Wednesday, 3 August 2011

Vintage Skeleton Key Necklaces

Like most things I love,
all of these vintage skeleton keys were found in a tucked-away antique shop.
This large lot was found in Newtownards, Northern Ireland.
These keys range in size from small (1 inch) to extra large (3 inches).

Some retain their original rusty exterior,
while others have been hand-painted and varnished by me.

All the keys are attached to cotton fabric, which is set in a twisted braid,
and attached to a 19mm antiqued jump ring.

Length of braids for all skeleton key necklaces are approximately between 25 and 30 inches. Age of keys is unknown, but an approximate age would date their production to early 1900s.

Check Olive Owl Art's shop on Etsy for more options on skeleton key shapes, colors, and braided fabric choices.

Thursday, 7 July 2011

A Mismatched Kitchen

Since I live in the UK but only temporarily, its not feasible for me to order heavy ceramic items from the US. Not only would they be quite expensive to ship over, but I have to remember that everything I accumulate while here will have to be hauled back across the pond with me when I move back home...eventually.

So, that being said, I would typically not tell the world about a good bargain find until after I've purchased it, but in this case I'll give you all the chance to go and pick up some absolutely wonderful kitchen items in an Etsy shop called Luncheonette, full of vintage finds.

My ideal kitchen is a white base with colored items that pop. I love mismatched dishes and items from every decade with the only similarity being their bold colors.

Favorite Item #1: 1940s Turquoise Teapot

Bold & beautiful #2: Yellow sugar canister from 1930s.

And for camping: 1980s Blue Spatterware metal coffee pot.

A tasty homemade casserole always needs a beautiful dish:
1930s gold accent Baking Dish
(My absolute favorite from the shop!!)

And of course one needs to be wearing something cute and/or vintage

while in their brightly colored kitchen:

(It may seem old-lady now, but put it with a brightly colored headband,

push back the sleeves, and a good pair of skinny jeans- you're set.)

Thursday, 16 June 2011

Front Page News

Drum roll please.....

My 1800s Silhouette Pillow Set is featured on Etsy's Front Page today!

Upon learning the news,
a short bout of celebratory dancing ensued.

Wednesday, 15 June 2011

Olive Owl Art's First ReFound PopUp Shop Event

A few months ago I attended the first ever Home Souk, sister of The Fashion Souk, and met Jill O'Neill. She asked if I would like to participate in her eco-friendly, artist-advertising, furniture revamping business, ReFound, by refurbishing a furniture piece.

My first official ReFound piece is on display all week at ReFound's June Pop-Up Shop at 8 Castle Lane, Belfast BT1! I also have a few bird silhouette pillows on display, as well as the Russian Doll magazine rack from my last blog post.

See more ReFound pieces, learn more about the company, and find my piece listed on their website.

Before:

After:

Inspiration for this particular piece: During the second hour in an antique store in Germany, I ran across a lovely old lamp shade that had a similar design as the flower pattern used on this furniture piece. The solid white pattern on top of the solid sea green reflects my fondness of the simple silhouette style.

Tuesday, 14 June 2011

Revamped Magazine Rack

Before:

After:

This magazine rack is hand painted,

each side featuring 4 unique Russian Nesting Doll silhouette designs.

Designs and painting done by Cassie Binkley of Olive Owl Art.

Turquoise, Green, and Cream 1829 period themed paint.

Sealed to protect. Signed on bottom.

This item is currently for sale

and displayed at ReFound's June Pop-Up Shop at

8 Castle Lane, Belfast BT1.

This pop up shop lasts 6 days only!

Hours:

Tuesday 7-9pm

Wednesday 10 am - 6 pm
Thursday 10 am - 9 pm
Friday & Saturday 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday 1 pm - 6 pm

ReFound: Established by Jill O'Neill in Belfast, Northern Ireland, ReFound gives past-its-prime furniture a new lease of life. Items including chairs, tables, chest of drawers and mirrors are used as the canvas by the ReFound Artist Collective to transform into functional pieces of art for the home. Each artist brings their own individual style which means that the range of furniture from ReFound is varied and distinctive. Profits from sales are shared between ReFound and the artist and upcycling furniture is of course a great example of eco in action.

Find more info, directions, and other revamped furniture on ReFound's Website!