Junque Revival

Is it Spring yet?

2011-03-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

As you can see... Sping Fever has kicked in!

Have a happy day!

New.....

2011-03-10T15:15:00.000-08:00

Between the holidays, winter festivities, colds, sprained backs & an all-around busy life, there hasn't been a lot of time for jewelry. But with the promise of Spring and all things sweet & new, I've found inspiration in the simple things.

Spending a Sunday making jewelry with a friend I worked on simple sterling & gemstone bracelets, letting the stones speak for the pieces.

Spring Kisses

The Poetry of Purple
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As Spring get's closer, the brutal fact is that we still have a bit of winter to go here in Maine, and often the dreaded "cabin fever" syndrome kicks in. For us, aromatherapy is a great way to lift the spirits & that's why we're having a contest at Sweet Mojo's Facebook. Head on over, and give us a quick line or two on the "How do you kick the winter blues?" post. We're giving away a bottle of our "Sunbeam" or "Under The Sun Perfume". Both scents are made with citruses blended with other unique oils for a cheerful & sunny aromatic experience.

New Years Sale!

2010-12-31T09:51:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love a good sale? Especially as sweet smelling as this!

Shop from our Etsy or Artfire shops and receive 20% off your purchase for the entire month. No need for a coupon code at Artfire folks..... Etsy customers use coupon code: SMA2011

shop handmade - shop local

2010-12-06T16:01:00.000-08:00

My personal mantra this year is, "it's going to be a handmade Christmas". But if you're one of the many who simply doesn't get crafty with it, or maybe you just don't have the time to try your hand at knitting a scarf or booties, then why not consider giving the gift of handmade, or local, or both? I bet your neighbors will thank you.

We've been busy at the Sweet Mojo workshop shipping and making more product for shows, (and yes, folks are doing their Christmas shopping with us).... It's been fun, and we love the repeat business that we've been lucky to have!

I'm showing off our Body Oil, as everyone I know is complaining about dry skin since the weather has changed. I love this Body Oil, my friends love this Body Oil and customers want more. It leaves a light satiny sheen, but if you like that heavy-crisco-like-look, well, then I'm happy to report that this stuff isn't for you! We've got it in about 5 of our current scents, but would be glad to whip you up some in your favorite Sweet Mojo scent!

We've got a great deal going on our Sugar Scrub Sampler 15 Pack. Over the summer we thought it would be a great idea for wedding/shower gifts and envisioned boxes of them appearing like sprinkles of candy at garden & spa parties. Now that Christmas is here, we realize the potential they have for being great stocking stuffers and basket fillers or the perfect gift for teachers and friends at the office.

We are excited to announce that I am hosting another Artisans' Trunk Show at the Higher Grounds in Hallowell, Maine. The last one was too much fun, filled with friends, music, art and mimosas. What better way is there to shop for the holidays really?

Regardless of where you live, consider hitting a local craft show, or taking a little time to get on great sites like Etsy and Artfire, I bet you'll be surprised at the talent out there!

xoxo Jes

Work mixed with a little fun......

2010-10-31T12:56:00.000-07:00

This past week, my friend Hope Wallace of Paper Relics came to Maine for the week to help Jolene and I design our website for Sweet Mojo Apothecary. We worked for the first 3 days on the site, then managed to squeeze in a little fun at the end of the week.

Sweet Mojo's site will be ready soon, and we are so excited that our customers will be able to purchase our handcrafted bath & body products directly from our site! If you'd like to hear more about it, just sign up for our newsletter in the right hand column of Sweet Mojo's Blog.

Thursday we spent the day exploring Belfast & Camden, Maine. It was the first time in a while that I had been able to take photos just for fun! On Friday we dug for old bottles in the woods behind my house. Hope got a lot of photos that day, and plans on writing a blog post about it, so keep watching her blog if you'd like to see our little adventure in the woods!

All of the photos I took that day were in Camden Maine.

I can always depend on Hope to get good photos no matter where we may be together!
She took all of the photos below.

Abby luvs Hope!

She even did our chalk boards at The Higher Grounds in Hallowell!

Hope likes feet! (you had to be there)

I didn't even know she was taking this!

It was a whirlwhind of a week, but let me tell you, we aren't afraid of a little fun!

If you're into "liking" good stuff on Facebook, why not "like" Paper Relics? Just go here!

Polymer & Shard Class

2010-10-19T06:52:00.000-07:00

Last night I began to sand shards for my class "Repurposed Polymer & Shard Pendant" that I will be teaching at Sweetland Retreat in Manchester, Maine on November, 14th.

I was in the antique business with my Mom for years and have slowly weeded out all of the big stuff. I did keep many old and unique small items for art & such. I seem to have a hard time letting go of little precious items that are broken, chipped or cracked. Hence the boxes of broken pottery & china in my attic. I placed each piece of pottery/china between two towels, put on my safety glasses and started gently breaking up some of these unwanted plates, platters & bowls with a hammer. Last night I sat in my chair with a big platter on my lap and began to sand the edges with a big fingernail file & steel wool.

Soon they will be someone elses treasure that they can wear around their neck!

There are just a couple of spots left in this class!

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I'm super excited!!! Sweet Mojo's website is almost finished... and who but the lovely Hope Wallace is designing it! AND... she's coming to Maine for 6 days to work on the site and do some sight-seeing! It's been quite a few years since we've seen eachother, I just can't wait! I know I say this alot, but I feel lucky to have such great people in my life......

really & truly I do.

xoxox

back to jewelry....

2010-09-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

So now that Jolene and I have our daily rhythm going with Sweet Mojo Apothecary, I decided it was time to start teaching a few jewelry & art classes this year. In my opinion, there's no better place in central Maine then the wonderful and easy-going atmosphere of Sweetland Retreat in Manchester.

In this class, "Repurposed Shard & Polymer Clay Pendant", you will learn how to turn an old broken piece of pottery/china into a one-of-a-kind pendant. This class is a spin-off from my article in Belle Armoire Jewelry's Summer 2009 issue.

FIND MORE DETAILS at Sweetland Retreat! Class is Sunday, Nov. 14th & registration has begun! This one is filling up! (no really, I'm not just saying that, it truly is!) (lol!)

Hope to see you there!

xox Jes

hey... guess what?

2010-08-28T15:46:00.000-07:00

So we are having a little contest over at Sweet Mojo... woncha flit by and play along?

Groovin' on a sunny afternoon....

2010-08-17T17:51:00.000-07:00

We are psyched to announce that Junque Revival, Vintage Jewelry & Sweet Mojo Apothecary will be set up for the entire day at the Portland Music and Arts Festival this Saturday on Free Street. Presented and sponsored by WCLZ, The Dogfish and a plethora of other Maine businesses, this all day music event will have an eclectic mix of bands along with some fabulous Maine artists & vendors.

Our tent will have oodles and oodles of cool costume jewelry by Nancy (my Mom) from Vintage Jewelry. I plan on bringing the Junque Revival copper tree loaded up with jewels, and of course Jolene and myself will have of our entire line of products from Sweet Mojo plus new products that you wont find online.

Check out the website to get all the info... and we hope to see you there!

shop and rock people!

new scent & trunk show...............

2010-08-10T13:18:00.001-07:00

Under The Sun is our new uplifting scent, designed to kick those blues and put a spring into your step!

We'll be selling our divine products at Chase Farm Bakeries Trunk Show in Augusta, Maine this coming Saturday.
Find out about the new scent and the trunk show over at Sweet Mojo's blog.

I'M HAVING A SALE!

2010-08-02T17:51:00.000-07:00

I've been cleaning the studio & will have more to add at the end of the week.

The sale is at my Etsy shop.

have a sweet day!

modern handmade child

2010-08-01T17:26:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share this wonderful online magazine that I know you fabulous mothers will love! Shannon Hanley from Maine is one of the talented editors and creative forces behind Modern Handmade Child.

And can I just say, you don't have to be a parent to enjoy this cool publication!

Take a peak... you'll love it! Just scroll over the issue to view in full size.

Open publication - Free publishing - More home decor

weathered driftwood & shells

2010-07-29T10:55:00.001-07:00

The first two pieces were designed especially for the Spring 2010 issue of A Jewelry Affaire magazine. I had taken a trip to Alaska last year with my hubby for our 10 year anniversary. Yes Maine and Alaska are different, but there are similarities in their rustic beauty. I brought home with me a few pieces of driftwood and lava stone.... once I got back home, I dug through my shells, all found right here in Maine while beachcombing.

"Drifting" bracelet

"Morning Tide" necklace
I wanted to eventually have a small collection of seashore treasures to share and sell. I strove to keep each piece simple, rustic and natural. This vintage jewel has been attatched to a beautiful worn bit of shell.

"Set Sail" shell brooch

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I've been doing some cleaning and started a SALE section at Junque Revival's Etsy shop.
PHEW... it feels pretty darn good!

xoxox

birds & shells

2010-07-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

New at the shop....

Seashore

Little Bird

I've posted some great photos of the Art & Vintage Market over at Sweet Mojo's blog if you'd like to see some lovely art & displays!
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xox Jes

only two weeks away!

2010-07-11T07:14:00.000-07:00

We are getting close to the sale at my house, and I am just a wee bit excited!

We have artists bringing pottery, jewelry, art, tie-dyes, photography and so much more.

My Mom is coming with vintage buttons and costume jewelry and there will be lots of tag sale tables set up. I will also have some vintage wares at very reasonable prices.

Of course SWEET MOJO will be set up in the sunroom, so it's a perfect time to smell all of our scents!

I wish some of my bloggy friends lived closer, I know we'd have a ball!

2010-07-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

Sweet Mojo's got a blog! We have so many fun stories from the workshop, we decided it was time to get blogging! We will also be running contests, filling you in on new experiments & more.

Wont you flit by for a visit? Just click here!

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Big Daddy and I took our annual trip to Jonesport, Maine, and spent a long weekend on his Dad's boat. As always, there was A LOT of socializing with the Beal's Island crew, picnik cruises, dancing on the deck & The Lobster Boat races.

You just can't beat these accomodations!

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Today's my first day back in the workshop and we've made four batches of our Soothing Salt Soaks. We are also experimenting with an all-over body oil spray, that is looking to be FABULOUS! Every day on my vacation was filled with sun-sun-sun, and once we got back to the boat I'd spray the body oil on my sun-drenched skin, and (if I may so myself) my skin looked (and smelled) wonderful. We'll keep you posted on the progress ;)

fabulous!

2010-06-29T05:43:00.000-07:00

Did someone say FREE SHIPPING?

We are offering FREE SHIPPING on anything in the shop at Artfire! Now thru July 10th

Enter coupon code FREE SHIPPING at checkout.

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and if we don't see you, please have a fun and safe holiday weekend!

xox

Jes & Jolene

to the market we go!

2010-06-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

In an effort to spread the Sweet Mojo word, Jolene and I decided to set up at some local markets and craft shows this summer. So we set up at the Montsweag Flea Market on Rt. 1 in Woolwich Maine. Though it was slow due to an unstable weather forecast, we were happy with the sales that we made and the folks we met. We think we may have some new customers addicted to our sumptuous products as well!

We are both in the process of getting ready for our vacation, and once we're back, we definetly plan on heading to Montsweag again....

We'll announce the next time we plan on setting up, and if you are a local, we hope you'll swing by and say hello!

Jes & Jolene

xoxox

art in the country....

2010-06-16T05:29:00.000-07:00

I still have to add the address and directions to the bottom.... but we will be putting these posters up EVERYPLACE we can think of!

The Plenty To Do Farm

2010-06-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

I am hosting an Arts-Crafts & Tag Sale at my house on July 24th & 25th! We will have lots of crafters & artists from the Etsy Maine Team setting up their wares along with Tag sale items & vintage goodies.

I am using my blog today to show the potential vendors the space we will have!

Sweet Mojo & Junque Revival will be set up in the sunroom off the deck. We will also have a table of decorative tag sale items. I'll also be selling some vintage goodies....

We'll close off the driveway and have vendors set up along the front
For those who like shade, there's plenty of trees to set up under, and for the sun lovers we can start around the gardens
And id we have enough vendors, we'll take it to the back field!

I am working on the posters now, so I'll post it with all of the details soon!

2010-06-05T02:07:00.000-07:00

The holiday weekend proved to be a non-stop whirlwind of activities... we had quite an impromptu crowd Friday night, and i managed to throw together ribs on the grill, coleslaw & roasted sweet potatoes. We stayed up into wee hours of the night by the campfire chatting & socializing.

Saturday morning Big D. and I roused ourselves up early enough to play outside and we finished our stone walkway. A proccess that has taken us about three summers, this little part in the front was the last bit to be done.

Sunday We took the boat out of Wiscasset, Maine & headed to Robinhood, where we stopped and had lunch at The Osprey. Here's Miss Jolene, my Sweet Mojo partner. It is tradition that her and Mikey get the first boatride of the season. (fellow fishermen not included)

Lots of gorgeous views, and these canadian geese did not seem to be bothered by our appearance, and posed appropriately.......
I also managed to squeeze in a trade with one of my favorite crafters, Kirsten of Anabel Fuzz.
Since Jolene and I are going to be hitting some summer markets with our products, I had to think about style, comfort & a little organization. She'll custom design your vendor apron for you!! And I love her retro fabrics!

I have to share with you my new summer scent that I have been wearing every day from Sweet Mojo...... it's called Sunbeam. I have managed to turn several of our customers here in the area into Sunbeam addicts! Including my best friend Brodie who has been coming to the workshop on Fridays to help us. I love a girl who works for product! It was funny, because I was into our floral-garden-like scents this early spring (Butterfly Girl, Fairy Lore & Happy Wings to name a few) as I think I must've been craving my perennial gardens. Once summer hit, I switched to Sunbeam. I'm totally loving that I've got all of these sweet-smelling options at my fingertips these days!

It is a mix of Sweet Orange, Neroli & Vetiver. It is so fresh and summery, and best of all, I have been told I smell good from strangers at the grocery store!! It makes me think of sunshine & blossoms.....

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We have a family gathering down the road this afternoon, so I am up early to get groceries. There is a church down the road from me that always has THE BEST lawn sale, so I'm strategizing to be one of the first in line when the doors open!
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What did you do for your holiday weekend?? Leave us your link in the comments if you posted... we'd love to see!

Aroostook County, Maine

2010-05-25T16:05:00.001-07:00

Big Daddy and the boys traveled 5 1/2 hrs. north this past week for their annual fishing trip. They set their sites on Long Pond in Aroostook County, which is about 20 minutes from New Brunswick, Canada.

Jon has an eye for spectacular photos, and I think sometimes his creativity takes a back seat to myself and his sister. When he showed me his photos, I just knew I had to share.

I think Lund Boats could appreciate these photos..... talk about a perfect advertisement!
hehehe.... Abby stayed home with me, but this shot was taken recently. She's the official mascott of fishing weekends. I thought some of the fam would get a kick from this.... she's huge and still growing! She is such a precious baby.... I get a huge kick from her daily.

I'm not sure if I'll squeeze another post in before Labor Day weekend, I think I'd rather take the time to visit some old blogging pals. I know I'm finally going to get a boat ride in myself over the weekend and we are shooting for salt water, so we are crossing our fingers that the weather will hold up.

I hope you all have a happy and safe holiday weekend!

xoxox

a few of my favorite things

2010-05-24T07:51:00.001-07:00

SHOP HANDMADE

SHOP MAINE!

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thoughts from the studio

2010-05-19T09:39:00.000-07:00

Over the past couple of months I have has some interesting emails asking all sorts of questions. Mainly asked, if I would be making any more jewelry, if I'd be doing any more how-to articles, and why the switch?

I felt like my answers fell short, and I guess I was having a hard time really explaining it myself. We set up a shop on Artfire yesterday, and there you have a blog to play around with. Well what started as a little intro to our business ended up being our (my) story. It kind of all came pouring out, and I thought maybe I should copy it over to here.

I've embarked on a new whacky ride.... and I can only compare it to driving for the first time out west, we'll say on a long road in the desert with nothing but a back-pack and a few sandwiches in your car, and you can forget that cell phone folks. Really who needs to know where you're going, when you're not sure yourself, you just know you'll get there and it'll be great.

So far it has been great. Here's the story in short....

I've always had a love for making just about anything and everything, and one of those things happens to be bath products. You know, that at-home-you-better-use-it-tonight-or-it-will-go-bad-olive oil-and-sugar-scrub-stuff. But seriously, we've had some pretty fun spa nights with our homemade goops & there was a time I was becoming addicted to homemade products I could find on Etsy. Last year my favorite bath & beauty Etsy seller mailed and said she was closing her shop. Well, we went into panick mode as A) we were addicted to her sugar scrub like some might be to to their morning coffee, and B) I was planning to shop with her for Christmas gifts and hadn't given any thought to what else I could actually buy the folks on my shopping list. huh.

After digging around in the attic for some old B & B recipes, I set to work on making what I thought in my mind would be fabulously luxurious products that would have my fans (sisters, mothers and grammys mostly) weeping at my feet for more. Well I wont get into the details, but basically those first products I made weren't even allowed to see the light of day.... there would be no weeping at anyone's feet!

But I will throw that comparison out there again. I had basically fueled up the car, rolled up the sleeping bag and was heading to the corner store for a map.

And there began the journey.

I was addicted to every recipe I could find and alter. I needed to know what "emulsified" meant and what was really "all natural" and what was not. I needed to know what a "top note" smelled like, and what "evaporation" meant. My kitchen table and countertops were no longer fit for eating. I just HAD to do this.

Soon Christmas was around the corner and I threw several parties, inviting some of my best gal pals to swing by, eat, drink, be merry and make B & B Christmas gifts using my own newly revised & not so goopy recipes.

And wow. make gifts we did.
And though my sisters weren't on their knees kissing my feet and weeping with gratitude, they did ask for more, and more and more..... that's right.

Once the holidays were over and I had plenty of time to get over myself, my long-time girlfriend Jolene called me sounding very grave and serious. All she could think about was the fun we had making those scrubs! (well I had been thinking this too, and was actually wondering if any one I knew had a birthday coming up just so I could make more sugar scrub.) She had a serious proposal for me.

Now please know, Jolene has been involved in many of my artistic endevors over the past 15 years, so we knew we worked well together, and always said things like maybe one day we'd have a biz together. I remember her telling me years ago (she was sitting on my lawn in front of the barn, sanding a piece of furniture that I was going to paint & she was covered in dust from head to toe.) ANYHOO... I remember her saying, "Jessie I would invest in any business you were involved in". Well I thought that was the nicest compliment, and really only remembered it now, about 7 years later. And here we are.

Jolene's investment was not just her book-keeping skills, and cold hard cash, but the use of a wonderful apartment turned studio that she and her man were not renting out..... her feeling was, why let it just sit there? So we set up shop in our adorable above-the-garage-apartment, and for the past four months we have been playing with all of those first recipes I created until we felt (and all of our testers felt) that the product was just right. We have blended our own scents and waved them under eachother's noses blurting out words that made us think of the scent. We've incorporated Sweet Mojo, we have designed over 90 labels and have taken hundreds of photos. We've set up shop on Etsy and Artfire. We have been busy and happy and proud. We love our stuff, we love our labels and I think we actually like ourselves a little more.

Chances, I've always believed in taking chances.

SO.... friends.... I hope that maybe this all makes a little more sense. I also hope that you will still feel free to write me any questions you have about previous jewelry articles. And YES I will pick up those jewelry pliers again some day, and though it will probably be for fun and "just because", I can guarantee it will be more inspired then ever.

peace out! Jes

a life filled with lavender & rose

2010-05-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

Just a little of what we've been up to!

We are up and running at our Etsy shop Sweet Mojo Apothecary

We hope you'll flit by for a visit!

AND THE WINNERS ARE....

2010-05-03T14:35:00.000-07:00

So this afternoon, I put all of the entries in a bowl (sorry no hat) and my partner in biz, Jolene, picked the names of each winner.

We just wanted you to know that we hope you all think you are winners! All of the pieces were beautiful and each necklace had it's own hidden meaning behind it.

We'd like to give those who didn't win one of the three prizes a little treat from Sweet Mojo. I'll be emailing you all soon to get your mailing addys!

so here goes!

The first name we picked was Amy Anderson! She won five free downloadable collage sheets of her choice from Piddix, one of my favorite collage resources.

And the next name was Paige Maxim! She won our Divine Sugar Scrub, Soothing Salt Soak & Hot Oil Hair Therapy from Sweet Mojo.

And last but not least.... we picked Sheila Correia, who won a necklace and signed copy of Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine from little old me!
I really had a great time throwing this little party, and I so enjoyed seeing all of the fabulous entries! We'll have to do something like this again in the future ;)

WOW!

2010-05-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

So I figured I have time to squeeze in one more entry for the contest...

Amy really went over the top with several different designs... I love them all, so I've got to show off each one! The way she dresses up each crystal is so unique & creative, no two are alike, and each tell a story!

Amy says:

"Since I recently purchased an old chandelier with gorgeous teardrop shaped crystals, I was instantly inspired by Jessica’s article in the most recent Belle Armoire Jewelry. I loved the idea of using dark, descriptive words from a vintage dictionary as the feeling for each piece, then embellishing with filigree, crystal, wire, and even solder! All of the pieces I made seem to have the feeling of dark, mysterious echoing pasts…

Gothic
I had something else in mind when I started this piece. I had a large filigree sandwiching the crystal. But, I ended up trying to force it to work, and the filigree broke in half. I thought that would be the end of that, but using half the filigree actually worked wonderfully! After adhering and sealing the dictionary definition of “Gothic” with gel medium, I detailed the edge with a gold leaf pen. I wire-wrapped the filigree with some lovely gray Czech glass beads and made a bail using 24-gauge twisted gunmetal wire. I think it turned out very organic with a lot of texture.

Gypsy
I wanted to “house” each crystal in something different each time, so this time I chose to wrap the crystal in decorative copper tape and soldered it! I then hand-patinated the solder to make it look very oxidated and antiqued. The butterfly filigree just worked so beautifully for this piece. I wire-wrapped tiny freshwater pearls and Czech glass beads to the wings and as the body. After a horrible attempt to make antennae (cheesy!) I ended up with a little bit of wire left over from making the bail and it ended up as a spiral at the top which balanced out nicely. Beaded gunmetal chain finishes this necklace.
Graven
A little bit different look for this one. The crystal for this pendant is cradled in an ornate brass filigree. Then I attached eye-catching red Swarovski crystals dangles to another brass filigree and used it to create a unique bail . I think it turned out really dark and creepy. And the red and black Czech glass beads I used for the necklace were just perfect."

I just want to give a big thanks to all who played along! I have a busy day away from this computer tomorrow, but will be sure to pick the names tomorrow night!!

GOOD LUCK!

xoxox

look how pretty!

2010-05-01T05:26:00.000-07:00

Seriously... can you stand how cute this is??!!

Maine gal Paige who sells her jewelry at her Etsy shop sent this in for the contest. Her use of thrift store chains and vintage flower brooch paired with the pretty blue butterfly make me think of blue skies and summer.

love. love. love.

Paige writes:

"This piece is "Butterfly Wishes". I started by looking through some of my images I'd purchased previously from Vintage Image Madness, and then through Piddix's shop. The blue butterfly and Parisian ladies looking over the bridge seemed to go perfectly together, and my necklace began. I wanted to have a flower component as Jes does, and set out to search my box of vintage plastic, lucite, and metal flowers. The flowers seemed to stack themselves together as I looked through. I loved the way they looked matched with the images! I then set out to look for chain. I found some pieces of chain from various thrift store and clearance bin finds, and thought that I would go with the multi-chain, mixed metals look. "Butterfly Wishes" seemed to be a puzzle, waiting for me to put the pieces together."

THANKS Paige for being part of the contest :)

2010-04-25T14:29:00.000-07:00

We are going to be ready to launch Sweet Mojo Apothecary in about two weeks and I'm getting just a tiny bit excited!

I've been working on the labels and just finished a batch of Perfume Oil labels. I used a snippet from an original piece of art that I created for all of the sweet Mojo labels, but the Perfume Oils have a wee-fairy on the back. "Butterfly Girl" is one of my favorite scents, though honestly I love them all, or we wouldn't have created them!

I am no graphic artist, and it's been a challenge, but I really wanted the feel of "art-on-a-jar".

We have bottled up the perfume oils in little .35 oz. roll-on bottles, hoping this alcohol-free perfume would be perfect to tuck into a pocketbook, backpack or pocket so some savvy chic could touch up throughout the day.

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so cute!

2010-04-23T14:11:00.000-07:00

Sorry gang, I've gotten a little behind this week!

So how pretty and springy are these precious little gems?

*SWOON*

Jennifer Desjardins sent these in as her entry for the contest. I love the use of vintage costume jewelry parts!

Jennifer says:

"I was quite inspired by Belle Armoire's latest jewelry issue! The first thing that caught my eye, other than the obvious droolable cover, was an article by Jessica Moreau-Berry, depicting how to create necklaces such as the ones you may be gazing at right now............It took a while to gather the supplies, I had to order some of them online. But once I received them, I was on my way. Aren't the birds adorable??

Finding the perfect pieces to go with the pendants was a lot of fun. For two of the necklaces it took me quite a bit of time to choose the findings, but not so for this black one. It just sort came together, without a second thought. On that note, I don't think this often, but the more I go through my stash of broken down, vintage and costume jewelry pieces and parts, the more I realize I need to get more!! More parts, more possibilities, right?"

You can swing by Jennifer's blog to read more and see more photos.

If you get a chance, swing by her Etsy shop and see her other work. I love her photography, and this is one of my faves!

I've got more entries to upload soon! Keep those photos coming gang!

another beauty for the contest!

2010-04-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

Now here are some stunning & inspirational jewels sent in for my contest by talented artist Sheila Correia! I am thrilled how she incorporates her soldering techniques to the top of the prisms, adding bits of found jewelry and turning them into a pendant holder all-in-one!

FABULOUS!

She sent me a photo of one of her necklaces, but after swinging over to her blog, I see she made a second piece that I just have to share as well... aren't they lovely?

Sheila writes:

"I'm calling my creation "Pink Passion". I wanted to capture the essence of vintage beauty, both in the overall feel of the piece with the materials used and featured image. She certainly accomplishes this for me! When worn, the pendant is very reminiscent of an old world piece and whispers of a time when beauty was excessive, elegant and elaborate (which I absolutely adore). Most of my custom jewelry is soldered, so I applied the soldering technique to this piece. I soldered the back and around the front of the pendant in order to attach a jump ring for my chain. To give it more of that vintage look, I incorporated some brass filigree and swarovski crystals for some added "bling", which I use in almost every piece of jewelry I create."

and here's a shot of the second necklace I lifted from her blog :)

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There is still lots of time to enter the contest... just go here and check it out!

oh-my!

2010-04-07T05:25:00.000-07:00

I just received a newsletter from my dear-old-blogging-pal Hope Wallace Karney showing off her adorable new Spring line, and well, I just had to share. TALK about yummy... her new designs make me smile!

I ADORE these "Love Bug" note cards!!
AND... for all of you journaling enthusiasts, she is offering a journaling E-course called Nostalgic Musings!

What a perfect way to celebrate Spring!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2010-04-04T06:06:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EASTER!

Hope everyone will do something extra special today!

Big Daddy and I are staying home & catching up on outdoor chores as it's going to be a GORGEOUS day today.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AND NOW I'd like to share our first contest participant!

Lisa from Willow and Me

I have to tell you I feel so honored that the fabulously talented Lisa took the time to participate! I took a PMC class from her this past winter, and learned oodles of new things. Check out her Etsy shop when you get a moment. And if there are any family members out there wondering what to buy me for presents, well, by all means, buy me this GORGEOUS BRACELT from Lisa.... (hint-hint... does my husband still look at this blog I wonder?)

Here's what she wrote:

"I knew almost immediately what I wanted to do for your contest when I read the post. I had three small PMC links I had made that I really wasn't sure what to do with. I also had some slightly smaller Swarovski crystal flatbacks. They had foil backs, which I gently sanded off, and added pictures of flowers, butterflies and dragonflies. I didn't paint the backs afterwards because I liked the translucent look. I did the pendant over a couple of times and finally settled on what you see. I like the way the crystal magnifies the butterfly. Everything is put together with matching Swarovski crystals on sterling silver wire and a sterling silver chain."

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have a happy day gang!

she's having a contest!

2010-03-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

This contest is being held for YOU special folks who are attempting my project in the Spring 2010 Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine. The article is called, "A Little Goes A Long Way" and it starts on page 6. Here's the skinny....

Pick up the Spring 2010 issue, and use the article as your muse. The only requirement is that you incorporate a decoupaged crystal into your design.
You can create any type of jewelry... necklace, earrings, bracelet, brooch, etc. Once you have finished your piece, take photos and write a short paragraph about your jewel. You can write a little about your technique, inspiration, or anything you feel like.
send 2-3 different photos of your creation, along with your paragraph, your blog or website info., you first, last name & state to berryandco87@hotmail.com If you don't have a blog or website.... that's OK too!
All entries must be sent to the above email by Friday, April 30th
This contest will be a drawing. All names will go into a hat and three names will be pulled out one by one.
By entering this contest you are giving me permission to show your jewelry photos and to publish your paragraph, name & state here on Junque Revival. You are also giving me permission to touch-up your photos as I see fit. I can't guarantee that I will be able to show off all of your entries, but I WILL MAKE BY BEST EFFORTS to get everyone on here!
I will draw the names on Monday, May 3rd and I'll post the winners here on this blog, and email the winners as well.

Would you like a chance to have your name entered into the drawing a second time? Just post about this contest on your blog or website, let me know you've done so and your name goes into the hat a second time!

NOW FOR THE PRIZES!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The first name that will be drawn will win:
5 FREE COLLAGE SHEETS OF YOUR CHOICE FROM PIDDIX

http://www.piddix.etsy.com/ & http://www.instantcollagesheets.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The second name that will be drawn will win:

A FABULOUS COLLECTION OF BATH & BODY PRODUCTS FROM MY NEW COMPANY, "SWEET MOJO APOTHECARY"
You'll get:

(1) 8 oz. jar of Divine Sugar Scrub
(1) 8 oz. jar of Soothing Salt Soak
(1) 1 oz. jar of Hot Oil Hair Therapy

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The third name that will be drawn will win:

A SIGNED COPY OF BELLE ARMOIRE JEWELRY MAGAZINE AND THIS NECKLACE FEATURED IN THE ARTICLE~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I look forward to hearing from you and seeing your lovely designs!

xoxox ~Jes

sharing the new biz.....

2010-03-24T05:14:00.000-07:00

For those of you that are swinging by to check on the contest details, I have worked out the prizes and will do an official contest post over the weekend. Because one of the prizes is going to be products from our new company.... I thought I'd finally let you all in on our new adventure!

I have been trying to share my time between our new work-shop and here at home on the computer designing the labels. The label work has been extremely time consuming, but we found that by designing them ourselves, we captured exactly who we are and what we are all about.

So, welcome to Sweet Mojo Apothecary..... We will be launching our products in a couple of weeks! We are going to start off selling on Etsy, and I am also working on our own website. So please swing by and heart us, and we'll be sure to heart you back:) We also plan on selling wholesale to some exclusive Maine shops.

Here are just a few of the products we'll be offering:

For the past 2 1/2 months we have been working on scents and perfecting our products. We will have a plethora of scents that have been blended with each product, so our customers can layer the scents. We will also have massage oils, blended perfume oils and a "Super" Sugar Scrub that contains flax seed. The Salt Soak & Sugar Scrubs will also be sold in 1 & 2 oz. sample jars. We'll add more products down the line.

We are very lucky to know so many women who love this kind of product, as we have a hearty bunch of gals that have been our testers. We carefully took all of their suggestions into consideration and played with the recipes until they felt just right. I think the funnest part for us, and for the testers were the scents (and we are going to have a lot of them!) We love the way the scents smell slightly different on each individual's skin.... and we figure that has got to be each person's individual MOJO!

How does a full-time artsist and her book-keeping friend turn into bath & body product makers? hmmmm.... I think I'll save that story for another post.

So please check back this weekend if you want to participate in the contest. I have a couple of other prizes up my sleeve, and I will fill you in on the contest deadline, etc....

how about a contest?

2010-03-22T06:57:00.000-07:00

SO! I have to tell you that you girls who have written my email and here at the blog about my Belle Armoire Jewelry Spring 2010 article, "A Little Goes a Long Way" have inspired me to do something special!

I am thinking about having a contest. I am working out the details now.

So stay tuned.....keep creating....take some pretty photos, and I'll post about it soon!

And please don't hesitate to keep writing me with your questions. I want your lovely pieces to be something that you will cherish for years to come.

ALL WILL BE WELCOME! Just pick up the Spring issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry and go to page 6 and follow along!

officiality.....

2010-03-12T08:52:00.001-08:00

It's official!

Our little business that Jolene and I have been working on is officially an incorporation!!

We still have a lot of work ahead... the path is winding and turning, and there have been a few roots and stumps that we've tripped over, but for the most part it's been a smooth trail filled with pine needles and moss.

There are folks in our lives that have blazed the trail, making it an easier jaunt. A BIG hearfelt thanks goes out to Greg, Big Daddy's Stepdad (lawyer extraordinnaire) for believing in us and making the official parts of the proccess a smooth one. Because of him, we were able to leap over that big old log in the way, and keep focusing on the fun part of the trek! Because of him we are OFFICIAL!

THANKYOU GREG! We feel blessed!

xoxox

Belle Armoire Jewelry Spring Issue

2010-03-10T06:27:00.001-08:00

The new Belle Armoire Jewelry issue is here and chock full of Springy ideas that will tickle your inspiration bones!

This is a little peak at my article... it's all about our feathered friends, crystals and metal flowers.

I share my secret source for those vintage bird images, but you've got to pick up the magazine to find out where I get them from!

And to those who have written me about this article, thanks so much, and I hope I was able to answer your questions properly!! GOOD LUCK and PLEASE let me know how your little treasures come out!

xoxox

working, working, working..........

2010-03-06T03:35:00.000-08:00

The new project is coming along..... it's getting there...

Every day we work on this. Every day is a challenge, but it's a good challenge. Every day our senses have been heightened, simply by the use of our own creations and the materials that we work with. We are very close to getting it all launched!

I am taking a much needed break and heading north to shop with Mom for two days. I need to clear my head (literally) and come back fresh for Monday.

I will get back to some of you gals when I get home.... I am amazed at how the hours in the day fly by, and there hasn't been much time for chitty-chat. I am a bit of a social-butterfly, so when it's all work and no play, I go a little kooky! LOL!

xoxox

dreaming anyone?

2010-02-18T04:54:00.000-08:00

Above is just a snippet of art that I recently sent off for a submission.

A few nights back I had the strangest yet loveliest dream.

There was a window basically floating in black space. There was a pale colored milky "glow" coming through the window. But it's not really the glow that I found intriguing, but the warm breeze and the beautiful sheer curtains blowing and billowing and reaching out to touch me. I could feel that warm breeze on my face. I felt myself smiling and reaching out to it, letting my hands lightly touch the curtains.

Then, because I've had this yucky cold for about a month, I woke up coughing! But I immediately started to fall back asleep and I tried to recapture the window, but it was gone. Yet the image and feeling has stayed with me for days.

What could it mean?

I have been on high speed since Christmas. I'm starting a new business with a friend and we have been working very hard every day on this venture. It's a new experience for me. Not necessarily that I am working with someone else... I actually work very well with others (just ask the bartenders and cooks I work with at my part-time job as a bartender) But sharing in a sort of artful experience on a day-to-day with someone is somewhat new to me. I've always worked by myself here at the house, and can be a bit of a loner when it comes to my own thing. Besides this business, I have been working very hard to keep up with my submission dates, etc. Even though I have a lot going on, I feel very inspired every day to make things. I am feeling very positive about everything, and I just have a "good" feeling about where I am going.

I'm guessing the window might signify this. What do you think? Any dream experts out there?

Remember when?

2010-02-14T04:16:00.000-08:00

This is a celebration and "remember when" post all rolled into one!

I want to congratulate my friend Mindy Tsonas of The Wishstudio for her fabulous interview in the newest "Artful Blogging" magazine!!! If you pick up this gorgeous magazine, you will not be dissapointed by the visually stunning art, words and photos. Mindy's article was no exception... a four page interview by Christen Olivarez brought out everything beautiful that Mindy is...

ALSO.... you can see a photo of a little corner of my winter studio in the article!! *HUGS* to Mindy for including me!

I had never really picked up the magazine (I don't know what's wrong with me sometimes, SERIOUSLY!) But as I read all of the articles, I was drawn back to when I first started blogging 6 years ago. I instantly made little groups of friends from all over the world. Soon people were hopping in airplanes and cars for hookups and weekend visits.

I want to share some photos from several summers back of an art-retreat weekend I had here at the house in Maine.

This particular weekend the gang included Mindy Tsonas, Susan Tuttle, Heidi Wallingford, Leah Piken Kolidas & Tammy. (I have lost track of Tammy... can anyone help me ?) We spent the first part of the weekend creating in my sunroom. We each took a canvas, began to cut, paste and paint, then passed our canvases over to eachother so that we could add more art to the original pieces. The buffet table was overflowing with ephemera, paints, glitter and embellishments that we had all donated so we could grab at whatever we wanted. Hedi brought THE BEST trimmings and ebellishments EVER!

Leah was soon to be married, so we had a surprise shower for her at a restaurant down the road from me. We had snuck into the restaurant and decorated it first, so needless to say, she was surprised!

The last day here, I took the girls antiquing to the Montsweag Flea Market, then off to the shops in Wiscasset. Mindy picked up the grooviest afghan I've ever seen, and Leah and I bought a HUGE latin dictionary that we cut in half. (I still use the pages from that book for art)

Me, Leah and Mindy SHOPPING Leah, Heidi, Mindy, me and Tammy at the restaurant (I had made those wands for favors & table settings. Tammy brought little potted plants, and we stuck each wand into the plants) Tammy, Leah, Mindy and me before Leah new about her big surprise Mindy working on her piece Leah crowned and painting me, Susan, Tammy and Leah in my summer studio These photos bring back such wonderful memories, and leaves me aching for a time, well, when I had more time! I know that one day, we'll all beable to hook up again, and as long as we keep on blogging, we'll never really be that far from eachother.

xoxox

The Kennebec River

2010-01-31T05:45:00.000-08:00

Our tidal river had been the talk of Maine. Usually used for boating, kayaking, fishing, icefishing and more, this past week it has been sought out by tv crews, photographers, and sight seers. Jon and I went to Augusta to buy ourselves a new mattress set, and to get to Augusta you have to follow the river. It blew our minds! I've never seen it look that way before! Jon got lots of photos along the way.

There has been much flooding in certain towns everytime the tide rises.

There are three breakers that have been working for miles and miles along the river. This is the Coast Guard ice-breaker "The Bridle" that we chased in our vehicle until we could get a good shot. She was going at a pretty good clip, amazing since she's breaking huge chunks of ice!

We spied lots of ice shacks that didn't make it out of the water in time. As you can tell some of the chunks are as big as an ice shack.

Just another day in Maine folks!

Upta camp

2010-01-23T12:49:00.000-08:00

A small gang of us headed up to camp on Eustis Ridge last night and woke up to a gorgeous and sunny day. A few of us and Abby went snowshoing through the woods and to the lake. This was my friend Brodies first time and she loved it..... We have Wifi here at camp now and there might be a bit of guilt as I type this post. Camp was always a perfect excuse for not having to go near a computer, but it has been nice to check my emails and play on Facebook.

The laptops have come in handy for research as well. Another guest this weekend is Jolene, one of my dearest friends and soon-to-be-partner. A very unexpected Chrsitmas crafting project, has turned into an unexpected business that we plan on launching in the early Spring. More to come on that soon...... OH, and I still plan on playing with my jewelry in between our little project!

New in the shop.....

2010-01-17T08:56:00.000-08:00

I've finally been able to get some time in the studio to work on jewelry and other bits of art. I was inspired to create this simple and elegant piece after reading the poem, "The Lady of Shallot" by Tennyson. I wanted to keep the simplicity of the sterling cross and chain that I recovered from an antique rosary, yet added a bit of drama with a handmade ruby glass choker.

THE LADY OF SHALLOT

The pieces from the winter issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry showed up on my door step last week! Though a couple were allready spoken for, there are a few left to be sold!

I hand cut the cuff and dragonfly from the copper scraps, then smoothed, sanded and hammered away at the copper. I added "DREAM" onto one of the wings and then finished the pieces with a gentle patina finish.I twisted up the beaded body with black glass beads and copper wire, then attatched the dragonfly to the cuff.

DREAMING DRAGONFLY

The best part of these pieces is that the wings can be gently bent up and down to give more or less the impression of flight.

Today ended up being a Sunday all to myself.... so guess where I'm headed?

BACK TO THE STUDIO!

*in Austin Powers voice* YEAH BABY!

Yessah....

2010-01-08T05:26:00.001-08:00

Snowshoeing and shoveling,

life of a Maine girl & boy (and dog)

Hope you all have a Happy New Year!

Christmas.....

2009-12-28T05:05:00.001-08:00

Big Daddy and I had a lot of stops to make this year for Christmas....

We hooked up with my Uncles (far left and far right) whom I haven't seen for a loooong time. Their families were there, my Mom and Cub, my sister Jen from Georgia and her little girl and my Memere and her beau. I'm standing behind Mom (the little lady in red) and Big Daddy is kind of hiding behind me.

These were taken at my in-laws

My niece Madeline
Nephew Connor
My SIL, Bethie and myself on Christmas morning. She is always making me laugh about something. Maybe the mimosas gave us the giggles? Folks always mistaken her and I for sisters, but I fear it's only because there are times when we can really stand out in a crowd. (again, probably something to do with mimosas)
Abby and Molly
Abby has a new cousin to play with now! It's so funny, but I always feel like a teenager at Christmas! I'm tired and I feel all of my fourty years, until Christmas day at my in-laws..... then I feel like a big kid again. I think it has something to do with them, and how they are. They are so good to us!

I am off and running to swap pressies with my girlfriends this morning. Tomorrow I am meeting my sisters in Freeport. There is a new outlet mall across from LL Bean and it's screaming my name!

Christmas never ends in Maine... did you know that?

luv, Abby

2009-12-23T10:16:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

She Dreams of Art

2009-12-23T09:32:00.000-08:00

The Christmas edition of She Dreams of Art is up at Indie Public.

I've found a few artists that I feel takes Christmas crafts to a whole new level. They obviously create for this special season because they embrace everything beautiful and spiritual that this holiday gives to us. They also design for Christmas with a very new and modern twist, taking old ideas and making them young and fresh and oh-so-very "in".

Check out Christina's work from Harvest Textiles

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I hope you all have a blissful holiday and wonderful beginning to the New Year!

Big Hugs!

how much is that doggy in the window?

2009-12-03T11:53:00.000-08:00

I bought Big Daddy a camera for his birthday and he's allready put it to good use!

Ummmm....yeh.....Abby does sit on the kitchen chairs. Something we would not have allowed when we had four animals, but now that it's just her, we tend to let her get away with a little more!

I am heading to Boston with a friend for the weekend. I can't wait to see Boston lit up for Christmas. It's been a lot of years since I lived near B-Town, and I am giddy with excitement to shop and eat and wear fabulous boots! LOL!

When I get back, I'll check out "Adorn Me" girls! I really want to take a class from Richard Salley, so I'll be sure to check out my options for the coming year!

sneak peek....

2009-11-25T05:04:00.001-08:00

Just a little sneak peek at my newest article in Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine

I am loving the "Encaustic Art-to-Wear" article and pieces by Crystal Neubauer. I've had the pleasure of working with Crystal on a project for the book A Charming Exchange. I've always adored EVERYTHING she did, but these new pieces (and the story she tells) really speak to me. BRAVO CRYSTAL!

Another technique that I really enjoyed and figured it would be fun to try on the wings of my copper insects is from an article called "Day into Night" by Barbara Lewis. She puts a new spin on enameling, and she says, it's truly "painting with fire." If you happen to try this technique, give me a shout and let me know what you thought!

And one more mention...there is a 10 page article and interview on Richard Salley. The photographers of Belle Armoire captured his intricate and stunning designs beautifully. It's my dream to beable to take a class from him one day, and trust me, I will.....

(ANYONE GOING TO ART & SOUL IN VIRGINIA IN MAY??)

Belle Armoire Jewelry hits news stands Dec. 1rst.

for the holidays....

2009-11-24T12:14:00.000-08:00

Just gearing up for a little holiday majic!

These two pieces were featured in last winter's Belle Armoire Jewlery magazine in my article, "Christmas Pendants".

December 25th

Christmas at The Cottage
Speaking of Belle Armoire, I just got my early copy of this winter's newest addition .... all I can say is WOW! Tons of talented artists and beautiful projects .... I can't wait to dig in!

All for a good cause.....

2009-11-09T15:26:00.000-08:00

The Etsy Maine Team strikes again!

And of course Junque Revival and Vintage Junque Revival

will participate.

To see the entire list of partcipating shops

(and there's a bunch)

head over to the Maine Team blog.

Find out more about Preble Street and visit their site.

I plan on uploading some new pieces and vintage items into both shops before the 13th.

AND I'd like to entice you a bit more!

If you purchase items from either of my shops, in the "NOTE TO SELLER" section just mention PREBLE STREET and you will automatically be entered into a drawing to win any one piece of jewelry of your choice at Junque Revival.

Remember this from 11/13 - 11/19

Little Wonders

2009-11-01T10:21:00.001-08:00

The newest article is up and called "Totally Stuffed With Love!"

"I was curious to hear from the makers of these little majical creatures, who are so filled with love and wonder. Were they as whimsical as their storybook creations? But of course! Just as I imagined these talented artists find inspiration from their youth, surroundings and their own children."

Split Pea - The Sleepy Fox

I hope you'll swing by Indie Public and leave us a comment!

Under The Moonlight

2009-10-23T08:30:00.001-07:00

Sebastian came across her in the night along the riverbank under the moonlight. He was a painter, a well known one in fact as he had been commissioned several times by the King. He often walked to the river in the middle of the night to clear his head. This night he saw a beautiful maiden staring at the moon with a look of pure anguish. She was not frightened by him, and when he asked about her heavy sadness, she explained that she was tormented by nightmares at night and ghoulish day-dreams each day. Sebastian tried to comfort her with useless words, but he instinctively knew that her soul was allready lost. After they parted he could not get the image of her out of his mind, and spent three days and nights painting miniature paintings of her in the same pose, as he had seen her on the bank that night. He confusedly tried to erase the anguished look in her eyes each time he painted her. When he felt he succeeded, he begged off a favor from the local jewlerysmith and had a necklace made with her tiny portrait in the center of the pendant. He went back to the river, treasure in hand. He wanted to show her what her lovely face could look like without sadness. When he arrived to the river, he found another beautiful lady weeping. It was her sister! She explained that her sister had taken her life, here, in the dark swirling waters, as her maladies had been too much to bare in this life. Sebastian took the sister's hand and gently placed the jewel in her palm.

Abby's first hike

2009-10-14T04:58:00.000-07:00

I've been working with Abby to walk on her leash in our back fields. Monday we put her to the test and took her to Damariscotta for her first official "hike". After stopping to smell everything in sight, she finally got her rhythm and we were crusing along the trails.

I haven't spoken much of this, but we have lost the last of our "old" four-legged family. A few weeks back our beautiful Bella kitty was hit by a car. I couldn't even say it out loud, let alone write it here. Then we had to say goodbye to our old Weezie cat. In July our 14 year old yellow lab, Rudy was ready to go. Last summer, we had to let our 14 year old Dakaota (dog) go. The three oldest animals lived a long and happy life here at The Plenty To Do Farm. Losing Bella to the road was a horrible shock though.

Now it's just Abigail, me and Big Daddy. I think that's the way we'll keep it for now. Perhaps you can see in her eyes that she is Princess of this castle? LOL!

She has breathed new life into our everyday lives. It is funny, you do not realize how heavy your everyday life feels like when you are living with animals that you know will be ready to leave this world soon. It was almost like being depressed but not really knowing it.

Abby makes us laugh everyday (several times a day)! This morning she discovered what frost feels like. From the slippery deck to the cold and crunchy grass under her toes, everything is new and different. She makes me feel inspired.

xoxox

Flowers Fit For a Fairy

2009-10-10T14:14:00.001-07:00

"Wild Rose" now in the shop!

I created these flowers for my article "Flowers Fit For a Fairy" for Belle Armoire Jewelry's 2009 Fall issue. Each flower was created from polymer clay and handpainted with many layers of paints and glazes to give them a vintage-shabby feel.

The Owl Who Knew Too Much

2009-10-05T12:33:00.000-07:00

A tale of an owl

There was a church with a very old bell tower that sat on top of a hill in a small village in Maine. From the church you could see the village on one side and the ocean below on another. In back of the church there stood a small stand of trees where an owl lived. The owl would sit for hours on top of the bell tower to hunt for small moles and other delictable treats. The villagers felt very superstitous about this old owl. They knew he knew their secrets, because for many years they felt he was listening in on their most private confessions. To appease the owl each villager commissioned the local Metalsmith to make them a doorknocker in the shape of an owl. They felt their secrets would be safe with the owl if they showed him the respect he deserved. The Metalsmith and his family became so well known in the area for their owl doorknockers, he created this necklace for his daughter and wife to wear.

NEW She Dreams of Art

2009-10-05T05:54:00.000-07:00

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When I picked my four featured artists this month I began to look at "Halloween" differently. It is not a stereotype and certainly not just another holiday. Each artist expresses their love for the entire season and not just the day. Through talent and artistic expression, they show us how to look at the season in different ways. A jack-o-lantern created from felt and found-objects can be beautiful and full of mystique, there is humor in the devlish mayhems of a man in black, and there can be love and respect in even the seemingly frightening Spirit-World. This is just a sneak peek of this month's She Dreams of Art. Swing by Indie Public and check out the four fabulous artists I have featured this month!

xoxo

hey you witchy women.....

2009-09-30T04:59:00.000-07:00

For the witching hour.....

I've never really made things for Halloween... I definetley do pieces with a strong Autumn feel this time of year. Halloween always sneaks up on me and I think, "I should have done this or that". This year I was inspired by some of the Etsy Maine Team members who are having a special scavenger hunt. I didn't participate (again the time thing)..... but couldn't help creating something due to their enthusiasm!

Here is the link to the Scavenger Hunt thread!

HAVE FUN and go win some beautiful prizes!!

More Vintage Junque Revival.......

2009-09-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

Yep....I've been my usual busy-self!

We decided to stay home this weekend and get things DONE!

I finished 5 pieces to send off for magazine submissions and I'm currently working on a few NEW pieces of jewlery for the shop. (finally)

I'm still slowly cleaning the second floor of the barn. I haul a box down and make three piles.

KEEP

LAWN SALE

ETSY

I have to say I'm rather proud, I've barely kept a thing unless I can make something with it!

Here are just a few of the goodies I've put on Vintage Junque Revival.

Hope you're enjoying the fabulous fall weather!

xoxox

Alaska: HOMER

2009-09-15T04:16:00.000-07:00

I've been neglectful in my postings about Alaska, but I have a friend (HI SHELLEY) that is looking to go there one day, and I know she wants to see and hear more about it.

After two days in Seward we trekked on over to Homer for three days. We stayed at the Driftwood Inn overlooking the beach. The Inn was a great place to stay as we had a livingroom with a pull-out couch, a bedroom and a kitchen. We also had a shared deck with chairs, tables and a grill. We met some great people on the deck for happy hour. The only issue was that some people kept partying on that deck while others of us wanted to sleep. Poor Jason caught the flu and had to stay in bed for one day. Jon got his first bit of fishing in, and Elana and I took the "Discovery" to Seldovia for an afternoon.

The Homer Spit

The beach at Homer

Seldovia

Views from "The Discovery"

Me and Elana

From here, Jason and Elana headed home and Jon and I decided to just go with the flow and explore. We ended up in the cool little town of Hope. More on that next time.....

puppies & babies..... OH MY!

2009-09-10T08:50:00.000-07:00

So two (well now three) of our dearest friend came to visit from NYC this weekend. I met Dawn on line back in 2004 through blogging and she has been one of my sweetest gal pals ever since. We've all hooked up as couples in the past several years and it's now tradition that they come to Maine once a year. This year they brought their newest addition, Leo!

Pemaquid Point, Maine

I think this photo sums up the weekend!

Abigail thought Leo would make a great playmate......

I took some photos of Abby yesterday, I can't believe how much she has grown in three weeks!
This weekend we are throwing a b-day party for Jon's Dad. After this weekend, I can get back into that lonely little studio of mine. Just one more weekend of making food and socializing, then its back to work! The season is so short in Maine, we seem to cram it all in, but you've got to grab it when you can!

My SIL Beth made this great e-vite for the party!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW!
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Art Through the Lens

2009-09-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

For this month's "She Dreams of Art", I have featured four wonderful photographers, Tracy Milchick, Tali Schiffer, Laura Evans & Nicole Castille.

Photo by Tali Schiffer

You can read more about these talented ladies, find links to their shops, blogs and websites over at Indie Public.
If you swing over, please comment and let us know how you like the article at Indie Public! This will keep the article at the top of the front page of Indie Public.

THANKS!

nice folk

2009-09-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

I am so pleased to mention a lovely article written about me by the wonderful Chris Burgess! Chris is a super-talented mosaic artist who I interviewed for an article, "The Art of Mosaic" over at Indie Public. It was such a treat to be asked thoughtful questions!

Check it out!

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And don't forget to pick up the newest issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine!

It's FULL of inspirational jewelry projects & you can find my newest article "Polymer Flowers" there!

musings

2009-08-29T01:52:00.000-07:00

So busy these days. Since the new puppy arrived we have company 1-2 times a day. Not that I'm complaining, I love that my friends and family are so into our new baby.....really! Since our trip to Alaska, we have been away twice and have had lots of weekend company (with more to come through September) I am desperately trying to squeeze in work, but even with me cutting my work schedule down to just two nights a week, it still doesn't seem like enough.

Unfortunately I have not been in the studio. My sketchpad is full of new ideas, and I'd love to get back at it. It almost feels like I've taken an extended vacation as far as the jewels go, but I have been spending time writing and working on Vintage Junque Revival.

I woke up at 4:00 this morning, to try and get some computer work done. It's supposed to be rainy, and I hate to admit it, I'm kind of glad. Big Daddy and I are going to do inside chores, then maybe I'll find time to play in the studio!

I've been all about cleaning and destashing this house. Just too much about. As we get older, do we crave more order, function and organization? (not that I think 40 is old mind you) But I do find my creativity flows better when things are (somewhat in order). We wont talk about the bedroom and my upstairs studio that I'll have to move back into in another month when it get's cold!

Anyhoo, I'm almost uploading items daily to the shop, and it feels good to think that some of these goodies will find new appreciation.

aint she sweet?

2009-08-26T09:01:00.001-07:00

Our new family member!

Abigail (AKA Abbey)

ALASKA: Seward

2009-08-19T07:17:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been over a month since my last post! Where does the time go?

Since our trip to Alaska, we have had company, been to the lake at a camp a friend rented, and now we are off again this weekend to another friend's camp! I figured I better squeeze in my first post about Alaska!

I've decided to post in little installments, so as not to overwhelm you all!

We started the trip at our friend's, Jason and Elana in Wasilla. There we rented our vehicle, shopped for supplies, etc. I really didn't start taking photos until the four of us drove to Seward. It was rainy those first couple of days, but we were used to it, as that's all we've had had here in Maine anyway!

I did find a really cool (wonderfully priced) bead shop in Wasilla. I am excited to get back in the studio and play with my new collection of beads.

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SEWARD

The four of us stayed at this sweet little Victorian hotel in downtown Seward. Our two bedroom was quaint and cozy.
Jon and I took a rainy stroll all around Seward that morning. Wild rabbits (who weren't so wild) greeted us. Jon actually fed one from his hand.

The ravens reminded me of seagulls. They weren't skittish like they are here. They hang around the campgrounds and touristy places looking for handouts.

I found not only good coffee, but great art in this groovy coffee shop. I would love to own something like this one day! It was filled with jewelry, paintings, fiber art and pottery from various local artists.

The town was filled with huge artist's murals!

Big Daddy and I walked around the marinas looking at boats and chatting it up with some local fishermen. We found one guy a little grumpy, and a bit full of himself. He was letting us know that Pacific working boats kick Atlantic working boats asses! He did not know that Big Daddy used to work on these boats, and has a clue. To him, I'm sure we were the annoying tourists. To me, he was an annoying a-hole!

BUT,

since we are boat lovers, we really did have a good time checking out the difference in these boats compared to our Maine lobster boats. Since it was rainy, we decided to go to the Alaska Sea Life Center. It was a pretty quick trip around the Center, but I was able to get some fun shots, and pick up a few treasures for the nieces and nephews there.

I want to mention two really great eateries in Seward. The four of us had a wonderful dinner at Ray's Waterfront
where we could boat watch. If it hadn't been raining, we would have enjoyed spectacular views as well. The food and service made us forget that it was a rainy evening. Elana and I ordered a bottle of "Wild Horse" chard; fresh halibut, baked and topped with a delish sauce and crab. We also ordered king crab legs to share. Jon had the HUGE fried fishermen's platter, and Jason had prime rib that looked so good, I wanted to reach over and steal a piece. We took back to the room a big piece of key lime pie. It really was perhaps one of the best meals AND service we had the whole trip!

Jon and I went to breakfast at a new place called AK. Nellies. It was named after one of the many famous pioneering women of Alaska, Nelly Neil Lawning. (1873-1956) To find out her story, just google her. The breakfast was hearty and oh-so-tasty, and the owners are super-sweet!

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I am very behind in some of my writing projects, and as soon as I finish those up, I'll be back in the studio creating! Today I am sending off an article for Belle Armoire Jewelry Magazine's winter issue. I believe the Fall issue comes out Sept. 1rst, and I think some of you will really like my article, "Polymer Flowers". They are a bit challenging, but once you get the hang of it, they are GREAT FUN! As always, once the article comes out, feel free to email me with questions. (Cindy you are in my mind here, I know you are going to want to try these!!!)

Until the next time....

peace out!

Summer Challenge

2009-07-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

The Etsy Maine Team is having a summer challenge!

For me, summer in Maine has lots of different meanings, but one of my faves is the time I spend right here at home in the country. Surrounded by gardens, fields, woods, butterflies and birds, I am constantly finding inspiration! I created BFF using a vintage Grange name tag holder. I used an image from my antique photo collection to make the little fairy-girl, who became best friends with the little bird, both born the same day in a secret Maine garden in the woods.

BEST FRIENDS FOREVER

If you'd like to see all of the entries from some fabulous Maine artists, just go to Etsy and search (under handmade) MAINESUMMER

Summer Treasures

2009-06-29T06:22:00.000-07:00

I got my pieces back that I had published in the summer issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine. One had sold when the article came out, but I had a couple to list in Junque Revival.

The article was called, "Summer Treasures" where I had framed out old shards and seaglass with polymer clay. I made tiny flowers, leaves and tendrils for some. I collaged these two with vintage ephemera and images.

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MY LOVE MUST COME ON SILKEN WINGS

The chain on this piece was made from fine sterling wire, a Victorian pin, Mother of Pearl, Peace Jade and (my favorite) Garnet.

ALL THIS FRENCH TO ME TODAY

I hung this one a chunky copper chain

I like to paint polymer clay with many layers of paints and glazes to give it a warm old feel. When you use your own unique blend of paints, your pieces will be sure to stand out from the crowd and they will be your own.

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We have had endless rain here in Maine, except for two fairly nice days on Friday and Saturday. Friday, a warm breezy day, I went to Wiscasset with my Dad and Stepmom at Sarah's Cafe. I had this SUPER-YUMM lobster roll on whole-wheat and tomato bread. I knew I had to feed Big Daddy that night, so I got one of their cobb salads to-go. (we love the dressing at Sarah's!) Then we stopped by Treats (and as always it is a special treat to go there!) I grabbed a big hunk of veggie lasagna to go with the cobb salad from Sarah's. I never leave Treats without picking up one of their little fruit pies. Dinner was hit that night!

little treasures

2009-06-25T06:48:00.000-07:00

More fabulocities at Vintage Junque Revival!

Who ever thought that cleaning the barn could be so much fun?

vintage to wear and to decorate

2009-06-21T13:40:00.001-07:00

Urban Boho

I just put this new piece up for sale at Junque Revival

I wanted to keep it a bit more modern then my usual look. I combined a vintage drawer-pull plate with an antique victorian button, but kept it light on a simple copper chain.

I have a second shop at Etsy where I have been selling vintage items and destash. I've found some boxes of old treasures in the second story of the barn from the antiquing days. There are finds that I forgot I even had. I've kept a few found-objects for making jewelry, but most I'm cleaning out in hopes they'll find a new home with a new appreciation!

This Goddess wall plaque is ultra shabby-chic

I adore this English bone cup and saucer....

Whenever I look at it I think how fun it would be to have a garden tea-party!

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Last fall I found a stray kitty at my bird feeders. It's occured to me that I haven't kept you all posted on our little Bella. Well she's not so little anymore. It didn't take long for the dirty bag-of-bones to clean up! Here she is 9 months later.....

As you can see, she knows a good home when she sees one!

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So after writing this post, I'm finding it will definetly take a little getting used to here at Blogger. The one issue I just had, was that the photos went straight to the top when I uploaded them, making it a total freakin' pain! I usually write, add a photo, write some more, add another photo. I'm not sure if I'm doing something wrong, but if anyone has some advice, I'd love to hear it! After all these years of blogging with the same service, it might be hard to change my ways!

new home

2009-06-21T13:32:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new home! I'm still navigating my way around Blogspot, but I must say I do find it much easier then my last blog provider!

I'm a bit sad to say goodbye to Sweetpeas, but it was time for a change. MoTime (Sweetpeas home) has been sold and apparently they are planning to change the URL. I had been thinking about doing a blog for Junque Revival anyway, so here I am.

I hope my old friends will relink me, and I'll be sure to put links up on the side bar just as soon as I get a chance!