Under the Sea: Newly Listed On Etsy

I finally got around to making a few necklaces from the sea creatures that I picked up last week. I knew straight away that I was going to turn them into jewellery and ordered my supplies. I've used a silver plated eye screw to secure each little creature and attached to a silver plated 24 inch bead chain. I have also made a few earrings and rings.

My workmate was joking about the sea cucumber and I said that I would wear it into work once I made it. I am going to gift him one for his wife as I had two, I am sure she will love it..haha

They will be available (minus a few keepers) via my Etsy store, ATreasuredPast. Here is a sneak peek:









It's all go, go,  go for the next few weekends. We are going to the ACT Miniature Fair and Doll House Show in the morning and then to the annual Bywong Car Boot on Sunday. Next week is the Goulburn Swap Meet where we shall pay a flying visit before heading back to Canberra for a party at midday.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoy whatever you have planned!

Living Jewellery and a Fascinating Doll

I always had a fascination and appreciation of mourning jewellery, especially the intricate and delicate hair assemblages, and family framed wreaths.

Inspired by such pieces, I thought this vintage watch housing would be perfect to make a special piece for me; a reminder not of those who have passed, but those who are dear to my heart, my children. Inside I placed a precious lock of Kade and India's baby hair, and cut some letters from some sheet music to secure inside the glass face.

On the same vein, I have to show you a doll that I found many many moons ago. She has only part of her composition head left, and one small painted wooden arm, but I just love her. I think she may be French or German, late 19th Century, but without all her features it is hard to tell.

She had a little split in her legs, and on further investigation, I discovered that she has a small lock of human hair stuffed inside...isn't that amazing? Wouldn't it be interesting to know the story of how and why the hair was put there...oh the stories this little doll could tell. To me, I think it is fascinating, to others it could be quite creepy.





You can read more about Victorian Mourning jewellery here:
Remembering a loved one with mourning jewelry
The Victorian Obsession with Hair, Result: Mourning Jewelry
Victorian mourning Garb

Ride a Cock Horse

I hope you haven't been waiting too long to see more about the gallant steed from my previous post. He didn't come home exactly like this. His synthetic fur (60's/70's) was terribly brittle and weathered as he had been wet and was most probably sitting unloved in the garage for years.

Peeking out from under a torn section on his leg I saw some straw. I could feel that his head was solid and we decided to see what could be underneath. I was hoping to leave him with straw and wood, but, as he was too wet and mildewy, he wasn't really very hygienic, so away the straw flew. I know my initials are TB but I don't actually want to catch it. In the commotion I forgot to take a shot in between, sorry.

He is still sitting unfinished, a job for another day. I am thinking of replacing his ears, maybe with some burlap, and redoing the saddle and bridle (they are pleather).

What do you think? Does he look better or would you have left him as is???







Tinkie was foreman.

Matchbox Shadowbox

A fun little project for a rainy day.

Take a few matchbox trays, cover the inside back with vintage wallpaper, pretty paper, vintage sheet music or even dress patterns and adorn each with a little trinket. This can be anything..a broken hair clip, a part of a toy, diamante brooch, favourite button..the possibilities are endless.

Add some glitter and glue each component together. Its best to do this in a few stages, so that they stay together easier. We glued together three pieces at a time, held with pegs until dry, then pieced together with another three and so on.

Attach a ribbon as a hanger, either by glue or by mini pegs as I have done. Voila...A fun, cheap and cheery shadow box to brighten up your day. The best part is the shadow box can be as small (one piece) or as large as you like.

Happy crafting :) Tam

p.s. can you tell which ones India made??

Woof Woof

I have been playing around with some discarded slide mounts, thinking of different ways to upcycle them.

I added some cute scruffy terriers, from the same story set sourced from 'My Choice' published by Blackie books, c1950's. Backed with a metal brooch clasp they have a new life as wearable art.

Of course I kept one for myself.

These are now available in my Etsy shop.

~~~ 10% Discount Easter Special Coupon Code: EASTERMANIA -valid until 28th April 2011; on all ATreasuredPast Etsy items~~~

What do you do with your Doilies?

This is my doily stash. I always scoop up doilies and hand worked linens when I see them. It makes me quite sad to see them thrown in a pile at the op shop.

I hot glued a few doilies to cover an old lamp shade and added some pretty trim inside and out.


The quilt on our bed was wearing quite thin in places, so I stitched on pretty doilies to cover the holes.


I made the organiser below by sewing little doily pockets onto a vintage hand linen and adding a lace hanger.

I pieced together the doily curtains above the kitchen sink and side door. Mr T always grumbles that they make us look poor, but I like them :)



The ultimate in doily recycling is this fabulous doily car, how inspiring.

Pam @ Bayside Rose recently posted the most fantastic art pieces that she made, pop on over and have a look.

Do you love doilies, and what do you do with them?