Special Gifts

On Tuesday I received the most special gifts from my friend Marcie.

The package itself was so beautifully perfect that it seemed a shame to take it all apart.

Inside was this gorgeous handmade book

made of fabric, antique lace and

old buttons

The attention to detail

is over the top.

A stack of beautiful vintage embroidered Japanese pillows was in the box as well.

And I can't forget about this lovely trim wrapped around an embellished wooden spool.

So much thought, time and work went into all of this and I will treasure these forever.
Thank you so very much Dear Marcie!
Love and Hugs
karen ann

Handmade Romance

As promised, I made more of the little tart tin magnets.

Inspired by a love story.

Romantic as tattered lace.

Sparkling like bits of vintage bling.

Drawn to each other.

Clinging.

So beautiful.

karen

Inspired by a Love Story

I heard the sweetest Love Story recently.

I was chatting long distance with a dear dear friend and she told me the story of her undying love for her husband. I could hear in her voice how much she still loves this man after years of being married to him. Her memories of their life together are sweet and good, and it made me think of the goodness in my own marriage. Now, don't get me wrong...there have been many rough times along the way, but over all, I too am content and feel lucky to be with the man I am married to as well. 

Inspired by my friend's story of love I made magnets.

Yep...I said magnets.

 Magnets that are dripping with romance.

 Tiny 1 inch square metal tart tins filled with bits of old crocheted lace, romantic images and a little bling.

I made just these two for now, but will be filling more of these tiny tart tins with crafty love soon.

karen

Happy Valentine's Day

I hope your day is filled with love and kindness.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Karen

Empty

The pain of her shattered heart has not been healed by time.

The ache remains and she is empty now.

Locked away in her world of sadness.

 Tormented by her memories.

"Nothing is forever"

"Always is a lie"

"I can only love you til the day I die"

A wooden box of feelings.

A collage of repurposed antiques.

Thanks for looking!

Let me know what you think.

I appreciate your comments.

Karen



The Love Letter

I was playing around with some of the jewelry parts and pieces I've been collecting, and I came up with this necklace that I call "The Love Letter".

It features a tiny antique brass love letter, that opens and closes, and has a great patina.

Aqua glass flower beads.

A Victorian ladies hand.

A vintage brass heart.

All on an antique brass chain.

I think it makes a lovely wearable Valentine and it has everything but the box of chocolates

Joy & Inspiration

Joy and inspiration. New friends and sharing. I am overwhelmed with the generosity and kindness that I have experienced over the past year through my journey of creating. I have met some of the most beautiful, thoughtful, creative women who have made my life richer in ways that I can't even put into words. These new friends have made me feel welcome and comfortable about who I am and what I create. I am no longer afraid to share my art with others. I feel like I fit in somewhere now. All of you, whose blogs I read, whose work I admire on Flickr and Etsy and those whose work has been published in the many books and magazines that I've purchased over the past year, I want to say THANK YOU! I love you all!

If you're wondering what the photos are...they are some gifts that I received in the mail yestersay from one of these dear friends. Thank you Sharon...I love everything!

The round stone earrings are something I made for myself.

Inspired by new found friends, I've combined crochet, metal and glass, to create this necklace. The copper parts were purchased pieces that I've taken apart and combined with a lampwork bead made by my step daughter Janice, and some copper wire. The rope is a wool cord made from a recycled sweater. A technique I learned from my dear friend Odile. I crocheted around the rope with cotton thread in freeform style. The entire piece was inspired by my new friend Sharon,  a multi talented, creative artist, who was a part of the "Round Robin" project, featured in the latest issue of "Belle Armoire Jewelry".