One day, a creative streak hit me and I decided to merge these 2 forgotten items to create something that would let us see them in a new light. Throw in some beads, charms and ribbon. And this is the result.
Sunday, 13 November 2011
Perpetual Bloom
For the longest time, I've had a bunch of vintage millinery flowers in the loveliest velvet sitting around. Looking tired but not quite wilted, I never knew what to do with them. Somewhere else sat a bag of old neckties, never worn yet still waiting patiently for someone to use them.
One day, a creative streak hit me and I decided to merge these 2 forgotten items to create something that would let us see them in a new light. Throw in some beads, charms and ribbon. And this is the result.
One day, a creative streak hit me and I decided to merge these 2 forgotten items to create something that would let us see them in a new light. Throw in some beads, charms and ribbon. And this is the result.
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Styling for Christmas
Another book which I am currently reading is Simple Essentials, Christmas, by Donna Hay. I like the fact that she has some suggestions for festive decorating using real branches and twigs.
Wood & Cookies
Tie bundles of timber or driftwood together and attach to a central post with rope. Secure the tree in a bucket filled with white pebbles. Attach Christmas bauble-shaped cookies decorated with icing and sugar sprinkles.
Twig & Tulle
A tree branch can become a strikingly simple and sophisticated centrepiece for your room. Tie short lengths of white tulle, ribbon or metallic fabric to the branch and anchor it in a glass vase that has been filled with sand to keep the tree from topping over.
A bit of nature in the home...sounds inviting to me.
Wood & Cookies
Tie bundles of timber or driftwood together and attach to a central post with rope. Secure the tree in a bucket filled with white pebbles. Attach Christmas bauble-shaped cookies decorated with icing and sugar sprinkles.
Twig & Tulle
A tree branch can become a strikingly simple and sophisticated centrepiece for your room. Tie short lengths of white tulle, ribbon or metallic fabric to the branch and anchor it in a glass vase that has been filled with sand to keep the tree from topping over.
A bit of nature in the home...sounds inviting to me.
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
A Meaningful Home
I'm currently reading "Crafting a Meaningful Home" by Meg Mateo Ilasco and this excerpt is taken off from the Introduction.
" A home is many things: a place of security to protect us from the elements, a place of comfort and celebration, a place for entertaining when company drops in. A home can also be an instrument for telling stories, holding memories, and sharing history and culture. The way we decorate our homes gives clues to others about who we are. As we fill them with objects that are meaningful to us, they become domestic scrapbooks that evolve over time as our lives progress."
So true.
" A home is many things: a place of security to protect us from the elements, a place of comfort and celebration, a place for entertaining when company drops in. A home can also be an instrument for telling stories, holding memories, and sharing history and culture. The way we decorate our homes gives clues to others about who we are. As we fill them with objects that are meaningful to us, they become domestic scrapbooks that evolve over time as our lives progress."
So true.
Sunday, 2 October 2011
No more excuses
It's been weeks since I've posted on my blog. Just been so busy with everything around me. Told myself this blue monday morning - no more excuses. So what do I have to show forth today?
Vintage millinery flowers which I have hoarded for the longest time. And decided to give the posy a new lease of life...
Some bling from a vintage rhinestone pendant now restyled as a choker...
And more glitter from this antique cut mirror pendant and vintage bracelet.
Enjoy!
Vintage millinery flowers which I have hoarded for the longest time. And decided to give the posy a new lease of life...
Some bling from a vintage rhinestone pendant now restyled as a choker...
Monday, 5 September 2011
HOPE
This creation listed here http://www.etsy.com/listing/81024981/key-chainkey-ringbag-charm-military-army is something different from my usual design themes. Not just because it feels more masculine, but also because I wanted to create something that could appeal to the guys. Well, what do you think? I actually love it - HOPE for world peace.
Friday, 26 August 2011
Feature in New Zealand Handmade Blog, 25 Aug 2011
A Conversation with Sara of Linden Sage Designs
It's evident when browsing Linden Sage's creations, that Sara is passionate in her desire to marry the old with the contemporary achieving unique, eco-friendly jewellery designs which utilise vintage trinkets, forgotten treasures, and salvaged jewellery. Here, Sara shares more of her Eco-chic ethos...
Who is Linden Sage Designs?
Hi I’m Sara, the mind behind Linden Sage Designs. I live in Auckland and I design and create all the jewellery and accessories for the shop. I’m not kidding when I say that jewellery making has never been part of my life, but I guess being in the creative line has certainly fueled me towards this creative outlet at this point of my life. It takes a lot of patience, but I find it’s a very meditative and calming process. The moment I realised that I could make jewellery every day and not tire of it, I knew I had finally found my calling.
What’s your “handmade groove ?”
Something precious and one of a kind. Every handmade item has a sense of richness and history.
What’s on your bedside table right now? (hey, no tidying up or censoring)
1. Handmade Living by Lotta Jansdotta
2. Crafty Chica’s Guide to Artful Sewing by Kathy Cano-Murillo
3. The Art of Giving by Liezel Norval-Kruger
Who are your creative role models? What music, books, images, poetry spark your creative fire?
Clean, affordable interior decorating ideas that speak volumes; uncommon colour combinations that shout; music with a mix of pop, rock, folk vibe. Not forgetting simple things like the setting sun, the colour of leaves, what people are wearing and different cultural backgrounds. Vintage objects also have textural appeal for me. They have a story, a patina from years of life and ownership. Choosing handmade is choosing a slower pace of life – it involves a story as much as it is about the maker.
What could you talk late into the night about with like minded people?
Art and craft and basically anything that involves design.
If you could go to three free workshops/creative events this year which ones would they be? What are they about?
The following are not free, but they are on my wish list:
Craft and Hobby Association (CHA), USA holds two award-winning trade events each year, the Craft & Hobby Association Conference & Trade Shows. Usually held in January and July these events are the oldest and largest craft and hobby trade shows in the world.
http://www.hobby.org/
~~~~
Art Camp for Women, USA, Oct 2011
http://www.artcampforwomen.com/
~~~
3rd Annual Australia Scrapbook Cruise, Jan 2012
http://www.craftingcruises.com/index.html
How do you balance your creative life with your family, life commitments?
Passion, drive, insanity! Coffee is my first thought of the day. Checking the online shop and emails are next. I create all day long – cooking, shooting pictures, trying out new art forms… Working from home is quite tricky as life and inspiration can get in the way. There is always something to do when you work from home.
What is your favourite creative screw-up?
None so far.
Kitchen table or studio?
It’s the dining table overflowing to the floor. Who wouldn’t give for a studio?
Do you have a wish list? Can you tell us what’s on it?
I really love what I do, so I hope Linden Sage Designs will still be around, and I’d love to add a line of home accessories too. I want to be a better business person and somehow have more hours in my day.
It's evident when browsing Linden Sage's creations, that Sara is passionate in her desire to marry the old with the contemporary achieving unique, eco-friendly jewellery designs which utilise vintage trinkets, forgotten treasures, and salvaged jewellery. Here, Sara shares more of her Eco-chic ethos...
Who is Linden Sage Designs?
Hi I’m Sara, the mind behind Linden Sage Designs. I live in Auckland and I design and create all the jewellery and accessories for the shop. I’m not kidding when I say that jewellery making has never been part of my life, but I guess being in the creative line has certainly fueled me towards this creative outlet at this point of my life. It takes a lot of patience, but I find it’s a very meditative and calming process. The moment I realised that I could make jewellery every day and not tire of it, I knew I had finally found my calling.
What’s your “handmade groove ?”
Something precious and one of a kind. Every handmade item has a sense of richness and history.
What’s on your bedside table right now? (hey, no tidying up or censoring)
1. Handmade Living by Lotta Jansdotta
2. Crafty Chica’s Guide to Artful Sewing by Kathy Cano-Murillo
3. The Art of Giving by Liezel Norval-Kruger
Who are your creative role models? What music, books, images, poetry spark your creative fire?
Clean, affordable interior decorating ideas that speak volumes; uncommon colour combinations that shout; music with a mix of pop, rock, folk vibe. Not forgetting simple things like the setting sun, the colour of leaves, what people are wearing and different cultural backgrounds. Vintage objects also have textural appeal for me. They have a story, a patina from years of life and ownership. Choosing handmade is choosing a slower pace of life – it involves a story as much as it is about the maker.
What could you talk late into the night about with like minded people?
Art and craft and basically anything that involves design.
If you could go to three free workshops/creative events this year which ones would they be? What are they about?
The following are not free, but they are on my wish list:
Craft and Hobby Association (CHA), USA holds two award-winning trade events each year, the Craft & Hobby Association Conference & Trade Shows. Usually held in January and July these events are the oldest and largest craft and hobby trade shows in the world.
http://www.hobby.org/
~~~~
Art Camp for Women, USA, Oct 2011
http://www.artcampforwomen.com/
~~~
3rd Annual Australia Scrapbook Cruise, Jan 2012
http://www.craftingcruises.com/index.html
How do you balance your creative life with your family, life commitments?
Passion, drive, insanity! Coffee is my first thought of the day. Checking the online shop and emails are next. I create all day long – cooking, shooting pictures, trying out new art forms… Working from home is quite tricky as life and inspiration can get in the way. There is always something to do when you work from home.
What is your favourite creative screw-up?
None so far.
Kitchen table or studio?
It’s the dining table overflowing to the floor. Who wouldn’t give for a studio?
Do you have a wish list? Can you tell us what’s on it?
I really love what I do, so I hope Linden Sage Designs will still be around, and I’d love to add a line of home accessories too. I want to be a better business person and somehow have more hours in my day.
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Sunday, 7 August 2011
How grey has it been?
This winter, I have been:
Reading:
Grower's Market - Cooking with seasonal produce
Tana Ramsay's Family Kitchen
Listening to:
Norah Jones, Brooke Fraser & Michael Buble
Playing with:
my Nikon camera to take even better still shots
Spending time with:
Family & friends
Toying with:
A million necklace designs in my head
Looking out for:
New and unusual elements to add to necklaces
And all too soon, Spring will be upon us. I look forward to some green again.
Reading:
Grower's Market - Cooking with seasonal produce
Tana Ramsay's Family Kitchen
Listening to:
Norah Jones, Brooke Fraser & Michael Buble
Playing with:
my Nikon camera to take even better still shots
Spending time with:
Family & friends
Toying with:
A million necklace designs in my head
Looking out for:
New and unusual elements to add to necklaces
And all too soon, Spring will be upon us. I look forward to some green again.
Tuesday, 2 August 2011
Keep Calm...
To those crafty souls yet to get their gears in motion stocking up for the year end retail madness, I have this simple advice for you - see message below.
And to those who have already started - see message below! Christmas is only 4 months away!
And to those who have already started - see message below! Christmas is only 4 months away!
Sunday, 3 July 2011
Christmas In July?
Well, just a peek to what's coming up for Christmas - necklaces featuring vintage millinery flowers and old neckties! Stay tuned!
Thursday, 23 June 2011
A little weary, a little sparkly
Featuring a pair of vintage silver toned, oxidised metal dangles that I have converted into earrings with bronze tone ear wires.
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
What do you see?
The latest necklace that I listed on http://felt.co.nz/shop/lindensage features a solid brass pendant with incredible filigree detailing. I don't know the age of the piece but most likely from the early to mid 1900s. I believe that they were base stamping components for jewellery designs.
The lady that I got it from says that the piece was a "coppery" colour and not so pretty. So, it was subjected to her altering process. She applied her gold leafing technique and then applied antiquing solution and sealed it. It is finished on both sides and the end result is the golden patina beauty as pictured.
I see "a wing" or "an intricate pendant" or "a butterfly". What do you see?
The lady that I got it from says that the piece was a "coppery" colour and not so pretty. So, it was subjected to her altering process. She applied her gold leafing technique and then applied antiquing solution and sealed it. It is finished on both sides and the end result is the golden patina beauty as pictured.
I see "a wing" or "an intricate pendant" or "a butterfly". What do you see?
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Crafty Cinema
In view of the long weekend, I know many of us have crafty projects lined up, or at least, are thinking of attempting to create something. Well, I'm going to attempt some sewing and recently, while reading Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing by Kathy Cano-Murillo, I came across her list of movies that showcased sewing on the silver screen. So gather everyone in the family for some popcorn and sewing!
Nacho Libre (2006)
Lucha libre costumes, masks, and a party suit all made in a church orphanage
Kinky Boots (2005)
Boring shoe factory gets a drag queen makeover by way of boots
The Incredibles (2004)
Dysfunctional superhero costumes
Gone with the Wind (1939)
Emergency dress made from drapes
The Color Purple (1985)
Woman empowers herself by designing trousers
Pretty in Pink (1986)
Prom dress redo
The Sound of Music (1965)
Kids' play clothes made from drapes
Tim Burton's Corpse Bride (2005)
Wedding suit repaired with the help of spiders and their silky webbing
Mystery Men (1999)
Fashionista designer creates state-of-the-art superhero costumes
How to Make an American Quilt (1995)
Drama at the quilting group
Gandhi (1982)
One man inspires India to return to hand-spun materials
Enchanted (2007)
Day dresses made from drapes
Dick (1999)
Clothes made from the American flag
Nacho Libre (2006)
Lucha libre costumes, masks, and a party suit all made in a church orphanage
Kinky Boots (2005)
Boring shoe factory gets a drag queen makeover by way of boots
The Incredibles (2004)
Dysfunctional superhero costumes
Gone with the Wind (1939)
Emergency dress made from drapes
The Color Purple (1985)
Woman empowers herself by designing trousers
Pretty in Pink (1986)
Prom dress redo
The Sound of Music (1965)
Kids' play clothes made from drapes
Tim Burton's Corpse Bride (2005)
Wedding suit repaired with the help of spiders and their silky webbing
Mystery Men (1999)
Fashionista designer creates state-of-the-art superhero costumes
How to Make an American Quilt (1995)
Drama at the quilting group
Gandhi (1982)
One man inspires India to return to hand-spun materials
Enchanted (2007)
Day dresses made from drapes
Dick (1999)
Clothes made from the American flag
Sunday, 22 May 2011
Everything old is new again...
Do you ever have big plans that you never actually manage to make time for? For a long time now I’ve wanted to attack a pile of vintage trinkets collected over the last few years and to breathe new life into them. They need checking, cleaning, and finally, creative embellishment. Works of art that the "restoration team" just hasn’t gotten to them yet. Most have had a life of their own before they made it to my hands. Each one so unique, you would never see them anywhere else. But what are the stories behind them? I will never know.
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
Wanted...Dead or Alive
I just couldn't resist putting these 3 items together. And what a look girl! Biker chick, bad girl, gypsy, boho chic, cowgirl... whatever the feel, it's definitely worth a second look.
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
Friday, 15 April 2011
Love Birds
A pair of love birds perched on a branch...surrounded by delicate vintage glass beads and ribbon. SOLD
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Baby It's Cold Outside
The wet and cold weather has just put me in a lethargic mood. What better way to while away the time than coming up with some pretty necklaces. Like this one...a vintage laundry pin that I came across last year. After some months sitting in the box, this is what I've done to give it a new lease of life, accompanied by some charms and beads. SOLD
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Monday, 21 February 2011
New Beginnings
I'm going to give it a go... at blogging.
Blogs have been so creatively inspiring for me, and such a comfort knowing that there are others like me out there, those that need to create, and like to share. The amazing community of craft/bloggers has been a real find, and I hope this is the start of a positive new journey in which I have something worthy to contribute.
I have been spending time organising my "junk" in the hope of getting a good start to designing this year. You'll definitely see posts of new necklace designs as and when I complete them.
Here's crossing my fingers and toes that I keep to it, and here's to new beginnings!
Blogs have been so creatively inspiring for me, and such a comfort knowing that there are others like me out there, those that need to create, and like to share. The amazing community of craft/bloggers has been a real find, and I hope this is the start of a positive new journey in which I have something worthy to contribute.
I have been spending time organising my "junk" in the hope of getting a good start to designing this year. You'll definitely see posts of new necklace designs as and when I complete them.
Here's crossing my fingers and toes that I keep to it, and here's to new beginnings!
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