Bumbershoot Designs and Supplies

Estate Sale Vintage Glass Cabochons From Bumbershoot Supplies

2012-02-13T15:08:00.000-08:00

I have previously blogged about our recent estate sale purchase of vintage Venetian glass flowers, you can read that post here. I am still working to photograph and list these flowers on Bumbershoot Supplies.

However, I wanted to let you know that we were also able to purchase many rare and unusual vintage glass cabochons and a few lovely vintage rhinestones from this same estate, and some of these are now listed at Bumbershoot Supplies. Check ‘em out! Many of these lovely vintage glass cabochons and rhinestones are available in limited quantities.

We use natural light for photographing all our supplies and designs because we have found it best reflects the colors and character of the vintage materials we offer. And natural light is somewhat limited at this time of year in Seattle. For this reason and because and we did purchase quite a large lot of vintage glass from this estate, we expect to be listing new items for several weeks. You can always visit the “new arrivals” section at Bumbershoot Supplies to see what is most recently available. Or send me an email – maybe we have what you are looking for.

On Our Bookshelf: New Vintage History Resource On Bumbershoot Supplies Website

2012-02-01T13:19:00.000-08:00

We are often asked about this history of the supplies at Bumbershoot Supplies and as time permits, I’ve been sharing tidbits about specific vintage supplies in the History and Provenance section of this blog. For a long time, I have also wanted to share various text resources we find useful and inspiring so I am very happy to announce that Jim has created a new web page on the Bumbershoot Supplies website called “On OurBookshelf”.

On this web page you will find links to books about the history of beads, books about vintage costume jewelry and books of vintage beading inspiration. All of these books are in my personal library. As time permits, I will continue to increase the number of books on the shelf, and I also hope to expand the basic information to share how I use these books and why I like them.

For now, we are providing a link to each book on Amazon. We are not affiliated with Amazon and do not benefit from this link, we provide it as a convenience for you, so you can easily locate the publication date, ISBN, reviews, and other pertinent information you may find useful.

This is just a start. Our bookshelf is continually growing and evolving. I hope you will find this to be a helpful resource. Feel free to share any of your own recommendations, too!

Featured Artist. Nathalie Lozier of Eco Retro Bling on Etsy

2012-01-31T14:23:00.000-08:00

It is about this point in time in the Seattle winter that I find myself craving color.

So I was delighted to discover Nathalie Lozier’s Etsy shop, Eco Retro Bling.

Nathalie is located in my home town of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, which I know from experience is just as grey as Seattle during this time of year, probably even more so.

But a visit to Nathalie’s shop will quickly dispel any winter blahs you may feel.

Nathalie’s designs are filled with juicy, rich, vintage color.

Nathalie says “Since a very young age my primary interests have been the natural sciences and art. They are intimately connected in everything I do.”

You can see the connection in Nathalie’s jewelry designs, for example, this piece using natural branch coral.

Many of Nathalie’s designs feature natural motifs, such as this floral pendant…

And this floral bracelet featuring a bird charm.

I certainly felt my touch of winter dullness lifting after my visit to Eco RetroBling. I hope you too will find your day a bit brighter after a visit to Nathalie’s shop. Enjoy!

Vintage Miriam Haskell Vintage Pearl Bracelet: A Wish Comes True

2012-01-15T16:25:00.000-08:00

I do not have a large collection of vintage costume jewelry, although I do love it and I also love purchasing pieces for our daughter Emma. Rather I am a collector of the supplies that create costume jewelry and books about costume jewelry, which I use to date our vintage supplies and better understand the original use to which they were put. But I have always wanted to own a vintage Miriam Haskell piece, and that wish has come true!

I was able to purchase this Miriam Haskell bracelet at an estate sale recently. Some of the pearls are worn, the brass is quite aged, and some of the wire work for which the Haskell company is famous has seen better days. But it's still got plenty of flair for me and I couldn’t be happier!

A lot is said about “Miriam Haskell pearls”. The phrase “Miriam Haskell pearls” has now come to be used as a general term to describe vintage glass pearls that have an irregular, dimpled and indented surface and often a baroque or irregular shape. There were many more pearls made in Japan in this style than were ever used by the Haskell company however, and it is probably more accurate to refer to most of the pearls you will see as “Haskell-style pearls”.

Here is what Cathy Gordon and Sheila Pamfiloff say about the glass pearls used by the Miriam Haskell company, in their book Miriam Haskell Jewelry (an essential resource if you are interested in Haskell):

“From the 1920s until the late 1950s, glass beads were purchased and sent to Clio Novelty Company in Brooklyn or to Pongratchi on Long Island where they were “pearlized”; dipped and coated in an emulsion of fish scales…Both smooth and baroque pearls were made in a variety of shapes…The pearls people most consistently associate with Haskell’s Signature look came from the Niki Company of Tokyo, Japan. ..Hess visited the firm and was so impressed with the quality of the glass bead pearls he licensed Niki to be the exclusive supplier of baroque and smooth pearls to Haskell. For Haskell collectors, this is a benchmark date; any piece of jewelry using Niki pearls cannot be older than 1958.” (page 32-33) Haskell's exclusive relationship withthe Niki Company lasted for about 20 years, until the Niki Company went out of business.

Are the pearls in this bracelet Niki pearls and can we use them to date this bracelet? I don’t know. Gordon and Pamfiloff share that filigrees such as the one in this bracelet began to be used after WWII, so date to 1945 and later. The Haskell company added permanent signatures to their pieces after WWII, and the oval plaque you see in this bracelet was first introduced in 1951-1952. So it is possible these are Niki pearls, although it could also be that these glass pearls were some that were made prior to 1958.

Whatever the answer, I am thrilled to have been able to purchase this wonderful piece and to be able to share it here. Here's to vintage!

Venetian Flowers on Wire: History and Provenance of Flowers at Bumbershoot Supplies

2012-01-14T12:01:00.000-08:00

We are very excited to have recently purchased many vintage glass flowers and leaves on wire for your designs and inspiration! We will be loading these up at Bumbershoot Supplies over the coming weeks.

The first flowers now available at Bumbershoot Supplies, shown in this blog post, are Venetian in origin. We were fortunate to purchase a large lot of vintage glass from a local estate, including these flowers. Because the flowers were part of an estate collection, we were able to learn their history. These particular Venetian flowers were originally purchased in Venice in the 1920's.

These lovely flowers just happen to be in Pantone's color of the year for 2012, tangerine tango. Vintage corals are a wonderful way to capture this color in your designs, see my blog post here.

We're excited to have these Venetian flowers to offer because vintage glass flowers on wire are becoming increasingly rare. Within that rarity, it is more common to see vintage Japanese glass flowers on wire, so these Venetian ones are quite special. We will have at least 12 different colors available, perhaps more once we finish all the sorting :)

We have many more vintage glass flowers and leaves on wire to offer, including Venetian, Japanese and some Czech. I hope you enjoy seeing our flower collection unfold over the coming weeks!

Featured Artist. Stephania Dapolla of le Petit Foyer and Stephmel

2012-01-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Let us begin the 2012 series of featured artists inspired by the multi-talented artist Stephania Dapolla of Athens, Greece.

And I definitely mean multi-talented! Stephania has 2 Etsy shops, le Petite Foyer for her jewelry designs…

…and Stephmel where she makes available her fine art photography and original paintings.

Stephania says her jewelry designs are “…an eclectic collection of vintage inspired handcrafted jewelry, which combines old and new elements, colours and styles in a romantic and whimsical way…made in small series or are one of a kind, with love, special care and quality materials, vintage and antique gems or ethnic findings…”

I know you will also enjoy discovering Stephania’s dreamy and evocative art photography, which to me is poetry in picture form.

Stephania’s photography has been featured on the blog Photographers of Etsy, interviewed by Steve Raley of PhotoGrunt, where she talked extensively about her work, saying in part, “…I try to hear the whispers from the past and to read the old stories hidden behind the locked doors. I am very happy to hear someone saying that in one of my photos they recognized even vaguely a moment or feeling from their own personal history…” You can read the full interview here.

Stephania does bring together her photography and jewelry designs, such as in this lovely necklace.

A person who incorporates art throughout her life, Stephania also paints and restores religious icons in the many ancient churches in Greece. To learn more about Stephania, check out this blog feature.

I hope you will enjoy visiting le Petite Foyer and Stephmel to view Stephania’s art and designs!

2012: The Year of Tangerine Tango

2012-01-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Tangerine Tango 2012!

Pantone has chosen Tangerine Tango as the color of the year for 2012. On the Pantone website, "Tangerine Tango, a spirited reddish orange, continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward."

Sounds like a good start for a new year, yes?

Tangerine Tango caught my attention because so many of the vintage coral colored supplies sold at Bumbershoot Supplies are pretty much tangerine tango by another name.

Sometimes orange can be a bit of a challenge to execute in designs or in personal adornment, but these vintage shades are really accessible and may add just the touch to reenergize your designs and creative process as we enter a new year.

You can learn more about Tangerine Tango on the Pantone website, try here and here.

You can search Bumbershoot Supplies using the term "coral" to see all of our vintage coral items.

Featured Artist Update: The Creative Team at www.scrapping.no

2011-12-30T13:13:00.000-08:00

They are still at it!

You may remember that in early Fall 2011, Bumbershoot Supplies sent packages of mixed media supplies to Wenche Jensen in Norway for use by the creative team at www.scrapping.no.

The most recent piece from this talented team is shown at the top of this post. By Silje, this one shows how the smallest of embellishents can elevate a classic card into something very special.

To see many other samples of mixed media art by the Norway scrappers creative time, see this blog post and this one too.

Thanks so much to Wenche and the other members of the creative team for connecting with us and sharing these designs!

Complementary Upgrade to USPS Priority Mail at Bumbershoot Designs

2011-12-14T15:24:00.000-08:00

How's it going - are you knee deep in holiday preparations?

We can help!

As of today, Dec 14, 2011, all jewelry purchases made at Bumbershoot Designs on the web and Bumbershoot Designs on Etsy will receive complementary shipping upgrades to USPS Priority Mail. This upgrade is for all US customers purchasing our designs - you pay the regular shipping and we'll pay the extra fees to upgrade your package to Priority Mail. No need to ask, no coupon code necessary, we'll provide Priority Mail shipping for all US shipments until Dec 21, 2011.

The US Postal Service says that Dec 21, 2011 is the last shipping day to ship Priority Mail packages for Christmas delivery. All of the jewelry designs at Bumbershoot Designs are ready to ship. Be sure to order by 10am on Dec 21, 2011 for Christmas delivery.

For the convenience of our local Seattle customers, we will support last minute purchases by shipping up to and including Dec 23, 2011, with our usual 10am shipping deadline.

And don't forget gift certificates! We send those electronically so they are a great last minute option.

Wishing you a happy holiday season!

Bumbershoot Designs and Supplies 2011 Holiday Shipping Schedule

2011-11-23T11:44:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is here!

Here is the holiday shipping schedule for Bumbershoot Designs and Supplies.

And remember that we now offer gift certificates, which are available by email within 24 hours of purchase.

HOLIDAY SHIPPING SCHEDULE:

Thurs Nov 24, 2011	No shipping, US Thanksgiving Holiday
Fri Nov 25 and Sat Nov 26, 2011	Yes, we are shipping
Nov 28 - Dec 23, 2011	Shipping every day, Monday through Saturday, including Fri Dec 23, 2011
Dec 24, 25, 26, 2011	No shipping
Tues, Dec 27, 2010	Regular shipping schedule resumes.

Our standard shipping policy will apply during the holiday season:

If payment is received by 10am Pacific time, items ship the same day. Otherwise it is the next business day.

We email a shipping confirmation with tracking number (US destinations) or scanned customs form number (international destinations) for every purchase on the day your package ships.

If you want a faster shipping option than regular first class mail, please contact Sharon for a quote: sjdurfy@bumbershootsupplies.com.

We Have a Winner for the $100 Bumbershoot Supplies Gift Certificate!

2011-11-23T10:57:00.000-08:00

The winner of the $100 gift certificate giveaway for Bumbershoot Supplies is...

(drum roll please...)

Number 4, Wilhelmina!

Wilhelmina says: "Oh love your supplies and would love to win the giveaway! Thanks for offering..."

And thank you to everyone for playing!

Jim and I read every single post and visited all of your blogs, facebook pages, tweets.

It was wonderful for us to get to know you better, thanks for that.

This was SO MUCH FUN that we will do it again, stay tuned.

In the meantime, if you are in the US, we wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Last Chance to Win a $100 Gift Certificate from Bumbershoot Supplies

2011-11-21T12:04:00.000-08:00

Did you know we are giving away a $100 gift certificate at Bumbershoot Supplies?

It's true! Click on over to this blog post to enter.

The giveaway closes at 9am Pacific time on Wednesday Nov 23.

Enter and find details here.

Good luck!

Announcing Gift Certificates for Bumbershoot Supplies And Giveaway Reminder

2011-11-15T14:05:00.000-08:00

We are very excited to now offer gift certificates at Bumbershoot Supplies!

Such a quick and easy last minute stocking stuffer, hostess gift or a treat for yourself or a fellow artisan. During the holidays, or any time!

We send gift certificates by email, guaranteed within 24 hours of your purchase, and usually much quicker than that.

We send a link to the gift certificate to the purchaser. The purchaser then can forward the email or print out the gift certificate and provide it to the person they are gifting.

Gift certificates can be used to purchase any of the beautiful vintage supplies at Bumbershoot Supplies and will also apply to shipping!

Put us on your Christmas list!

And have you entered our giveaway for a $100 gift certificate to Bumbershoot Supplies? It closes 9 am Pacific time on Nov 23, click here for details and to enter.

Bumbershoot Supplies November Free Earring Kit for Newsletter Subscribers

2011-11-13T12:21:00.000-08:00

Do you subscribe to the Bumbershoot Designs and Supplies newsletter?

This month, newsletter subscribers are receiving everything they need to make these beautiful vintage garnet Swarovski earrings. We're sending an earring kit free, with every purchase to newsletter subscribers who have the coupon code.

Our next newsletter will be emailed on Nov 15. To take advantage of this offer, sign up here. To see what past offers newsletter subscribers have received, read back issues of our newsletter in the archives, here.

These earrings would be a perfect stocking stuffer, hostess gift, last minute present, or a holiday treat for yourself! First come, first served, while supplies last, until Nov 30, 2011, with coupon code and paid purchase at Bumbershoot Designs and Supplies. The code will be provided in our Nov 15 newsletter.

If you've never set rhinestones in pronged settings, learn how to do that here.

Featured Artist Update and Giveaway: Stacey Yacula of Stacey Yacula Studio

2011-11-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

I’m very excited to provide you with an update on one of our past Featured Artists, Stacey Yacula of Stacey Yacula Studio. I’ve previously blogged about Stacey’s charming, whimsical, holiday and nature-inspired illustrations, sculptures and designs here and here, and I’m delighted to share that Stacey is featured in the current issue of Art Doll Quarterly for her “little blessings”. Stacey kindly allowed me to use these photos of her beautiful angels, which you can also see on Stacey’s blog, thanks, Stacey!

Stacey and I met because she decided to use some of Bumbershoot Supplies’ beads and baubles to embellish her holiday ornaments, such as the lovely 2001 Limited Edition Keepsake ornament shown above.

I’m so thrilled we were able to provide the bells that Stacey used for this wee boy angel above and the stars held by the sweet girl angel on the left in the group photo (and also seen below), as well as vintage French metal sequins embellishing the hem of her dress.

To celebrate her latest publication, Stacey is hosting a giveaway of 9 holiday cards from her “little blessings” series. So head on over to Stacey’s blog to read a bit more about the story behind these angels and leave a comment for a chance to win! Last day to leave a comment is Nov 9. And for a dose of Christmas spirit, plus many varied all-occasion cards and paper products, head on over to Stacey’s Etsy shop, Stacey Yacula Studio, where you will find many wonderful choices and Stacey’s excellent customer service, of which I have personal experience :)

Win a $100 Gift Certificate from Bumbershoot Supplies!

2011-10-31T08:52:00.000-07:00

It’s Halloween and here is a treat for you! We’re giving away a $100 gift certificate to purchase vintage supplies at Bumbershoot Supplies!

Just leave a comment below to enter. Be sure to leave some way to contact you (or we will have to pick again). One comment per person please.

If you want up to 3 extra chances to win, you can tweet the giveaway and/or post it to your blog and/or post it to your facebook page.

Then come back here and leave us a link(s) so we know what you’ve done and can include your extra entries.

Your comment(s) must be received by 9 am Wednesday November 23, 2011. We're in Seattle so that's Pacific time. We will randomly select a winner later in the day on Wednesday November 23 and post the winner here on the blog.

We will email the gift certificate to the winner for immediate use.

International participants are welcome, of course.

The gift certificate will work on the Bumbershoot Supplies website only (not in our Etsy shop).

We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

Featured Artist: Patricia Mackey of Tippy Stockton

2011-10-31T08:45:00.000-07:00

I am delighted to share with you another one of Bumbershoot Supplies’ talented neighbors, jewelry designer extraordinaire, Patricia Mackey, owner of Tippy Stockton.

Patricia has been selling on Etsy and in other venues for some time, and she just recently launched her own website, a beautiful place to visit and a wonderful complement to her lovely designs.

Patricia says: “Some of my earliest memories are of playing with my Mom and Grandmother’s jewelry. Opening up their jewelry boxes, made me giddy with excitement.

I still get that same feeling today when I find a piece of Vintage jewelry - that piece of jewelry tells a story and I love giving it new life!

Tippy Stockton jewelry is designed and handmade from sterling silver, vintage, and glass beads. My inspiration is great color, texture and a bit of nature thrown in for good measure. You might call me a "jane of all design trades".

I love jewelry, textiles, paper - see, I told you! I began creating jewelry when I couldn't find the perfect necklace for a special event. So my imagination took over and as they say, the rest is history.”

Patricia’s metal of choice is sterling silver. Oxidized to a dark patina, she pairs it with high quality vintage and contemporary components, reflecting her love of combining vintage and contemporary into something new.

When last I checked, Patricia’s designs were available at 23 different boutiques and retail sites in 4 different states. But no matter where you are located, you can always view her designs and get a dose of inspiration and loveliness on her website, Tippy Stockton. I hope you will enjoy a visit soon!

Featured Artists: Second Post of Mixed Media Art by The Creative Team at www.scrapping.no

2011-10-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in this earlier blog post, Bumbershoot Supplies sent goody bags of treats off to Wenche Jensen in Norway for use by the creative team at www.scrapping.no.

I have always used our vintage supplies for much more than jewelry making, and it is wonderful to see others do the same. Look and be inspired!

I love the colors of this page by Scratch, and how our flowers (daisy cabochons and fabric millinery flower) have been used to extend the theme.

This is a whimsical wedding design featuring our vintage lace and vintage Japanese love bird cabochons...

...plus another with the lace, cupid and vintage Japanese rose cabochons. Both are by AnnKristin and found here.

And finally this lovely piece is by Kristin. She used our lace, buttons, flower cabochon, cupid and those beautiful red hearts, all combined with a beeswax overlay, for which she provided detailed step by step instructions.

It’s wonderful to see how these talented team members have used the vintage supplies! For additional designs, see my first blogpost about this Norwegian creative team, here.

I hope you will enjoy a trip over to www.scrapping.no. I’m sure you will discover some new and exciting ways to use vintage materials in your own mixed media designs.

Featured Artists: Mixed Media Art by The Creative Team at www.scrapping.no

2011-10-25T14:24:00.000-07:00

Some weeks ago, Bumbershoot Supplies sent off goody bags of vintage treats to Wenche Jensen in Norway. Wenche is a lead designer for www.scrapping.no which is the largest scrapbooking forum in Norway, with over 15,000 members. Wenche contacted us to see if BumbershootSupplies would be willing to send some samples for their creative team to work with.

We were delighted to do so because the paper arts are dear to my heart. Paper and fabric is where my art and crafting journey began. (See my Christmas cards for 2011 here.) Wenche suggested some items her team was interested in and I added some surprises too. I packaged up everything you see above into kits like this…

…and sent the kits off to Norway. Wenche has sent me links to the mixed media designs her team is creating with these supplies and also kindly allowed me to share the photos of her teams’ designs with you.

I just love the tiny 1950’s vintage daisy cabochons we carry and AnnKristin has captured their cheerful spirit in this layout.

This calendar page by Wenche uses our vintage Czech glass heart cabochons and vintage rose montees. The colors are beautiful!

This is another advent calendar page by Wenche, with a full tutorial, clear and easy to follow, even for me and I don't speak Norwegian :) For this page, Wenche used our vintage lace, the hearts again, and some vintage angels.

There are so many lovely projects to share. I will post another series of designs by this talented team very soon.

Bumbershoot Supplies Vintage Bead Giveaway With Beading Arts

2011-10-12T17:35:00.000-07:00

Want some free vintage beads? Head on over to Beading Arts, Cyndi Lavin's blog, where Bumbershoot Supplies is sponsoring a giveaway! Cyndi has used some of the beads in the above photo to make an embellished skeleton key pendant, for which she will be posting a tutorial, check it out. The rest of the beads are up for grabs!

Leave a comment on Cyndi's blog so she knows you are interested.

The winner will be selected on Oct 19, 2011.

The day I pulled together this selection of beads, it was a glorious fall day in Seattle, a beautiful blue sky, gorgeous red orange dahlias outside my window, and just a hint of frost to come. Those were my inspirations for this particular color palette. You can learn more about the origin of this selection of beads in this blog post on Cyndi's blog.

Vintage Glass Beads from Kaufbeuren, West Germany at Bumbershoot Supplies

2011-10-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

I’ve written elsewhere about the history of our beads, buttons, cabochons and rhinestones that were made in the US Zone of Occupied Germany, between 1945 and 1949. In that blog post I also mention the various names for Germany over the decades.

Often the supplies we source arrive in original wraps. If the place of manufacture is stamped on the wrappings, the country name helps in dating the supplies. “Western Germany” and later “West Germany” were the common English names used for the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), which existed from 1949 until the reunification of Germany in 1990.

We sell our supplies in our Etsy shop and on our website. The Etsy policy regarding labeling items as "vintage" is that they must be at least 20 years old. That means that anything from 1991 and older can now be labeled vintage on Etsy. It also means that anything made in Western Germany or West Germany is now considered vintage by Etsy’s definition.

I must confess that 1991 does not feel vintage to me! Plus, we would like to determine the age of our beads more precisely within the 60 year time period that West(ern) Germany existed. I’ve written previously about the various approaches we take to determining the provenance and history of our supplies, but sometimes you just get lucky.

Many of the vintage West German glass beads currently offered at BumbershootSupplies have a clear provenance. They were made in Kaufbeuren, in southern Germany, southwest of Munich. They were made in the 1950’s and remained in a warehouse there for decades, until the warehouse was closed and the contents of the warehouse were purchased by the supplier who provided the beads to us. Not too many steps involved, and a clear provenance.

We currently have a total of 28 different beads from this warehouse. You will be able to identify the Kaufbeuren beads most readily on our website, because over the next day or so, Jim will add a link to this blog post to the description of each of the beads.

Products related to this history can be found right here at Bumbershoot Supplies.

Featured Artist: Christine Stoll of Kathy O Inspirations on Etsy

2011-09-30T14:28:00.000-07:00

For this featured artist post, I’m delighted to share with you Christine Stoll’s beautiful jewelry designs. Christine is the designer-owner of Kathy O Inspirations on Etsy.

Christine is another neighbor of Bumbershoot Supplies, located in Bellevue, WA across Lake Washington from Seattle.

Here is her story: “After my Grandma Kathy passed away in 2005, I became the recipient of her amazing collection of beads. I left her house with two of her vintage suitcases filled with vintage and new beads, tools, and antique buttons....

She was a crafty woman – sewing, designing her own clothing patterns, silk screening, and, of course, beading. She began her obsession with beading in the mid-‘80s to early ‘90s. She loved to work with beads, especially freshwater rice pearls, crystals, and seed beads, creating fabulous works of art with her delicate and patient skills. I also received some wonderful pieces of costume and vintage jewelry from her personal collection – I have taken apart some of the jewelry to make new pieces.

Each piece of jewelry I create contains something repurposed, whether it's from Grandma Kathy's bead collection, my thrift store finds, found objects, and personal costume jewelry collection. I like to take pieces apart, using the beads and findings to create an updated look. My jewelry incorporates my love of vintage with a mix of modern – inspired by Grandma Kathy.”

It’s so much fun to visit Christine’s shop to see how she repurposes her Grandma Kathy’s treasures. It’s extra special to know a bit about the story behind the vintage baubles. You just know there’s a lot of love in these pieces.

I also want to share some of Christine’s found object jewelry, in particular how she re-imagines computer hard drive platter spacer rings and pairs them with crystals and other jewelry components. What on earth is a platter spacer ring, you ask? So did I! It turns out that the data in your computer’s hard drive are stored on something called a platter and if you have multiple platters in your computer, they are stacked, separated by spacer rings such as these that Christine uses in her designs.

I love it! I hope you too will enjoy a visit to Kathy O Inspirations to view Christine’s designs and for a dose of inspiration from Grandma Kathy and Christine.

Featured Artist. Lauren Kelley of The Big Green Giraffe

2011-09-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

I’m so happy to share with you the designs of Lauren Kelley, of The Big GreenGiraffe on Etsy. Lauren is one of Bumbershoot Supplies’ neighbors, being located just down the road from Seattle in lovely Puyallup, Washington.

Lauren’s designs and her shop presentation have a rain-washed fresh and clean look and feel, a look that beautifully showcases the vintage materials from which she derives her inspiration.

Lauren says: “Using recycled and vintage materials is really important to me. It means what you find in my shop is unique and special, and the process by which it was created wasn't wasteful… Being a responsible caretaker of our world while I create things for you to love and enjoy is very important to me.”

In addition to sharing Lauren’s lovely designs, I want to share her story of how her Etsy shop began.

In Lauren’s words: “For quite a while I have had this desire in my heart to start an Etsy shop, but simply hadn't found the gusto yet. I walked into a coffee shop one fateful Sunday in March in Chicago where my husband and I were visiting, ordered my coffee, and slipped it into my coffee sleeve that I made that I always keep in my purse. A girl behind the counter commented on how much she loved that I had my own sleeve, and I told her that I make them.

She asks, Do you have an Etsy shop? No, I say, but I should, shouldn't I? Yes, she says, and hands me cash and her card and becomes my first sale and overall encouragement to begin my Etsy adventure.”

Inspiring, yes? I hope you will enjoy a visit to The Big Green Giraffe to enjoy Lauren’s designs and perhaps you will find a little something, as Lauren says “…to make you smile…to make you happy. That’s what I love.”

Bumbershoot Supplies Vintage Bead Giveaway with A Bead A Day

2011-09-17T11:19:00.000-07:00

Want some free vintage beads and cabochons? Head on over to A Bead A Day, Lisa Crone's bead blog.

Bumbershoot Supplies is sponsoring a giveaway on A Bead A Day of all the items you see in the photo above and below. Leave a comment on Lisa's blog so she knows you are interested. The winner will be selected Friday, Sept 24, 2011.

And while you are on Lisa's blog, I hope you will enjoy a look around and also check out her book, A Bead in Time: 35 Jewelry Projects Inspired by Slices of Life.

Our daughter Emma and I were inspired by all the amethyst and purple tones we saw in the fall fashion issue of Vogue magazine to curate a collection of amethyst vintage beauties, complemented by a selection of our vintage glass pearls. As a group, these beads and cabochons date from the 1930's to the 1950's. You can learn more about the history of the round amethyst sew ons here.

The winner will receive the beads shipped directly from Bumbershoot Supplies, with our standard shipping confirmation email, and a tracking number if you are in the US. Of course, international participants are very welcome to participate too!

Dating Antique Glass Buckles from Vintage Czechoslovakia

2011-09-10T16:49:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned elsewhere how much I appreciate the intersection of history, art and artisan craftsmanship that is exemplified by vintage beads and components. I do enjoy discovering as much as I can about the history of our vintage supplies. These particular vintage, actually antique, glass buckles took me on a journey to Eastern Europe, to Czechoslovakia and Bohemia over 90 years ago.

These buckles are marked M. C. S. R. The “M” is larger than the “CSR”. Hard to see, and to photograph, but it's there.

A bit of time spent researching the history of Czechoslovakia, specifically the many names this region of the world has held over time, and I learned that from 1920 – 1938 Czechoslovakia’s formal name was Czechoslovak Republic, with the acronym CSR. Bingo! Perhaps the “M” stands for “manufactured”. It is distinctly not part of the acronym “CSR” because it was specifically made to be larger than those letters.

We have these buckles listed as being from the 1930’s, but in fact they may be as old as 1920. In general, we like to be conservative in our estimates when we date our vintage supplies. So in many cases, such as these buckles, the age of a particular bead, button or cabochon may be older than the date we provide. The Bumbershoot Supplies website, www.bumbershootsupplies.com, is a good resource, because information there is formatted to provide you with the date and place of origin of each supply, as well as links to these types of history blog posts for individual items, as these posts are written.

If you ever have questions about any of our supplies, certainly feel free to email me, Sharon at sjdurfy@bumbershootsupplies.com and I’ll do my best to provide any information we may have.

Products related to this history can be found right here at Bumbershoot Supplies.

Vintage Design Inspiration Board #16 with Creativity Quote

2011-08-29T15:24:00.000-07:00

Life is a great big canvas

and you should throw all the paint on it you can.

~Danny Kaye

Inspiration Board #16 features:

vintage straw millinery leaves (Paris, France,

wrapped with embroidery floss and vintage Czech button)

vintage mother of pearl buttons (USA)

vintage pearl leaf bead drops (Japan)

vintage glass mirror leaf cabochon (Western Germany)

vintage plastic leaf charms

vintage red glass leaf cabochon

paper wrapper from vintage sequins

twine from original boxes of vintage buttons

embroidery floss

vintage linen tea towel

stamped with Thicket Birds stamp by Memory Box, black StazOn ink

and embellished with French knots

mounted on 4x5 inch gallery wrapped canvas base

Featured Artist: Lena Duncan of Big Ass Bindis on Etsy

2011-08-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

Check out these wonderful bindis created by Lena Duncan of Big Ass Bindis on Etsy.

What’s a bindi? Lena says “The bindi is one of the most beautiful and unusual forms of body decoration. Considered a symbol of Parvati, (Lord Shiva's wife), a bindi signifies female energy.

The bindi is traditionally worn between the eyebrows, over the sixth chakra known as the 'agna', the seat of concealed wisdom.

In the Western World, the bindi has evolved into a unique fashion statement and has become an essential finishing touch to Tribal Bellydance costuming.”

How do you wear a bindi? Again, from Lena: “Mounted on a sturdy vinyl backing, it can be adhered with eyelash adhesive, although spirit gum is recommended. With proper care, your Big Ass Bindi can be used many, many times.”

Lena creates these beautiful works of art using beautiful metal filigrees and decorative elements, coupled with glass cabochons, rhinestones and embellishments, including some from Bumbershoot Supplies, which is how I learned of her work.

After all, who wouldn’t check out a shop with the name “Big Ass Bindis”? Now it’s your turn! I hope you will head over to Lena's shop to be inspired by her beautiful designs.

Maybe even treat yourself to a bindi or two.

Because "bigger IS better"!

What is Cherry Brand? History and Provenance of Vintage Japanese Beads and Cabochons

2011-08-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

What is “Cherry Brand”? You may have noticed several items at Bumbershoot Supplies labeled “Cherry Brand”. We have beads on wire, rhinestones and cabochons, all glass and all labeled "Cherry Brand".

These items often arrive wrapped in tissue sealed with an orange gummed sakura blossom label.

We love to obtain vintage beads and cabochons labeled Cherry Brand since the label helps us in dating and locating the supplies, providing information about their history and provenance.

My source for information about Cherry Brand comes from Dolce Street Arts and Crafts, a Japanese site. I recommend visiting this link for an English question and answer fact sheet about Cherry Brand. Here is a summary of the information provided.

Cherry Brand was used to label beads and cabochons made by a group of glass artisans in Osaka, Japan, from 1945 to 1952 during the US Occupation of Japan after WWII. Some glass beads and cabochons marked Cherry Brand were made earlier, but the vast majority of currently available items come from this period. Cherry Brand was not a factory per se, rather a large group of individual artisans who were rice farmers during the day and glass workers at night and during the off season.

At the end of WWII, American dealers brought samples of items they were interested in and commissioned these artisans to make similar beads and cabochons. The samples were European, usually Czech and Venetian. This is why you will see vintage and antique Czech cabochons from, for example, the 1920’s and 1930’s reproduced by Japanese glass artisans in the 1940’s. It is very interesting to look through Sibylle Jargsorf’s book Baubles, Buttons and Beads. The Heritage of Bohemia because you will find examples of beads and cabochons that were subsequently reproduced by Japanese Cherry Brand artisans.

In addition to being able to date and locate Cherry Brand beads and cabochons, we also love to obtain them for Bumbershoot Supplies because with Cherry Brand, we can always expect extraordinary beauty, as well as remarkable quality and craftsmanship. When an item is marked Cherry Brand, we know that within is contained a glass treasure, almost always made between 1945 and 1952, in Osaka Japan, by glass artisans working from their homes. Plus with these beads and cabochons, there is a direct connection to the original glass artisan – from their hands to yours. Does that thrill you? It does me!

Products related to this history can be found right here at Bumbershoot Supplies.

Featured Artist: Tracy Guillaume of Tied up Memories on Etsy

2011-08-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

August seems like exactly the right month to share with you the designs of Tracy Guillaume of Tied up Memories on Etsy.

That is because Tracy is a member of Etsy’s Cottage Style Street Team, and her designs are inspired by and reflect the cottage style.

You often hear “cottage style” referred to in terms of interior decorating, where it is characterized by old, timeworn pieces, often painted and weathered, definitely with a vintage appeal.

Colors are light, such as whites and tans, as well as soft yellows, pinks, blues, greens.

Overall, there is a sense of warmth and comfort that comes from frequently used and well loved pieces and spaces.

Just imagine a special cottage on the water, one that is returned to year after year, a place to rejuvenate and revitalize, a place where special memories are created.

I'm sure you can see how Tracy’s jewelry designs capture this aesthetic. Her pieces repurpose unique vintage components, the colors are soft, the pieces are comfortable and pretty.

And there are lots of flowers.

Tracy’s work has been featured in Jewelry Affaire (Autumn 2010, page 38-39) , and you can also learn more about her work at her blog.

As summer here in the Northern Hemisphere winds down, you can enjoy holding onto its warmth just a bit longer with a visit to Tied up Memories. Plus, if you are interested in cottage style accents for your space, you may find the perfect piece at her second Etsy shop, Tied Up Memories Market. Enjoy!

How Vintage Mercury Glass Beads Were Made: History and Provenance of Vintage Beads

2011-08-09T18:35:00.000-07:00

Blown glass beads and buttons have been around for a long time, hundreds of years. However, finding vintage and antique hollow glass beads and buttons is always a special treat, because blown beads and buttons are fragile and easily broken, so there is considerable loss over the years.

In the early 1800’s in Bohemia, a large selection of blown glass beads was available, including various colors, silver lined, faceted, irregularly shaped, and so on (Jargstorf 1998). These are blown glass buttons from my personal collection, and are Bohemian glass from the 1800’s. They were individually blown of clear glass, lined with a coating to make them look like pearls, and finally had their delicate glass shanks attached.

You can see these 3 components – thinnest possible glass – pearlized coating – shank – in this broken button.

Making the vintage mercury glass beads that are familiar as vintage Christmas decorations is a bit different. First a long thin tube of hot glass is blown into a mold, creating a series of hollow bulges at regular intervals. The tube is then coated or lined on the inside with a silver nitrate solution. Finally the tube is cut between each bulge to create the individual beads.

Back in the early 1800’s, the solution used to line the beads contained mercury, thus the historical name. By the mid 1800’s in Bohemia, the lining solution had switched to be a combination of silver nitrate, water and sugar. In Bohemia in the 1870’s two important innovations were introduced: a mold that allowed up to 8 beads to be blown at one time and a pump to line the beads mechanically, instead of by sucking by mouth, although the “by mouth” method did continue to be used, related to the cottage industry character of the Bohemian glass making industry (Jargstorf 1998).

Cutting the beads apart leaves a characteristic “neck” on these vintage beads and results in beads that are each unique in character. It also means that the edge around the hole of these beads is sharp, so remember to choose your stringing material with this in mind. The fact that these beads are lined with a silver solution explains why sometimes vintage mercury glass beads can look tarnished - they are :)

At Bumbershoot Supplies, we have a few types of vintage blown hollow beads. These black hollow glass beads are from Czechoslovakia. These were made with black glass and blown into a textured mold that results in gentle facets on the outside of these beads. These hollow beads are relatively thick and study even as they are light in weight.

We also have available vintage Japanese mercury glass beads in both silver and gold, as shown in the photos throughout this article. Gold mercury glass beads are made with amber colored glass, lined with silver nitrate solution to make them golden. Our gold and silver beads are typical of vintage mercury beads, light and delicate.

References:

Peter Francis Jr. Beads of the World, 2^nd Edition. Schiffer Publishing Ltd, 1999.

Sibylle Jargstorf. Glass in Jewelry. Hidden Artistry in Glass, 2^nd Edition, Schiffer Publishing Ltd, 1998.

Products related to the history can be found right here at Bumbershoot Supplies.

Featured Artist: Natalie Ferguson of A Frolic Through Time

2011-07-30T14:23:00.000-07:00

If you are someone who loves vintage materials and vintage themed designs, I know you will be inspired by Natalie Ferguson and her blog, A Frolic Through Time. Natalie does what many of us would love to do: she designs and sews period clothing for actual wear.

In her words: “Fashion is fun, but period fashion is more fun. Period clothing speaks volumes about a culture and evokes memories and ideas close to the heart. That’s why I enjoy researching and constructing period clothing and accessories; the feel of the process and the drape of the result open doors to another time and place…[I] am still reading and writing but now joyfully testing what I read on real fabric. Here are experiments and essays - and trials - in costuming, shared with you.” (Natalie is wearing the feathered hat in the previous 2 photos.)

I learned about Natalie’s designs because she purchased some tiny vintage flat back chaton rhinestones from Bumbershoot Supplies. She told me she planned to attach them to tiny pieces of fabric, then sew those embellished fabric bits onto a petticoat she was designing as part of a 1795 Full Dress Ensemble for the Jane Austen Festival in Louisville this July, at which she planned to volunteer. Well, I had to know more and I knew I’d have to share this with you.

See the rhinestone in the center of the goldwork on the finished petticoat…

And here they are again on the buckle…

Every time I visit A Frolic Through Time, I can get lost there for hours, hours that seem to pass by in minutes. This is because Natalie’s designs and her blog bring together so many things I love: good literature, period fashion, living history, fabric, embellishments and accessories, the traditionally female arts, and an attention to detail and authenticity that I greatly respect.

Plus, a bit of theatre too.

I am also in awe of Natalie’s generous spirit – she provides an incredible amount of detail about the sources she uses to create her designs, the designs themselves and her creative process. Indeed, Natalie’s blog is a very rich source of information, links and resources on period fashion and I definitely recommend a visit just for the resources alone. Her blog posts are true gifts.

I hope you will be inspired by a visit to Natalie’s blog for your own Frolic Through Time!

Vintage Design Inspiration Board #15 with Creativity Quote

2011-07-24T15:21:00.000-07:00

Life is haphazard and full of beauties which I try to catch as they fly by, for who knows whether any of them will ever return?

~Margot Fonteyn

Inspiration Board #15 features:

vintage millinery glitter stamens (West Germany, wrapped with hand dyed twine)

vintage glass mirror button (US Zone Occupied Germany)

vintage coral glass beads, whole and halves (Japan)

vintage glass pearl drop (Japan)

vintage turquoise glass bead links (Japan)

vintage plastic flower cabochon (Japan)

lace, hand crocheted with antique crochet cotton (USA) and vintage orange lustre glass seed beads (Czech)
kanzashi flower made from Tracie Lynn Huskamp Nature Inspired fabric, embellished with vintage glass pearl button (Japan)

vintage paper button tag (Austria)

vintage rhinestone earring component

vintage ivory flower buttons

additional scraps of Nature Inspired fabric

antique embroidery floss

vintage linen tea towel

mounted on 4x5 inch gallery wrapped canvas base

Vintage Rhinestones, Vintage Beads, Vintage Buttons and More from the US Zone of Occupied Germany: Date and Location

2011-07-21T19:15:00.000-07:00

A lot of the vintage glass at Bumbershoot Supplies, including vintage beads, vintage cabochons, vintage rhinestones and vintage buttons, comes to us labeled “Made in Germany US Zone”. This tells us that the item was made in Germany during the time the country was occupied by Allied Forces immediately post WWII. Here’s the history…

This map is from http://germanhistorydocs.ghi-dc.org/map.cfm?map_id=525

This map shows the Allied zones of occupation in Germany. The division into these zones was in place by July 1945, after a period of negotiation by the Allies and subsequent troop movement. The Soviet zone is in pink, the French zone is in blue, the American zone is in bright yellow, and the British zone is in the softer yellow. At first, each occupying power had authority in their respective areas. Eventually the three western zones were combined to form the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) in 1949, with the Soviets forming the Germany Democratic Republic (GDR), also in 1949.

Allied occupation of the Federal Republic of Germany continued until 1955, but the “zones” disappeared with the formation of the FRG in 1949. “Western Germany” and later “West Germany” were the common English names used for the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), which existed from 1949 until the reunification of Germany in 1990. Soviet control of the eastern zone of Germany, commonly referred to as “East Germany”, continued from 1945 to 1990, first as the USSR Zone (1945-1949) then as the GDR.

Who knows how long it took for new packaging materials to be printed for glass baubles and beads, stating their origin as “US Zone”? And who knows how long it took for packaging material to switch subsequently to “Made in Western Germany” or “Made in West Germany”? In any case, the “Made in Germany US Zone” marking is understood to encompass most of southern Germany as shown by the map and covers the time between the end date of WWII and the formation of the Federal Republic of Germany, i.e. 1945 to 1949.

Featured Artist. Ann Tatum of Duct Tape and Denim on Etsy

2011-07-18T17:23:00.000-07:00

In this latest installment of our Featured Artists, I’m really happy to share with you the designs of Ann Tatum of Duct Tape and Denim on Etsy. Ann is a jewelry designer, mixed media artist and recycler extraordinaire. You may have seen her work published in Somerset Life, Green Craft, Somerset Holidays and Celebrations, Somerset Studio Gallery and Somerset Memories.

Ann’s work first came to my attention when I caught sight of her vintage measuring tape bracelets and these surely are one of her signature designs.

Other signature designs include her skeleton key necklaces and charms, several of which feature embellishments from Bumbershoot Supplies.

Most of Ann’s pieces are limited or one-of-a-kind, using , as she says, “old, vintage, or even antique pieces of jewelry that I buy from local estate sales, garage sales, or even online”.

In addition to the measuring tapes, many of Ann’s designs reflect an appreciation of traditionally female pursuits and pasttimes, such as sewing, and include buttons, lace, and even vintage thimbles.

It’s not just jewelry you will find at Duct Tape and Denim. Ann’s shop also includes an ever-changing selection of vintage-inspired art and collages as well as vintage supplies.

In addition to selling in her Etsy shop, Ann also has space at Room With a Past, a warehouse shop open 4 days each month. If you find yourself in Walnut Creek, CA at the right time, this would be a great place to visit and see Ann’s work in person. She’s also just prepared a custom order of measuring tape bracelets for Red Barn Boutique in Stillwater, OK so you will her designs there too.

If you decide to order from Ann’s shop be prepared for her recycling esthetic to infuse the package that arrives in your mail box. She says: “I also recycle as much packaging material as I can so you may receive your item in a padded envelope or box that has already been used several times. I often protect my package with recycled bubble wrap, cereal boxes, or Sunday's funnies. You never know what you'll get!” This woman walks the talk!

To learn more about Ann and her designs, I hope you will enjoy a visit to her Etsy shop, Duct Tape and Denim, and also you can visit her at her blog, Keeping Up With the Tatums.

Beautiful Czech Bohemian Glass: Amethyst Sew Ons, History and Provenance

2011-07-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

These vintage glass beads, available at Bumbershoot Supplies, are amethyst jewels, with faceted tops and flat backs. There are 2 holes in each, for the original purpose of sewing onto clothing and fabric. Happily, I was able to obtain these jewels with original packaging which dates them between 1939 to 1945. Here's their history:

The original packaging says "Czecho-Protectorate-Germany". This is interesting to me since the official name of this region during WWII was the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia.

This map is from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Czechoslovakia_1939.SVG

The western region of Czechoslovakia, occupied by German troops on March 15, 1939 was declared by Adolf Hitler to be a German "protectorate". This region encompassed the central parts of Bohemia, Moravia and Czech Silesia in what is today the Czech Republic, and was home at that time to some of the finest glass artisans in the world. Bohemia and Moravia were autonomous regions administered by the Nazis and considered by them to be part of the greater German Reich.

This occupation, of course, had far reaching implications for everyone living in this region, including those involved in the bijouterie industry. Exports of glass beads and cabochons and completed jewelry decreased as European and American organizations boycotted Nazi treatment of the Jews (see my other blog post here). The bijouterie industry as a whole was belittled by Nazi officials and the jewelry produced was considered to be decadent and "unfit adornment for German women". In addition, many factories were converted to military use. To learn more about the effect on these glass artisans of the ethnic and political tensions in this region before, during and after WWII, I recommend the wonderful resource Baubles Buttons and Beads. The Heritage of Bohemia by Sibylle Jargstorf.

For me, part of the lure of vintage materials, along with the quality, unusual colors and designs, is the joy in being able to touch history in such a tangible way. And I am continually inspired by the beauty that is created and available all around us, even under conditions of great duress. Great little beads, and oh, the tales they could tell...

Products related to this history can be found right here on Bumbershoot Supplies.

Christmas in July. Stamped Cards with Vintage and Antique Embellishments

2011-07-13T20:15:00.000-07:00

I had a bit of time during the July 4 weekend to play in my studio, and inspired by the "With One Stamp" feature that Stampington publishes in Somerset Studio magazine, I decided to use one stamp and many different vintage embellishments from Bumbershoot Supplies and my personal collection to make a series of Christmas cards.

Each one is unique, but for every card, the stamp, colors, and and basic layout are the same. That made it easier for me - I felt my time was limited and I wanted results and I wanted them quickly!

I like this approach, since each card is as unique as each recipient, and I very much enjoy using the vintage supplies for purposes other than jewelry.

The stamp is Thicket Birds by Memory Box. I love this stamp, it looks just like my favorite place to walk, Discovery Park, Seattle, in the winter. I purchased the beautiful thick creamy watercolor paper sheets years ago from Impress. For each card I used brown and red markers to ink the stamp, foil highlighting in red, gold or silver, brown striped fabric tape purchased from Stampington, and stitched in red thread with my sewing machine. These components formed the foundation of each card.

And then I added lots of different vintage embellishments.

Because life always seems so full, to make these cards I had to break the process down into very small steps. Ink and stamp. Pick some orders. Stick on fabric tape. Answer emails. Pull out and audition embellishments. Do some data entry. Stitch each card. Talk with suppliers. Glue embellishments. Wrap up designs for shipping. Add foil highlights.... You get the picture!

There are lots of different vintage embellishments used in these cards, some you may recognize from Bumbershoot Supplies and some are perhaps less familiar. I love to use the original packaging materials whenever possible, so there are paper and strings that are from the 1940's and 1950's and were used to wrap buttons and rhinestones and cabochons.

We like to make as many Christmas gifts as possible, and now I feel great because I have made a good start on my Christmas crafting and I am emergized to continue!

Featured Artist: Rebecca Leonard of Fuchsia Bloom Studio

2011-06-30T18:32:00.000-07:00

The natural world is a constant inspiration for my art and balm to my spirit and it is always a joy for me to discover another person who feels the same way. Even better when they are someone who also loves vintage! I’m so happy to share with you the designs of Rebecca Leonard of Fuchsia Bloom Studio.

Rebecca named her business Fuchsia Bloom Studio after the beauty of the fuchsia bushes growing wild along Irish roadsides.
Picture that in your mind…

There are so many beautiful pieces in Rebecca’s shop, it was hard to choose what to share, so I decided to pick some of her flower designs. We sell a lot of vintage flower components at Bumbershoot Supplies, and I am always interested to see how they are used.

Can a person ever have enough flowers? I don’t think so…

These beautiful pieces reflect Rebecca’s love of color and the beauty and mystery of nature. Rebecca has been creating artisan jewelry for almost 20 years now . She graduated from Massachusetts College of Art in marine illustration, so the mix of nature and art has been part of her life for a long time.

In her words, her designs “…reflect my love of color, nature and my passion for all things vintage. There is an eclectic mix of styles in my shop-some with an antique feel reflecting my interest in jewelry from the Medieval, Edwardian and Art Nouveau/Deco periods, some reflecting my love of Celtic and mystical things and also those with a funky, artsy vibe.”

In addition to her Etsy shop, there are many opportunities to see Rebecca’s designs in person. She sells to specialty boutiques and at artisan fairs. Her work can be viewed in shops in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Maine – see her Etsy shop for all the locations.

I hope you will enjoy a visit to Fuchsia Bloom Studio. I’m sure you will find much inspiration in Rebecca’s designs, her color sense, and her creative use of vintage components. Plus, until July 18, everything is on sale, so head on over and check it out!

Featured Artist: Delight Worthyn of Delight Worthyn Art/wares

2011-06-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

It is still grey here in Seattle, we are in suspended animation, still waiting for summer to arrive. At times like this, when I crave a feeling of lightness and possibility, I just love to visit Delight Worthyn’s shop, Delight Worthyn Art/wares.

Among her many talents, Delight is a milliner. Her hats are the most extraordinarily creative blending of old and new, and I’m thrilled that she has been able to use various items from Bumbershoot Supplies in some of her designs. Here’s what Delight says about her process:

“Years ago I found a how-to sewing book from 1927. It contained the original owners notes. All of my pieces have a nod to vintage style because that is what I love. Something about the workmanship, colors, details, I don't know, clothes were more joyful. My pieces are totally usable but beautiful enough to sit out on a dressing table when not in use.”

Delight has coined the phrase “eco couture millinery”, a term that aptly describes her unique combination of wearable art made from recycled and vintage materials, inspired by vintage fashions and esthetics.

If you visit Delight’s shop, you will find everyday hats, wedding hats and veils, handpainted silk hats, wraps, headpieces, and lavish feathered stick pins for embellishing your own hats.

In Delight’s work, I am transported to a place that is both old and new all at the same time, a place with the vintage vibe I recognize and love, plus a fantastical place of imagination where everything is possible.

Maybe even summer finally arriving in Seattle…?

I hope you will enjoy a visit to Delight Worthyn Art/wares any time of the year to view Delight’s gorgeous designs and be inspired by her art of possibility.

Bohemian Rose Matrix Glass Cabochons. History and Provenance

2011-06-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

These pretty vintage glass cabochons have a history and a story, these are a really cool find. The original packaging calls them rose matrix, but they are more of a salmon color, with brown and white glass that together, makes each cabochon unique and gives them an organic, natural feel.

These arrived in really interesting original packaging, with the applied sticker Bohemia-Germany, the Made in Germany stamp, and the second stamp, "Released by the Joint Boycott Council". With a bit of research, I learned that after the Nazis took power in 1933, there was a wave of boycotts across Europe, eventually reaching the United States. In 1936 in the US, the Jewish Labor Committee and the American Jewish Congress, both bodies already engaged in the boycott process, joined forces and instituted a "Joint Boycott Council". This committee was one of two major organizations in the US spearheading a boycott of Nazi Germany between 1936 and Pearl Harbor in 1941. Of course, boycott efforts became unnecessary when the US entered WWII in 1941.

The original packaging thus allows us to date these cabochons to the period of time when the Joint Boycott Council was active, between 1936 and 1941.

Very pretty and rather unassuming little cabochons, but think of what was going on in the world and Bohemia when glass artisans made these - that's a story...

Products related to this history can be found right here on Bumbershoot Supplies.

Featured Artist. Ellen Ikemoto of streetnoodles on Etsy.

2011-06-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

I’m so very pleased to share with you the designs of Ellen Ikemoto of streetnoodles on Etsy.

Ellen makes beautiful jewelry designs, many of which feature vintage components, including vintage glass pearls from Bumbershoot Supplies. Since vintage glass pearls are some of my personal favorites, I am drawn to see how customers use them, and that is how I learned of Ellen’s shop streetnoodles.

Ellen offers many beautiful designs, so it was hard to decide what to share in this post, but I decided to focus on 2 of her collections, her embellished hair combs and her bird designs.

The combs are glorious confections of flowers, pearls, baubles, some with rhinestones, that are so lovely, I found myself wishing I could see them in person, so I could turn them in my hands to see them from all angles and make them sparkle. Because I like so many different types of vintage components, I love this type of design that collects so many diverse elements together in one place for me to enjoy all at once.

The second collection of Ellen’s designs that I hope you will enjoy are her designs featuring birds and inspired by her father.

Ellen says… “this whole series of birds is INSPIRED by my dad...we were never as close as my mom & me...he was a quiet intellectual scholar caught in wartime situation that left him not valuing what he had loved as a child...art, literature, poetry…”

“…years later, when the wounds had healed, dad had passed on... i bought my dad's house. i found in his garage, several boxes of his; one filled with his poetry, one of his calligraphy...and one filled with wonderful wood carvings of birds...so many birds...i found out later that when he had been sent to the internment camps during WWII, he was taught how to carve wood...he chose birds..they reminded him of "home"...but more importantly of his "freedom" lost. when he returned home...he never carved another bird again.”

I am so honored to be able to share Ellen’s designs and this part of Ellen and her father’s story with you. I hope you are as inspired and moved by it as I am and that you will enjoy a visit to streetnoodles to enjoy Ellen’s beautiful designs first hand.

Monday in Seattle. Picture and Quote for the Week. Cameo Memories

2011-06-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

...my grandmother's locket cameo, rediscovered this past weekend...

I have only to take down this or that to flood my soul with memories.

~Dorothie Deluzy

New at Bumbershoot Designs. Old Favorites Restocked: Vintage Boot Buttons, Vintage Rhinestones, Vintage Glass Cabochons

2011-06-10T16:38:00.000-07:00

We have listed many more new vintage rhinestones and vintage cabochons at Bumbershoot Supplies over the last week. I'll describe them more in our upcoming June 15 newsletter, and you can always see the new arrivals section at our website. But today I thought I'd mention some of our popular items that I have been able to restock in small quantities, always an exciting event, since with vintage supplies, restocking is never a sure thing. In addition to the cabochons above, here are some more supplies that have been restocked this week...

I hope you enjoyed seeing these returning vintage treasures! Until next time, wishing you a happy and art-filled weekend!

Look What I Found. Vintage Turquoise and Gold Feather Beads

2011-06-08T20:25:00.000-07:00

Since Bumbershoot Supplies, I don't purchase very many vintage beads for my personal collection any more. I use the same ones in my designs that we offer at Bumbershoot Supplies, plus beads that have been in my collection for years.

However, every once in a while I come across some beads that I just cannot pass up.

Like these...

Years and years ago I purchased a notion kit from the French General that had a few of these gorgeous green turquoise feather-like beads in it. The ones from the French General were much larger and I used them as an accent in this one-of-a-kind bracelet. My recent acquisitions are a smaller version of the same bead.

I am so thrilled with being able to locate a few more of these beads. I love how these are drilled, they curve so gracefully. I love this greenish turquoise vintage color, and I love the aging gilt paint. I've got these sitting out on my work table in my studio, where they will stay until they tell me how they want to be used.

At the same time, I also purchased a few of these...

And these...

Both of which are also whispering quietly to me...

Monday in Seattle. Picture and Quote for the Week, Graduation Inspiration

2011-06-06T13:40:00.000-07:00

1920's -1930's Art Deco medals of achievement, from my personal collection

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.

~Henry David Thoreau

New at Bumbershoot Designs. More Vintage Cameo Necklaces and a New Demi Parure

2011-06-03T21:08:00.000-07:00

I have really been enjoying working with vintage resin cameos lately. I really loved the long ivory cameo necklace I made a few weeks ago and have continued to add some beautiful vintage resin cameos to my collection and designs.

The narcissus above is a larger version of the vintage cameos I used in this bracelet...

...and these earrings.

These beautiful romantic blush pink and white cameos were perfectly complemented by some pink enamel metal flower bead caps that I made up into a layered flower and pearl charm. I'm really excited by these bead caps since they were made for Coro, the famous vintage costume jewelry design house. They are textured on the enameled side and reflective gold on the inside of the flower.

Perfect for flower charm earrings too, they make me think of Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream "...and hang a pearl in every cowslip's ear...".

I was able to only find a few of the blush pink cameos, but there are a few of the same cameo in crystal matte still available at Bumbershoot Supplies, if you are interested.

Until next time, wishing you a great weekend!

New at Bumbershoot Supplies. Crackle Glass Vintage Rhinestones

2011-06-03T20:42:00.000-07:00

New at Bumbershoot Supplies this weekend, look for a selection of icy crackle glass vintage rhinestones from West Germany, endlessly interesting glass to look at, a unique sparkle for your designs...

And three more shipments of vintage treasures arrived today, so watch for more treasures to appear over the weekend. I'm looking at some occupied Germany cabochons, 1950's rhinestones, some vintage glass pearls and beads and some fabulous Belgian celluloid puffy sequins, to name just a few!

Featured Artist. Alexa Ritterhoff of The Swallow's Tale on Etsy

2011-05-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

When Seattle’s grey days begin to wear on my spirit, and summer seems still far away, I crave sunlight and flowers and open light filled spaces. What to do? How fortunate that I discovered Alexa Ritterhoff's Etsy shop, The Swallow’s Tale.

I was recently delighted to learn that Alexa, a regular customer at Bumbershoot Supplies, also had a shop filled with her beautiful creations, and even more happy when she agreed I could share them with you.

Alexa strives : “…to create jewelry that is affordable, classic, but a bit different, something you would want to wear for a long time…”

Some of Alexa’s favorite vintage components include cameos in both resin and glass, rhinestones, brass lockets, and beautiful vintage glass beads, and these beautiful vintage components appear over and over again in her work.

Alexa’s jewelry designs reflect a strong appreciation of the beauty, timelessness and rejuvenating power of nature. Her nature-inspired designs include flowers, bees, butterflies and of course, many, many birds. The colors are feminine and romantic, frequently enhanced by antiqued metal finishes, and are designs that are eminently wearable.

If summertime still seems distant, or if you are already wearing sundresses and hosting garden parties, I hope you will enjoy a visit to Alexa’s shop, The Swallow’s Tale. You will surely find inspiration and who knows? You may even find the perfect piece for that garden party.

Monday in Seattle. Picture and Quote for the Week. We Remember.

2011-05-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

WWII post cards to support the troops, from 1942

In war: resolution.

In defeat: defiance.

In victory: magnanimity.

In peace: goodwill.

~Winston Churchill

Featured Artist. Fiona Carson of Baba-dee Productions on Etsy

2011-05-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

I have recently become very interested in the art of hana tsumami kanzashi, traditional Japanese fabric flowers. These flowers were worn by maiko (geisha in training) and geisha as hair pieces, and there are many customs associated with their use as adornment.

Just as I was beginning to learn about this ancient art form, I was excited to discover Fiona Carson's kanzashi-style flowers, available at her Etsy shop, Baba-dee Productions.

Fiona purchased some vintage glass buttons from Bumbershoot Supplies and with her feedback left a photo of a beautiful flower featuring one of the buttons (see the first photo above). Since I had just begun teaching myself how to make these beautiful flowers, I immediately asked her if I could feature her work.

Current kanzashi flowers have their design roots back in the 1600’s in the Edo period in Japan, when women shifted from wearing their hair long and straight to elaborate coiffures. There are currently only 5 tsumami kanzashi masters left in Japan, and one traditionally trained tsumami kanzashi artisan here in the United States.

Fiona is passionate about her flowers and she has taken elements of the traditional tsumami kanzashi process and made it her own. She uses beautiful silks, usually 2 layers to provide stability and enhancement of the main color. She sews and individually glues each petal, often in the evening when her two young children are in bed. Fiona also is passionate about vintage buttons, and her two loves come together beautifully in her flower pendants. With her design sense and her care and attention to detail, she is keeping alive the spirit of this ancient art form.

Fiona attends a local monthly market in Perth, Western Australia, so if you happen to be in the vicinity, you can see Fiona’s flowers in person – just contact her for details. Otherwise, I hope you will enjoy a visit to Fiona’s Etsy shop, Baba-dee Productions to see Fiona’s beautiful interpretation of the ancient art of hana tsumami kanzashi.

New at Bumbershoot Supplies. Vintage Czech Rhinestone Jewels in 9 Scrumptious Colors

2011-05-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

Recently I was able to purchase some wonderful vintage rhinestone jewels for Bumbershoot Supplies and they are now available for you!

Not one, not two, but nine scrumptious colors!

All are 10x8mm glass octagons, from the 1950's. Such a great size for earrings, bracelets, making charms and connectors. They are in fabulous condition, coming directly out of the original packages.

And we have 1 and two ring settings to match. Come on over to Bumbershoot Supplies and have a look-see!

Until next time, wishing you a great weekend!

Featured Artist Update: Stacey Yacula of Stacey Yacula Studio

2011-05-26T14:37:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy to see one of our past featured artists, Stacey Yacula of Stacey Yacula Studio featured in this recent issue of Art Doll Quarterly.

And guess what – her work is on the cover!

Stacey talks a bit more about this piece on her blog, here.

I first blogged about Stacey's art here. Stacey’s success as a cover girl does not surprise me :) I am a great admirer of Stacey’s ability to translate special moments in everyday life into 2- and 3-dimensions through her illustrations and sculptures. I am so glad to see Stacey’s work being made available for so many people to enjoy.

In a new addition to her Etsy shop, Stacey is now offering custom cards, where you can choose the sentiment for the card, allowing you to personalize her cards to fit your occasion. I am watching the mailbox every day for my own cards and tags, which should arrive any time now. I can’t wait!

To keep up to date with her new sculptures, illustrations, cards and designs, you can visit Stacey’s blog and her Etsy shop.

Congratulations, Stacey!

Monday in Seattle. Picture and Quote for the Week, Wild Roses

2011-05-23T16:09:00.000-07:00

wild roses, near the beach at Carkeek Park, Seattle

Oh, no man knows
Through what wild centuries
Roves back the rose.

~Walter De La Mare

New at Bumbershoot Supplies. Vintage Cabochons Galore

2011-05-21T17:47:00.000-07:00

Several new types and styles of vintage cabochons newly available at Bumbershoot Supplies this week. See if anything here sparks your creativity...

All of these vintage cabochons and cameos are ready and waiting for your creating at Bumbershoot Supplies...

Until next time, wishing you a great weekend!

Look What I Found. Inez Dawson's Edwardian Scrapbook

2011-05-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

Isn't she a beauty?

This is a scrapbook crammed full to bursting with memorabilia collected by Inez Dawson, later Inez Barnes. I don't know if this photo is of Inez or someone she knew.

The book appears to be an abandoned nursing notebook, reused for this purpose. It begins with nursing notes dated 1901, but quickly these notes end and then the materials are pasted into the book in lots, with the dates skipping around a bit, from 1898 through 1906, as if Inez decided one day to finally collect together in one place all those mementos she had stashed away over the years.

There are several treasures within this scrapbook, and I have barely dipped into it. There is so much to discover, it's like an archaeological dig.

I'll share some of my finds here, and we will also make digital versions of some of the ephemera available to our newsletter subscribers.

Inez's scrapbook and a cup of tea - perfect to curl up with on a rainy Seattle day.

Monday in Seattle. Picture and Quote for the Week, Flora and Fauna at Discovery Park

2011-05-16T16:55:00.000-07:00

wildflower with insects, Discovery Park, Seattle

I love to smell flowers in the dark ... You get hold of their soul then.

~Lucy Maud Montgomery

New at Bumbershoot Supplies. New Vintage Treasures in Stock

2011-05-13T15:25:00.000-07:00

A quick post to show you just a few of the new items at Bumbershoot Supplies this week, and then I will return to Emma's birthday festivities...

Now, off to get some cheesecake!

Wishing you a great weekend!

Spring Babies and Cupcakes

2011-05-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

I am getting ready to celebrate a very important day for me, the anniversary of the day I became a mother. My darling daughter Emma turns 17 tomorrow. We knew Emma was special right from the beginning, there were all kinds of unusual events associated with her coming into this world. On top of everything, she was a breech baby that could not be turned (oh yes, they tried, they really tried!) and was born by C-section on the date of our choice, a date we thought was entirely suitable to all the rarities we had experienced with her, Friday May 13, 1994. Needless to say, 13 is a favorite number for us :)

With Eric, camping out. Yes, her hair is still that curly.

Emma is spending most of her birthday in tech rehearsal for a play in which she is performing, so Jim made dozens of cupcakes today for Emma's cast and crew. I had fun sprinkling all kinds of candies on top. I love the colors against the vanilla buttercream frosting, so joyful and fresh, the essence of spring and of children and of many happy memories. I will make her favorite cheesecake this afternoon, and we will be busy wrappng and decorating later today. During all these preparations, I hold in my awareness an appreciation of just how blessed I am.

Monday in Seattle. Picture and Quote for the Week, May Blossoms

2011-05-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

May opened up her basket,

And I looked in to see

A sky of blue,

The great sun too,

Both smiling out at me.

May opened up her basket,

And out the flowers fell.

Their fragrance spilled

Until it filled

All nature with its spell.

May opened up her basket,

Her choristers were there!

Their welcoming

To joy and spring

Was wafted on the air.

She opened up her basket-

The world was blithely gay.

Earth knew again

The ample regin

And blessing of the May!

~Leland B. Jacobs

New at Bumbershoot Designs. Crystal, Cameo and Locket Necklaces

2011-05-06T19:22:00.000-07:00

Watch for these 3 new designs at Bumbershoot Designs this weekend. The cameo necklace above is made with a truly stunning vintage West German resin cameo, on a long chain that just slips over your head. Perhaps my new favorite...

This necklace features a vintage emerald Swarovksi crystal rhinestone on delicate gold filled chain, and was a request by a customer. I've made another to add to Bumbershoot Designs, where you will already find a matching bracelet and earrings.

And finally, this locket necklace features a vintage reproduction perfume locket, heart shaped, in antiqued brass which I have adorned with a vintage Japanese tassel charm that I antiqued and embellished with a tiny Swarovski crystal. I love how this tassel adds a bit of flirty movement to the locket. This is a long chain too, although lengths can be readily shortened, just ask.

Back to the studio, and wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there!

7000 Bracelets for Hope. Be True. True Blue. Be You.

2011-05-05T15:38:00.000-07:00

Be True. True Blue. Be You.

Here’s something you may not know about me. My full time business is Bumbershoot Designs and Supplies, but in one of my past lives, I earned a PhD in Molecular and Medical Genetics, spent several years researching and teaching in the area of human genetics and ethics, and I still do some work in the area of research ethics. So I was thrilled to learn of the Global Genes Project and their current campaign, 7000 Bracelets For Hope.

The Global Genes Project aims to raise awareness about rare health conditions, many of which impact children, and as a group affect a large number of people around the globe. 7000 Bracelets For Hope is a campaign to collect 7000 bracelets from artists, crafters, designers and to distribute these bracelets to families in December 2011. Why 7000? Because there are at least 7000 described rare conditions currently known. The theme is denim and jean-inspired jewelry, a play on “genes”.

Does it get any better for a human geneticist who now makes jewelry and sources vintage jewelry supplies? And who lives in jeans and whose favorite piece to design is bracelets?

This bracelet is my contribution to the 7000 Bracelets for Hope campaign. In this bracelet I am trying to share my deep belief that no matter anyone’s health condition, appearance, history, whatever feature you want to consider, we are all beings with profound and unique value to this world.
Be true to yourself, be your own true blue friend, just be you.

Care to join me in contributing a bracelet?
Hop on over to 7000 Bracelets for Hope to join in.

Components:

vintage Czech glass flower beads

vintage Japanese glass pearl stamens

vintage Japanese glass bead dangle

vintage Swarovski crystal charms

vintage millefiore beads topped with vintage Czech rough cut beads

vintage West German moonstone cabochons

hand stamped and antiqued tags

antiqued brass: chain, bee charms, beadcaps, findings

Monday in Seattle. Picture and Quote for the Week, Color Inspiration

2011-05-02T20:13:00.000-07:00

Vintage glass teardrop cabochons and rhinestones, 1950's to 1960's, my studio at Greenlake, Seattle

Art is unquestionably one of the purest and highest elements in human happiness. It trains the mind through the eye, and the eye through the mind.

As the sun colors flowers, so does art color life.

~John Lubbock

New at Bumbershoot Designs. New Nature Themed Designs With Vintage Rhinestones, Lockets, Vintage Beads

2011-04-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a look at some of the designs that have made their way into Bumbershoot Designs over the last week.

This vintage rhinestone necklace features 1950's West German cuba glass rhinestones, 2 tone with rose and topaz glass, just a lovely combination. Like roses and honey.

I found these wonderful vintage brass earring posts, a perfect complement to the flowers and leaves in the necklace.

We have had so much rain in Seattle this spring, I was inspired to make this raindrop necklace with vintage bombe style rhinestones from 1960's West Germany. These have high smooth domes and look just like the big drops of rain I have been watching outside my studio window every day for weeks.

Matching earrings for this necklace too, making a demi parure. Both the rhinestones and settings are available at Bumbershoot Supplies.

For this necklace I antiqued a petite brass locket from Bumbershoot Supplies, and adorned it with a vintage glass decal flower cabochon, also from Bumbershoot Supplies. The flower charm features a 1930's vintage glass pearl stamen within a shabby enameled metal flower.

And finally in celebration of the Spring that has finally arrived in Seattle, I have put together this ivory- sage-peridot-milky jade, shades of spring green vintage charm bracelet. Some of my favorite colors and floral themes, all in one place, with 2 different earring designs available to match.

Until next time, wishing you a happy and creative weekend!

Featured Artist. Karin Vergoossen of One of a Kind Jewelry Design on Etsy

2011-04-27T13:28:00.000-07:00

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, it is Spring, and that means the flowers are returning. In the spirit of Spring, it is with pleasure I share with you Karin Vergoossen's art and designs, found at her Etsy shop, One of a Kind Jewelry Design.

Karin creates beautiful jewelry designs, many of them in the collage style with vintage components. She’s inspired by many things, including nature, local markets, vintage pieces and shops, and many of her designs feature flowers.

Karin began crafting her own jewelry years ago and eventually opened her own Etsy shop because “I started making pieces on request and discovered the great feeling of making someone happy with something I created. And I can tell you, if you once have felt that, you wanna feel it over and over again!”

I love Karin’s collage jewelry pieces because it is always inspiring to me to see how individual cabochons, rhinestones, metal and other baubles come together and are elevated into a greater whole.

I often visit Karin's shop, just to see what new vintage treasures Karin has obtained and how she is working with them in her designs.

I hope you will enjoy a visit to Karin’s shop, One of a Kind Jewelry Design. If you are still waiting for Spring to finally arrive, or if you just need a vintage flower fix, you will find it there! Perhaps you will even be tempted to take home a bouquet...