The Modella Files Revealed At First Saturday Event

The Modella Files.

Sometimes I outsmart myself!  Such is the case for the Modella Files which were born out of two proverbs.  First...'Necessity  is the Mother of Invention' and secondly, 'Make Do and Mend'.   So successful were the recycled file folders, skirt hangers, and scrapbook papers in catching the attention of folks at 'First Saturday at The Chicken Farm Art Center, that the Jewelry became secondary. 

 That's okay!  It was a great conversation starter. I am always pleasantly surprised how many people are into recycling and making do with what they have.  Talking about the Modella Files was a great opener for sharing how my 'Vintage To Vogue' jewelry is made, where it comes from, and that it is also 'Recycled-Renewed-Repurposed'.

It is always a challenge to figure out how to get the most out of what you have when setting up a booth space at a show.  For the last three 'First Saturdays' my space has been on the porch of Sims Fiber Arts Studio in a space about 6x8 feet.  An ironing board that is NOT used for ironing clothes makes a great table/counter.

 A Christmas Ornament Tree makes a perfect hanging display for jewelry

 and a Lazy Susan makes it viewable all around.  

I have to say though, that my favorite and most attention catching display is my

 'Dressmaker Form/Jewelry Model'...Jewel Modella!

She never said a word about standing in the hot August Sun all day long.

She is a Jewel!

Announcing...A Jewelry Affair In August

I'd like you to meet my 'VintageToVogue' Jewelry Model...Jewel Modella.

She is about as perfect a model as there is.  She has a lovely wrinkle free neck and her posture is perfect.  I'm telling you those shoulders are straight as can be.  I never have to tell her to stand up straight.  She also never complains when I stick her with pins or ask her to turn this way or that way for better lighting during a jewelry photo shoot.  Just so you know, she's the one on the right...the one wearing white.  The other model in pink has a long history of not standing up straight...talked about that HERE...and my neck has wrinkles.

 

I have set August as the month to OverDo Listing Jewelry on ETSY, and in the process share some Repurposing Techniques, References/Books and Designers of the vintage jewelry from my Vintage Jewelry Collection.  I shared a 'Repurposing Technique' on the post below...1940's Bow Broach Repair and Repurpose... and introduced you to a 'Paint Pen' that works well on repairing gold plating on base metal. 

 

To kick off the month of August's Jewelry Affair I would like to share a book that has been not only inspirational but informative about working with vintage jewelry.

Shown here with one of my latest rejuvenated jewels, this book is full of beautiful and inspirational photos of vintage jewelry rejuvenated by designer Amy Hanna.  One of the most helpful things I learned from this book was to make use of  'every' part of the vintage piece in the process of restoring and remaking.

For example the double leaf section salvaged   from a larger beyond repair pin.  With careful cutting and shaping two stems became chain connectors behind the leaves, and the stem below the prong set royal blue rhinestone received a creative wire design connector.

The Tassled Pendant was a Brass Filigred Button of the perfect size to be repurposed with the two brass jeweled pins.  In her book, Amy has included detailed illustrations on working with wire and a section on making findings, clasps, closures and connectors out of found objects and jewelry parts.

When I need a 'Fresh Inspiration' for a new piece, I browse through the pages of this beautifully illustrated and User Friendly book.  It always inspires and gives me ideas on how to 'Rejuvenated and Repurpose' pieces from my collection...like this new piece...'Sophia's Sapphire'.  Sophia was my Great Grandmother's name...I think it fits this piece of rejuvenated jewels.

Sophia's Sapphire will be listed on ETSY if she doesn't sell August 2nd at

The Chicken Farm Art Center's First Saturday Event

Rejuvenated JEWELS

New Designs from Vintage Treasures

Amazon Link

Linking To

Beverly's How Sweet The Sound Pink Saturday