HAPPY NEW YEAR
"A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one Year and out the other"..........
On the eve of the New Year, with a glass of wine in hand, I find I'm planning all my new year's resolutions. On top of my very loooong - and yes even above strict dieting! - list; and one which I aim to keep; is to set aside some time each week to devote to my costume jewellery.
I have so many designs which I am just dying to make - not least, trying to get some of the long promised headdresses into my store.
I am also hoping that I will be able to start bringing you my sterling silver collections too.
So, please 'pop in' in the new year.
See you in 2010
Christmas already? Where on earth has the year gone?
For just on a year now, I've had a fantastic little box full of christmas charms and beads, just waiting to be made into lovely bracelets, necklaces and earrings. I guess they'll just have to wait for another year, as I have not had a chance to get my Christmas collection together!
As much as I love going to university, it has seriously curtailed the amount of time I've had to create gorgeous costume jewellery, and I find I am missing it terribly. I am going to have to try and find some time in the new year to devote to this side of my business.
Well, it is almost time for me to kick off my shoes, crank up the Christmas carols and and sit down with a large glass of wine.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
For those of you who do not know, I have recently gone back to University, to study for a BA degree in metal and silvermithing.
I must say it has been a bit of a shock returning to schooling after a very long absence. It is taking some juggling to maintain a home, pets, as well as study and do the various projects required for my course.
This has however, left me very strapped for time, and unfortunately, my costume jewellery side of my business is suffering. My store is so empty!
I have a box full of lovely halloween goodies, for all the charm bracelets, necklaces and brooches, I had planned to make. It is obviously way to late to begin now, so, unfortunately the box will be put away for another year.
Please bear with me whilst I get myself up to speed again. I will not be able to make as much costume jewellery as I had made previously, however you should soon start to see bits and pieces filtering in to the store. Hopefully, you will also soon start finding some of my precious metal jewellery finding its way into the shop too.
At this stage I am unable to take on any commissions. I do apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Till the next time...
Tracy
I really love some of the gorgeous little hats and fascinators out at the moment, and in particular, love the burlesque style mini top hats. They are soooo Sexy, particularly when they are made of gorgeous animal print satins and lace.
So, I have decided to make some to add to my collection of accessories. Hopefully, it will enable you to be able to mix and match to my other designs, and so offer you, an easy shopping experience.
As you can imagine, these are time consuming, so it will be a while before various headdresses make their way into my store.
Please keep checking
Till the next time
I'm sure I have said 'Ad nauseam' that I love jewellery, and even though it is very hard not to do, I'll try not to say it again!
It is just that, because I am so obsesed with it - and unlike some designers - I find it difficult to stick to only one genre or style, e.g purely gothic.
The truth is I go through phases. It is not that I become bored with a genre, it is just that there are so many fashion trends, and newe ideas to explore , that I just have to try them all!
At the moment the catwalks are full of lace. Now I LOVE lace, I ADORE lace, so if I can add it to jewellery, then I am in 'Lace Heaven! and if I can use it in my Gothic collections then even better. I do tend to prefer dark, mysterious, unusual, and yes at times even macarbe jewellery.
At the moment I am at work creating a 'Poisons' Category - I told you I liked macarbe! Names like Poison Ivy, and Deadly Night shade sound so sinister, and soooooo exciting, don't they?
So for the first in the collection I have made a charm bracelet and earrings called 'Arsenic and Old Lace'. I am working on a brooch as well, so keep an eye open for it.
During the Victorian times, ladies of fashion used Arsenic as a cosmetic, as well as a favourite poison to kill their unsuspecting spouses and lovers.
Now if only we could get away with it today.......
Well, it has been such a long time since I have posted any news. I wish I could say that it is beacuse we have had such a wonderful summer that it has kept me outdoors - but I can't. Apart from a few stifling hot days it seems as if we have had grey skies for most of the summer.
One good thing about it, is that it has kept me indoors allowing me to make jewellery. Apart from a number of commissions, I really had fun making some of the gumball charm bracelets in the 'Purgatory' collections. These chunky charms feauture skeltons riding motorbikes and sitting on a cammode etc. How cool is that! I guess even in hell a skeleton has to go to the loo!
There are a couple of new editions to my website too. I have designed a really cool pearl necklace. This unusual, unique and very versatile necklace and bracelet combination features two clasps. In other words it is two separate lengths of pearls, which enables it to be worn in a multitude of different ways.
Each strand of pearls and chain has its own clasp and is a different length. One is 80cm and the other is 60cm. Joined together, they give you a long 140cm necklace which can be worn in a variety of ways. E.g. Long, flapper style, or wound around as a multi layered choker, or even just doubled for a loose fitting necklace.
It can also been separated, and the shorter length worn around your wrist as a triple row, whilst you wear the necklace etc. the possibilities are endless!
One item, and you can have a different look for everyday of the week!
I will be designing a lot more jewellery with this unique twist. Well, at least, it is unique for now......
I was also thrilled that 'The Key To My Heart' Charm Bracelet was featured in Issue 16 of Bead Magazine., and I have just heard that my 'Stargate' Bracelet will be published in Issue 17.
Well, that's all for now.
Chat soon
Tracy xx
Just heard that my newphew and his wife have had a beautiful, healthy baby boy!
Congratulations! I am thrilled beyond words, and cannot wait to see the newest edition to our family!
xx
Two of my gumball 'Babies' have left the nursery! I'm not sure whether to feel happy or sad. Don't get me wrong, I am not concerned about their welfare, as they have found a new home in Paris, and I have been assured by the new owner that she adores them.
It is just that I absolutely love the little vintage babies; asleep on their tummys, with their little bottoms in the air! They are just the cutest little charms. Now with only two bracelets left ; the 'Charm 'Nursery' ' seems empty. The way I am feeling today, I just may go and make a few more.
Perhaps I just have babies on the mind. My precious nephew and his wife are expecting their first child in June, and I just can't wait to see the new edition to our family. I have just got back from a grocery shopping trip which instead turned out to be a teddy bear and soft cuddly toy spending spree.
We don't know the sex of the new baby, but if it's a girl, just imagine how much jewellery I will be able to make her :)
Till the next time....
Well, it is the 7th April already, and far to late to make any Easter jewellery! I have been so busy with stocking my shop and commissions, that I have not had a chance to make at least one piece of jewellery in the Easter theme. I suppose part of the reason is that I am still enjoying designing Goth jewellery, and that is a far cry form the Religious festivities of Easter.
So, the lovely pewter chickens, and easter egg charms unfortunately get packed up for another year.
Speaking of Goth jewellery, have you seen the unusual 'Human Casket' goth / steam punk necklace I have made? The focal point is a stunning 'Wells Fargo' Human Body Brass Casket Tag. It is a replica of the original coffin tags used when they transported cadavers in their stagecoaches.
Yes, it is a bit macabre - but then again, I have always loved the weird and unusual? If you are of a similar mind, then go on, take a peek!
You will have noticed that there have been a lot of changes to my website over the last couple of weeks.
The background has changed from white to black, then grey, and we have now settled on this lilac colour. I like it. What do you think?
We have also been experimenting with the layout of the site. This will be an on going process over the next couple of weeks but please bear with me, until I can settle on something that I am completely happy with.
In the meantime, besides commissions, I haven't really been making any jewellery. So, I thought I'd share with you the latest commission piece I have made. She is a skeleton bride and her name is Jezebelle. For commissions, please click here
Poor Jezebelle was jilted at the alter, and died of a broken heart. but she has found a new and loving home with AJH of Surrey. I am sure she will be very happy!
If you'd like your own dead bride, you can can view the 'Corpse Bride Gallery' for design ideas.
I normally make each skull bride, so they can be suspended on either a chain or long piece of lace. Or can be worn as a brooch or even pinned onto a handbag. One thing for sure is; that once you have your own corpse bride you'll want to take her everywhere.
Well today is my birthday.
I have been throughly spoilt, with most of my birthday wish list given to me. And what did that list contain? Yes, you guessed it - jewellery!!! And jewellery tools.
And when I say tools, I don't mean pliers; I am talking tumblers, and blow torches! Weird you may think, but I love them.
Who would have thought, that when I spend all day making necklaces, charm bracelets and earrings I would still want to receive jewellery and tools; but yes I do. I cannot have enough!
I love jewellery; and I eat, sleep and drink jewellery. Always have, always will.
Now the only problem is I have a looooong wait until Christmas before I can get my next present!
Oh wait.... Mother's day is just around the corner..... :)
Life has just been a bit hectic at the moment, with the result that I have'nt had chance to design a collection of Valentine jewellery!
I did however make this lovely vintage red and gold charm bracelet. It is really much lovelier thatn the photos are depicting. The vintage brass filigree balls are incredible quality., and teamed with the red polymer roses this bracelet has got a lovely sophisticated feel.
I have also made some gorgeous sparkling red swarovski crystal earrings. Absolutely perfect for Valentines day.
Well, we survived the heaviest snow fall we've experienced in the UK for the last twenty years!
Wasn't it fantastic?
Oh, I know people were grumbling that they couldn't get out and about, but it was just so beautiful. Everywhere we looked, was covered in thick white snow, and when the sun did manage to peep out from behind the clouds, snow crystal encrusted flowers and leaves sparkled beautifully in the light.
I was lucky I didn't have a day job to get to, and except for regular forays to feed the foxes, badgers, squirrels and birds, I didn't have to venture out much.
Another wonderful thing about the snow, was that it inspired a new bracelet design! With the garden looking almost mythical in sparkling crystals, combined with my love for dragons, and The Snow Dragon Bracelet was born!
Christmas and New Year are over, decorations, lovingly packed and stored in the loft, Guests are all gone and the house is finally starting to get back to normal.
I am now able to blow the cobwebs off my jewellery tools and get back to doing what I love.
Ideas for new jewellery pieces come from everywhere, and my latest inspiration came from a special bracelet I made for my sister for Christmas. She is a Reiki Master, so I created a lovely watch / charm bracelet for her, using natural gemstones.
I so enjoyed using the wonderful semi precious stones, that I have already started making some new jewellery pieces which should soon start appearing on the website.
I have so many new and exciting pieces and collections in mind, that even if I work 24/7, I still won’t be able to get them all made.
Until next time…
HAPPY NEW YEAR AND ALL THE VERY BEST FOR 2009!!!
We didn’t do much except see the New Year in and then disappear off to bed.
Hope yours was more exciting than that……
Season Greetings to you all!
I hope by now everybody has received their jewellery and other gifts in time for tomorrow!
This last month has been hectic. Apart from frantically finishing jewellery commissions, I have been preparing the house for the numerous guests I am expecting to stay with me over the festive period. My sister, whom I have not seen for four and half years, has just arrived from South Africa, with more family members due to arrive over the next few days.
The house is decorated. The gifts are all wrapped. The food is prepared. So nothing left for me to do, except kick off my shoes, have a glass of wine, and relax…
(I hope my Christmas stocking is filled with beads, charms, crystals and jewellery gifts)
HAPPY CHRISTMAS!
Unfortunately, I haven’t had a chance to make any new Christmas jewellery gift pieces yet. I have been up to my eyebrows in custom making jewellery for commissions. I am getting pretty frantic at the moment, so if you’d like jewellery especially commissioned for you, please order soon, as the lead up time is two weeks. Contact:
midnightrosecreations@hotmail.co.uk
Last posting date for Christmas will be on the 22nd for 1st class recorded delivery, and on the 23rd for special delivery.
November already! Wow, where has the time gone? It feels as if it were only a few months ago that it was Christmas, and here I am planning Christmas again.
I have some great ideas for festive jewellery gifts, so suppose I ought to turn my attention to ordering some nice new beads especially for the season. No hardship for me of course. I LOVE beads, I LOVE jewellery, and I LOVE shopping!
So, I shall say cheers, whilst I combine my love of all three, and do some virtual window shopping!
Halloween, or Samhain, I love this time of year! I have decorated my front door and entrance hall and I have a huge bowl of candy ready. Now, when the little devils, fairies and witches arrive, should I pretend to be scared and offer treats instead of having a trick played on me, or should I turn the table and scare the living daylights out of them?
With a malicious grin on face, and evil shrieking laughter echoing, I bid you HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
I should be at my jewellery desk working, but am instead watching the squirrels frantically burying their peanuts all over my lawn!
I am lucky enough to have a small forest backing onto my garden, and the visitors each day are a constant source of pleasure. Unfortunately, they are also huge timewasters, as I spend far too much time staring out of my windows. In the morning, a family of foxes wait patiently in the undergrowth, as the daily routine of feeding begins; peanuts and seed to the birds and squirrels, and a very healthy portion of kibble, meat and scraps to the foxes. In the evening the foxes and badgers vie for the food, with the bolshie badgers normally getting the lions share.
But enough about the wildlife, and back to the jewellery!
I have listed some Halloween jewellery. There will be more following shortly. My favourite is ‘Samhain Nights’ followed by the solid Tibetan silver and Pewter bracelet. Both feature loads of skeletons, witches and ghosts.
If you want to ensure that your Halloween jewellery arrives in time, the last posting day will be on the 29th for 1st class recorded, or on the 30th for special delivery.
Many thanks to the customers who have written to compliment me on the new Blog. I am glad that somebody is reading it!
I am now debating about including a section on the website, where you can send a photo of yourself wearing your jewellery. What do you think? Ideas – and photos - welcome. midnightrosecreations@hotmail.co.uk
With Halloween just around the corner, I have set my sights on making some lovely ghoulish jewellery. Spiders, witches, and bats have been ordered, and I can’t wait to get started.
For commissions, please peruse the jewellery design gallery for ideas.
The design gallery is jewellery which has sold, but is there to serve as inspiration and ideas for a special piece you may like. I generally need about a week to custom make jewellery, so if you want Halloween jewellery, please don’t leave it too late.
Chat soon…
I have just listed one of my gothic corpse brides. I have a few of these hanging near my workbench on my dressing-table, and on my handbags. I find it really hard to part with them once I have made them. They all become rather special.
Sadly, I have decided that I really have to stop hoarding these lovely little ladies.
Gothica died of a broken heart after being jilted at the alter and is now looking for a loving new home .
These are a regular stock item for me. They and are also made to order in either white, black or ivory lace.
From my trusty old jewellery work bench, I bid you a warm welcome. Here, I hope to bring you fashion tips, musings, news, and the inspirations behind my jewellery pieces and collections.
'A' seems like a good place to start, so why not begin with this season’s hottest trend? Animal prints! A stylish favourite on garments and shoes, animal print designs made a huge re-appearance this summer on the cat walks and high streets. Word has it, that they will continue to be prominent well into the autumn.
Check out my new ‘Wild at Heart’ animal print collection I have listed. So named, because the person who will be wearing these stylish jewellery pieces, may show a sophisticated veneer whilst working at the office, but come the evening, she likes to let her hair down and release her sensual inner ‘Wild at Heart’ nature.
So, sit back, kick off your shoes, and peruse the Wild At Heart animal print design jewellery collection, and I will bid you adieu until the next time….
