Featured Artist: Dawna St.Marie of PrairieArtisan on Etsy (30% Off Coupon Code Included!)

Our latest featured artist is the very talented Dawna St.Marie of PrairieArtisan on Etsy! Dawna has a special treat for you, so be sure to scroll down for full information. 

Dawna's work is inspired by vintage rhinestone jewelry, and was kick-started by her admiration of her friend's sparkling vintage jewelry collection. 

With a background in stained glass, Dawna does all of the soldering by hand, making each piece a one of a kind creation. 

Dawna's expertise in vintage jewelry and components can be seen in her designs as she expertly matches and contrasts stones, filigrees and settings. Some of her designs use hundreds of rhinestones (that she solders by hand, just think about that for a moment!). 

Dawna's use of bright colors and brilliant vintage stones bring a freshness and modernity to her creations. These statement pieces would look right at home alongside both vintage and modern jewelry.

Truly incredible works of art, which you get to wear!

Be sure to check out Dawna's shop! There are fabulous rhinestone bracelets galore that are sure to awe and delight you! Dawna has graciously offered our readers a discount coupon code for 30% off your order at PrairieArtisan. To receive your discount simply use the code 

WELCOME30

at checkout. What a great opportunity to save on some very special one of a kind jewelry that would make a wonderful gift this holiday season. 

Also, you can find more of Dawna's handmade bracelets at her second shop PrairieVintageJewels, where you will also find stunning vintage jewelry pieces that reflect Dawna's eye for unique vintage flair.

 

Dots. Vintage Mother of Pearl Stud Earrings from Bumbershoot Designs

Many thanks to Chloe for featuring these earrings on her fashion and art blog sixthirtythree. The Dress of the Week theme this week is Dynamic Grooves. Check it out! It's a great dress!

Featured Artist. Amy Griffith of ThirtySixTen on Etsy

I hope someone out there is paying attention :) because this ring is on my Christmas wish list...

I adore this ring by Amy Griffith of ThirtySixTen on Etsy. It is made of sterling silver, with a vintage mother of pearl button from Bumbershoot Supplies.  Multiple buttons are available, but this flower button is my favorite.  Hint, hint...

If the ring is not available, I've also put this necklace on my wish list too...

I love my vintage mother of pearl buttons :)

Hand worked sterling silver is so special because even if the design is the same, you can see the hand of the artist in each piece, so each and every piece is truly unique. That final touch, the sterling thread, really speaks to me.

In fact, there are any number of gorgeous items in Amy's shop that I could be very happy with. This ring features one of Bumbershoot Supplies' rose quartz vintage glass scarabs, it just glows.

And doesn't this necklace make you feel happy just to look at it?

Many of Amy's designs feature vintage components, but Amy also offers many charming designs featuring gorgeous, non vintage gemstones and ceramics as well as designs that are all sterling.  This sterling necklace is beautiful and feminine, I could see wearing it all the time. 

And these dainty earrings look beautiful on - Amy shows photos of these in the ear so you can judge their size.

It's not too soon to start talking with Amy about your holiday shopping. 

Rings are sized to fit, so it can take a week or two to complete your order. And then you will have a piece made just for you or someone special.

I encourage you to visit ThirtySixTen.  You may also like to have a look at Amy's blog.  I subscribe to the RSS feed to her blog, and I enjoy reading about her designs from the initial ideas to the final product.  If you do visit ThirtySixTen, you will friendly service, beautifully photographed, fabulous designs, and much inspiration.

Bumbershoot Supplies' Boot Buttons Featured in Fall Stringing Magazine

I'm delighted to share that Bumbershoot Supplies' vintage mother of pearl boot buttons are featured in a design by Lorelei Eurto in the Fall 2010 issue of Stringing Magazine!

Quoting from the caption (page 40): "A vintage boot button attached near the pendant lends a charming touch to this front-clasping jasper necklace."

Here's a close up of the pendant with the button adornment. These particular mother of pearl buttons were made in the US between the 1920's and 1940's and this lot was dyed a warm burnt orange color. 

You may or may not find boot buttons if you visit Bumbershoot Supplies.  They regularly come in, and then go out of the shop just about as quickly as they come in.  However, you will always find lots of unique vintage supplies that can add just the right special touch to your designs, be they jewelry, fiber, paper, mixed media.  Hope to see you soon!