Newspaper Mannequin head & porcelain glove mold by Ira Mency

If you haven't heard of Ira Mency aka Retro Chalet, you're going to hear about her now.

She's an amazingly talented artist, blogger, writer and vintage dealer. She's also the team captain for the Etsy Recyclers Guild.

She makes these really cool mannequin styrofoam heads and repurposes them with newspaper. She then glazes the top of the newspaper. I have some of these styrofoam mannequin heads and hers looks much better than my plain white mannequin heads. The newspaper adds a little drama and makes them look pretty cool!

She also does the same thing with some porcelain glove molds that she has in her stock. She and I did a gift exchange at Christmas and she sent me one of these porcelain glove molds. They are actually really cool. I've never had one in my possession before. I do have to admit, I like the newspaper added to the glove mold. You can find out more information about glove molds here.

You can find Ira Mency by visiting the following links:

Retro Chalet on Etsy
Retro Chalet Studio on Etsy
Blog
Facebook and
Twitter

Buttery soft soft leather scraps = cuff bracelet heaven!

I went to an estate sale yesterday and the woman who used to live in this house was a major crafter. Her back room was full of fabric bolts, trims and scraps. I found this fairly large buttery soft leather scrap:

I pulled out my scissors last night and started cutting into the leather. I made one small cuff bracelet for myself. I also cut some other scraps that I was going to try and sew into rings. Here's the bracelet I made for myself:

I cut some slits in the leather to create separation:

I'm going to go back today and see if there are any other leather scraps.

Interview with Beads, Buttons and Bows

Small Aqua/Turquoise Colored Medicine Vial Flip Off Lid STud Earrings $6.99


Shop name: Beads, Buttons and Bows

Name: Melissa

Location: Roxboro, NC

Tell me a little about yourself:

By day I am a supervisor for the Vascular Surgery Dept at UNC Hospital. By night I am a crafty jewelry designer. I am the proud mom of 2 doggies (Daisy the Pug, and Roxie the mut) and 3 kitties (Saidie, Sophie, and Boots). I have a BA degree in Visual Communications. Crafty is my outlet - it keeps me sane!

When did you first start crafting?

I have been crafting all of my life. My mom was a very artsy person. She could draw anything you ever wanted. She would also let me create. I have always used repurposed material for my crafting. I started making jewelry and accessories when I was in 9th grade (1992). I started with old puzzle pieces.

Green and White Broken China and Emerald Necklace $24.99


Please describe your work in detail. What's your favorite type of crafting/art?

My work in detail...I work with repurposed material, what some people may say is trash. I love to create earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and hair accessories. My favorite materials to use are paper, wire, plastic, glass, cardboard, and fabric. I also try to incorporate some type of natural stone or glass beads in my work also. I love to use turquoise.

How has your work evolved from your earlier work?

My earlier work was very tailored to what I like. I have had to learn that I need to create pieces of jewelry that is not just for me. Everyone has different tastes. I have had to learn to use colors that I may not like - orange & green, for example.

Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from today's trends. I look through magazines and watch today shows and see what people are wearing and I try to create jewelry that will go with the clothes.

I also get my inspiration from that special items that I might deconstruct. I might see a piece of fabric and think - what can I do with that.

Unique Broken China Pendant with a hand beaded turquoise necklace $24.99


Where are your products sold (online/stores)?

My items are sold through my Etsy store, Beads, Buttons and Bows.

What advice can you give other crafters when selling their items?

Remember that you are not your buyer. You have to think about what others may like. Pictures are worth a thousand words. Don't over-price, and Don't under-price -- do your research.

Describe yourself in three words:
Crafty, organized and happy

Is there is anything else you'd like to share with us?
Remember to think outside of the box. Use unconventional materials. Think about what you could do with that old shampoo bottle or those old pair of jeans. What about that magazine? You do not have to spend a lot of money to make beautiful jewelry and hair accessories.

You can find Beads, Buttons and Bows online at the following places:

Etsy shop
Blog
Facebook and
Twitter

This post was contributed by Heather of Texas Vintage Things.

I'm getting a new camera today! Yay!

I'm so excited. I'm getting a new camera today. I actually ordered it a few days ago from Dell online. My current camera is a crappy, GE12.2 MP point and shoot. I can never get the light settings right and I'm hoping I'll be able to take better pics with my new camera.

The camera I bought from Dell is a Fujifilm FinePix S1800 12.2 MP Digital Camera (Black):

I've been wanting to take some pics of some pieces I've made recently, but I've gotten to the point where I hate my current crappy camera and the quality of photo's it takes. My new camera should arrive today. Watch out, I may just become a crazed photography junky!