Swell progress

What a productive day I've had!

First of all, I FINALLY managed to win a cheap and decent mannequin body on ebay:

Apologies for the nipple display! This is going to make getting chain length right SO much easier. I've found it tricky measuring it on myself. I'm still in shock at how much of a bargain it was - £3.15! I can't wait to see what my designs look like on her.

Also, I made 2 new necklaces today. Not to toot my own horn, but I'm pretty pleased with them. I think I've just recently found my 'style' as it were, and I'm really enjoying it. A few people have asked to see photos of what I've done so far, and thanks to the lovely Bianca at Just Be Designs, I've finally managed to take some photos that aren't blurry! Hooray! I'm still trying to figure out the best way to position the items, so these photos are literally my first attempts. I will keep practicing, and fingers crossed that I'll manage to get some great shots for my etsy shop. Please please please let me know what you think! Any feedback will be welcomed!

So, here they are:



This is one of the ones that I made today. It used to be a small broach, which I've now mounted onto a vintage locket base. I've used a rather unusual double-link vintage chain that I think brings out the shine of the jewel in the center quite nicely.







I found this tiny perfume bottle in an antique shop in Edinburgh, and it was originally on a pin. Unfortunately the lid was glued shut a while ago, but I still think it's very pretty. I've linked it on some vintage pearl chain (you'll be seeing a LOT of pearl in my work), then used three stands of thin chain to make it look a little less dainty.







'E' is for Elixir - I was so pleased when I found this gorgeous perfume bottle. I threaded through some large jump rings, and linked it half to vintage pearl chain (see, told you!) and half to some vintage dark chain. I added a large pearl to the other side to create a bit of balance. This is one of my longer necklaces. I think it would be too crowded otherwise.







This is another locket of mine. The broach I've used was actually made to sit on it's side, but I think it looks much better in portrait style on this vintage locket. As you can see, once again I've used some vintage pearl chain to link it, as it matches the tiny pearl in the center. The photo quality isn't great for this one, so I've taken a close-up of the locket itself






That's better. I wore this locket to work as a 'test' last week, and received so many compliments on it! I'm really happy with it, and it makes me want to keep making more! I might have a hard time parting with it if someone were to buy it, but I guess I'll cross that bridge if I ever come to it!



So what do you think? Honest opinions please. I'm still very new to this, and am always looking to improve. I'd love to hear from you, so please leave me a comment or send me an email with any ideas/thoughts/suggestions that you might have!

In other news, I can't believe it's nearly Monday already! I don't want to go back to work tomorrow, I want to play with shiny things!

Much love,

Frankie

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Fant-etsy!

...that didn't really work, did it?

If you know me personally, or have actually read my 'profile' on here, you will know of my love for www.etsy.com. Have you been on www.etsy.com yet? If not, then please do take the time to visit it. I promise you won't be disappointed.

So let me tell you more about it. Etsy sells pretty much all things that are handmade, so you can find some really original and beautiful items on there. Clothing, jewellery, furniture, toys, food - the list is seemingly endless! And not only do they sell handmade items, but they also sell vintage. The best idea for a website ever? Yes, I think so. And that is why I have been on Etsy nearly every day since my first visit! It's addictive, but much safer and more moral than crack, so I'm not too concerned. It is, however, slightly worrying for my bank balance. But it's still better to buy vintage or handmade than crack, right?

My obsession with Etsy has now led me to open my own shop on there - Swell Vintage. If you have just click that link, you will see that there is very little up yet. Over the next few weeks, I will be uploading a stunning logo, designed by my good friend Mark Pavey, as well as a collection of jewellery made from reworked vintage parts and other vintage treasures. It's all very exciting for me, and I look forward to the challenge!

There are a lot of amazing sellers on Etsy that produce unbelievably stunning and original jewellery designs. I find the following particularly inspiring, and I highly recommend that you have a browse through their items - before I buy them all!:

• OpulentOddities
  Her pieces are so unusual with a magical antique feel. I love the stories she gives her jewellery too - it just adds to the beauty. I have favourited so many of her items, but I plan to buy this bracelet in a couple of days: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15955726 - fingers crossed no one beats me to it!
  
  
• TheHandofFatima
  What I love about Mariam's pieces is how bold they are. TheHandofFatima has strong, fearless items that are striking and stunning. Her work inspires me to think 'outside the box', so to speak. I have a few favourites from her shop, but I think this one is particularly amazing: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12919852
  
  
• Just Be Designs
  I have two of Bianca's designs, and no only is she a pleasure to converse with, but she keeps creating beautiful pieces! She makes really stunning jewellery that is also very wearable. Whenever I wear her creations, I always get compliments. Here's one of her latest designs that I think is gorgeous: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15886092
  
  

• Madame Fortuna
  I have only just come across Madame Fortuna and her wonderous creations, but late is definitely better than never! The way she puts pieces together is striking and bold, but also very beautiful. I am currently lusting over this necklace: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14591714

So there you have it! Please note that while I admire these Etsy artists and their incredible work, I am NOT a copier. I can only hope and dream that I produce jewellery to such a high standard!

Thanks for reading my blog, you lovely blog reader you! Please come back again soon!

Much love,

Frankie

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