He's wishin' I'd just let him be...

Do You...

     have a favorite piece of jewelry?  Or do you change your mind from time to time?  Frankly, I change mine all the time.  There are just so many beautiufl objects out there.  It is funny though...sometimes a piece can surprise you.

     It is that unexpected item that finds its way into your heart.  The thing that you picked up without any expectation of greatness, but you put it on...and it is just so right.  Often, it something incredibly simple.  You're not quite sure why, but it is special.  Occasionally that happens to me.  The turquoise earrings, shaped like medicine men or maybe knifewing figures, are that piece for me...at least right now.

All this basil means one thing...

PESTO!

In the Garden

See how my small garden grows...

Work

Just another day at work!

From the Garden

Just something pretty to look at.

So Nice

I had some earrings featured today on a blog...that wasn't mine!  How awesome!  Thanks to Jada at Laiet!  She also has a great Etsy shop.  What a really wonderful community!  laiet.blogspot.com (her blog)
laiet.etsy.com (her Etsy Shop)

Really beautiful details on her Vintage Indian Kurta!

     I'd like to take a moment to make the case for vintage.  I love it!  Y'all know that, but I just can't help but plead it's virtues.  Vintage has patina, age, life...good vintage gets so much better with age.  Metals mellow and take on the look of a well loved piece.  The "flaws" of an old or handmade piece give it depth, life...personality!
     I am talking about good vintage here.  Which does not have to be "fine" jewelry.  So many of the old costume pieces are freakin' amazing.  The design, the detail, the size...the look of so much more.  Vintage is typically well made, often handcrafted by a skilled artisan or a popular designer.  Companies like Mazer Bros., Boucher, Miriam Haskell, and designers like Chanel, Schiaparelli, KJL, Nettie Rosentein...they created beautiful things from common materials. 
     There is the freshness of a piece from the hands of a hopeful beginner.  Even old plastic pieces with no attribution, like Bakelite and lucite, are fantastic.  So don't over look that little plastic bug pin, it just could be a Lea Stein!
     Take a minute to look through the pages of a fashion magazine and you will start to notice that, for the most part, everything new is old again.  I can't tell you how many times I have turned the page to spot something designer that looks a heck of a lot like something vintage.  And to think, that for a fraction of the price, you can usually find the original! 
     One of the flat out best reasons to choose vintage is just that...cost.  More often than not, you get more for your money.  Believe that one in today's market.  The metal content can be higher grade.  The stones are bigger, older, and of higher quality.  And the thing has lasted this long...it has staying power!  Now collectibility has to be factored in...rarity, artistry, and attribution can and do drive those prices upward, but the range is limitless.
     Eco consciousness!!!  Is there a better way to recycle?  Humbly speaking, absolutely not!  Often, vintage pieces need very little to no altering to just slip on.  And even better so many vintage bits...those broken chains, mismatched earrings, buttons...all of it can be reworked, upcycled into something new and exciting.

     Now, not that I want a run on vintage pieces.  I don't want to create too much competition, but I do want to share just how wonderful vintage can be.  I love old jewelry, old furniture, vintage artwork, clothes...you name it, besides socks and underwear, and I have an affinity for it.  So take a moment the next time you need a great accessory and look to the past.  You will be rewarded with something unique, timeless, well made, and amazing!!!!!

Facebook Page

Facebook and I had a little spat this afternoon, but my facebook page for Hazy Day Studio is finally up and running!  I'd really love it if you'd Like it!  and Share it with your friends.  Please.

Great neighbors

...give you things.  Like big hunks of their coral bells.  Which have grown into about 10 different plants.  Sharing is nice.

Reason Numero Uno...

that I am a gardener.  I am obsessed with flowers!  And mother nature's amazing color palette! 

Garden Wishes

Ok Blossoms...bring me some cucumbers!!!

Copper

I am loving copper jewelry.  The tone that a vintage piece earns over the years is amazing.  Earthy, natural, comfortable.

Move something around...

And look what you might find...



So yes, it is molting...but is really beautiful none-the-less.



In my top 5...

Hydrangeas

Lovely Lacecap

 

Bevy of blue beauties...living out their final days in the comfort of my humble abode.

My 4 foot tall Iris.  Gone now, but I'd just like to take a moment to remember.

Can you see him?  He wasn't exactly excited to see me...seeing him.

Really just too cute not to post!

Fresh Picks

I listed some great new items today!

There is very little (ok, maybe a fantastic vintage jewelry find) that I like better than time spent in the garden.  Spring brings out the best of my tiny plot...

 A broken piece of marble...now a new garden path.