Sunday flea market

I know there are some of you out there that have been asking yourselves when was I finally going to hit the flea market again. Well, you are in luck today - because the big flea market 'came to town'. Although the weather  was overcast, it didn't rain while we were there. It wasn't as nice and warm as the last few days - but we are still talking temps above freezing, so that is okay with me. I was glad to get back into the warmth by the time we were done, though.

I did see something rather unusual - but I didn't bring it home...

I think this is a water buffalo skull  - the carving is amazing.

 These are the treasures I found and brought home...

Apparently it was the day of thimbles - I was seeing them everywhere. A cute little padlock without a key. And a piece of Baltic amber.

Some very long crystal chandelier prisms.

Protective cases for pocket watches in varying sizes and conditions - I pounced on these!

Cuff link findings in a rose gold finish - I have never seen them being sold as findings, so I couldn't resist these.

Can we pass by this kind of bling??  These were samples from a manufacturer of costume jewelry, as can be seen by the tags. Most likely from the 50s...

A rare find - an antique mourning brooch of French jet - which is black glass. It had to come along. This will have to be turned into something special...

No - I didn't find this at the flea market. I dressed up my doorstep in spring yesterday. Filled the basket with posies and moss and there is a hyacinth in there somewhere that is not quite ready to bloom - but will as soon as the sun comes out again.

I wish you all a wonderful spring Sunday with lots of sun, where ever you are!

inviting spring and work in progress

Hoping this arrangement by my front door will coax spring out into the open. It has been a glorious sunny day...

 while I was working on these. Silk rods and copper.

something new

I am totally fascinated with the beauty of this dry poppy pod. I keep looking at it and turning it around...
Well, it won't be long now - then I will be fascinated by all the green and fresh blooms in the garden. We are being soaked by a gentle drizzle - give us a couple of days of sunshine and mild temps and then it will visibly be spring.

I made a ring for the Ring A Week Challenge - although I am obviously not making a ring every week. But you are allowed to play along, even if you just make an occasional ring.

something finished and something in the works...

I'm not flea marketing today - I am in the studio - but I promised I would come out more often, so here I am.
Just wanted to show you a finished piece.

A freeform focal featuring a prong set pebble (might be serpentine, but I am not sure) from the beach in Tuscany; combined with large new jade beads and hand made chain links.

This is what I am working on now. Dapped copper with handmade bezel and soldered brass. I still have a long way to go on this piece, but it is already telling me a story... sorry, have to get back to the studio.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday!

various pieces in progress

I have been missing in action lately - well, not really missing - I have been in my studio working on projects.
I wanted to share some pieces in progress, just so you don't think I have given up making jewelry...

These are not necessarily related projects - just pieces I am working on...

The other day I caught this gorgeous sun coming up behind the woods - some of the migratory birds have arrived, the black birds are singing their spring songs at daybreak and the snowdrops are up. Spring can't be far off and I am sooooo glad.

Fascinated by the beauty of this dried bloom - I think it is every bit as beautiful as a fresh flower. The texture of those petals is incredible.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. I promise to come out of the studio more often now.