures and more will all be for sale at the March end party.  Be sure to come early if you want to purchase any of these pieces.  Once they're gone, they're gone as I can not be sure I'll ever find the same pieces again.

Damascene Butterfly Brooch

Damascene and Faux Pearl Floral Brooch

Well I hope I've raised the bar a little for the upcoming party.  Keep checking the blog as I'll be revealing more new designs for your enjoyment!

BEJOYFUL EVERY DAY AND EVERY MOMENT!

How to BREAK OUT of that Winter FUNK

It's been a while since I've posted - I think I've been in a funk about my friend Madonna GRACE and her cancer.  Well, God must have granted her his grace as she has truly embraced the mantra of "living one day at a time" and each time I've seen her she's been smiling and been her same loving self.  I want to be like Madonna GRACE when I grow up!

Besides this funk - how do you get out of your typical winter funk?  Well for me, I love to look at my collection of little dresden lace figurines and then my de-funking routine always involves jewelry design.  Actually,  I'm feverishly preparing for and so looking forward to a home jewelry and gift party that my special friend Kate is hosting for my jewelry and other creations at the end of March.  She's a PRIMO party thrower (and person BTW) and should be in the business. 

In preparation I'm going to be posting pictures of some of my designs I will be premiering that afternoon.  Here's the first -

Butterflies are Free

I've fallen hard for mixed metals and multiple chain designs this year and also the many stunning and artistic toggle clasps available to jewelry artisans these days.  I'm doing alot of mixed metals in my Art Jewelry History Collection pieces as well.  The whole idea challenges the traditional as does the asymmetrical look of positioning the beads and clasp to the side of the necklace.  Actually this necklace can be worn three different ways - beads and clasp to the side, beads and clasp centre front and simply the twisted rings centre front (beads and clasp at the back of the neck). 

 
 So Sweet Buttercup

*twisted rings offer such simplicity

Don't you just love being able to get so much mileage out of one piece of jewelry!  The puffed coin beads are so amazing too.  The swirls and mix of colours are delightful and very unique - you don't see these kinds of beads in a regular jewelry or department store - only true jewelry artisans know where to find them. 

*puffed coin beads - swirls and a melange of colours

Keep checking back to see more designs and party offerings to be at Kate's place the end of March!  And, please pray for my friend Madonna GRACE - prayer is so powerful and so healing!

BEJOYFUL!

 

MaMi Shoppes Presents A Country Christmas in the Village of Solina

MaMi Shoppes Country Christmas Sale Flyer

I received an Etsy Convo the other day from a dynamic, creative group of artisans called MaMi Shoppes.  They have invited me to participate in their upcoming Christmas gift sale in the quaint little village of Solina , just north of Oshawa, Ontario.   I normally don't participate in such sales (I'm not a craft sale vendor snob, they're just very gruelling events for a designer to prepare for and participate in) but when I visited their blog MaMi Shoppes Blog and the Etsy stores/blogs/websites of the driving forces behind MaMi Shoppes  Heather Senter   Rachel Stoklosa   Rebekah Bremner  I WAS SO VERY IMPRESSED! 

These ladies present a very professional, forward-thinking, high quality aura.  Their products (current trend jewelry and photography, cakes and pastries, baby care must-haves) are beyond attractive. Heather, Rachel and Rebekah have done their homework and identified some solid business niches and given them their own special "twists". 

I am so pleased to be joining this group as part of their fabulous day and event!  Please come and visit my table BARBARADOONE'S GRAND MAGASIN!  I will be offering my jewelry and vintage wares a la my Etsy stores and also BarbaraDoone gift envelopes and tags.

So please mark off Saturday, November 28, 2009  10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for this event.   And bring friends, bring lots of 'em!  There will also be offerings of gourmet foods to delight your palates!

AS ALWAYS, BEJOYFUL!