Ack! I missed last week's blog....sorry!

Hi All:

I just realized that I missed last week's blog....crap, and only like 3 weeks into my new Resolution.  Can I get a pass for having 2 blog posts last week?  Pretty please?

Anyway...the past week or so has been all about my new Vintage Romance Collection - antique and vintage jewelry repurposed with new crystal and gemstone accents highlighting gorgeous antique chandelier crystals.  Will have some sneak peek pics at the end of this post so you can see what I mean.  Gorgeous one of a kind pieces for modern brides - something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.

As a bride, I remember how hard it was to fill that bill - and so this collection addresses at least 2 if not 3 of those for goodluck on a wedding day.

Let's see what else?  Um, the photographeress of lusciousness, Rachel, came over last Friday to catch me up on all my new designs and am working on Etsy each morning to add the new listings.  After the photos had all been clicked and stored - Rachel, Gold-Spangled Angie and I went into the Old Market in the snow...which was weird, I try to avoid driving while it's actively snowing.  Went antique jewelry shopping and found SO much cool stuff.  Amazing.  Carved ivory flower beads from the 1920's...I do not agree with killing elephants for their tusks... these are antiques and I feel that using them provides beauty and pays honor to those animals that died so long ago.

My most amazing find of the day - pale yellow faceted crystal oval bead necklace from the 1930's - this color is VERY rare and all the graduated beads were in pristine shape, except for a small flaw on one of the larger beads.  Gorgeous.

So here are some pics of the pieces I have completed so far.  Brides, look for them on Etsy - Vintage Romance Bridal - more designs added every day and custom orders are welcome.

Orange Blossom Necklace - $95

Daisy Haircombs - $35

Hydrangea Necklace - $86

Cabbage Roses Necklace - $57

Gladiolas Necklace - $57

Hope you enjoy!
Leah :-)

Snow days mean more WORK and less shopping...

Hi All -

See, I am making a concerted effort to keep my New Year's promise to update more.  I have been at Mother Nature's mercy and she seems to be having some sort of fit of pre-menstral rage which has been spitting snow, ice and sleet all over Omaha the last week or so.  Just when I could finally see my lawn...she came along and covered it up again with a foot of snow.

I have shows coming up and daily checks of the 10-day weather report to see if I will be setting up in a blizzard or not.  This weekend is the first show and encompasses all of my V-Day plans.  With a husband currently deployed, Valentine's Day is not as romantic as it should be...so I am contributing to others displays of affection in the form of jewelry.

Have been working on new bridal designs which combine antique chandelier crystals and glass (old), elements such as freshwater pearls, gemstones and precious metals (new), and all tones of blues - something sentimental and nostaglic for brides this Spring and Summer.  It's a way for Reyna Red to wish brides well on their happy day and to be an integral part of the day.

Here are some pics of my messy petite worktable which is currently residing in the living room since my basement studio is way way way too cold right now...as well as one of the new bridal designs.

Enjoy!
Leah :-)