5/15/14

RETRO...I Repurpose It Today and Lived It Back Then

My 'Collections' have rotated around and through this blog since it's inception in August 2009.  I have posted and photographed everything from Art to Zippers.  However, I can't remember posting or showing about another 'Old Obsession' as a 'Jewelry Junkie'.  One thing I love most about being a Jewelry Junkie is making 'Old New Again'.  Another is finding a 'Rare Treasure' in the Junk, and the absolutely all time favorite thing is making a piece for someone and having it become their 'Rare Treasure.
I get a kick out of the 1950's being such a popular period for collectors and those who are
 'Living/Decorating/Dressing The Retro Rage'.
I grew up in the 50's and 60's.  Never dreamed it would one day be all the 'Rage'.
However, looking back, I have to say...
It was fun.  It was funky. 
And
I'm having fun going back in time and creating
'One-of-a-kind Retro Jewelry'.
Retro Parts...Yellow Flower Choker with rhinestone centers and funky link chain.
Vintage Beads...Black Jet Glass faceted rounds and cones.
Contemporary Beads...Yellow grooved glass rondels, yellow and black tube blown glass beads. and brass Retro Style Owl Pendent.
 
During the 50's my mother often came home from the store saying, "If things keep going the way they are, it's going to be impossible to buy a week's worth of groceries for $20."

Dad just shook his head and said, "Ain't that the truth.  If cigarettes keep going up in price, I'm going to quit.  A quarter a pack is ridiculous."

As Grandmother was licking a stamp she asked, "Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging a nickle just to mail a letter?"

Granddad threw the newspaper down in disgust and said, "The Government is wanting to get its hands on everything.  Pretty soon it's going to be impossible to run a family business or farm.  If they raise the minimum wage to $1.00, nobody will be able to hire outside help at the store.

From there, the conversation bounced around from one topic to another.  I remember my Granddad's comments about my friends..."Kids today are impossible.  Those duck tail hair cuts make it impossible to stay groomed.  Next thing you know, boys will be wearing their hair as long as the girls."  Grandmother nodded in agreement and added, "Also, their music drives me wild.  This 'Rock Around The Clock' thing is nothing but racket."

The real shocker for me was when Dad put down the weekly newspaper and in astonishment said, "I just read in the paper where some scientist thinks it's possible to put a man on the moon by the end of the century.  They even have some fellows they call astronauts preparing for it here in TEXAS!  Don't that beat all.
Really, Ya'll...there's lots more of my Folks Fifties Talkin'!
I'll be back with more Jewelry Repurposing and Retro Reminiscing!

10 comments:

  1. Anonymous5/15/2014

    I think my favorite thing is when one of the kids "new" songs comes on the radio (I mean, iPod) and I already know all the words. A lot sure has happened in a few short years. Vintage is definitely a fashion trend that will be here to stay for a while.

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  2. I really wish I could buy a week's worth of grocery for $20 . . . and umm the minimum wage to $1 problem hahaha oh man, and now they're fighting that it's too low. Well it is, but oh how time changes everything . . .

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  3. Your one of a kind jewelry is so fun!! I still have some from then too. I think back when my hubby's and my first apartment was $50.00 a month and It was a really nice one. How times have changed.
    Ann

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  4. Your "new" jewelry is very cool. In regards to prices, my father has a ledger of everything my folks bought in their marriage. Breakfast table set was $45 and it lasted through 3 kids and 30 years. It's great you are logging history in stories.

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  5. Love your retro jewelry and the conversation with your family! I remember when I was single and in my early 20s that I spent $40/month on groceries...those were the days!!!

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  6. I still have my jewelry from the 70's & 80's (and beyond). The console TV that we watched Neil Armstrong step foot on the moon, was in my first apartment, many years later.

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  7. My wife LOVES vintage jewelry and would go NUTS over this post! Or maybe NUTSer?! :)

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  8. I love to rummage around in a box of old jewelry at a thrift shop.
    The 50's chat was a hoot!

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  9. I always feel old when I complain about the "kids today". I hear the echoes of my parents intolerance to change and realize how real the generation gap is. However, now it seems they love to re-make movies, and re-record songs. The past is constantly being resurrected. Yeay for vintage jewelry!

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  10. I think I also complained about the cigarette prices only to find that I am now paying a whole lot more and still smoking. Guess it's time to quit.

    Nothing is new. I hate my teen's music. I have now turned into one of those old people who complain about the youth of today. But, I have my old jewelry form the 50's and the 60's and it's fun to see it re-purposed.

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