Amy Hanna

Hope Faith Charity

These words are the most important things to remember over the holiday season. Hope, Faith and Charity.

I just love this big old medal that has the words written on it and is dated 1883. 

I hate to admit it but I also like the word bonbons, I actually like to eat them!!  hee hee!!

Jingle Bells

 

Souvenir

Heather's new issue of Souvenir is out make sure to sign up if you have not already it is loaded with lots of goodies for the holidays!!

 

Have you picked out your turkey yet???

Neck Decorations

 

French General

I remember the first time I laid eyes on this pretty gal, it was years ago while I was reading an article in Victoria magazine.  There was a feature story and a photograph of Kaari with her sister inside of their New York store, French General. I was mesmerized at how intriguing their store looked.   Well here we are years later, I have been fortunate to have developed a friendship with Kaari.  She is an incredibly talented women, a true pioneer of the crafting world and I LOVE her open spirit, willingness to help and appreciation for detail.

 Her shop is such a magical experience, it is like stepping back in time.  It is so visually pleasing ,so many treasures to soak up and enjoy.  Every time I lay eyes on this case I just can't wait to dig into i'ts drawers.  Kaari is always traveling to the South of France to find her treasures so you never quite know what you are going to discover in her shop.

oh my, look at all of these bits and bobs so many yummy things!!

Even Kaari's little pixie mannequin is just darling!

While we were there Kaari was being photographed by Tak to be featured in a Japanese magazine, Giorni.

Kaari has an incredible line of fabric and paper goods. And she has published a ton of books too. She is such an amazing gal. She has such a way of throwing something together as if it was so easy and effortless.  I just love that!!  

Look at her samplers that she made with vintage fabrics, they are beautiful.

I love love the photo above of Kaari and Pam, I think it is so darn cute! The photo below shows samples of Pam's hearts that she will be making at the French General along side Charlotte Lyons. Kaari will be having sign ups soon on her website.  

I had to share this page out of Pam's very large journal, I just loved this big elephant by Pam.  

I am going to be listing a few pieces from my book that have never been available before.  The photo above is one of them I have switched the pendant that was originally on this piece to this gorgeous large vintage shell cameo.

The photo above is of the over size south sea pearl that is on this piece, it is my favorite pearl in the world.  

Here are a few shots of another piece that was in the book.  Both pieces are beautiful in person.

I always think the back side of things should be just as interesting don't you???

Look at the sweet spotted pearl on this piece , oh I love that one too!!

What makes something beautiful to one person, it is such an interesting thought isn't it. We all find beauty in such different ways.  Some in large bright and shiny things such as the clasp and some in nature such as the sea horse below.....

I find it beautiful to find a small item like the tiny ivory bird cage above that has been lovingly handcrafted together.  Someone, somewhere far away has carved all of those pieces and assembled this lovely lil bird cage together so delicately.  And the fact that it is still around blows my mind.  

I am also fascinated when finding unusual pieces like the marriage medal shown below that is  dated 1871.  Obviously, long ago they use to use medals like this one when getting married, why are there not more around.  How did this one survive.  Did they have a strong marriage ,was it a long one??  How were they able to engrave that tiny space along the side so perfectly??  So many questions???

I will be listing a bunch of pieces over the weekend.  I have some amazing pieces with gorgeous gemstones and findings. I wish I had more time to write but it is time to wake up little ones for school.

Real LIfe

Funny how I never thought of myself as a "Soccer Mom," until I looked at these photos that my husband took over the weekend.  Seeing the photo of myself with the two large photo buttons kinda made me realize my reality. Can we say Goofy Goober! Yeah!! The only problem is when you forget to remove them and you are at the grocery store or at the mall and you are sporting your two large photo buttons.  Proud Momma that I am.

I wouldn't change it for the world.  I Love watching them play.They are little but they are mighty.  

I also found this picture of this mystery jeep on my photos??? Leave my husband alone with my camera and what do I end up with??? Random photos of jeeps and motorcycles. 

Makes my heart skip-a-beat!!

When creating pieces I always try to incorporate things that I love.  Gemstones that make my heart skip a beat, a very old hand carved ivory piece.  Or some old discolored silver piece from France, what ever it is I always try to find something different or unusual.  

I personally like to wear a variety of styles of necklaces. Which keeps my mind dancing with ideas.  I do not always like my pieces to hang symmetrically which may drive some people crazy. But I have found a great deal of people who share my love for things being a bit off.

I do try to incorporate the symmetrical for those of you who have to have them. I understand the need for it because  it drives my husband crazy when I make things uneven!  I find it so interesting how all of our brains function and crave such different things..

I guess the key is to never take yourself to serious in anything that you do. To experiment new things and ways of doing and wearing things.  Try to find what makes you happy  and enjoy the ride.  

I experienced one of those amazing satisfying creative moments when I discovered these spectacular teardrop rubies.  The color in person is so yummy.  They are really hard to let go of.  But I always know it is really special when it is really hard to let go of.

Just like this vintage steal cut metal bead bracelet.  There is something so interesting about  how each bead has colored a bit differently.  

Or how someone choose to attach the tiny compass into the souvenir piece.  

It can also just be the juxtaposition of all the different elements placed together.

I guess it is all about finding your own passion.  What ever it is that makes you happy wearing, Big pieces.................

or dainty pieces but don't be afraid to mix it up now and then....

It's funny how one piece can really make a statement to dress up an outfit and make it really special. Especially over the holidays with all the fun parties and events to attend.

I will be listing all of the above pieces.  xo

Lil Pumpkin Head

I cannot believe I did not get one picture of my kids dressed up this year.  I had a horrible migraine headache but had planned on having people over earlier so I had to rally. The whole event seemed like a blur to me.  I actually felt a bit like the pumpkin above.

 I did not realize that the candle would come dripping out of its mouth of the candle.  My daughter thought that was the funniest thing! She said," look mommy, it is pucking!"  Ha ha!! Just Lovely!  

I did get a photo of my girlfriend posing for me in her daughter's Robot costume.

Wow, it was actually the first year we let the kids go out alone! Which meant we all got to sit around and relax!! Which really means, We are getting OLD!!  EEKS!!!

 

I have been working on uploading some new pieces this evening and will be putting some more pieces up over the weekend.  Here is a peek at some of the things that will be going up on etsy.