Swell chain

Hello again!

First of all, I just wanted to say a quick thank you for all of your feedback on my pouch prototype. I can't get over how supportive and kind everyone has been, and it really means a lot. I'm going to have a go at another pouch design soon, so expect pictures and tales of more sewing machine disasters soon!

UK Vogue says that necklaces should be huge with lots of chain and adorned with gems, so with that in mind I set out to make my biggest necklace yet. I know that it's no where near the high standards of the designs in Vogue, but I'm quite pleased with the results. It took me ages, so it's quite satisfying when the final result resembles pretty closely what you have in your head:

This necklace is made from lots of vintage chain, adorned with a prism and freshwater pearls. It's good and heavy - definitely one for the braver among us. So what do you think? Should I make more big necklaces like this, or is it unrealistic to think that someone would wear this in the real world? Your feedback would be GREATLY appreciated, please!

I also had a play with another style of necklace. The very lovely Jenny of The Style PA very kindly sent me a load of old broken jewellery, so I used a couple of these parts for this necklace:



I've never been one for symmetry, so I enjoy experimenting with different chain lengths and hanging styles. This necklace is made from vintage chain and is adorned with vintage faux pearl, a purple prism and a little swallow. Do you like this style, or do you think that it would be impractical for someone to wear? Please let me know your thoughts, all constructive feedback is useful and welcomed!

In other news, I really need to start packing for my move! Not long now. I have so much to do, but not much time to do it in - eeekk!

Well, I hope you've had a lovely weekend, and that you enjoy the week ahead! Until next time, my lovely loves...

Much love,

Frankie
Swell Vintage

x

Swell beginnings

So today I FINALLY opened my etsy shop! Hooray! Wanna see?

...I really must stop asking rhetorical questions in my posts. Here's the link:

http://swellvintage.etsy.com

Now I know what you may (or may not) be thinking - where's the jewellery at? Well, due to the mysterious news that I have blogged about previously, all of my jewellery stock will (hopefully still) be going somewhere else...somewhere up north, and therefore I won't have anything left to sell. So for now, my shop will just be selling vintage goodies. I would love to hear what you think of my shop, so if you have any feedback for me, please do let me know.

Here are a couple of my favourite items that I have for sale:

• Vintage Hermes scarf
  
  I love this! If only I wore scarves more...the design is amazing, and I love the image of Napoleon in the center:
  
  
  So very french and so very cool!
  
  
• Vintage Mulberry messenger bag
  
  Mulberry make some of the most beautiful bags in the whole world - FACT. This bag is absolutely stunning, made from gorgeous chocolate brown leather. If I wasn't one of those women that carry their lives around in their handbags, I'd keep this one for myself.
  
  
  I like to think this is a bit of a bargain too!

Also, I haven't forgotten that in my last blog I promised to write all about bracelets. So, here I go:

I love bracelets. While I tend to make necklaces, I am trying to branch out more into bracelets, and I have already made a couple. Want to see?

...right, not more rhetoric! Silly me.


This one is made from a pair of vintage earrings, and I've carried on the pearl theme for good measure.


I loved this vintage brooch, but I think it makes a much more striking bracelet! I've used a heavy gold chain to give this bracelet a bit more of an edge.

I am definitely going to make some more bracelets soon, but again, I'd really like to know what you think. I'm still learning, and because I have some really fantastic Etsians reading my blog, I know how much I could benefit from any advice. Positive or negative, anything goes please!

Argghhhghh, I can't believe the weekend is nearly over! Thank you for reading my blog, you are very lovely.

Come back soon, please!

Much love,

Frankie