Thursday, September 24, 2015

Change It Up Blog Hop



Here we are at the B'Sue Boutiques "Change It Up" Blog Hop .... glad you could join us!   Pour yourself a cup of joe, and join me and Toby!
Our blog hop mission was to take one of four specific brass components from B'Sue Boutiques, use it in a way that's different than its usual way, inspired by current fashion trends, but with a vintage flair, and create a statement jewelry piece ... now that is one tall order!
When I first decided to join this blog hop and make a piece using the above guidelines, I had no clue what I'd make.  I'm not a cuff-bracelet person, and the brass tie didn't inspire me, so I knew it'd be the floral crescent or large brass heart pendant.  Or maybe both ...

I did have an idea for what I wanted to do with the crescent.  I'm always inspired by Haskell and Hagler jewelry, and I've made some wired assemblage necklaces before.  My jewelry style is usually vintage-inspired, so this part was a no-brainer for me ... follow my heart and style. 


Now, how to follow current fashion trends while keeping that 1940's flavor .... aha! Luckily, pearls are big this year, and I happened to have a nice old multi-strand vintage 'pearl' necklace with rhinestone filigree beads that would be perfect to repurpose with this necklace.  The 'change it up' part really stymied me though.  How can I make this different?  Turn it upside down?  Nope.  Hmm, how about asymmetrical, using it more to the side-center?  Yes, that's it!

The focal itself was easy, and I zoomed right along. The vintage-look patina came about naturally from handling and heating the metal. The part that stalled me for a bit was the 3-strand section opposite the crescent.  It took awhile to get that 'just right' but finally ... success! A simple strung neckchain, and voila .... trendy pearls with a Haskell flair in a unique asymmetrical statement necklace!  


Classy and classic looking, yet with an edge that only asymmetry can bring, this necklace was a joy to create and is my first challenge piece.


But ... I still have time!   What to do with the large brass heart pendant that's unusual?  Turn it this way and that, and ... aha!   That's it!  Something glitzier, shinier, blingier ... like the beautiful rhinestone jewelry of years ago ...

I started with some unmirrored-back unset pointed-back faceted glass 'stones.' How to set them so the facets reflected back threw me for a bit until I read an article on using 'gold' leaf in polymer clay settings.  That works!

Some brass leaves joined the mix, along with a large brass shamrock component.  Toss in some small pearl cabs, and we're ready to create something different ...

... and different it is!  A glammy fish brooch reminiscent of the days when big brooches ruled, with a joined smaller pearl 'bubble' pin.  I've always loved those joined pins, and adored rhinestones, so this piece reminds me of days past when real ladies wore brooches.

There is, of course, only one name for this piece ... the decidedly unvintagey name of "Mr. Super Bling-Bling Fish."  Since I collect cat pins, Toby decided that Mr. Super Bling-Bling Fish needed to stay with us on the pin board so the cat pins could watch him shimmer.   ;)   

And that is how we "Changed It Up!" Thank you for joining in on the Change It Up Blog Hop sponsored by BSueBoutiques.   We've enjoyed our visit with you, and I hope you enjoyed our pieces too! Now come and 'hop' on along the list and see what our talented friends have created too!

Pamela & Toby
Novegatti Designs




Brenda Sue Lansdowne       Jewelry Making Outside the Box
Mary Deis       The Rose Sword       http://theroseswordmdeis.blogspot.com/
Jann Tague       Clever Designs       https://janntague.wordpress.com/
Lori Beekman       B.Accessorized       https://baccessorized.wordpress.com/
Renee Hong       Fine and Dandy Jewelry       http://www.fineanddandyjewelry.blogspot.com/
Cynthia Wainscott       Exotic Peru Jewelry       http://exoticperujewelry.blogspot.com/
Dana Hickey       Magpie Approved       http://magpieapproved.blogspot.com/
Mary Beth Quigley-Spiker       Q Settings       https://qsettings.wordpress.com/
Karen Eaton       KJewelry Creations       http://kjewelrycreations1.blogspot.com/
Shari Gardner       SLG Jewelry Designs       https://slgdesigns.wordpress.com/
Alison Huie       Ally's Baubles       http://allysbaubles.blogspot.com/
Pamela Anger       Novegatti Designs       http://www.novegattidesigns.blogspot.com/ <--- you are here!
Carole Carlson       Beadsophisticate       https://beadsophisticate.wordpress.com/
Cindy Peterson        Howling Dog Jewelry       https://howlingdogjewelry.wordpress.com/
Marcia Tuzzolino       Aurora Designs       http://auroradesignsjewelryblog.me/
Charlotte Smothers       Sea Horse Ranch Life       http://seahorseranch.blogspot.com/
Catherine Shattuck       Victorian Rose Boutique       https://vrbrose.wordpress.com/
Clare Wells Nemeth       Papercrafting Magic       http://papercraftingmagic.blogspot.com/
Erin Whitacre       Shattered Time       https://shatteredtimejewelry.wordpress.com/
Lynda O'Mara       Lomara Creative       http://www.lomaracreative.com/
Ginger Hammond       Lynn Leigh Designs       https://lynnleighdesigns.wordpress.com/
Ingrid Anderson       Lilis Gems Artisan Jewelry       https://lilisgems.wordpress.com/
Deb Beechy       Beetique       http://www.beetique56.blogspot.com
Harry Wood       Oscar Crow       http://oscarcrow.blogspot.com/
Delyssa Maxwell       Past Time Fancies       https://pasttimefancies.wordpress.com/
Paula Gaskill       Lovely Layla Bugs       http://lovelylaylabugjewels.weebly.com/blog
Irene Hoffman       Heart's Dezire by Irene      https://heartsdezirebyirene.wordpress.com/

Alexandra Sefton       Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art        http://wilywolverine.blogspot.com/
Leslie Carver       Adorn Divine Designs       http://adorndivinedesigns.blogspot.com/






59 comments:

  1. Exquisite Pamela!!! You outdid yourself ,
    My favorite it's the necklace love all those elements ;) and say hi to Toby from me!!!

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    1. Thank you, Cynthia! I appreciate your kind words, and Toby sends kittykisses back! :)

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  2. the necklace is PERFECT for the theme!! It will sell quickly I'm sure if you list it! And the use of that heart as the fish--TOOOOO CLEVER!!! Hoppin' on........

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    1. Thanks, Karen! I have yet to decide if I'll sell the necklace, but Mr. Fish is staying with me. ;) Nice to be in the challenge with you!

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  3. Wow Pamela! Stunning pieces. Love how you turned that heart into a fish and I'm thinking Toby likes that fish also....well done.

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    1. Thank you, Linda! Toby does indeed like the fish, and he thinks it would make a great cat toy, LOL. Thanks for your nice comment!

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  4. All I can say is WOW! The necklace is fantastic and the fish brooch is so unique. Loved reading your post and am so impressed with what you have created! Ingrid

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    1. Thanks, Ingrid! I appreciate your nice words .... they were both fun to make! Nice to be in the challenge with you!

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  5. Gorgeous! So pretty. I love both pieces.

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    1. Thank you, Lori! Thanks for the lovely comment. ;)

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  6. Wow, wow, wow! So unique and lovely. I'd say you nailed it, Miss Pamela. Beautiful and I enjoyed reading your blog, too. Nicely done, very nice indeed!

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    1. Thanks, Susan, for stopping by, supporting the hop, and for such kind words on my pieces! ;)

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  7. I loved both your pieces and your fish is a keeper!

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    1. Thanks, Debbie! Yep, we're keeping the fishie! ;)

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  8. Love the graduated pearl drops in the first and bubble effect with fish. The change it up use of the heart was truly creative.

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    1. Thank you for stopping by, Linda, and for your kind comments! ;)

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  9. Omg, my friend that piece looks like a vintage piece all the way. You didn't do the flair you went all out! Very nice

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    1. Thanks so much, Paula! I love the vintage look, and even when I don't try, it seems to come out in my work. ;)

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  10. Pam, great job....we really do appreciate such similar things. I love love love it. And that photo of Toby in a tizz w pearls on his head is priceless, one of my favorites!

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    1. Thank you so much, Brenda Sue! We sure do have similar tastes in designs, but how can one not just love the vintage look! I appreciate your kind comments. Toby sends kitty kisses to you and Millie and the gang! <3

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  11. Wow Pamela, these pieces are so beautiful and creative. Love them both. Outstanding job.

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    1. Thank you, Irene! They sure were fun to make! ;)

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  12. That fish!! So cute! I love the pearls too but the fish is seriously unexpected. LOVE it!!

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    1. Thanks, Dana! I did the fish on a whim, and I'm sure glad I did ... I appreciate your comments! ;)

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    1. Thanks, Harry! It's been fun being in the challenge with you! ;)

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  14. Talk about changing it up! OMG! You are so creative, I would love to spend one day in your head! I know when I get stuck you wonderful art inspiring (people) I can't say ladies because we have Harry who is so inspiring with his pieces too. Anywhoo I loved your blog too! ;D

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    1. Thank you, Belinda! I appreciate your overly kind comments! ;) This group definitely is inspiring, and so much fun to be in ... thanks for stopping by!

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  15. So Cute...I just love Toby. Your necklaces and fish pin are gorgeous, just as all of your stuff always is.

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    1. Thank you, Shari! Toby sends kittyhuggs, and says he's keeping his fishie pin! ;)

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  16. Mr. Super Bling is so unusual--love the name! Did you make polymer bezels for those stones? Very creative. The 3 strands of pearls on the necklace piece totally set off and balance the off-set leafy assemblage--so beautiful! I'm surprised you didn't make 2 more pieces--LOL. :)

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    1. Thanks, Alexandra! The clay bezels on the fish brooch were a challenge unto themselves, but once I figured out a system, it was easier. It was that 3 strands of pearls that caused me more grief, LOL. ;)

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  17. Great Design Pamela .. that fish is so dang cute ..

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    1. Thank you, Jann .... I appreciate your kind comment! ;)

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  18. That is the coolest fish ever. Your "Haskell" piece is gorgeous. These are 2 fab pieces.

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    1. Thanks, Charlotte! They were both a fun and challenging experience to make, but glad I did! ;)

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  19. Your imagination and creativity are brilliant, Pamela! Your asymmetrical necklace made my heart go pitty-pat and the fish brooch is whimsy at its best ;-). Well done!

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    1. Thank you so much, Lori, for your nice comments ... I appreciate it! ;)

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  20. Brilliantly creative ways you have changed it up. Very well done!!

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    1. Thanks, Sue! This was a really fun challenge to do!

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  21. Uniquely designed and so very wonderful! Love both pieces, but the necklace made me Sigh....lovely, beautiful and perfectly executed. You are amazingly talented.

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    1. Thanks, Chi, for your sweet comments, and your continued support of all of us! ;)

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  22. That is a beautiful necklace! Very vintage, you hit this challenge spot on!

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  23. Pam, I love asymmetry and you really did a great job creating that gorgeous necklace. It took me a minute, but I finally saw the fish in the brooch. So creative!!

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    1. Thanks, Marcia! It was a fun challenge, wasn't it? I appreciate your nice comment! ;)

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  24. Wow, wow and WOW Pamela! I am in love with this necklace. It is downright fabulous. I'm sure Ms. Haskell would have proudly worn it herself! And the fish is super cute and creative as well. I really like how you made it a two-part pin so it has bubbles! VERY creative work, I love them both.

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    1. Thank you, Renee! I love vintage jewelry, especially the old Haskell style, and I've been fascinated by rhinestones since I was a kid, so these pieces just were a natural. Your kind words are appreciated, and good luck on the move!

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  25. Can you say STUNNNG?!? Fabulous asymmetrical necklace and the fish brooch is decidedly unique! Such awesome work! Well done, Pam!! ��������

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    1. Thank you, Catherine! I'm happy with how they turned out. Toby sends bigghuggs to Meep! ;)

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  26. Wow, Pamela! You and Toby really knocked it out of the park! I love, love, love both of your pieces. So imaginative! Brilliant, stunning, fabulous, awesome! You rock! 🐱

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    1. Thanks, Lynda! Toby and I appreciate your nice comments, and Toby sends kittykisses to Tessa! ;)

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  27. Pamela love both but my fav is Mr fishy. that is just so cute and very creative

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    1. Thanks, Cindy! It was a fun challenge, and I'm glad I got to be in it with you. ;)

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  28. Oh my gosh! That necklace is a young brides dream! It sure would have been my dream to wear such a beautiful piece!

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    1. Thank you, Kate! It would make a cool wedding statement piece, wouldn't it! ;)

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  29. This necklace is beautiful! So pretty and different. I love the fish! So cute!

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    1. Thanks, Erin! Happy to be in the challenge with you, and thank you for the comment! ;)

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  30. I absolutely love what you have created in the past. Looking forward to seeing what comes of "crystals and pearls."

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