My Grama's Soul

Goodness....I have not posted in over a month.  This one will have lots of pics so be prepared.  (O: I was not sure if I was ready to celebrate this year as Christmas day was the last day I saw my son alive....but I know Scott would want me to celebrate the day even though he is somewhere else....hopefully....having his own celebration!!! These old clear bulbs turned into the ones in the shots above.   Still loved the bulbs as they are plastic and unbreakable but wanted to make them a color so took paint and made that happen.   I have used the same decorations now for sometime....just remaking them into something new.   We did not put up a big tree this year as I was just not up to the task...but as you can see I spread little things here and there though the house. The leather photo album in this picture is over 100 years old.  It contains pictures of my aunt, my mom and my grandmother and grandfath...

I am a firm believer in displaying the art you, yourself, make.  It doesn't matter whether it is fabric art, painted art, mosaic art, jewelry art, junk art or any other kind of art you can think of. By having your personal pieces around you it gives you inspiration to create additional pieces.  It doesn't matter whether the piece is great or mediocre ...... JUST PUT IT OUT THERE SO YOU CAN VIEW IT... I may have shared these pieces before.....made from old junk wire found in my Father-in-Laws tool box....incorporated long beads I made and other pieces of junk earrings.  Milagro....made totally from recycled material (sounds so much better than......junk.....doesn't it?). Each time I pass this little display in my home it encourages me to think creatively.....I often can't go to my studio to work then and there....but it does get those "juices" flowing.   How about you.....do you display your creativity around your s...

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

Allright.....temps in AZ right now where I live are running anywhere from 109 degrees to 113 in some areas....too hot to do ANYTHING outside....so I am spending time in my little studio.  Cranking out "Les Bijoux de Junque" as Debra from She Who Seeks  has graciously labeled my little creations. The piece above was made for my wonderful neighbor.....who is a horse lady.  In AZ.....all horse people have to own some kind of truck....to be a real cowboy...so I made her a little something to wear with her cowboy duds...although she doesn't own a truck....she can always pretend.   And then we have this: Have a beautiful Montana friend...who is a GREAT cook....in fact she worked one summer as a ranch house cook...anyway....made this little diddy for her.  From junk I have around here....as usual....using an ordinary item in a new way.  Which brings me to this thought..... Are YOU the kind of person who sees beauty where others onl...

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

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...

I've posted before about my dress form....Miss Minnette...... She has been busy choosing her outfit for New Year's Eve. She is an accessory gal like me and so she always goes for those that have a little bling and are a  little different.  This year she has chosen the pendant necklace you see above. She never goes anywhere without her pearls and she does love to pile on the accessories. The pendant you see above was made by MOI.....using soup can lids and junk jewelry.  Yes......I said soup can lids....oops....I guess there is a chewing can tobacco lid in their too. (O:    Oh.....and an old pop bottle cap is what the bling sits on... Here is a shot of the back.  I'm taking a class in making Jewelry from JUNK.....oh boy....do I ever love it. It is being taught at the Shemer Art Center in Phoenix.... This piece may be a little much for many of you....but I do like distinctive jewelry pieces. I actually planned this...