My Grama's Soul

Personally, I love receiving home made gifts....I believe it really shows someone's caring...So, this year I have made altered bottles for my very dearest friends. This one is for one of my oldest friends....Jan.....she is also my traveling partner....along with her wonderful husband Jeff. Used an old bottle I found in Montana...with various pieces of embellishment.  Please notice the picture...of the peacock...my friend LOVES, LOVES, LOVES birds...in fact she has geese as pets...LOL LOL...so I thought this would be right up her alley. I know she would have a peacock if she could coax one to stay in her yard. (O:(O: The next  bottle is for my friend, Shirley.   She and her husband Tom are very religious and involved deeply in their church...so I thought this would be appropriate. The front.... The back.. This was made with an old vinegar bottle I had saved because I loved the shape....topped with an old door knob...and emb...

I'm always looking for ways to use old things in new ways....so this year I just gathered things from around the house to decorate my table. Old law books purchased this summer in Fredericksburg, an old shoe form found in Montana... The vintage bottle shining in the candlelight we found in Wyoming this summer. Grasses from my yard as well as scented geranium and greek oregano in vases... This beautiful blue cobalt bud vase belonged to my ex-husband...who used to always spend Thanksgiving with us. He has been gone a number of years and I like to have his spirit with us....as well as that of Brad's parents.....We use his mom's silverware to eat with...a little tarnished...but loved none the less. This small blue bottle is one that I altered...it was given to me by a friend in Idaho....It is actually an old vanilla bottle from Mexico...you can still smell the vanilla....added the Traditions tag..as I thought it was so appropriate f...

Been messing around with "junk" again. What do you think? Beads from old necklaces taken apart and reused in new ways..parts of an old earring and bracelet.  The silver piece is not one I made..but I liked how it looked so I added it. We will be leaving for warmer weather soon...on a little trip...this necklace should fit right in!! Hugs, Jo

AND here IS a good ghost/horror  STORY ABOUT LOVE... When Halloween comes around....not many people consider this story....but I do....a story about an Opera Ghost....The Phantom....how great is that.  This opera has breathtaking music, the costumes luscious and the performers ~~ superb. This performance took place at the Royal Albert Hall in England. I have seen this many times over the years....but by far the most memorable was in New York City many years ago when it was on Broadway, or maybe off-Broadway, I can't recall.  I saw it at a little theater called the Winter Garden.... don't even know if that theatre is still there.  Anyway..in the opening scene when that chandelier came down with that pounding organ music in the background... It literally made my ribcage vibrate....and took my breath away!!! I think this opera will be 26 years old this year...and it is still as popular today as when it first appeared on Broadway. Here ar...

Well, was finally able to get back and spend some time in my little studio.  My new puppy, Skyler, has been keeping me busy....I'll tell you that. Anyway....wanted to share this little piece with you....made from a fan pull...an old piece of crystal from a chandi...washers...parts from door knobs... half of some kind of car gear and various beads.  The orange beads were given to me from my neighbor...she picked them up in Santa Fe on her last trip there. I know this piece is far from perfect...but I do love how it looks so funky and bohemian.  ~~~ Well....off to $.2.00 taco night at our local restaurant. BTW......If any of you beautiful ladies would like me to make you a wonderful piece of Trailer Park Jewelry.....just drop me a line and we can chat.  I can guarantee it will be reasonably priced!  LOL LOL Have a wonderful night...dear friends. Jo

I believe creating anything....is about letting the child that is inside of you come out to play.  Remember as a kid you could daydream for hours and your imagination would go wild!!   Well.....I believe that is just what we need to do when making anything creative. I spent time in the studio this weekend just messing around with junk.  Had an old mirror I bought at a yard sale...many moons ago...lots of jars of buttons...and decks of old game cards that my 8 year old grandson no longer plays with....so...I decided to put it all to good use. Now if you know me....you know my home is all ABOUT COLOR....any kind....almost anywhere..... This is what I came up with.... Haven't put the sealer on it yet as it needs to dry overnight....but I think it is pretty cute....especially for a young grand child or baby's room....OR for a grandma who is still very young at heart!! I'm going to put this right in my living room among the other very co...

Well.....the above pic is not mine....it is from the wonderful Suzanne at Privet and Holly.... BUT....I SO LOVE THE SIGNS!! not to mention that cute, cute baby... ok...onto the post.... This may not be very exciting to any of you.....but it is certainly exciting to me. Today....while out to lunch with very dear friends...I had someone inquire about where I  bought my lovely necklace.  I said  "I MADE IT" and....the best part is....it is out of recycled junk!! Her comment was "Do you have a web site...It is wonderful!!"   The above piece is made from the top of a bag balm can, part of an old napkin ring, an old earring, an old jewelry clasp and some of my mom's old pearl's...with a few beads to top it off.  The best thing is it is ALL recycled stuff excluding the few beads I had to purchase at Joanne's.   Needless to say...I was very flattered at a complete stranger's interest. She asked for my card ......  Here is...

I can't even begin to tell you how much fun I'm having making jewelry out of trash!!! All of you probably think I am a little demented....or that I should be on the TV show "Pickers"..... anyway... the above piece was made with junk jewelry and garbage. Well.....I don't exactly dig in dumpsters....but I will pick up an occasional item alongside the road if I am walking. Couldn't decide if I was going to use the above piece as a piece of art or as jewelry.....so I messed around a little with it. It is not completely dry yet...hence the white gunk on the piece. Another one I'm just finishing up..... An old earring...... I pounded flat and embellished with a button and some old rusty chain I have on hand..... Here is a close up of the first piece.  I've used an old levi snap....the back of a napkin ring pounded flat.....bit of old jewelry.....part of an old key chain and various beads, etc... I'm lookin...