more inspiration!

One of the other books I bought in my recent hunt for inspiration was French Inspired Jewelry by Kaari Meng.  Kaari is also the author of The French Inspired Home and owner of French General in California.  I had the opportunity to briefly meet Kaari at CHA in January and she seemed like such a nice person.

Many of you know that I'm not into making jewelry...at all.  In fact, I'm jump ring challenged...anything to do with jump rings-creating them, attaching them, soldering them...even touching them...sends me into frenzied frustration.   That doesn't mean that I'm not inspired by her ideas...or that I can't have some of the pieces made.  My daughter, Ashley, loves making jewelry...she says that it relaxes her...go figure.

So, after pouring over the book, I've figured out that there are several pieces I want.  Ashley is willing and I'm hunting for the parts and pieces I need to make it happen.  If any of you know a source for brass-ox plated disk chains, would you be willing to share?  I've found a source for bracelets and Ash can probably connect several of them to make a necklace, but if there are necklace chains already put together, that would be even better. 

I've placed my order with French General for several kits which contain vintage parts and pieces for two bracelets and one necklace...Ashley had made me a bracelet a while ago and I just love it, so I decided to order some different color ways...can't wait for them to be put together....I'll definitely post.

Take a peek at the book if you have a chance...even the way the pieces are displayed are inspirational...especially to a paper artist.  Kaari has included old labels, vintage flowers and leaves and all sorts of ribbons and notions in her display pages...definitely a feast for the eyes.

BTW, I had no clue there are so many online sources for beads...I had a happy time searching through the many sites last night!

Happy Monday!

Comments

[Jeanette]

One of these days I'd love to visit the French General store. I could probably spend hours there. I look forward to seeing what you create!!

[Ann Mabee]

Carol,
Did you find the book locally? If so, where? Thanks for the heads-up!
Ann

[Dana]

Carol you could try calling Another Bead Please in Tempe. They carry chain as well as beads. Good luck in your search. The cover of the book is just beautiful!

[Krista]

I love these! I have never made any jewelry before, but I couldnt resist picking up a kit while at CE. I found it at your local store called Melrose Vintage. They have loads of different colors! I cant wait to give it a try.

[Abby]

I just had to add the two books you recently featured on my Wish List! I just had to laugh at your comment that you're "jump ring challenged," since I am too (I can open them, I just can't close the darn things)!! But that hasn't stopped me from playing around with beads! Thanks for sharing all these wonderful, creative, inspiring things (and for enabling a obsession, er I mean hobby)!!

[Denise]

I visited French General a couple of weeks ago - it was wonderful. Actually, I felt a little overwhelmed with so many things to chose from. Kaari didn't have her jewelry book in stock at the store so I ordered it (from Amazon) once I got home. I am probably lucky she didn't have it in stock because I would have spent too much money. Please let me know if you find a source for the brass-ox plated disk chains.

And hey - I'm in Las Vegas so I understand about waiting and wishing for fall weather!

[teresa]

I just ordered that book and am waiting impatiently for it to arrive! I love to make jewelry-just don't have time. hoping it will motivate me to start again. :)