Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Featured Artist: Mandy Kallal of Jewelry4Reenactors

 
Our latest featured artist is Mandy Kallal of Jewelry4Reenactors!
Mandy's designs are unique because they draw on her years of experience as a Civil War reenactor and have been specially crafted to be period correct.
 

Mandy loves the Victorian era and many of her designs are inspired by pieces from that time. Her extensive research can been seen in each one of her handcrafted pieces and by her attention to detail.  


Mandy uses materials like coral and mother of pearl, as featured in this brooch and earring set, as they were very popular materials during the Victorian era. 


These bracelets are designed around Victorian mourning jewelry. Often incorporating jet black glass or onyx, these pieces would be worn for years after a loved one's death. This design features an old daguerreotype which was a fairly new technology at the time. 
 

Mandy's beautiful designs have delicately detailed filigrees which would surely look lovely to wear whether you are going to a Civil War ball or a modern day event. 
 

We hope you'll enjoy a visit over to Mandy's website (and also check out her Etsy shop too), to be inspired by her designs and their unique histories. Any one of her special pieces would make a great gift for someone who was interested in history, or just beautiful jewelry!


New on Pinterest: Color of 2014 Radiant Orchid


Are you ready to ring in the new year with bright colors? In our latest board "Color of 2014" we are exploring PANTONE's color of the new year, "Radiant Orchid." It's bright, and somewhat sassy, and very purple! Who knows what colorful delights the new year will bring?



Friday, December 27, 2013

January's Birthstone: Garnet


Garnet Vintage Czech Glass Crystal Faceted Bicones.
Garnet Vintage Czech Glass Crystal Faceted Bicones.
January's birthstone is the garnet.
The gemstone garnet comes in shades of green, yellow, orange and red. We have a selection of stunning faux garnets at Bumbershoot Supplies and Bumbershoot Designs. When it comes to the vintage stones, garnet refers to a deep red color and faux vintage garnet stones and beads are often faceted to emulate the gemstone.

Garnet Vintage Glass Pear Teardrops.
Garnet Vintage Swarovski Crystal Beads.

Garnets have been used in jewelry since Roman times. The gemstone is the state gemstone in Connecticut, New York and Idaho. It has been the birthstone for January since medieval times. Garnets have been associated with friendship and loyalty.


Garnet Vintage Swarovski Rhinestone Earrings.
Garnet Vintage Rhinestone 60ss Round Glass Jewel.
Garnet Vintage Glass Heart Rhinestone Jewel.

In 1870 Tiffany & Co. published a birthstone poem in one of their pamphlets. The January poem goes:

"By her who in January was born
No gem save garnets shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity."

Garnet Vintage Swarovski Rhinestone Pear Jewel.

For friendly inspiration, we invite you to browse our vintage faux garnet collections at Bumbershoot Designs and Bumbershoot Supplies.



Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

The 25 Days of Christmas Cards: Day 24


Day 24:
“‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse..."
– Clement C. Moore

Card by Dorothy Jane.

For more about our 25 Days of Christmas Cards project, see this post.

Monday, December 23, 2013

The 25 Days of Christmas Cards: Day 23


Day 23:
“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree."
– Roy L. Smith

Card by SalmonBerry Studio.

For more about our 25 Days of Christmas Cards project, see this post.
 

Sunday, December 22, 2013

The 25 Days of Christmas Cards: Day 22


Day 22:
“Christmas doesn’t come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more…"
- Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Card by Papyrus.

For more about our 25 Days of Christmas Cards project, see this post.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

The 25 Days of Christmas Cards: Day 21


Day 21:
“Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling."
– Edna Ferber

Card by Dorothy Jane.

For more about our 25 Days of Christmas Cards project, see this post.

Friday, December 20, 2013

The 25 Days of Christmas Cards: Day 20


Day 20:
“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."
– Norman Vincent Peale

Card by Sharon, Bumbershoot Designs and Supplies.

For more about our 25 Days of Christmas Cards project, see this post.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

The 25 Days of Christmas Cards: Day 19


Day 19:
“Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind."
– Mary Ellen Chase

Card by Dorothy Jane.

For more about our 25 Days of Christmas Cards project, see this post.