Readers, Meet My Repurposed Vintage Jewelry!

It's no secret that I love vintage accessories, particularly brooches. I also have a soft spot for repurposed vintage jewelry, though, and I thought I share a few pieces from my collection with you. There's something enchanting -- poetic, even -- about giving an old, unused vintage element new life by reworking it into something new.

Mama CP makes jewelry, and has her own business selling bits and bobs at various craft shows. This bracelet is made out of vintage buttons, antique watch faces, and old typewriter keys.

DIY! These stones were on an old, old necklace I found at an antique store in Nebraska. They were dusty and dirty, but a quick turn in my rock polisher (yes, I'm awesome, I have a rock polisher) cleaned them right up. The bangle itself isn't vintage; I picked it up at Michael's on sale for a couple bucks.

DIY! My mom had this broken clip on earring in a box at home. I just clipped off the back, filed down the pointy edges, and strung it on a chain with wire-wrapped vintage pearls.

DIY! Antique keys, a sparkly crystal ball taken from a broken vintage clip on earring, and some gunmetal and silver chain are all it took to put this little guy together.

DIY! I was inspired to make this necklace when I saw this beautiful necklace on Anthropologie's website. They were selling it for around $468. Psh. The focal piece is an antique pencil that my grandmother used in grade school. I wire-wrapped smoky quartz, labradorite, and hematite onto several different kinds of chain (some vintage, some not). I couldn't get a terribly good shot of this necklace (it's reeeeally long), but I will be wearing it in Wednesday's OOTD post. 

My wonderful friend Krissy, owner and designer of Orange Box Jewelry, refashions vintage items into beautiful one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. I originally saw this piece at a local market a couple months ago, and somehow managed to walk away from it. I was still thinking about it two weeks ago, though, and thankfully no one had bought it. SO, it came home with me!

There is a really exciting giveaway coming up, so be sure to check back tomorrow morning! 

Special Guest Post: In Which Mr. CP Screws Everything Up!

Our story begins, as so many do, with a mistake that was not immediately apparent.  As you, gentle reader, likely are aware, Kelsey abandoned me absconded departed for North Carolina a few days ago.  While she fretted over coffins, spooky accessories, and dresses, she entrusted me with a glorious task: update her blog.

Me accepting this task. With, apparently, my horse
Armor: Ye Olde Blacksmith Unlimited
Tabard: Forver Plagueridden
Horse: DIY Pasture

In the most noble manner imaginable, I accepted this quest: "Sweetie, I promise you, I will mess this up."

She, of course, thought I was joking.  She said, "Oh, you... I'm sure you'll come up with something wonderful."

And so, I find myself here... little black cat 'helping' (i.e. trying to eat my fingers) as I struggle to post something worthy.

Idea #1 - I offered simply to substitute in for her.  I had picked out an amazing outfit and was all set for a photo shoot.

For your sanity

Apparently, it's 'weird'  when I try to wear her clothes.

Idea #2 - This.

Armor: Mark VII Aquila Power Armor, Adeptus Mechanicus
Bolter: Godwyn Pattern, Adeptus Mechanicus
Life is the Emperor's currency; spend it well.  For the Imperium!

'Nuff said.

Idea #2, part 2: This as well.

Diving Suit: Bouncer Variant, Protector Program
Drill: Over Sized, Not Compensating at all

So, I learned a thing about fashion: seemingly, it does not include massive, genetically/surgically/psychically altered brutes.  Something new every day, as they say.

Idea #3: Lust list post!!!

North Coast Brewing Co, Old Rasputin XI

Boulevard Brewing Co Smokestack Series, Bourbon Barrel Quad (BBQ)

Wait... this isn't a blog about beer?  Back to the drawing board.

Idea #3b: Fashion and beer!

Ermine: Found in Nature
Label: DIY

Idea # pi.

I think I'm hilarious

Idea # History!

Certainly not made with forced labor or washed in urine

Romans.  They were a gross people.  Urinophoric much?

Idea #4: Distraction!

Look! Boy cat!

Annnnnndddd, work complete!  Now to bask in Kelsey's praise and adoration for a job well done.  There was charm (or something), and Gabriel looks a little like a pumpkin.  Hence, Charming Pumpkin!

I warned her this would happen.  I regret nothing!

- Mr. CP

Wedding Accessories

Necklace, Earrings, and Bracelet: Betsey Johnson (via Nordstrom Rack)

Clutch: DIY

I wanted to show you all some close up shots of the accessories I'm going to be sporting at the wedding I'm going to this weekend. A brief refresher: the bride and groom requested that no one wear black or red, and that guests wear spooky accessories. Yeah, tell me about it. I spent some time digging around on the internet, and found and fell in love with Betsey Johnson's Vampire Slayer collection. The earrings alone retailed for $40.00, though, which I was simply unwilling to pay. As a result, I just assumed that I would have to make my own accessories. On one of our many, many trips to Nordstrom Rack during my mother's recent visit, I was milling around in the jewelry section when I spied (gasp!) a bunch of pieces from the Betsey Johnson Vampire Hunter line. At Nordstrom Rack's prices, I simply couldn't resist. I can't decide which is my favorite. I love, love, love the upside down bat charm on the necklace (and the lips with fangs!), and every time I look at the raven earrings and bracelet I have to restrain myself from reciting Poe... because I had a mean-spirited high school English teacher who made us memorize various stanzas from "The Raven." But that's beside the point.

I'm apparently quite picky where clutches are concerned, and after spending way too much time browsing the internet and store fronts, I decided to make my own. The clutch you see above is the result of three practice rounds. It's still not perfect -- the seams aren't as clean as I'd like -- but I'm pleased with the result anyway. I attached a vintage brooch that my grandmother gave me years ago to add "a bit more 'Kelsey-ness' to it," as Mr. CP would say.

On a different note, I'm not sure that I'll be able to post at all while I'm in Charlotte, so I've arranged for a very special guest blogger. Expect that post on Friday! =)