Monday, April 22, 2013

Metallography......Inspired Jewelry Designs!

Pewter Cross with Fleur de Lis

Over the past weeks, I have been searching for new artisans on etsy.com and found beautifully crafted metal creations made by Maggie of Atlanta, Georgia.  Her etsy.com shop is entitled “metallography”.  As she says in her profile, she “loves making something out of nothing” and it has become her passion and motivation with her unique creations.  Metalsmithing re-entered Maggie’s life through a series of happenings and she now creates beauty to be worn using techniques in this new venture that had been hidden away.  As well as creating unique designs, she also sells pewter crosses and fleur de lis to other “creators” that they incorporate into their own “pieces”. 
 
Heart Pendant


My personal favorites are her hot-stamped metal hearts and a very unique pendant with a tiny scroll within its rim.  She describes the process of hot stamping as taking either a cut piece of brass or copper, adding solder and heat with a blow torch to the melting point, and while the metal is molten, it is pressed with a rubber stamp, taking on the imprint.  No two pieces are alike making them one of a kind, further enhancing their individual and eclectic beauty. 
Friendship Scroll Pendant
Maggie's pipe bezel pendant, which is entirely handmade, features a fleur de lis soldered onto the side.  The rosary-style chain is hand-wrapped and made with cut amazonite beads.  Hanging from the bezel is a tiny cluster of mother-of-pearl beads in aqua with a crystal hand-cut teardrop beneath.  Held within the bezel is a message on handmade paper ...it’s the friends we meet along life’s path who help us appreciate the journey”.  Beautiful!  It reminds me of the friends I have made along the way and the wonderful people – designers and sellers of eclectic creations in this world – who have changed my life through their love of what they do.



I highly recommend Maggie’s creations and her etsy.com shop.  Maggie’s designs can be found at www.etsy.com/shop/metallography ......you will love them! 

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Rags Rock!



My love of “rocker and bohemian chic” motivates me to seek out designers and sellers inspired by rebellion of convention.  During one of my late night jaunts on the internet, I came upon a site that cannot be ignored.  Rags Rock of West Midlands (AKA The Fashion Bank Ltd.) in England which launched in 2012.  They carry high end “celebrity” fashion brands such as Muubaa, Blue Valley, Barney’s Originals, French Connection, Hype, and many more at very low end prices for both women and men.  They ship worldwide and offer a diverse selection of designs, with exceptional customer service!  Believe me when I say, you will be able to spend hours looking at the offerings of this company’s site for the perfect dress, jacket or accessory.  Along with the biker style leather jackets by Muubaa, they offer beautiful dresses with an edge by Aqua and Ex-Asos, as well as accessories by Tom Ford and Vivienne Westwood.  They also feature an “Outlet” section on their website.  New offerings include creations by Spirithoods, Forever Unique, Religion, Love Rocks, Jocasi and Local Celebrity.

You can find Rag Rocks at www.ragsrock.com including links to their Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest pages.  They also have their very own fashion blog that highlights their newest additions, as well as showing great style.  

Forever Unique Skye Playsuit
Muubaa Flax Biker Jacket
Highlighted are two beautiful designs from their website…….the rebel-inspired Muubaa “Flax” distressed leather jacket which features raw edged seams in soft lambs leather, an asymmetric front zipper, buckled neck and side tabs at the waist, zippered cuffs and sculpting wire at the hem, front opening and the collar.  Amazing design and unbelievably unique color.  Another stunning offering is the Forever Unique Skye Playsuit with three-quarter length sleeves and attached “shorts” embellished with hand sewn “jewels” on the shoulders for a stunning look, with a concealed rear zip fastening.  Eclectic and versatile!


I know I will be watching their site for the newest arrivals.  Check out the Rags Rock website…..you will love it!  Amazing company and over-the-top customer service!