Letter Slots

I love old letter slots.  I live in an old borough full of history with many old houses.  I always notice the letter slots on the doors.

They remind me of the old days back when I had pen pals and actually hand wrote letters, put a stamp on them and then mailed them.  They create such a nostalgic feeling of simpler times.

There's something about brass on doors, too.

Not to mention that font on the "LETTERS."  Absolutely beautiful.

Did you have a pen pal growing up?  Have you thought about getting one as an adult?

Peek Through the Keyhole

Sometimes when I am designing a piece, my heart starts to race and I can't wait to see it completed. I go to bed that night and can't wait to get up in the morning to see it again and touch it and maybe make another one.

I realized the last time this happened (which was a couple of days ago on this piece) that it feels a lot like falling in love.

I don't always feel this way about a piece. I always really love each piece I make, but maybe I am not smitten.

This piece uses 2 keyhole covers (escutcheons) and the innards of a watch. Don't worry, I didn't abuse a perfectly good watch, these were watches that were destined to remain un-admired the rest of their short lives. I gave them new life!

You can see the watch parts from each side of the piece by peeking through the keyhole. The piece is nice and long on brass chain.

I made a total of 4 of these (and yes I kept one for myself!) and each is slightly different. This is the only one with the winder on the side still.

This one will be listed in my Etsy Shop. There will also be one at my stand at Building Character, and another is destined for the Hodge Podgery. (Which I am very late in getting my things out to, but I am extremely thrilled and excited for the opening!)

The keyhole covers themselves are from Building Character. I think I bought all of the brass ones they had. If I can get more, I am sure I will make more....but you can never tell with these sorts of designs.

New Delicate Design

I took a few vacation days recently from my job, but I didn't take vacation from my jewelry business! During my days off, I created some new pieces.

Here is one new design. It's really simple - just a vintage brass filigree that I buffed up a little to give it a little shine again - but really stunning. I made a few pair of these, and kept a pair for myself.

They will be available at both my Building Character booth and in my Etsy Shop soon.

Keyhole Cover Necklace

Keyhole Cover Necklace, originally uploaded by B.B. Bellezza.

I am so thrilled about this unique necklace. It turned out just how I wanted!

I found the brass keyhole covers while digging around at Building Character one day and knew that they would make cool jewelry!

Then I found the little brass key charms and it all fell into place. The little maroon flower beads look so pretty with the brass. I added the little brass butterflies to add a little extra interest.

And viola! A cool and unique necklace!

This necklace is available in my Etsy Shop now for just $25!

Vintage Brass

Brass Dragonfly Necklace 3, originally uploaded by B.B. Bellezza.

I am loving brass lately. This piece was made from vintage brass chain, a vintage brass dragonfly and little glass flower and leaf beads. I will be making just a few of these lovelies and one is available in my Etsy Shop and will be available at artMarket at Building Character in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.