Peacock Tres Chic

Last minute gifting

2011-12-17T19:08:00.001-08:00

So I'm told this afternoon that we're having dinner with our friend and his three kids. We normally get the kids gifts, but hadn't thought that far ahead this year, and time is sneaking up on us. So I asked their dad what colors the girls liked, and made up these little pearl necklaces for them. One went to an eight year old, and the other went to a twelve year old. I thought it would be nice for them to have a little something to wear for special occasions.

There's still time...

2011-12-12T11:09:00.000-08:00

to shop before Christmas! For all orders purchased from the United States, you have about a week left to buy from Peacock Tres Chic where we can be sure that it will arrive before Christmas. After that, you'll have to pay extra to upgrade to priority mail to get it in time.
International shipping has been a little slow lately, so I can't promise any orders will arrive in time for the big day.

If someone you love likes my shop, but you don't know which piece to buy them, I'll be more than happy to issue you a gift certificate in any amount you'd like, just contact me via Peacock Tres Chic on Etsy or at desbigard@gmail.com.

Some new listings for your shopping pleasure, available at Peacock Tres Chic!

Happy holidays!!!!

10 Dollar Earring Sale

2011-11-29T09:11:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays!

$10 earrings are now at Peacock Tres Chic! Handmade, high quality stocking stuffers! And as always, the shipping is FREE to the U.S and $2 everywhere else! The earrings come in their own little box, with lovely padding and tied with a ribbon. Gift giving doesn't get much easier than this!

Pearl Snowflakes

Aged Brass Cross earrings

Ma Petite in Indian Pink

Whisper

Ma Petite in Blue

Shimmering Snowflakes

Black Friday Sale!

2011-11-24T20:54:00.001-08:00

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
Starting at midnight tonight, everything at Peacock Tres Chic is 30% off with coupon code BLK11 until Monday! Free shipping to the U.S. and $2 everywhere else!
After the sale, I'll be having a $10 earring sale, where I'll be listing a lot of earrings you haven't seen yet, all will be available for $10.
To get your purchases before Christmas, be sure to order before December 18th. Inernational orders can take longer this time of year, so for international orders allow lots of time for shipping, order before December 4th to be safe!

Happy shopping!

The Back of Your Work and Adding Strength to Your Designs

2011-11-14T14:39:00.000-08:00

There is a commmon fear in the back of a crafter's mind; What if it breaks? Is the glue going to hold? What if they drop it?
There's no certain answer, everyone treats their jewelry differently, there's no way you can know what the buyer is going to do with it. Once it's out of your hands, it's quite literally that; out of your hands.
There are countless jewelry crafting techniques out there. But personally I use an adhesive called E6000, that you can get at most hobby stores. Some people fear that this technique of gluing won't hold as strongly as a technique such as soldering or welding.
I once asked a professional with much more experience than myself, and she told me that she'd had more people tell her that their soldered jewelry broke than their jewelry adhered with E6000.
I have complete faith in this technique. I've made mistakes, or changed a design after it was together, and had to pry the project apart with two pairs of pliers and occasionally with the help of an exacto knife, to get the pieces apart after the glue had dried.
But I believe in order for the glue to do it's job properly, there needs to be a good amount of contact between the glue and both pieces of material that you're gluing. Occasionally, a design I'm in love with just doesn't have that. For example, my first image.

This necklace has little leafy filigree sticking out of the top. These pieces are tiny, and the way they're glued onto the main structure doesn't allow for a lot of contact between the two pieces. So in addition to gluing them to the main stamping, I've added a filigree to the back, which they are also glued to. Now that contact is twice as strong. When I add a piece to the back like this, I don't like to see it sticking out from the front. So for this particular piece, I've cut a few bits off of it so it can't be seen from the front.

The Night Flyer necklace was very similar, the stamping I have the bail attached to didn't have a lot of contact to be glued with, it's very open. So I've added a flat piece, which was intended to be a flat back setting, and I glued it to both the stamping and the wings. These settings come in all kinds of sizes, and also make wonderful foundations if you're layering a lot of things. Or if you've got a big mess in the back of a pendant, and you just want it hidden.

For this little winged pendant, I only wanted the wings and the heart stamping. I didn't want a lot of layers, I didn't want to see anything behind the wings. But agin I was gluing to a very open stamping, and that leaves very little contact between pieces to glue with. So in addition to attaching the wings to the heart stamping, I added a small filigree to the back, which is glued to both wings, and can't be seen from the front of the pendant. So I got the look I wanted, and was able to enforce the structure.

Westminster is a very simple pendant. The foundation stamping had a hole that was perfect for the pointed back of the rivoli crystal I used. The structure of this pendant is very sound, and I have no doubts about any point of contact where I had glued it. I added this perfectly sized round filigree to the back, purely for cosmetic purposes. Since there was a hole in the back of the foundation stamping, you could see the jumbled mess of the back of the stone, hollow filigree, and some glue. I chose to cover it up.

Notice how each of the pieces I used on the backs are facing out. Stampings and filigree are lovely in the front, and hollow in the back. Sure, you don't see the back of the pendant while it's being worn, but that little attention to detail by putting the lovely side out, shows that you take pride in your work and you have care for your customers. And I take care not to let any of the back piece show from the front of the pendant, so there's no reason not to have it pretty side out.

And Susan of VintageJewelrySupplies.com once said that she had someone buy her work, for the simple reason that it was just as pretty from the back, as it was from the front. Sometimes it's the minor details that impress the most.

So there you have it. Adding to the the back of your work can reinforce the strength of your design, ease your concience, or simply add a finishing touch to impress.

Hope you learned something helpful!

All the things a stamping can do

2011-11-12T21:54:00.000-08:00

A stamping is a wonderful thing. For those of you who don't know what I mean by stamping, it's a component made with a press from a die, that's normally hallow on the back, light weight and relatively easy to bend and manipulate. The stampings I work with are brass, they're full of detail and perfect for jewelry making.

I can't speak for everyone, but I get mine exclusively from Vintage Jewelry Supplies.

When you look around at the handcrafted jewelry, on Etsy.com for example, you tend to notice a selection of works containing some of the same stampings you might be using. One of my favorites to work with is this fleur de lis stamp, available here. This piece is also available in sterling silver and copper plated.

This is the unadorned stamping. I've done some digging and came up with these pieces of work that contain this particular stamping, and I've compiled them all here to give you a look at how creativity and personal style play a role in turning this simple stamping into a work of art.

These first three pieces are my own creations. They're just a few of the necklaces I've made with this stamping, I have used it many more times, it's one of my favorite foundation pieces.

This cuff is the Valkyrie Battle Cuff by KCRlehrstudio. The flowing lines of the stamping work really well with the floral details in the many accompanying brass pieces.
This gothic style neovictorian necklace by cynthiscouture has a unique shape, with the wings adjoining the stamping perfectly at the bottom. Her work is often adorned with lots of shimmering crystals.
You have to look a little closer to find the stamping in Mermaid Treasure Figurehead by fellow Michigan artist and friend HarlequinRomantique. It's in there, buried amongst the serpentine art nouveau dolphins. I love the use of the stamping in this piece, because for me the stamping represents a sort of seaweed, which accompanies the dolphins perfectly.
Another friend shmai3 uses this piece in a very lovely little victorian inspired necklace called Beloved. The stamping serves as the foundation of a sort of flower garden, with accompanying birds and in a very victorian fashion, tied with a bow.
Alkazadesign uses the brass stamping in beautiful contrast with the deep sapphire gems. Once again the stamping is paired with floral components, but it's the first instance where I've seen the piece beautifully draped with chain. My last example for today is a steampunk approach by ValkyrieCouture. Paired with gears and a clock hand, and once again accompanied by a flower. It's barely visible, but it's an integral piece to this pendant.
So there's a small look into the many many uses of a single stamping in jewelry crafting. There are several stampings that I use, that are frequently used in other artist's designs, that may end up in another post, another day. =)

Winter inspirations

2011-11-03T15:22:00.001-07:00

I've got winter on the brain today! I've listed a couple of my winter inspired pieces, I hope to have more on the way soon.
The butterfly features a vintage white frosted glass gem, and the snowflake in the second pendant is vintage also.

Available at Peacock Tres Chic.

So excited for the holidays!

Steam themed Halloween

2011-10-26T13:10:00.000-07:00

Steampunk has been dominating the fantasy, gaming and larping communities at epic speed. I've always eyed the steampunk style, with victorian being my style foundation for nearly everything I make. I generally steered away from it, because I thought there was too much competition with the steampunk jewelry already being created. I wanted something unique, and there aren't a lot of steam variations you can do with jewelry.
But this year for Halloween I dove into my steampunk research. It all started with an ity-bity bomber jacket.
We fretted over what to dress our son as for his first Halloween, not having a lot of extra cash to splurge on a costume. Sure, it's cute to dress the little ones up before they have any say in what they want to be, but he's not actively trick-or-treating, he can only wear it once at the rate he grows, and nobody will see it but family. So spending a lot of cash was out.
Fortunately, last summer I had picked up the MOST adorable bomber jacket at a mom-2-mom sale for $2.50. It was too big then, I was just hoping it would fit him for the winter. It hit me one day, that the aviator look has a large influence on the steampunk style, and my husband and I could easily dress to match. I have a lot of victorian style clothing, and my dad has a lot of early 19th century costumes because he frequents the local reenactments.
So it was decided we'd go steampunk. Not that we have a lot to do on halloween this year, but there was a family party and there's a costume contest at a gaming store on Saturday. We've been working on accessorizing our rather plain costumes, and I hope to have pictures next week.
The jacket that started it all......
Just because I was researching...

For the love of books

2011-10-20T10:48:00.001-07:00

I haven't blogged in a while, and I thought I'd get back in gear by sharing a few of my favorite books from my antique book collection.
When I was a teenager I collected old books from yard sales and thrift shops. I'd always loved old things, vintage jewelry, antique furniture, vintage styles. But my love of old books started with the finding of this first book.
I can't recall my exact age, but I found this book in my grandfather's garage while the family and I were cleaning it out. My grandfather was what you might call a 'collector' or some might have referred to him as a 'hoarder'. It's all how you look at it.
This book, called 'The Lady's Book of Flowers and Poetry' first caught my attention with it's gorgeous gold inlay in black leather. Upon further inspection, the book became more and more marvelous.
The book was published in 1841 in New York.

Throughout the book there are hand painted flowers, with tissue paper insirted into the book's binding, I'm assuming, for the paint's preservation.

This book is somewhat of a family treasure. I'm actually a little surprised my mother trusted me with it's keeping, as young as I was. But I always had a respect for antiques, and I'm sure she knew I'd treasure it.

This next book was a very interesting find for me at the local salvation army thrift store. It's in german, so I can't even tell you the title. Within the first page, the name Dr. Martin Luther is mentioned, so it can be assumed that it's a bible adeptation, or Luther's teachings.

But I can tell you that it was published in St. Louis, MO in 1905. The embossed leather on this particular book is stunning.

The real treasure of this book was tucked safely within it's pages. The first, a frail and yellowed envelope addressed to Mrs. Anna Notting, Grandville, Michigan. The post mark for this letter was April 3, 1931. Inside is a lovely little Easter greeting card, signed simply, Jimmy.

Farther down the pages of the book, is another yellowed envelope. From the Zeeland Record Company in Zeeland, Michigan. Inside is a remittance form addressed to J. Bohl Sr. who lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It also has the date it was sent, Jan 1, 1932.
I have had this book for years, well over a decade, and I never even knew this next treasure was there. A n envelope in pretty rough shape, sent to Mr. John Bohl Sr in Grandville, Michigan on Jan 19th, 1925. Inside is a delicate little letter written on lined paper in faint pencil. I was able to read most of it.

"Dear father I will write

you a few lines we are

well and hope the same of

you Harold is going to

school every day he has not

missed a day yet

Enclosed you will find tax

receipt and check for 10.66

From y our son

John Bohl Jr"

He didn't use any punctuation in his writing, but instead used spaces where periods should be. I corrected a few spelling errors from the original.

The next book is a little on the newer side of the vintage books I tended to collect. Old Mr. Boston De Luxe Official Bartender's Guide is a fascinating little book none the less. The first printing was in 1935 and the final printing for this book was 1941. In this guide is an alphabetical list of drinks, with the recipe.There were two sections of the book with full color pictures. At the end of the book was a fascinating guide to the various glasses used to mix the cocktails.
Another of my favorites is Agnes of Braunsberg. It's a daintly little book with a ragged fabric cover. It was published in New York, but unfortunately there's no date anywhere in the book.
But there is a faint little dedication in the front that reads

"Mathilda Ludwig
Perfect Attendance

4th Grade"

The handwriting is faint, but it's gorgeous! I envy the curvy scrollwork of penmanship of times long gone, when things like handwriting were appreciated.

This book has a lovely cross embossed in the cover, but again I can only assume it's a bible, because it's in German. It was published in Berlin in 1875. It has an unfortunate binding, what little of it is left.

The final book is also also in German, printed in Chicago in 1878. The gold embossed leather on this book is stunning, there appears to be a dragon at the end of the cross on the cover.

There were two little surprises hidden among the pages of this book. The first is a print out of a scripture, and the second is a painting. I'm not sure where the image might have come from, it seems to be printed on something that feels like magazine paper. It's really thin and glossy.

These have been just a few of my favorite books from a book case in my childhood home that I recently looted. I'd estimate it's not quite a quarter of the collection. I have an amazing old fully illustrated copy of Uncle Tom's Cabin that was given to me by my grandmother, and a couple old pocket bibles. I didn't grab those, I hope to have the entire book case back in my posession some day. It will have to wait until we have a larger living space.

A little something winter inspired

2011-10-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

Expect to see more pearls for the winter season!

Sidonie on Etsy

Lost

2011-10-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

The truth is, I haven't been me for over a year and a half now. Not the me that I spent my entire life building up to, the me that I could call myself proud to be. I used to know exactly who I was and what I wanted with my life.
My husband and I knew we wanted to have a baby, and couldn't have been more happy when we achieved that goal. I always just assumed that I could be me and just have a little one be there with me. I was mistaken.
I wouldn't trade my son for anything in the world. He makes my life worth living every day, and no matter what happened the day before, he smiles at me in the morning and bounces up and down in his crib in anticipation of me picking him up. And yesterday fades to a distant memory and it's all okay again.
Unfortunately other events, other circumstances, have changed me more than I could have ever forseen. First of all was being sick for eight months. I'm not exaggerating here, when I say I had morning sickness all day, every day, for about eight of my nine month pregnancy. I put my jewelry and my Etsy shop on hold. It was next to impossible to get motivated, much less create, anything under those circumstances.
I knew going into it that there was a possibility that I wouldn't lose the pregnancy weight. I accepted that, as I gained 55 pounds during the pregnancy. I didn't go out and spend a bunch of money on maternity clothes, but not a thing I owned pre pregnancy fit anymore. I toughed out being less than fashionable for several months until my son was born, and another several months after that. Fashion was always a large part of my personality. Boots, I really missed the boots. I lost some of the weight but there was still a lot left. Pre-pregnancy I completely under appreciated the ability to walk into a store, see something I like, and grab a small or medium and not even wonder if it would fit or not. I had no idea what size I was anymore, and trying stuff on only made me depressed.
Aside from not working on my jewelry for nine months, and not being able to wear any of the clothes I loved before I had my son, being a stay at home mom was a lot more work than I was prepared for. My husband goes to work, he goes out with his friends on his days off and partakes in his hobbies, and I stay home and be mom all day every day. As my son gets older he's harder to keep up with. He's crawling and standing, he's into everything he shouldn't be, and his basic needs are really demanding. I used to be able to squeeze in my jewelry while he played on the floor, but now I can't take my eyes off him. I can only work on my jewelry while my husband is home, and that's not often.
When I did have the rare time on my hands to work, I was getting inspiration in the wrong places. I was idolizing an artisan that inadvertantly took my work in the wrong direction. It wasn't me, it didn't represent me well. I had lost the sense of myself that made me love the jewelry I created.
So there I was. Completely lost.

But now that I know I've been lost, I can start to find my way back.
A few months ago I decided I was going to get back into my pre-pregnancy clothes. Since June I've lost all but the last five pounds, and I'm wearing all my old clothes again.
I'm no longer idolizing anyone or anything, and I'm looking to myself for inspiration, to create jewelry as I used to, to create the things I love, the things that represent me as an artist, as a person.
My birthday is at the end of the month and I intend to replenish my wardrobe, I haven't been shopping for clothes since I got pregnant. It's my gift to myself, for my birthday to celebrate who I am, and to celebrate having lost the baby weight.
I still don't have a lot of time to work on my jewelry, but I've come to accept it. My son comes first, and if I have to squeeze in my hobby in ten minute intervals, or only on the days my husband is home, then so be it.
Fall is my favorite time of year, and I'm taking it all in. The leaves are gorgeous, the air is crisp, and the promise of holidays and good times with family are in my heart.
Not to mention, coats and fun warm weather accessories =)

Lili Jacket by Lauragalic
Balance Baroque Frock by Malam

Arm warmers by Piabarile

Plaid spats by Hhfashions

Here's to finding yourself.

Nymph's Chorus

2011-09-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

Nymph's Chorus is slowly making it's way to Peacock Tres Chic. I've had an extremely busy weekend, and I haven't had as much time to get these little ladies listed as I would have liked. But there are a couple at the shop, and included in the listing is the free pair of matching earrings. The earrings are a limited time offer!

Phoebe is available!

Josephine
Geneve was purchased by a lovely regular shopper of mine. Thanks Amber! Hope you love her!

Bess will be available shortly!

Things to love... Friday?

2011-09-16T06:49:00.001-07:00

Yea I'm a day late with the things to love.
Been very busy with a fussy baby.
Anyway, these are some things I pulled from the favorites I added on Etsy this week.
Love these ankle chains from Dear Bearcat. What a crazy name. I'm thinking I might be making myself a pair of these in the near future. I made some foot sandals out of chainmaille once upon a time and they were quite popular. Though styled differently, I love how these ankle chains drape across the top of the foot. And I love the nude heels.
These earrings from Fanciful Devices are dripping with rustic elegance.

I was browsing elephant graphics for my son's first birthday party coming up, and though not what I was looking for as far as birthday decor, I found this print by The Haunted Hollow Tree. This print just speaks to me, the elephant being one of my favorite forms for the last three or four years.

And I've been looking for a new messanger bag. I'm pretty in love with this one from ikabags. Been thinking of making my own in canvas..... if I ever get the time.

Promotional offer to celebrate the new collection

2011-09-14T18:06:00.000-07:00

Introducing the new collection, Nymph's Chorus, at Peacock Tres Chic!

To celebrate, for a limited time only, I'm including a free pair of matching earrings with each Nymph's Chorus necklace.

I currently have two necklaces listed.

Phoebe, is my personal favorite.

Geneve is lovely too.

More pieces from Nymph's Chorus to be listed daily at Peacock Tres Chic!

Oh Sweet Ruin...

2011-09-12T08:22:00.000-07:00

I was browsing my activity feed on Etsy this morning and someone in my circle added this treasury to their favorites. I was initially attracted to the treasury because it focused on teal, and it is my favorite color. But the first item that jumped out at me, was this mask, by Sweet Ruin.

My first reaction was 'Why have I never seen this shop before!?' I was blown away. She describes her shop in this manner "...where you will find odds and bits of tattered charm, faded velvet and broken yarn..." Such a wonderful description. The shop has a difinitive charm, a cohesion that lets you know that the items in this shop are the artist personified. My hat's off to you, Kathe Knitch, for knowing who you are and being such an inspiration. I feel like a kid in a comic store.....

Made in Michigan treasury

2011-09-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

I live in an ity bity town in the middle of Michigan, and to say the least, there's not a lot of artistic opportunity in these parts. Michigan as a whole, however, is more fortunate. I found so many wonderful Michigan sellers today on my treasure hunt!

Polymer clay flowers, again.

2011-09-11T18:58:00.000-07:00

I've been spending way too much time making these roses. But as long as I'm having fun, I don't care. And I'm thinking they might go over well at the craft fairs.
Here's a look at a couple more I've made today. I'll be listing some of these beauties on Etsy very soon. Clearly, they all need chains and whatnot. Every flower is handmade, no two flowers are ever the same. Some of the roses are made with colors that I can't reproduce as well. Like the purple one up there.... not sure I have any of that left. It was made using a combination of scraps =)

New jewelry designs coming soon to Peacock Tres Chic

2011-09-10T08:34:00.000-07:00

So I've been learning some polymer clay techniques because I have a polymer clay bead project coming up at JoAnns that I'll be teaching. I've never used this medium before, so I've been trying to learn anything and everything. I got a little side tracked from the actual project.
This is what I was supposed to be making....
...but instead I spent all day yesterday and some of the day before making these.

I know what you're thinking. Whoopidy doo you made a clay rose, who hasn't. Well I never had, so it's exciting to me! I had some of the most gorgeous shimmering gold and a beautiful maroon that turned out to be my favorite flowers. The maroon one has some gold in it, so it also shimmers.

I had made these pendants out of beads I've had s ince my honeymoon. I didn't make the beads, but I was recently inspired to experiment with the messy wire wrapped technique and I thought it would look pretty with them. I think these are to blame for the whole polymer clay obsession I've developed recently. That and the fact that I'm forced to work with it because I have to teach it. I wouldn't have picked up the medium otherwise.

I apologize for the harshness in some of the photos. My camera has been acting like a two year old. The exposure is auto correcting when I have it on manual, and it's just been acting all kinds of weird. But at least you have an idea of what's to come this fall season at Peacock Tres Chic, and hopefully I can get some better photos before these lovelies get posted.

Video jewelry tutorial by Susan Street

2011-09-09T15:59:00.000-07:00

Susan Street is the owner of VintageJewelrySupplies.com, which is where I buy most of my jewelry elements. She also has a website dedicated to teaching jewelry techniques, and it's diffiucult to find such instruction for free anymore. Finding her websites forever changed my jewelry design in one fell swoop, and since then I've connected with her on facebook and gotten to know her as an amazing individual.

Susan has recently expanded her teaching repuitoir to include videos. If you're anything like me, watching it done is the easiest way to learn something new.

Check out Susan's first video

Things to Love Thursday (Again)

2011-09-08T21:35:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post my treasury earlier, but I was having some computer issues. All is resolved, so here it is!

Things To Love Thursday

2011-09-08T09:48:00.000-07:00

There are a couple shops from my Vintage Fusion Treasury that I would like to draw your attention to. These shops are stunning.

The first is Blasphemina's Closet. What drew me in first were the hair accessories. Upon closer inspection of the shop, I was captured by the clothing as well.

I mean, look at this dress!! "This is a one of a kind art deco dress inspired by pieces in the decorative arts wing of Minneapolis Institute of the Arts. All of the pleats were hand measured, the brocade and velvet ribbon made to mimic the look of a particular chair." I ADORE fashion inspired by art. It reminds me of my favorite Project Runway challenge where their final runway piece was to be inspired by something from the Metropolitan in New York.

The second shop is a fellow Michigan artist. Wendy Beath Creations has an abundance of gorgeous things! The mixture of flowers and feathers is done with a casual grace that quite honestly makes me jealous. There isn't a single hair piece in that shop that I don't adore.

And paper flower earrings, how often do you see that?

Craft Project page corner bookmarks

2011-09-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

This is a completely non-jewelry related post, but it's what I did with my Labor Day. A couple of friends and I got together to make these adorable page corner bookmarks from this tutorial on 'I Could Make That.'

These are a lot of fun, they're easy, and the materials are the types of things most people have laying around, especially if you're crafty or have kids.

I'm on the bottom left, my friends Aimee and Lisa are with me.

My munchkin and Lisa's munchkin had a play date in the other room. Riley, on the left, is my son and he's 9 months old. Chloe is on the right, and she's 10 months old.

We made the daddies babysit. It was pretty awesome.

DIY Jewelry Display made with wood and dowel rods for necklaces bracelets or rings

2011-09-04T13:13:00.001-07:00

I saw a picture a while back of a similar display where she had rings hanging from a dowel rod. I can't find that picture to give credit for the idea, so if you have seen it before let me know!
I have made three of these so far, they're all different, and I intend to make at least one more of these small ones, I have more bracelets that need to be hung.
These are my step by step instructions on how I made this display.

These are the materials I started with. I purchased all of them at JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts at an excellent price. I saw similar beveled boards and dowels at Wal-Mart as well in their craft department.
I am on a teal kick this season, so I painted the wood teal, and added some antique white to give it some character. It's hard to see here, but I measured and drilled two small holes with my Dremmel tool where I want my hooks to be. I selected a piece of scrapbooking paper that I had in my stash with a pretty script and floral pattern on it.

I cut the scrapbooking paper to the same size as the top edge of the wooden board, inside the beveled edges. Before I glued it down, I lined the paper up where it would be glued and poked two small holes in it with a pin where I drilled the holes in the wood. Just so I know where to put the hooks through the paper.

Once the paper was glued down, I screwed the hooks into the small holes I had drilled. I got these little hooks at Wal-Mart, they're a pretty brass with a floral motif on them. I'm sure you can get fancy hooks at other places, like Home Depot or Hobby Lobby.

All that's left is to insert the dowel rod and set it on a decorative plate stand or picture frame stand. For all my displays, I painted the dowel rod antique white, though that hasn't been done yet to the bracelet display in the photos.

This necklace display was done with the same technique, except I used a decorative painted board that I found at Goodwill. Really, I'm there almost every day. Can you tell?

I'd like to find some similar scrapbooking paper to the painting, and make some matching bracelet displays. This one is going to be hung on my bedroom wall for my personal jewelry.

Hope you find my jewelry display idea useful!

I love old things

2011-09-04T13:02:00.000-07:00

I'm in love with my new old table. We had this tiny round table that was too small to get any good amount of work done on, but this baby's huge! And it has two drop down sections that come out to make it bigger still. Going to be my new work space, and my husband's gaming table.
I say new old because it's an antique, though the legs aren't the originals and it's already been used as a work bench for several years so I'm pretty sure it has no remaining value as an antique. It came from my mom's house, they had been storing it in the attic after replacing it with another gigantic table in the kitchen. I have many years of fond memories with this table, and many more to come.
Also, say hi to Herbie! The orange tabby who snuck into the photo, perched on a chair...

DIY Display ideas - Plate and candlestick

2011-09-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

A little while back I posted a link to the plate and candlestick jewelry trays by The Speckled Dog. The process is extremely simple, literally as simple as gluing a plate and a candlestick together. Even though I adore her trays, with a plate on both the bottom and the top, I'm also fond of the candlestick with a single plate, like the one I've made here.
The plate and candlestick came from the local Goodwill, which I visit almost daily. It's just a few blocks away and next to where my husband works, so I pack my son up in his stoller and walk down there to visit. And shop.
I had every intention of painting the candlestick to match whatever plate I came up with, but the original gold finish matched the decorative plate that I fell in love with so perfectly. I'm not sure if I'll be putting rings on it, or business cards. It makes a lovely business card presentation too.

Things to love Thursday

2011-09-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

I was tickled pink to find LiliesOValley on Etsy this morning! Not only are the clothes gorgeous, but the fabric looks SO comfy!

I can't get enough of these handmade ceramic jewelry bowls from Redhotpottery on Etsy. I can't wait to purchase one of these some day.

I'm all about the bolero this season, and this little beauty has been in my favorites for quite some time now. Lovely crochet work from Callmemimi on Etsy.

WaterNymph on Etsy is one of my favorite jewelry artisans. She seems to share my fondness for teal and brass.

So these are a few of the things I'm lovin this Thursday =)

You may have noticed the teal and ivory trend, it's my new addiction.

Earrings and more earrings. Victorian inspired handmade earrings.

2011-08-31T16:01:00.000-07:00

Preparing for the fall craft show season, which means lots and lots of earrings. Indeed, earrings are the best sellers at the shows in these parts. Apparently in the middle of Michigan, people like earrings.
So I'm cranking out earrings like it's nobody's business. Also making these earring cards, which is slightly time consuming. But I think they're pretty.

Some are listed on Etsy, some aren't and never will be. But if there's any you'd like that aren't on Etsy, let me know and we can work something out.

Fabulous display idea from The Speckled Dog blog!

2011-08-31T08:55:00.000-07:00

Ever on the look out for fabulous display and jewelry storage ideas. I like my displays to have a shabby chic handmade feel, and I always need jewelry storage for my own use here at home.

Love love love this plate turned jewelry tray idea from The Speckled Dog!

There's a full tutorial on the BLOG showing how she made it out of plates from Target. Really, who doesn't LOVE Target? It's a DIY shabby chic version of a vintage dessert tray, and I'm lovin it.

I've been hitting up the thrift stores hunting for treasure to make various displays of my own for the upcoming fall/winter show season. I have two in the process right now that I hope to have pictures of soon.

Pantone fashion color report, fall 2011

2011-08-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

Everyone is talking about this season's new color chart from Pantone! I'm excited about the teals and browns, two of my favorite colors to work with! You can get a smaller version of the seasonal color trends at Fire Mountain Gems.

Check out the Pantone fashion report for fall 2011 here, and delight in the designers from the 2011 Fashion Week in New York. Personally, I'm in LOVE with this teal coat from designer Shaun Kearney

And here I am, anxiously awaiting pay day so I can go BOOT SHOPPING! Well, I can't splurge on Michael Kors, but there's a similar pair downtown that I've had an eye on. A girl can dream though...

This is my first contribution to the celebration of fall. Vintage filigree paired with teal Swarovski crystals that shimmer as if there was living water inside. They're set on a fan of floral filigree and hang from brass ear wires. Available at Peacock Tres Chic.

Handmade jewelry display by Infarrantly Creative

2011-08-29T18:14:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking for cute creative ways to store and display jewelry. I LOVE love love this handmade display made by Beckie that I found on Infarrantly Creative, and there's a tutorial on her blog to make it! Thanks Beckie!

Tutorial - Layered stamping necklace

2011-08-25T20:30:00.001-07:00

This is a step by step tutorial on how I make most of my pendants, with manufactured brass and sterling plated brass stampings and filigree.
Click on the images to see them full scale!
1. The example of what I'm making. The brass piece is already finished, the stampings on the side are the ones I'm using for this project, the same necklace in silver. I use a board for my projects because I don't always sit at a table, I prefer to sit on the floor or the couch. The white fabric is felt, it keeps the materials from slipping around when I design. 2. These are the sterling plated brass stampings I'm using for this pendant. You may notice that you don't see the really large round stamping in the finished necklace, that's because I only use about a quarter of it, I often take stampings apart and just use the pretty bits I like.

3. These are the tools I use for this project.

Safety glasses, to be used whenever I use the Dremmel tool

Needle nose pliers (Or chain nose pliers) these are jewelry pliers, not hardware pliers. The hardware pliers come with alligator teeth that can mark up your metals, you don't want to use that kind. Invest in a nice pair of jewelry pliers if you want your stuff to look nice.

Flat pliers

Round nose pliers

Bent chain nose pliers

Bail making pliers

Wire cutters

Fine tip tweezers

Jeweler's file (Or hobby file)

Cut off wheel bits for the Dremmel

Electric Dremmel tool

Amazing brand GOOP for CRAFT adhesive

Amazing brand E-6000 adhesive

Cardboard and toothpick for applying the adhesive

-Note- there are two different types of glue, I'll go over these later

3A. I have a protective coating on the flat pliers, I use them to handle and bend my metal pieces. The protective coating keeps the pliers from scratching the soft brass. I use Tool Magic, you just dip them in and let it set over night.

4. The large round piece of filigree needs to be broken up, I only used a portion of it in this piece. I used the Dremmel tool to cut away the larger pieces around the outside of what I wanted to work with. You can use wire cutters, but this type of work is rough on them and it can be rough on your hands. Once the larger pieces are cut off, you can normally bend the brass where the stamping process has left indentions in the metal. Bend it enough times and it will break. This can work to your advantage, but always keep this in mind when you're bending and folding pieces that you don't want to break, and be extra careful.

When you're done cutting and bending away the extra pieces, the edges will be really sharp where you've taken the metal away. Use the jeweler's file to file down the burs until they're smooth.

5. Making a bail is simple, and it's a cute way to hang your pendant from a chain or cord. Most small flat pieces of filigree will work, there's not a single piece you need to use. You can get as creative as you'd like. Wrap the piece around the bail making pliers and pinch the ends together. Make sure there's enough room for the chain to slide through it. You can use round nose pliers to make bails as well, but they're tapered and it takes a little more work to get it perfect.

6. Decide which glue is going to be the best for the pieces you're currently working with. I've already glued the wings down and now am going to glue the filigree piece on top. Like the wings, this piece is hallow in the back. For hallow pieces, I use the Amazing Goop for Craft, because it fills in the gaps nicely. For perfectly flat pieces, like cabochons, I use the E-6000. The Goop takes a little bit longer to set before you can handle it than the E-6000. Whenever your glue is still wet, the pieces can slide and your design will suffer, so make sure it's completely dry before you continue to work.

-Notes about glue-

These glues dry clear, but that doesn't mean you can't see it at all. Try to avoid getting globs seeping over the edges. While it's still wet, use an exacto knife or the tip of your tweezers to swipe away any excess. The glue is much easier to remove when it's wet than it is dry.

Apply the glue where the two pieces you're combining come into contact the most. If you're not sure, put a little glue there anyway.

Make sure all your pieces are bent before you glue. If you try bending anything after the gluing is done, the glue will loosen. I only bent a couple pieces of metal in this pendant, the filigree in step 6, and the winged figure I'll be gluing at the end.

The following pictures are the continuation of the gluing process.

7. Before I finish gluing, I need to bend the winged figure. You can see in the first picture that his wings stick up just a little bit, and I want them flattened to the filigree he's resting on. I used my protective coated flat pliers to bend the wings down and back just a little bit.

8. To attach the Swarovski crystal flat backs, I use the E-6000 glue. You can apply the glue directy to the back of the crystal, but they get difficult to hold when they're so tiny. I prefer to apply a small amount of glue on the metal where you're placing them. I use the tweezers to apply the tiny crystals, it's much less clumsy than trying to use your fingers. The glue will probably seep out from around the crystal, make sure to swipe this away with a razor as soon as possible, while it's still wet.

9. There are several ways to attach the bail to your pendant. I used the simple technique of connecting the bail and pendant with a jump ring. When using jump rings, remember not to pry the loop apart, twist one side of the break toward you and one away.

Once your piece is totally dry, overnight or 24 hours, you can slip a chain or cord through the bail and and call it a day.

Oh universe.....

2011-08-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

I've been taking a break from the jewelry crafting, pending the healing of what is assumed to be tendonitis in my left thumb. Trying not to use it and loading up on my B vitamins has done the trick in the past, and has avoided costly doctor visits.

While biding my time I've been giving my Etsy shop a makeover, as well as experimenting with thumb friendly activities like adding my own finishes to some of my brass pieces. The other day during one such experiment, I managed to get a nice chemical burn on my other hand.

Is the universe telling me it's time to give up and just be content to be a housewife and mother the rest of my years?

Curiouser and curiouser.

My own stash

2011-08-21T08:52:00.001-07:00

Every once in a while I go through a phase where I decide I want to make jewelry for myself. My wardrobe tends towards the dark side. I'm going back to my victorian roots with my Etsy shop, but at the tail end of the gothic kick I made a few things for myself to wear.

However, I can't wear any of these things on a daily basis. These are more like date night trinkets. Especially the crystal studded hoop earrings. My son thinks they're handles and he's attracted to all things shiny.

La Belle Anne

2011-08-19T12:11:00.000-07:00

This is a new photo of an old cuff I made last year. I'm very fond of this cuff, it features a vintage cameo that I've had since I was a kid. It's a gorgeous creamy ivory and vintage rose pink color, and it's slightly marbled. You don't see the marble coloring on the new vintage reproduction cameos very often. I'm not sure how old the cameo is, but it was an antique when it found it's way into my posession.

The brass cuff has the most gorgeous floral detailing on it. I've kept the other brass adornments simple, to let the cameo take the spotlight. Two little pearls on either side compliment the creamy ivory of the flower relief.

Available for purchase at Peacock Tres Chic.

Backtracking

2011-08-18T22:17:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot on the direction my jewelry has been going and I've come to realize I'm not entirely content. I've always had an intense love of all things victorian and vintage, and suddenly for some reason I started working in a more gothic direction. Sure, I wear mostly black, and I went through a gothic stage a few years back. I still wear the occasional noir piece. But I'm not being honest with myself.

What I want to make, is back where I started. My jewelry sprang from that love of victoriana, the lavish jewels and splendid array of colors. I miss brass. I've worked in dominantly silver for the past several months and I miss the brass. I'm a grown woman, and I think the gothic look is a little immature. It's great for a certain audience, but that audience isn't mine.

I'm looking forward to starting the fall season with some more victorian inspired designs. I'm letting an injured thumb heal, then it's back to work.

Goodbye, my lovely

2011-08-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

I've always been a little on the fence about this piece. I was so excited to get the materials, thinking I had the perfect design in my head, only to get them all home and together and realize it wasn't really what I wanted. I played with them for a day or two, moving them around my bead board waiting for the magic to happen when the layers were in perfect harmony. I think I settled when the magic didn't happen. I was just determined to have it made.

It's gotten good reviews. People seem to like it. And it got a lot of attention at a local festival when I had it at the booth. But I'm tired of having it here. I feel like it's mocking me, being a second thought design.

Seeing as people seem to really like it, I've decided to donate it to the local Art Reach of Mt. Pleasant to be put in the annual silent auction. I hope it is a good contribution to the cause.

2011-06-12T15:45:00.001-07:00

Turns out I can make bridal jewelry =) This was a commission, all that was specified was that she wanted white crystal and pearl.

2011-05-27T14:05:00.001-07:00

So my jewelry has been going in a slightly different direction. I've been using more dragons and gryphons and things of the creature nature. I enjoy them a lot, they make wonderful focals or accents. I've also enjoyed using handmade glass opals and fully faceted Swarovski crystals.

Here's a few examples.

More fantasy oriented, less victorian. Though I still love a good victorian piece here and there =)

I've been working like crazy to keep my Etsy shop updated with new creations. It's quite a challenge with a newborn. I work when he sleeps, when my husband comes home from work, or during the rare times with my son occupies himself with his toys for more than just a few minutes at a time. We've decided I'm not going back to work for a while, so aside from being a mom, my Etsy shop is my career for the time being.

So if you haven't been to the shop lately, go have a look at the new stuff.

Peacock Tres Chic on Etsy

Update

2011-05-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

Long time no write!

Actually I have been writing. Just not here.

I have a blog where I update about my baby boy. Life with Riley.

Riley was born November 21st, 2010. He's almost 6 months old now!! He's the center of my life, jewelry took a back burner.

But business is going well regardless of it's priority! I was able to make a good number of new pieces when Riley slept all day. I don't have as much time these days but I still manage a few here and there. I've started making pieces that are easier to get supplies for, and easily customizable so I can make them in different metals and different crystal colors. I've done a lot of commissions in the last few months!

I've also started making hair clips. I was inspired to make hair pieces because I can no longer wear necklaces or long earrings... little hands can't help but grab them.

There you have it, that's what I've been up to. Check out the shop if you haven't been in a while! I'm still around =)

Baby's Room

2010-09-27T18:46:00.000-07:00

He's only getting half the room currently, we're using the other half to store some totes we don't have room for anywhere else. But eventually, after much time sorting and clever storing, he'll get the entire room.

We're getting a crib bumper, sheet and duster set for the second baby shower, I've already seen it and it's adorable. So the crib will look a lot more put together then.

Clearly, we're going for a safari animal theme. Lots of monkeys and elephants, the occasional lion.

And yes, that's a teddy bear in a diaper on the changing table.

Halloween Eearrings

2010-09-16T17:47:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned time and time again that I'm making loads of earrings but haven't shown much of anything yet. These earrings are all halloween inspired, the orange, black and green that I associate with the Halloween season. They're elegant and not so spooky cheesy, that you can wear them to parties, with costumes, with every day wear. They're nothing over the top, but I think they're cute.

I'm slowly, every so slowly, listing them on Etsy. Go have a look, gear up for the fall season, or just enjoy a little browse. Peacock Tres Chic at Etsy.

Nothing new on the baby front. He's still kicking like a champ, expecting a rowdy little bundle. I've got some problems with my hips but expecting it to go away shortly.

Cuteness

2010-09-08T12:47:00.000-07:00

Look at the adorable little owl! I have half a mind to keep him, but I have enough jewelry, I need to share. I think he's perfect for the Halloween season, owls are all spooky like, though... this one is too cute to be really spooky. Anyhow, he's available at the Shop!

In other news, I saw my doc this morning, and I got some good news that will allow me to rest a little easier. I had to have a second ultrasound because my baby had a cyst on his brain way back when I had my first one done. She said 9 times out of 10 it gooes away by 28 weeks so we'd check again. I thought fantastic, I'd be that 1 out of 10. My luck tends to run that way. But it's gone and baby is perfect!

Shew!

Goodbye Tudors

2010-09-05T18:02:00.000-07:00

Sigh. I will miss you King Henry

Just watched the final episode. There were tears.

Things I miss

2010-09-05T12:57:00.001-07:00

Hello third trimester!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm in the home stretch, I can see light at the end of the tunnel!

However, having made it this far, and my size really restricting some of the things I used to do with ease, I've been thinking lot about the things I miss about being my normal old size, and look forward to again once this is all over.

*Heels
*Sleeping on my belly
*Letting Squee sleep on my chest
*Socks
*Curling up in a corner of the couch
*Snuggling up to my husband's back at night
*Skinny jeans
*Guilt free coffee

Back to that light at the end of the tunnel.... these are some of my favorite Etsy baby items.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c83fb32788e6d91349cf8b4/baby-boy?index=0

Ice in Autumn

2010-09-03T14:31:00.000-07:00

I heart this little piece here. It came to me last night when I thought I was done.

It's listed at my Etsy shop.

Excited about fall

2010-09-02T18:00:00.001-07:00

It's my favorite time of year, autumn. It might be a little early, but it's on it's way. I love the colors, and once it starts to cool down..... sweaters! I love me some sweaters.

A few pieces of jewelry to celebrate this beautiful time of year.

Seasonal Handmade Toddler Food - Recipes, Ingredients, and gift guide!

2010-09-02T16:20:00.000-07:00

I love this post, even though I don't have a toddler, the recipes are fantastic. Pumpkin and Sweet potatoes are some of my favorite things to eat.

Seasonal Handmade Toddler Food - Recipes, Ingredients, and gift guide!

The Animal Rescue Site

2010-09-01T16:34:00.001-07:00

Each day I go to this website, where you can click a button and help feed shelter animals absolutely free. You can click once every 24 hours.

Please visit and click the link, I promise it doesn't cost a penny and it doesn't ask you to type anything in.

Feed the shelter animals!

Most comfy spot in the house

2010-09-01T12:51:00.000-07:00

is apparently the X-Box carrying case lol These two were fighting over it all evening. When one was in it, the other sat a couple feet away and glared. It would only be vacant a few seconds before the other would take over lol

Bracelets

2010-09-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

I'm undecided about posting some of my bracelets to my shop. There's only one bracelet there, but I want to make sure I have plenty to take with me on Saturday. Though I'm reasonably sure they're not going to sell between now and then, they're nothing special after all. But I've taken some pictures, as a little preview.

Stuff and Things

2010-08-31T17:24:00.000-07:00

Why is it so hard to get my stuff listed anymore? Pain in my ass I tell ya. Literally, I photograph my stuff on the floor, and once I'm there it's hard to get up lol me and my additional 30 pounds and creaky hips! I'm really looking forward to getting my full range of mobility back.

I haven't posted the last couple of days because I'm making bracelets like a mad woman. I'm seeing a buyer on Saturday and I want a wider range of stuff for her to browse. I also know the shop keeps and the casual shopper tend to gravitate towards bracelets and earrings. I'll list the bracelets next week if she doesn't buy them.

In the mean time, look! A picture!

Baby on Board

2010-08-29T14:08:00.001-07:00

I've had a break from my Etsy shop for a few months now, adjusting to being pregnant with my first baby!!!!!

Riley Bigard is scheduled to arrive sometime around november 18th, though the way he kicks I'm sure he's powering up to bust out a little early.

I'm not currently working, because my 5 months of morning sickness really took a toll on me and wasn't able to keep a steady work schedule. I'm currently just working from home, on my jewelry.

So please if you haven't been to my shop lately, do go have a looksie! Peacock Tres Chic

Spring!!

2010-02-21T14:47:00.001-08:00

Getting ready for spring! My new spring collection of pendants, all wire wrapped and each one unique. Bright colors, lots of flowers, good stuff!

@ Peacock Tres Chic

Sneak peek!

2010-02-13T20:28:00.001-08:00

Often, I post my pictures up on my flickr page before I post them on Etsy.

Flickr!

Long time no post!

2010-02-08T19:39:00.000-08:00

Seems like I use that title a lot.

I've been working on getting my new amigurumi cat toy shop up! Kitty Kats In Hats is my new project.

$1 of every item sold in this shop will go to the Humane Animal Treatment Society here in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. I'm trying to integrate my love of crafts with my love of cats and the desire to do something good for the shelter animals in my community. Between craft shows where I'll have my jewelry this summer, I'll be hopefully volunteering with the local HATS community at fundraisers and things of that nature. I'm really excited about it.

So go have a look at the new kitty toy shop!

Here's an example of what you'll find.

Teapot Lamp by Angelic Accents-Stephanie

2010-01-25T10:16:00.001-08:00

See her BLOG here!

Neat!!!! Mom, I bet you could turn some of dad's coffee pots into lamps without him even noticing they're gone!

Butterflies Teapot by Polly George

2010-01-23T14:13:00.000-08:00

Butterflies Teapot by Polly George

So gorgeous!

Valentine's Necklace

2010-01-22T15:57:00.000-08:00

This pendant is like nothing I've done before. I started with a simple round setting, then I made two wire wrapped rings with beads and Swarovski crystals to go around the setting, placing a button with an adorable cherub on top. It turned out exactly as I'd planned.

Partially inspired by a necklace from the Tudors, which is no surprise lol.

Get it at Peacock Tres Chic!

Remake

2010-01-20T08:59:00.000-08:00

I went through a stint where I had nothing but this ity bity wire, I reinforced it the best I could but I don't trust it as much as I do thicker wire. I've had this one sitting around for almost a year, meaning to give it stronger links.

I finally did it lol Took all of 10 minutes, not sure why I put it off so long lol.

So shes been re-posted! Get it at Peacock Tres Chic!

Making Progress

2010-01-19T10:39:00.000-08:00

I've been planning out the craft show stuff for the summer.

I've got myself a new craft show partner, my mother in law =) She makes gorgeous stained glass! She'll be selling jewelry boxes and the likes along side my jewelry. I think it will make a handsome presentation!

I've sketched out a few new ideas for the booth layout. My step father in law? Is that what they call it? lol Well he's helping us come up with new jewelry stands and things of that nature to add depth and various levels of interest to the table so it's not so flat and boring.

Sometime in the next couple of weeks I'll be visiting the fabric store to find the perfect color scheme and get the appropriate table covers. I'm thinking off white and burgundy maybe, it will look nice with the black displays.

Everyone is being really supportive and helping put their own ideas and suggestions into my efforts. I think it will be a very productive year!

Valentine's day is coming!!

2010-01-17T18:11:00.001-08:00

These dainty pink pearl earrings are PERFECT for someone you love!

A romantic pendant in steamy blacks and golds!

LOLCAT

2010-01-14T21:59:00.000-08:00

After years of battle between cat and bead board for lap privileges, at last, a compromise.

Lap, cat, bead board. In that order.

*!SPOILER!*
That pendant there is for the new Valentine's Collection!
Oh la la!

Time to recognize my friends!

2010-01-14T17:52:00.000-08:00

I have several talented friends, one of which has her own Etsy shops. Go show her some luv, she does awesome work!

Lisa at Seventy Two Stitches

So it goes

2010-01-12T21:16:00.001-08:00

The shop has now been left to little 'ol me. I've made some minor changes, nothing drastic. I've started to detail my titles just a little, since they come across Google search as titles. A little description in the title will go a long way.

Still perfecting my pictures. I love the drastic white background, I'm going to re-take a few photos, to make sure my shop maintains a cohesiveness.

Still striving to get myself out there. Started a couple new blogs. A Tumblr and a Flickr. Not much on the Flickr page yet, just started that today.

Waiting on some new supplies to get this show on the road! It's hard to get inspired when you're running thin on beads.

Preparing for the craft season ahead. Julee and I intend to hit up a few more craft fairs this year than last, planning the booth and putting a lot of thought into how it should look.

I'll be opening up a second Etsy shop soon, to help me contribute to the local efforts to help animals in need. I'll be posting crochet cat toys, where $1 of each sale will be donated to the HATS foundation, humane animal treatment society.

One of my all time favorite pieces has left me this week, to a return shopper. Bye bye Shutter! I hope Beth loves you as much as I did.

Holiday success!!

2010-01-07T15:35:00.000-08:00

During the holiday season, Peacock Tres Chic donated two dollars of every item sold to the Toys for Tots foundation!! We raised nearly $100.

Divide and conquer was the plan, splitting the cash and donating how we saw fit. I went shopping and got a bunch of toys for buy one get one free!

Thanks to everyone who helped us bring some holiday cheer to the local families in need!!!!!!!!

Desiree
Peacock Tres Chic

Changes

2009-12-27T09:59:00.000-08:00

The holiday rush is over and we're instating a few changes to Peacock Tres Chic.

The shop is currently run by two of us, Julee and myself, but Julee is in the process of moving her items from Peacock Tres Chic to her own shop, Epoq. We did well together to get our shop off the ground, but it's time for both of us to adapt our own identities now that we know what we're doing =)

She's putting a lot of work into advertising and an exciting new collection, so stop by her shop and show some support =)

Thanks everyone!!

Nouveau!

2009-10-08T14:37:00.001-07:00

Adorable Nouveau dolphin brass stampings! Get them at the shop!

New images

2009-09-11T14:07:00.000-07:00

We've been playing with our pictures and trying to make our product stand out better. We're changing the background which makes our brass POP right off the page!!!!!! Go have a look at our shop and see the changes we've made!!

Peacock Tres Chic!

Before vs. After

2009-09-08T16:20:00.000-07:00

Playing with photo quality in a program I just learned about called Picnik.

I'm wondering if the picture looks too fake with the modifications. Maybe I took them a little too far lol.

Etsy helpers!

2009-09-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

The last couple of days I've been browsing the Etsy forums looking for tips and tricks. Did I find any? Have I ever! My current favorite - 26 Olive Street. Etsy developers created this third party mod that lets you upload a picture, and it searches the Etsy database for images of a similar color pallet. How great is that for finding items for a treasury!?

I uploaded this image
The program analized it ang gave me this color pallette.

And it came up with these current Etsy matches!
This is just the coolest thing ever. Check it out, play with it, have fun.

Read more about the devolopers and program here at the Storque.

Chart

2009-09-03T22:54:00.000-07:00

How cool is this. We can see where the majority of our views go... in a pie chart!

Get your own shop's stats, and make cool flyers for promotion at cr8tivity!

Desiree's wedding

2009-09-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

We both got married recently, but still waiting on Julee's pictures. In the meantime, here's a little look at how my wedding went!

wowza

2009-08-31T20:16:00.000-07:00

Take a look at this one!! At Peacock Tres Chic!

We're married and back in business!

2009-08-10T19:47:00.001-07:00

Long time no blog!

Both my business partner and I both got married in the last few weeks. She's off on her honeymoon but I'm all settled and back to business and she'll be back and get back in gear soon.

We had a successful sidewalk sale in the downtown Mt. Pleasant, Michigan area the weekend of my wedding. Yes! I worked a sale that weekend and still managed to keep it all together! We were excited to be there and can't wait to see what else the summer brings us.

There's been some great new activity at our shop!!!!!

Some examples;

Come and see the new darkly romantic collection making it's way into the shop daily!!!!!

Peacock Tres Chic!

Long Time!

2009-07-14T23:23:00.001-07:00

Both of us here at Peacock Tres Chic are preparing for our weddings, which are only a few weeks away! Needless to say, the internet has been neglected. Our shop is still doing wonderful, though we're not adding as many new things as we'd like to.

We have another show coming up!! On July 23rd and 24th, Peacock Tres chic will be downtown Mt. Pleasant for the annual sidewalk sales and craft show. If you're near Mt. Pleasant, Michigan come by and see us!!

Here's a few new things we have managed to post!

Must be Cameo Season!

2009-05-06T14:15:00.000-07:00

Lots of cameos at our shop! Who doesn't love a good old fashioned cameo? So elegant, so vintage, so lovely! Here's some examples of the cameos you'll find in our shop. PeacockTresChic

Our first craft show!

2009-04-03T23:16:00.001-07:00

Julee and myself, Desiree, owners of Peacock Tres Chic, will be hosting a booth at our first craft show! There's an annual festival in our home town of Shepherd Michigan that transforms the local middle school into a craft show. We applied, hoped, worried... and finally got the call back about getting a spot! It was getting so late, we'd given up hope, not even bothering to prepare. Now we're all in a rush to get things together, brainstorming ideas right and left. It's so exhilarating!

So for April 24 through the 26th, Peacock Tres Chic will be closed, because we'll be taking our full stock to the show with us, along with many things that haven't been listed. Anything that does not sell will be re-listed and perhaps listed for the first time.

If anyone has tips for the first timers, please let us know! And wish us luck!

Crosses and Cameos, Oh my!!

2009-03-23T22:01:00.000-07:00

Peacock Tres Chic has been busy as bees lately! Check out our latest fashions, crosses and cameos!!! Check them all out, and more, at Peacock Tres Chic!

Gone Steampunk

2009-03-18T16:32:00.001-07:00

Exploring the realm of steampunk! So much steampunk jewelry, in my opinion, is harsh bits of mechanics haphazardly thrown together. When I think of steampunk I think of romance and mystery, dreamy black and white films. So I've been exploring the romantic side of steampunk jewelry. Here's the collection so far! You can get it at Peacock Tres Chic.

New sites!

2009-03-02T15:35:00.000-08:00

We've expanded to include a new Deviant Art page, this one's for both of our work. Also we have a myspace page, and a flickr!

We each have our own Deviant Art sites, which are Des and Jules. We have journals and personal pictures because it's a gallery. If you're interested in each individual artist please go have a look!

The brand spankin new combined site can be seen here! Stop by and show some love!

Our myspace page is Peacock Tres Chic.

And lastly Flickr!

Chains EVERYWHERE!

2009-02-28T15:15:00.000-08:00

Two new additions to the shop! I owe my inspirations to Beth Church. My favorite jewelry artist of all time. My work can't come close to matching her skill, but I admire her style so much, I sometimes implement it into my own. See these listings in our shop here.

Des

Newest Additions!

2009-02-25T16:40:00.000-08:00

It's all about nature this week!

Check out this adorable little horned owl puffed up in all his finery, complimented brilliantly with deep blues and coppers.

And the spirit of the forest comes to life with this earthen inspired piece, dripping with greens and coppers and shimmering with a life of it's own!

Available at our Etsy shop!

Announcement!

2009-02-24T19:37:00.000-08:00

A good friend and I have combined our Etsy shops to create one brand spankin new, better than ever, Etsy experience.

Peacock Tres Chic

Stop by, take a look, marvel at our one of a kind pieces of art jewelry.

Over the next few weeks I'll be converting this blog into a shop blog, where you'll see updates from myself and my Peacock Tres Chic business partner.

Here is a preview of what's in the shop!

Long time no post!

2008-09-07T19:30:00.000-07:00

I swapped computers, then couldn't remember my account information. But I have it all sorted now, and hope to update more often.

My mom is an artist also, she does a lot of things but my favorite is her crochet. I've added her stuff to my Etsy page and she's got a short bio on there as well. So we've got a joint Etsy shop now.

Here's some examples of her work. Available here

Success!

2008-06-26T19:29:00.000-07:00

Tried and true, my latest asymmetrical necklace has sold. This one was in the shop a little under a week I believe. So far, the asymmetrical record is looking pretty darn good :-) Lets hear it for those who are not affraid to own something that isn't the same on both sides!

DeviantArt, an untapped resource?

2008-06-22T22:35:00.000-07:00

Etsy sellers are always trying to find new and popular places to get their shop out there. I've been a member of DeviantArt for years now, and when it comes down to it, more than half of my sales come from there.

DeviantArt offers you the chance to comment and critique right on someone's submission. I love this feature and many people comment. It's always nice to hear what people think when they see your work, and it allows you to get an idea of who your target audience is, what are the types of people who tend to like your work.

They offer not only a community to get to know and be a part of, they offer tools. Collections of usable stock photos, tutorials, even photoshop brushes people have made and are sharing with everyone.

Of course, there's a forum, and features that get your work on the main page. I don't pay for a subscription, but I can only imagine the benefits.

Not to mention all the professional talent that have galleries there. Evan Campbell has a gallery, Scott Campbell has one also. Those are just a couple that I have bookmarked.

There's even a community of Etsy sellers! Check out these Etsians who have DeviantArt shops! DeviantArt Etsy Sellers.

And here's my home on DeviantArt.

Asymmetry ..... trendy?

2008-06-22T22:20:00.000-07:00

My sales record is hardly consistent, but I have noticed one thing. My asymmetrical necklaces seem to go over well. I had Roseus on my DeviantArt page here for quite a long time. I decided to sell it, I posted it on Etsy, then linked to it and put her on the main page on Deviant with "Now for sale" in the title. The next day she was gone. Here's a picture of it.

Some time passed before I made another asymmetrical piece. I didn't even need to list this one and I had found a buyer. All I did was post it on Deviant, which I did here. Someone requested it, and a price was agreed upon. (I hadn't intended on selling it, it was a favorite) Here's that one.

More time passed. I decided to try it again. My newest piece is asymmetrical, but it's brass this time. Brass is my new thing. It's been up on Etsy over 24 hours now, which is the longest that one of my asymmetrical pieces has been up. So I'm crossing my fingers here!

Engaged

2008-06-22T21:56:00.001-07:00

Yes, that's correct. I'm now engaged.

My fiance proposed in a photo booth. You know, one of those little ones that give you a black and white film strip. It's a tradition, we get photos done whenever we visit this tourist destination that happens to have my favorite bead store in it. He gave me the ring while we were getting our snapshots, so they're very happy snapshots. :-) Exhibit A:Doesn't he look smug? lol

Now........ aside from the obvious excitement, I'm vexed. Yay, I have a ring! Yay, I get to be the center of attention for a day in a gorgeous gown! Wait a second... who's paying for this?!

Oh yea... I am.

SO... I'm attempting to put much haste on peddling my wares. I have a day job, but only part time. So in my spare time, aside from planning a wedding I'm crafting my little heart out and trying very very hard to draw some extra attention to my Etsy shop where normally my earnings go towards more beads, but are now being set aside for the wedding preparations and all the pretty things I need to wear!

Did you catch that? My Etsy shop?

Satyr

2008-02-26T18:27:00.000-08:00

The Satyr piece has been completed, except the extension of adjustable chain and hook in the back. This piece took a significant amount of time, because I hand wound and individually cut each link used in the chains. The links are 22 gauge gold colored wire, roughly 2mm each.

This design hit me in bed one night, after thinking for days on ideas of how to use the Satyr stamping. I'm overall happy with it. The design required very little tweaking from the pen and paper stage to the final product, which is not common. Most of my designs have kinks that need to be worked out, I encounter problems with structure and whatnot. This one gave me no trouble, and came out exactly as planned.

The stamping didn't have any holes in it to begin with, so I drilled three of my own with a hand held pin vise to serve it's intended purpose in this piece. All the chains it's 'resting' on are linked to a single 16 gauge loop laying behind the stamping. Some day I'll get a picture of the back.

Step one

2008-02-22T03:43:00.001-08:00

I know every crafter has their methods, their workspaces, etc. My workspace... is my couch. I throw in an inspirational movie, like Vanity Fair or Phantom of the Opera, put my bead board on my lap and go at it all night long. Yes, I work at night. I can't remember the last time I made something while the sun was out. My boyfriend and I are on a third shift schedule, so that's when my alone time is, that's when I work. Sleep can wait when I'm in a creative mood. I sometimes watch a movie two or three times a night, because I don't want to get up to put a new DVD in lol. It's just hard to get off the couch when I have all kinds of things in my lap. So I just hit play over and over.

So anyhow, I just got this fantastic piece in the mail, I ordered it from a fellow Etsy member. " jlyndesigns " has a great shop, wonderful pieces, and she sent a little baggie of free gifts, which I also ended up using on this piece. She's wonderful, I fully intend to buy from her again in the future.
These pictures are from the very beginning of my process. Once I have my design in my head I look for the colors I want to use and put them all on my board. I wrapped all my beads, and placed them on my felt square (Keeps the beads from rolling away from where you set them) to see how they'd look in the shape the necklace is inevitably going to be. With the Satyr focal pendant, I went with mostly greens because it reminds me of the forest. I was also watching Pan's Labyrinth at the time, because what's more inspiring concerning a piece that looks like Pan?
Not that you can see the green beads in this picture lol.

Latest commission

2008-02-18T22:28:00.000-08:00

This request was for a 14 inch chainmaille piece, with my frequently used japanese chainmaille 'flowers.' She wanted 5 flowers, each with 3 freshwater pearls in between.

The freshwater pearls have TINY holes drilled in them, naturally, so I had to resort to using 24 gauge wire to wrap them, praying it holds. The erst of the wire is 22 gauge, as with most of my stuff. I used to work in 20 gauge, so the flowers are a little smaller than the ones I've made in the past. It makes the necklace dainty as a whole, but it worked out perfectly as to her specifications. Had I used the thicker wire, I would have had to make adjustments to the design to keep it within the 14 inches with 5 flowers and 3 pearls. So it all worked out, I hope she's happy with it.

We could all use a little help sometimes

2008-02-17T23:54:00.000-08:00

Behold, my tuckered out little helper lol

And my not so tuckered out and not so little helper

2008-02-17T22:51:00.001-08:00

This is my latest piece. I've been researching a jewelry crafter by the name of Diane Hyde. She specializes in the replication of vintage designs, with an emphasis on bead work. I don't currently have the materials to do proper bead work, I need some stiff stuff and a good deal more seed beads and things of that nature before I can start down that road. But I'm working on it, doing some research, planning what materials I want, making some sketches. Hopefully something will come of that soon.

In any matter, this necklace is made of 22 gauge gun metal color coated copper wire, including the draping chain which I made and cut every link myself. I used three prong connectors, bugle beads, and bronze Czech glass, both 4 and 6mm. The centerpiece is a resin flower cameo.

I'm pleased with the design but I'm undecided if it should go up for sale. I don't fully trust the integrity of this piece, the chain it rests on is made of bugle beads connected by 2mm jump rings, and 22 gauge is not the sturdiest of wire. I am going to go back and double all the joining links. The necklace itself is light weight, but I'd be afraid any kind of tug would sent it tumbling to the ground. There's nothing I dread more than an unsatisfied, or sad, customer.

First post

2008-02-17T21:55:00.000-08:00

I'm not a blogger by nature.... but I'd like a place where people can go to get a better view of me as a person and as an artisan. Here I will be posting my methods of craft, my works in progress, as well as my finished pieces. My hopes are that people can get a better idea of my inspirations, of my personality, and of my love of jewelry crafting.