I Dig Old Stuff & Other Gilty Pleasures

Vintage Royal Haeger Brown Cornucopia Vase

2010-11-21T19:11:00.001-08:00

Vintage Royal Haeger Brown Cornucopia Vase
Originally uploaded by Mom Walds Place

This pretty and well composed photo is from Mom Wald's Place who is a Flickr friend. I love the deep brown glaze of the Royal Haeger vase as it contrasts against the pink peony blossom.

Just wanted to give you something beautiful to end your end with,
~HDRose

Claudette Orange Heart Necklace

2010-11-17T21:42:00.001-08:00

Claudette Orange Heart Necklace
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Still rolling on with the Orange Crush listing all of the remaining autumnal delights.

Here's a fabulous Claudette Lucite Heart in a great orange pumpkin color. There is a brass chain with a teardrop end. The hook is a replacement in a silvertone. The lucite hearts are linked together with goldtone metal links and is a very sturdy piece, each heart is plated on the back as well as connected by links.

This necklace measures 16 1/2" long not including the teardrop or the hook. Can be worn as a choker but most likely meant to be worn as pictured, in the princess length.

Fun!

~HDRose

Trifari Green Poinsettia Brooch

2010-11-16T19:07:00.001-08:00

Trifari Green Poinsettia Brooch
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Finally, some real Christmas 'gilt.'

Alfred Phillipe really outdid himself when he designed this beauty.

The red version of this is featured on the cover of Judith Miller's book, "Collecting Costume Jewelry" published in 2003.

It is truly a lovely piece. To see it in person....well, it's breathtaking!

Just had to share this wounderful find!

~HDRose

Pauline Rader Speckled and Striped Orange Cabochon Necklace

2010-11-16T17:52:00.001-08:00

068
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Attributed to Pauline Rader

2010-11-16T17:51:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Upcycled Gothic Styled Orange Thermoset Bracelet

2010-11-16T17:48:00.001-08:00

picnikfile_4QQe4t
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Another one of my foundlings that was looking for just the right stone to set off the veiny, glittered, extra-long orange thermoset cabs on this brass-tone bracelet.

Similar to the ring I upcycled with the same cab but I haven't antiqued the goldtone filigree. Wonderful sturdy book chain with links that have raised ornate detailing.

There were at one time some sort of square stone, three of them, but they'd been removed without replacing them. I opted for from volcano vitrail Swarovski lentil beads that have the fire of yellows, pinks, purples and blues to illuminate the matte finish of the bracelet and to support the deeper tone of the veining within the orange glitter cabs. The remaing oval shaped cabs, might be a milky glass but I am not sure.

What I do know is the end product pleased me and I hope that someone else may find it pleasing as well. Coming soon to Etsy!

~HDRose

Mottled Lucite Zebra Nav and Orange Cab Medallion Necklace

2010-11-15T23:07:00.001-08:00

Mottled Lucite Zebra Nav and Orange Cab Medallion Necklace
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Pulling out ALL of my fall jewelry and accessories. I love how the mottled and striped thermoset stones in blue and turquoise are randomly placed among florets with orange cabochons. A twisted rope floral frame in open goldtone metal work can serve as either a necklace pendant or a belt buckle.

The piece is unsigned but possibly attributed to Pauline Rader whose pieces are rare and hard to find as she produced jewelry for select boutiques and clientele from the early 1960s through sometime in the 1980s.

~HDRose

Autumn Bittersweet Filigree Ring

2010-11-15T19:56:00.001-08:00

Autumn Bittersweet Filigree Ring
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Last night just to unwind I fashioned a few rings made from single earrings and fall colored components. It was so good just to relax, create and breathe....

Fall is my favorite time of the year.....the crisp air, the smell of fallen leaves after a rain, spices and hot cocoa. The harbinger of winter......where one of the few dots of color in the landscape at that time is the bittersweet shrub with it's thorny foilage and bright orange 'berries.' This little number is inspired by the cheery orange color of the bittersweet.

~HDRose

Brilliant Modernist Pinwheel Brooch Gilty Gold

2010-11-14T23:54:00.001-08:00

Brilliant Modernist Pinwheel Brooch Gilty Gold
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

A hefty well made but unsigned specimen with bold strokes of creativity.
Gorgeous yet understated in it's simplicity.

Perfect on a winter coat or bag or on your shoulder or beltline with a sumptuous velvet dress. I photographed this one on a deep sable brown velvet clutch.

~HDRose

Green Rhinestone and Filigree Gilt Cuff Bracelet

2010-11-14T23:42:00.001-08:00

Green Rhinestone and Filigree Gilt Cuff Bracelet
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Had to show you this before retiring for the night. With Christmas around the corner I'd better get this listed, right? OOOOoooo so busy, and oooo so tired.

G'nite,
~HDRose

Every now and then.....

2010-11-14T23:34:00.001-08:00

Side view chain maille and cobalt brooch
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Every now and then I come across something that I know is vintage but is obviously handmade. Back in the late 1960s and 1970s a wave of interest in making ones own jewelry or jewelry for gifts occurred. There were kits that were sold, or sometimes just individual components with the buyer putting together their own kits.

Author and costume jewelry collector Julia Carrol refers to this phenomenon in her latest book and even provides pictures of actual pages from these popular catalogs.

I think that this brooch is one of those 'kits'. The blue stone is acrylic and the brooch setting is chain maille in brass-tone metal. The back of it is a glued on pin back. It is luminous and lovely and a perfect 'antique look.' Brooch measures 1" across x 1.75" top to bottom.

The unique metalwork is has a woven look much like the popular chain maille that is seen in the jewelry at Renaissance Fairs, cosplay and even some beautifully exotic costume jewelry.

~HDRose

My precious.......

2010-11-13T20:34:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

I love the early designs produced by the Pennino Brothers who were in business from the mid 1920s-1961. Over the years different designer/jewelers worked for and with the brothers. Ralph DeRosa and Panetta were among them.

I own a number of samples of Pennino work from the decades that they produced some of the very finest costume jewelry. These pieces were meant to mimic the real thing. Some of their design signatures were riveted pieces, use of sterling silver and vermeil. Heavy plating, top quality crystals, prong set stones with open backs.

I found this brooch in a most unlikely place....a thrift store. Some of the plating has worn away to reveal the sterling on ribbon tail. But there is still a beautiful rose gold color on much of the brooch. Outstanding faceted topaz colored open backed crystals are studded with poured glass red cabochon and clear prong set chaton for the stamens of the marigold. At least it looks like a marigold spray to me.

It is signed on the back Pennino sterling. It's one of my most prized pieces. This brooch is quite large measuring in at over 4" long and weight is about 48 gms.

Be well this weekend.

~HDRose

The Bronze with Silver Eyes

2010-11-09T20:15:00.001-08:00

The Bronze with Silver Eyes
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

So, I met him in this quiet corner of the museum. Solidly built and with a full head of curly hair; I was immediately attracted to his profile. As I drew near he took my breath away with his piercing gaze. I was completely undone by this bronze Adonis with the silver eyes....

Seriously, if you're ever in LA you gotta visit the Getty. The Getty Museum has a fabulous exhibition of marble statues and bronzes.

This guy seriously indulged my 'gilty' pleasure with his perfectly bronzed form and his silver, yes, silver eyes. Quite remarkable, don't you think?

~HDRose

Vintage Swarovski Crystal and Multicolor Rhinestoned Brass Christmas Tree Pin

2010-11-07T18:37:00.001-08:00

O Christmas Tree Vintage AB Crystal w Multicolor Rhinestone Tips Antique Brass Pin/Brooch
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Multicolored prong set rhinestone headpins are woven through shiny brass and threaded through Swarovski AB crystal rhinestones representing a snowy sillouette colored lights or ornaments of pink, blue, red, yellow and green.

The back of the pin is antiqued brass with a safety clasp pin back and is attached to the shiny brass backdrop for the crystals.

Unsigned. Help me to identify and receive an early Christmas gift!

~HDRose

Aquamarine Glass Goldtone Nouveau Styled Necklace

2010-11-07T17:02:00.001-08:00

Aquamarine Glass Goldtone Nouveau Styled Necklace
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

I'm struck by the delicate beauty of this necklace. The nouveau styling utilizing the floral and leaf motif along with open metal work. Deep aquamarine colored rhinestones and clear chatons are part of a layered spray.

Layered pieces of course add dimension and interest. The blue catches eye but the lusterous gold plating in swags, flourishes and cage work fascinates.

I recently acquired this lightweight lovely. I think it would beautiful with a boat neck cashmere sweater that has a winter white faux fur collar and classic gold studs or matching rhinestone studs.

Coming soon to Etsy!

~HDRose

Copper Glitter Bracelet ala 1950s

2010-11-04T12:24:00.001-07:00

Full view Copper Bracelet
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

I love the warm rich colors of Fall. This fun, geometric lucite cab and copper book chain bracelet was likely made in the 1950s and would look fabulous with another piece in my shop a necklace with matching stones and filigree but in a round shape.

This measures 6.5" x 1 3/8" wide and is offered in my Etsy shop with Free Shipping.

I think it would look great at your next Rockabilly event where it'll sparkle underneath the lights during a nice slow dance.

~HDRose

Prolific Coro

2010-10-26T17:00:00.001-07:00

Older Coro Mint Green Lucite Rhinestone and Gold Enamel Brooch
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

The Coro Company was arguably the most prolific producer of costume jewelry in the U.S.

They had their finger on the pulse of the American woman throughout the decades and seemingly had something for everyone in nearly every style.

Many fabulous examples still exist today to satisfy the collectors appetite.

Here is an example of an unusual design of AB coated mint green textured leaflets forming a beautiful blossom or weath.

There is a woven detail of matte gold enamel intertwined perhaps to depict ivy vines. Prong set mint green rhinestone dot the center and edges and tinier ones appear near the 'vines' in the center.

I just love this pretty piece, and wanted you to see it.

~HDRose

Cuff Links for a Gilty Man

2010-10-24T15:43:00.001-07:00

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Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

So atomic, so rockabilly. These lucite cufflinks in pale pink streaked with copper shimmer aren't for the faint of heart. Amoeba shaped stones and amoeba shaped prongs, these have a unique offset mechanism that allow for the cuff to drape from the wrist or to fit more snugly against it.

Great for the rockabilly guitarist. Quality made by SWANK.

~HDRose

The Jeweled and Enameled Moth

2010-10-23T20:35:00.001-07:00

035
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

I found this while shopping at Goodwill. It's unusual but so well made.

Layers of art nouveau style brass stampings with a lovely patina make up the base of the brooch/pendant.

A large fire opal colored glass cabochon sit atop one green and one gold enameled heart shaped leaves.

These rest upon the back of a figural moth. It measures 2" x 1.5" and has a beautiful patina.

There is a brass and goldtone pin-back with an attached bail as a pendant option.

If you are interested in more pictures you can find them and this item at:

http://www.rubyplaza.com/item/670147-A-135/Art-Nouveau-Style-Opal-Glass

All the best,
HDRose

The Jeweled and Enameled Moth

2010-10-23T20:34:00.001-07:00

035
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

3 Piece Vanity Set w Glass Inserts

2010-10-14T11:04:00.001-07:00

3 Piece Vanity Set w Glass Inserts
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

I have so many of these brass, gold and rhodium plated pieces of vanity decor.

This set is less than perfect with finish issues, not deterioration but rather someone's failed attempt at cleaning them.

What I am thinking of doing with these is consulting with B'Sue Boutiques who specializes in all sort of wonderful brass findings and finishes and see what she recommends.

I was thinking of a "Gothic Boudoir" set with a jet finish of some sort.

When I decide, I'll repost and show you the before and after pictures.

If you have an opinion on these, I'd like to hear your comments!

Best Thursday,
HDRose

the camera loves me....and I love the camera

2010-10-10T17:36:00.001-07:00

the camera loves me....and I love the camera
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

A picture of the lovely and winsome Daphne. We rescued Daphne from the pound last Christmas Eve. She was in a pen with 2 kittens. We first viewed her on the 17th of December. When we went back on the 24th, the kits had been adopted.

Daphne stared at my husband with 'love eyes' as he likes to call them. We signed up to adopt with the promise bringing her back to be spayed. No problem!

However, when we got home we discovered a few things on her free vet visit. 1- She had kennel cough and it was recommended that put off her spay by 3 weeks. 2- She had no claws! (this is barbaric! it's like taking a persons fingers off and then expecting them to point and click or type.) 3- She had issues.....lots of them. She was angry, mistrustful, had to be in control of us and her environs.

Daphne was the first cat I ever adopted )and I've lived long enough to that I've lost count of how many) that I had a hard time loving. She didn't want to be touched or loved, she wasn't a cuddle bunny. Over time I realized a few things that caused me to gain compassion. patience and finally respect and love for this precious girl.

To add to all of this during the 3 weeks she was recovering from the cold, her belly started to grow. My first thought was 'worms'.......so I dewormed her because she seemed ravenous as well. It wasn't long before I realized that this poor cat who had just given birth not two months earlier, had gotten 'knocked up' in the shelter. What to do, what to do.

So much had already been taken from her.....her claws, her offspring, her freedom. She was still shell-shocked from all of it. So, we let her relax and carry her kits to term. The three of us grew close during this period. We let Daph sleep with us. She liked it so well that she wanted to give birth in our bed..

We made her a palette in a private place in my husband's study; around dawn on Feb. 16, 2010 she gave birth to her kits. Being an empty nester with health challenges I'd forgotten how much attention and stimulation young kittens need. They were so much fun! and they took away the sting of losing our beautiful Maine Coon mix, "Fancy" to kidney disease.

After she weaned the kits we found homes for all but the all white one we named "Nyla." Both are prima donnas and compete for love and property. But, Nyla has brought out the kitten in Daphne and has gradually brought her to a point of joy and fun, despite no claws...she now climbs the cat tree and the borders of all the upholstered furniture.

The sounds of happy "galloping" up and down the long hallway and meowing with a mouthful of toys looking for someone to play with are heard on a daily basis.

I'm not a bit sorry, the time and exercise in patience, finding good homes for the kits.....little by little, day after day, love and trust grow and this lovely cat who was so damaged when she came to us is opening up to life like a beautiful rose.

It's rare that I share much on a personal level here. It's more about my hobby of collecting. But in looking over my Flickr acct. today I decided that I'd share my story with all of you.

If you have the TIME and are so inclined, animals with issues can often be rehabilitated and become loyal and loving companions. BTW, if you're wondering.....Daphne and Nyla are named for the two characters on the sitcom "Frasier" namely, "Daphne and Nyles" who in the final season of the sitcom finally admit their love for one another and marry despite her dysfunctional family background and his overinflated ego and exaggerated neuroses.

Your comments are welcome!
HDRose

Flapper Design

2010-10-10T12:41:00.001-07:00

Flapper Design
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Here's my new design!

Thought I'd share and ask for your feedback.

Have a wonderful weekend!
HDR

Swank Basketweave Tie Clip Mad Men Era

2010-07-20T21:40:00.001-07:00

Swank Basketweave Tie Clip Mad Men Era
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Swank.

The name is synonymous with stylish men's jewelry and accessories. There are so many enduring pieces of vintage Swank men's jewelry that one can find either online or at your local flea market, swap meet or thrift store. Everything including tie clips, cufflinks, shirt clips, collar tips and more are still floating around in the haunts where collectophiles both hawk their wares and pursue worthy treasure.

There's probably a bit about about this prolific company that you didn't know; I'll be including some of that information later in the blog.

Being a lover of history (I think most collectors are) I am always fascinated by company names and try to familiarize myself with the company's history, how/why a certain name was chosen. What idea was the company trying to convey to the public by using a particular name?

Well....SWANK has always fascinated me. According to dictionary online the following entry reveals the layers of meaning within the word.

Swank:

1. Imposingly fashionable or elegant; grand.
2. Ostentatious; pretentious.
Smartness in style or bearing; elegance.
3. Swagger

Back in 1897 I don't think anyone was 'swaggering' around ala Mary J. Blige mind you, but....I think, the fashion conscious divas and divos of the day had a certain "bearing" and comported themselves in a way that I suppose, could have been interpreted as pretentious; I like to think of them walking in a way that elevated style to an art form by the wearing just the right 'swanky' accessories.

Have a great week,
HDRose

Clothes make the man it's oft been said and for over 100 years Swank has been placing polish, shine and finishing touch on our American men.

The following information on this company is taken directly from Carly Wickell's, About.com Guide

Swank, Inc. Origins:
Swank was founded in Attleboro, Massachusetts in 1897. Originally called the Attleboro Manufacturing Company, it manufactured and distributed men's and women's costume jewelry.

During World War I the company made dog tags for the US military. After the war ended, it changed focus to produce only men's jewelry and accessories.

Swank is still in business today and manufactures specialized lines for Kenneth Cole, Anne Klein and many other modern day fashion houses.

This basketweave tie clasp is a well made and highly detailed example of Swank workmanship with what appears to be either rhodium or a stainless steel finish (although not marked as such.) It's a timeless piece with personality and it's available in my Etsy shop.

All vintage Swank pieces have a substantial and sturdy feel to them and were prodcued with high quality materials that have withstood the test of time.

Christmas in July

2010-07-17T10:06:00.000-07:00

It's been "Hot, Hot, Hot!" up here in the High Desert of Southern California. Yet our summer here has been nothing short of mild compared to the rest of the country which has dealt with humidity on top of recording breaking temperatures. Makes a girl swoon, unless she loosens the string on her corset and breaks out an ice cold lemonade and her feather fan.

Speaking of cold....think winter...welllll, maybe not. How about just Christmas then? Maybe that's a challenge too, with our economy being so tough right now. It's hit all of us hard. I've got an adult child that just moved back home due to job loss so I understand what it is to hunker down and pinch pennies.

Good news though, for those of you wishing to not only get a head start on the holiday cheer...c'mon now.....not drudge.....CHEER! There's always someone who needs that cheer and probably has it worse than you or I do.   So my good news is this: It's Etsy's annual Christmas in July sale and it is going on site wide until July 25th!

Never heard of Etsy, neither had I until about 3 years ago. It's a great site that has many vendor/artists, vintage sellers and craft suppliers offering their wears and services. Link to Etsy HERE:    Once there type in Christmas in July in the search bar and all shop listings participating in the sale will come up. You can search Handmade, Vintage, Supplies or All. You can also just type the initial CIJ and get the same results. Discounted items are to be found aplenty here and other incentives such as free shipping should help you out as well.

Another tidbit that I'd like to tell you about if you are passionate about vintage is a place on the Ning network called The Vintage Village . Do you sell vintage or antiques of any kind? We are a clearinghouse, educational and promotional site for you. Basic membership if FREE(such a deal!!) and allows you to have your own page where you can post links to your shop, a bio, widgets and much more. We are a vibrant and exciting community that loves to share knowledge and have fun around our passion. Check us out, we are 1200 strong and growing.

Do you love collecting costume jewelry like I do? Among my favorites are the pieces designed and produced by the Pennino Bros. They were made to look like the real thing. The craftsmenship is so inspiring! Remember, costume jewelry was considered throwaway jewelry so it is amazing that there are many examples still around today to tickle our fashion sense. Many of the early costume jewelry outfits employed immigrants from all over Europe. While working within their home countries many of these skill artisans designed and produced FINE jewelry. So, it's no small wonder that those skills permeated the craftmanship and artistic merit of these pieces that have withstood the test and environs of time.

A great resource for love of costume jewelry aside from the many book available from Krause and other publication houses is the Costume Jewelry Collectors International, or CJCI. Pamela Wiggins and Melinda Laird have teamed up with their staff to produce a quarterly magazine for their members. The mag itself is a collector's item. Each month has a feature story usually highlighting a company or artist great from the world of costume jewelry past. Posted in the back is a list of members and their contact info. Advertising is being accepted and is reasonably priced; as little as 25.00 USD.  The magazine is beautiful with lots of photos, each page is glossy from cover to cover a truly professional effort by these two fabulous and kind ladies. Vist them on FACEBOOK: just type in CJCI in the FB searchbar. There is where you will obtain further information on becoming a member and will then have access to the forums posted within their own NING network.

Well, I am about to venture out into the heat and check on tomatoes and squash. Hope that you've found today's post helpful and that you'll stop by to visit me either on Etsy or ArtFire.

wishing you joy and contentment in what you already have,
HDRose

Vintage High School Swimming Pin Tie Tac

2010-04-01T11:17:00.001-07:00

Vintage High School Swimming Pin Tie Tac
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Another fun pin to gift a swimming guy with or to add to a kitschy swim memorabilia collection. I'll be listing a few more of this type of high school team Letternan's jacket pins or tie tacks this week on Etsy and on ArtFire.

Check us out at www.highdesertrose.etsy.com and

www.artfire.com/hdrosevintage

Happy Thursday,
HDRose

Vintage High School Baseball Pin Tie Tac

2010-04-01T09:56:00.001-07:00

Vintage High School Baseball Pin Tie Tac
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

"Put me in coach.....I'm ready to play, today!" I love the song penned and sung by John Fogerty of Creedance Clearwater Revival fame. I found myself humming this while listing this great vintage high school pin, circa 1960s.

Irises are blooming in my yard and so are some cactus. The Antelope Valley poppy fields are blooming in waves this year along with pygmy lupines and owls clover.

Spring is here, even though Easterners are having to wear their waders to get across town and it snowed yesterday in the foothills around me.

Spring means baseball! Here's a nice little treat for the baseball aficionado in your life.

Cheers!
HDRose

The Great to Good Manifesto

2010-03-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

The Great to Good Manifesto

I recently started reading the daily alerts from the Harvard Business review and have come across a blogger whose ideas are fresh and posits are cogent and succinctly laid out. Accessible. Just passing this along for those of you who might be interested in what the 21st century economy is all about.

Have a great weekend,
HDRose

Attention all Etsy Shop Owners

2010-03-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of "Top Etsy Shops" ? Well they're on Facebook and they have a great blog as well.

Their purpose is to bring shop owners together to promote each other. Each month 5 shops are chosen from a random drawing of those shops who messaged all of their FB friends, Tweeted about the site to all of their followers, or added a link to their site on their blog.

Just click on the title of this blog post and you'll be taken right there.

Who knows, maybe you'll be the one of the Top Etsy Shops for April.

'til soon,
HDRose

Have you checked our my new ArtFire Kiosk on Facebook?

2010-03-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

By now you've probably heard that ArtFire has made having a kiosk on Facebook possible. Here is mine. Did you know that you can make purchases from the kiosk directly and don't even have to go into the ArtFire site. It is a safe, secure way to make ArtFire purchases.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=app_119723804515&id=1798763623

Here are the links to my Etsy mini on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=app_169505045786&id=1798763623

Etsy :: Your Etsy Mini

2010-03-10T13:42:00.000-08:00

Etsy :: Your Etsy Mini

Check out all of the new green items and new for Spring listings in my Etsy shop.

There's also a fab area of green in my ArtFire Store HDRose Vintage.

I love the avocado earrings and the pacific green spatterbead demi parure.

Have a Happy St. Pat's Day and wear some green so ye don't get" pinched."

Kindly,
HDRose

Pennino Lilly Pad Brooch

2010-03-04T19:39:00.001-08:00

Pennino Lilly Pad Brooch
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

More gilt to add to my gilty conscience.....

The workmanship on this rare Pennino Brothers Lily Pad Brooch is superb. Just had to share!

~HDRose

COBALT BLUE LAMPWORK EARRINGS BY HIGHDESERTROSE

2010-03-04T13:18:00.001-08:00

COBALT BLUE LAMPWORK EARRINGS BY HIGHDESERTROSE
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Shimmery copper gilt surrounds the cobalt lampwork beads. I've used all red antiqued copper findings, french earwires and a sweet rosebud dangle. These measure 2 1/2" long and you can find them here.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41999335

I've made a number of these lampwork sets in different colors such as green and aquamarine. I'm offering these at a great price along with my regular vintage inventory that is currently being offering at as much as 50% off.

Stop by and be sure to leave your comments regarding the shop!

Warmly,
HDRose

Vintage Molded Plastic Shamrock Pin

2010-03-01T15:41:00.001-08:00

Vintage Molded Plastic Shamrock Pin
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

So, this week at least in So California's high desert region; March came in like a lamb. Temps in the 60's during the day and at night down in the 30s. Trees are starting to bud, hyacinth and daffodils along with crocuses are heralding an early Spring. But, I know better..... Having lived here for the past 22 years Winter can breath it's last as late as the first week in May. Thankfully, we are ahead of our needed rainfall totals and we aren't even talking April showers yet.

During the rainy days I photographed and am now listing in my Etsy shop a wonderful variety of vintage jewelry in green as well as some items I have made. So please stop by and if ye be needin' some green so ye don't get pinched on St. Paddy's Day, pick something up at HighDesertRose on Etsy.

Thanks for stopping by,
HDRose

Gothic Lolita Loligoth Neo Vic Glass Earrings

2010-02-24T08:19:00.001-08:00

Gothic Lolita Loligoth Neo Vic Glass Earrings
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Adding new things....FINALLY to my shops on Etsy and ArtFire.
Here's a beautiful example of lux and long loligoth, steamy earrings...just in time to wear to celebrate the wearin' o' the green.

This and more contemporary stylings in green as well as green jewelry of vintage origins visit my Etsy store at http://www.etsy.com

Top o" the mornin' to ya,
HDRose

Changes for the New Year

2010-02-07T11:27:00.001-08:00

If you clicked on the title you've seen that with the New Year some changes have occurred. We've opened a sister shop on ArtFire. Oh we're still on Etsy offering vintage finery but we're spreading our wings this year. Taking some chances and gathering up our enthusiasm to bring you more great vintage finds at great prices.

Another thing that you might have noticed if you've visited the Etsy shop of late is that we have a sister shop on Etsy as well PastLifePatterns. As the name implies there will be many great vintage patterns offered; some in hard to find half sizes, plus sizes as well as some great patterns for you to use for the guy in your life. Also, look for quality silk embroidery flosses, vintage linens, needlework kits and supplies to be added in the weeks and months ahead.

Mention this blog by name when you make a purchase at any of my shops and receive a free pair of pierced earrings. This premium is in addition to your 25% discount at HighDesertRose A Vintage Shop as well as 25% off at PastLifePatterns and HDRose Vintage on ArtFire.

The discount in the pattern shop is only available to blog readers. You won't see it in the shop announcement. However, if you purchase from any of these shops just mention "I Dig Old Stuff and Other Gilty Pleasures" in your message to the seller on Etsy at Check-Out and message me on ArtFire so I can discount your purchase prior to check-out.

Thanks so much for all of your support in the past years. We hope that we have earned your trust and that you will make visits to our shops a regular part of your vintage shopping experience.

Kindly,
HDRose and Co.

Flickr Photo Download: 28 Years Together

2009-11-16T13:51:00.000-08:00

Flickr Photo Download: 28 Years Together

You may have wondered about the face behind the name. This is me, Karen and my husband of 28 years Malcolm. We could've put a "when we were young and beautiful' photo up for you as I've often seen done by others; but that's just not who we are anymore either in looks or outlook.

This was taken this past September at the Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino, Ca.

Always behind any endeavor or online appearance are real people with real lives....triumphs, troubles and everything in between. So here you have it the faces behind HighDesertRose on Etsy. We are always available to serve you and to answer your questions regarding vintage jewelry, collectibles, patterns and notions.

Our customers are at the heart of our mission of courteous service. We hope that you'll stop by and visit us on Etsy. We're located at http://www.highdesertrose.etsy.com. You can start a conversation with us and you will receive an answer promptly. If you are looking for something in particular and think we might be able to help....we have tons of inventory not yet listed.

In this challenging economy we want to help and work with our customers to achieve their holiday wish list goals by offering layaway. Just contact us on Etsy and we can work with you to tailor a plan that will work with your budget. We even take thoughtful and courteous offers into consideration.

So, don't be shy....see....we're smiling! and we want to put a smile on your face this holiday season. So stop by and see us. Our service is second to none and our 100% feedback speaks for itself.

Have a wonderful week.......
~ HDRose

Call Me Spectacular

2009-10-09T16:59:00.001-07:00

Gunmetal and Rhinestone Bow Pin
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

I've been working on my photos and this one pleases me so much!
Here's a beautiful granulated gunmetal silver toned bow brooch with rhinestones on every ruffle.

I photographed this under and Ott light and on top of a deep chocolate brown nearly black matte satin fabric. I'm getting used to my Fuji with all of it's bells whistles and settings and learning to relax and have fun.

Hope everyone has a great weekend on tap.....

~HDRose

Orange Lucite Glass and Rhinestone Boutique Belt

2009-10-07T15:52:00.001-07:00

Orange Lucite Glass and Rhinestone Boutique Belt
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Hey all,

Looking for some help to ID this piece. Visit my set called "Gilt Ridden Fashion" for more pics of this piece if you're curious or feel magnanimous and have time to opine about it.

Here's to chilly nites, fireplaces and hot cocoa,
~ HDRose

Vintage Italian Cobalt Art Glass Earrings

2009-10-01T19:54:00.001-07:00

Vintage Italian Cobalt Art Glass Earrings
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Too lovely not to share. Another Italian treasure.

Deep Plum Rhinestone and Turquoise Seed Beaded Brooch

2009-10-01T19:15:00.001-07:00

Deep Plum and Turquoise Brooch
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

This is also a pendant! I love this color combination where the seed beads seem to make the deep purple rhinestones pop on this gorgeous Italian style brooch. The back is antiqued brass. It is unmarked circa 1950s. Purple is traditionally the color of royalty. For me it is my "other" red. Purple passion! In all of it's shades and hues from icy to deep and smoldering purple reigns supreme and in my eyes is sheer color perfection.

HDRose

Loligoth Antique Black and Silver Beaded Purse

2009-09-28T17:07:00.001-07:00

Loligoth Antique Black and Silver Beaded Purse
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Halloween is just around the bend!

Presented here is an antique Art Noveau period handbag with an embossed silver frame, nice tight clasp mechanism, no tears, just in need of some touch up where beads have fallen away.

Available at my Etsy shop for a great price for someone passionate about restoring this beauty for a great SteamPunk emsemble or to add to their personal collection.

Enjoy,
HDRose

Goldette Amber Glass and Gold Intaglio w Topaz Colored Austrian Crystals

2009-09-25T08:52:00.001-07:00

Goldette Amber Glass and Gold Intaglio w Topaz Colored Austrian Crystals
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

More of the ambers, topazes and golds that bespeak Autumnal warmth and here, elegance.

Goldette is one of my favorite costume jewelery companies. Today I feature an Intaglio of deep topaz or amber colored glass. The design is etched into the glass and features Cupid or Eros and the Goddess Diana.

Goldette designs usually have a trademark roped bow clasp on their heavier more substantial designs. This one donning a regular safety clasp is more delicate and the chain with austrian crystal stations fairly glimmers in the slightest light. Such delicacy of design is to be lauded and appreciated.

This design was a popular one for Goldette and was made in a number of different colors. I feature this one today in honor of the Equinox and the snuggly warm love of Autumn.

HDRose

Endless Possibilites: Vintage "Fat Tuesday" Bejeweled Button Covers

2009-09-24T16:21:00.001-07:00

Vintage "Fat Tuesday" Bejeweled Button Covers
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

The warm glow of antiqued brass and the combination of the colored faux jewels seated in their ornate backdrop makes me think.....rings, pendants, bracelets......even crown jewels on a Halloween princesses crown.

Color is a gift that calms us, restore us and renews us.

Happy Thursday,
HDRose

Mexican Silver Diamond Cut Demi Parure

2009-09-13T16:03:00.001-07:00

Mexican Silver Diamond Cut Demi Parure
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Hi everyone! I didn't get the picture I promised posted but will save that comparison for another time. I had a dental emergency this week and let's just say 'OUCH' and move on to things more pleasant and more immediately at hand.

Anyone care to play detective today? This beautiful finely made demi parure is a puzzlement to me. Is is Mexican Nielloware? I thought that Niello ware was only produced in Thailand.

However, the shiny diamond cut areas have a glassy sheen. These are truly superb in quality....but before I list them, I have to know what they are called.

Holmes? Watson? Anyone?

HDRose

Topaz Rhinestone Blossom Multi Stationed Double Chain Fashion Belt

2009-09-09T11:45:00.001-07:00

Topaz Rhinestone Blossom Multi Stationed Double Chain Fashion Belt
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Looking for feedback regarding this great piece that appears here as a belt. Back in the 1950s some of these fashion belts also served as necklaces for the very bold to wear.

Later I'll post the pic where I have the dress form draped with it as a necklace.

Vote for your fav!

Have a great day.

HDRose

ORANGE CAB BROOCH

2009-09-08T08:19:00.001-07:00

ORANGE CAB BROOCH
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Here's an unfinished melody.....Antiqued Gold double layered brooch looks veddy interesting without any further embellishment. However, if so inclined one could add shiny black beads or gems or a smidge of turquoise, violet of deep plum to ramp it up.

What do you think?

Here's to a very good week!
HDRose

Edwardian Hanging pendant brooch with Tassle Cut Steel

2009-09-07T16:12:00.001-07:00

Edwardian Hanging pendant brooch with Tassle Cut Steel
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

This weekend and continuing into the rest of the month of September, I am offering free shipping on over 1/2 of the items in my shop! I'm celebrating my birthday by offering deep discounts on many sought after treasures while adding new items to the shop daily.

My recent photography frenzy resulted in 200 new photo views of items never before listed in either my ArtFire or Etsy Shops. I'm very excited about all this (wipes sweat from brow) as new listing prices will make the bargain hunter swoon and then make haste to peruse the goodies that are sure to please her or her gift recipients.

Mention the name of this blog when making a purchase and receive 15% off your purchase price of anything either shop, I

On ArtFire type in HDRoseVintage to be taken to the shop.

To be taken directly to Etsy...click on the avatar above left side of the page.

Thanks for stopping by.....
HDRose

Mad Men Inspired Women's Winter Coat Display

2009-09-03T11:32:00.001-07:00

Hi again,

Before you take off for a fab 4 day weekend and say good-bye to Summer 2009, I wanted you to take a peek at what I am offering in my

Etsy and ArtFire Shops.

Sumptous MacKintosh Houndstooth Trimmed Black Swing Coat

Fox fur and cashmere designer coat by Elysee' by Prince

Lovely black wool swing trapeze coat with large black galalith buttons

a la Jackie O.

Everyone have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend.

HDRose

Rare Goldette Triple Cameo Bracelet w Multiple Sliders circa 1950s

2009-09-01T00:44:00.001-07:00

Rare Goldette Triple Cameo Bracelet w Multiple Sliders circa 1950s
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Finally going to part with the rare Goldette piece. It's 8" long and weights 1/4 of a lb. Contains shell cameos, 20 uniquely individual slider charms all wrapped in sculptured antiqued gold. Best of all, it's on layaway.

Contact me at the shop by clicking on my avatar, above left for the terms.

A truly rare find. Very great statement piece or gift to gild the lilly,

HDRose

Bali Silver and Red Wine Czech Glass Earrings

2009-08-26T19:22:00.001-07:00

Bali Silver and Red Wine Czech Glass Earrings
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Taking a break from prepping the trapeze coats and learning about the new ArtFire Kiosk on Facebook and finally getting it right and trying out the app as of today YAY! and wanted to showcase something that I made myself. These are super pretty, casual elegance in maroon red.

Using foil lined Czech components and Bali silver findings I created this 2 1/4" drop earrings. They can move from casual to dressy and look good with any skin tone. Lightweight and lovely.

Check them out on my FB fan page and while you are there, become a fan and receive regular updates and discounts not available directly in my shops.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Desert-Rose-A-Vintage-Shoppe-on-ETSY-by-HighDesertRose/137683344912?ref=ts

Have a great rest of the week,
HDRose

Orange Lucite Cab Bezel Set Ring

2009-08-25T11:39:00.001-07:00

Orange Lucite Cab Bezel Set Ring
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

orange in the pipeline this week. cute friendship ring from the sixties embellished with an orange lucite cabochon. Lots of veiny marbly detail in the glued in stone. free shipping on this one.
Click on my avatar to be taken to the shop.
Yesterdays post already sold!

Thinking about Labor Day cookout......and putting up the decs for Autumn.

Warmly,
HDRose

Thermoset Lucite Pear Navette and Pearl Theatre Length Crown Pendant Necklace

2009-08-24T11:57:00.001-07:00

Thermoset Lucite Pear Navette and Pearl Theatre Length Crown Pendant Necklace
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Each day another interesting piece.

This theater length rolo chain with textured links is 24" long.
From the attached bail hanging regally is this bright orange and pearl crown medallion pendant.

The pear navettes are orange lucite. There are faux pearls and seeds pearls adorning the front of the crown and it's perimeter.

Circa 50s-70's. In the pipeline for listing later today.

Even our desert weather is cooling and my languishing plants are a bit more perky. Maybe if I keep listing fall fashion the cooler temps will prevail!

I can wish can't I?
HDRose

Orange Lucite, Rhinestone & Seed Pearl Ring

2009-08-23T20:12:00.001-07:00

Orange Lucite, Rhinestone & Seed Pearl Ring
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Just wanted to give you a taste of things to come as far as Fall additions to the shop are concerned.

Even though it's a month away, it's time to start thinking of cool weather, falling leaves, soothing tea and the colors of Autumn.

This little darling is adjustable, ornate and fun all at once.

More on the way,
HDRose

End of Day Orange French Bakelite Bangle

2009-08-22T12:09:00.001-07:00

Vintage Orange Lucite Bangle
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

I knew when I saw this bracelet it was something special when it attracted my orange and copper seeking eye.

Was it Bakelite? No, it failed the 409 test. But it's weight and density told me to research a bit further.

It's French Bakelite or Galalith....made from Casein a milk protein. First utilized in the late 1800's for production of jewelry and then gradually replaced by Bakelite early 1900's - 1930's primarily, and then other later plastics such as lucite and acrylics..

It's unique swirling pattern makes it special and a rare. It's called an "End of Day" bracelet (according to collectors) owing to the fact that during the war nothing went to waste. At the end of a production line, if product was left, colors were mixed together so that more pieces could be made.

This pretty thing has hints of maroon, purple, white, shades of black/grey gloriously swirled amongst the primary orange and yellow colors. Fits a medium wrist perfectly, a small wrist generously and a larger wrist snugly.

Just in time for Fall. It will look smashing with that fabulous plum color that looks wonderful on everyone!

Enjoy this and the many fab mid-century orange pieces I am working on and getting ready to list.

Also in the pipeline 3 FAB winter coats. One, a houndstooth b/w collar and cuffed trapeze coat. Another, a cashmere camel colored coat with a creamy long haired fur collar. Finally, a stunning solid black 2 button cape/coat all very Hepburnesque and Mad Mennish wonderful in style and drape.

Best Regards!
HDRose

Vintage Yellow Plaid Bow Tie in the style of Burberry

2009-08-21T21:02:00.001-07:00

Vintage Yellow Plaid Bow Tie in the style of Burberry
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Selling many great items for men and to men this week. After a bit of a dearth it's fun to see these items flying off of the shelves to their new homes.

I just listed this great practically new yet totally vintage Ormond NYC Bow Tie.

Just click on the avatar to be taken directly to the shop where you'll find other great bowties, a rockabilly suit and a sweet ARTEL all weather fedora.

Have a great weekend everybody,
HDRose

Artrageousclay

2009-08-12T20:29:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I'd like to introduce another fantastic artist and her shop to you. As you can see from the photos there's a lot of labor, thought, intricacy and love that go into these truly one of a kind pieces from this SELF TAUGHT artist! Her name is Regina and the name of her wonderful Etsy shop is Artrageousclay.

Let me start by saying that Regina is another artist descended from artists. She spent her childhood traveling to art shows with her parents who themselves made jewelry. She employs the use of semi precious stones, freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystal adding these beautiful components to her own made by hand clay beads.

These beads, are large figural or focal pieces featuring faces, which Regina sees in her minds eye, and then begins the process of making a single piece by taking a 25 lb. block of clay.....yes, 25 lbs. to bring life to her idea.

The clay is a combination of porcelain and high fiber clay which enables her to bring expression to these wonderful. full of texture and whimsical pieces.

If you'd like to see more of Regina's work you can click on the post title above or visit her blog.

To find out more about this unique process and Regina herself, please be sure to read her short profile within her Etsy shop.

I hope that you are enjoying this break from the regular posts about vintage and will feel free to leave your comments and experiences here if you've visited any featured artists shop.

Have a beautiful rest of the week,
HDRose

IslaPink layers of many colors

2009-08-11T21:57:00.000-07:00

Another newbie shop on Etsy that's caught my eye is IslaPink. Young and fresh are the adjectives that comes to mind when describing the vibe I get when visiting her shop.

Jewelry is often a category that is saturated on Etsy so it's a challenge to stand out from the pack but IslaPink does this very well with clear photographs that showcase quality workmanship. The colors are so VIVID and alive, these pieces when worn have GOT to make the wearer feel uplifted, special and certainly noticed.

IslaPink is a young artist from Virginia who takes great pride in using beautiful, quality components in clean, contemporary designs. Using Swarovski crystal, pearls and Czech faceted beads. This artist will also take custom orders using the Alchemy feature on Etsy.

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever." the author of this quote is unknown to me but the words could easily be the theme for this great shop.

Please stop by IslaPink and have your spirit renewed just by browsing through her items. She may have the treasure you've looking for for yourself or someone you love who deserves something really special and different.

Here are a few lovelies you'll come across when you visit.

Carpe Diem,
HDRose

So Many Memories

2009-08-11T13:41:00.000-07:00

Couldn't stay away for the entire month! During my "rest" period, I window and treasure hunted online and joined in the Etsy forum discussions where I met a fresh crop of new Etsy artisans and vendors.

We were evaluating one another's avatars as to attractiveness and 'clickability'....ie: would you feel your curiosities piqued enough to investigate further by clicking into the person's shop.

I met some very talented artists and crafters from around the US and south of the border into Guatemala! I love the "new blood" the new excitement of these artisans and their fresh ideas.

The next few blog entries I'll be introducing them to you along with their exciting crafts and backstories. Please be sure to visit their shops and encourage their creative spark that edifies all of us.

Today's shop is So Many Memories where a generational love of creating with fabric has taken strong root and is bearing beautiful fruit. Items such as pillow case dresses, dish towel dresses (adorable!) and items for baby are showcased with prices that will make any budget maven smile.

The following is a quote from the artist herself!

"My mother passed her love of sewing on to me and I have passed it on to my daughter and the name So Many Memories seemed to fit. My shop is new and I will be adding more items very soon. I found some gorgeous vintage table cloths, hankies and dish towels that I will be upcycling into aprons, sachets, coasters and dish towel dresses. I love sewing and creating and having something beautiful when I'm finished."

Again, please be sure to stop by this exciting and new niche shop on Etsy!

Carpe Diem!

HDRose

A jewel of a beast

2009-08-04T19:46:00.001-07:00

Nanner Time
Originally uploaded by Mom Walds Place

A vintage loving acquaintance of mine posted this wonderful photo on Flickr today. I just had to share it with you! I love looking at photos and taking them in my spare time. I find browsing the Flickr site can be exciting, soothing or inspiring on any given day.

Did you know that you can have a free account on Flickr that lets you store, edit and share your photos. The number of groups and their interests seem infinite.

I hope you enjoy "Tilda" and that you will visit Flickr to discover the beautiful creative spirit in so many others of us that you'll be inspired to play on it's playground and find a creative lyric within yourself.

HDRose

A Taste of Europe...MTippingAtelier

2009-07-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

When you stop in at Mary's Etsy shop you are greeted warmly and hospitably.

A quick glance over page one piqued my curiosities (which are endless) as the best things a treasure hunter finds are often found in the hidden corners of the world. I've found many a delightful surprise waiting in places like that.

I met Mary on one of my online playground's namely, "The Vintage Village" where we regularly play a word association game and participate in a multitude of discussions regarding all things vintage and antique!

Apart from being head and shoulders above the rest of us where vocabulary is concerned, MTipping is a kind and lovely soul.

As I am preparing to say adeiu for the month of August, I want to encourage you to visit her shop by clicking on the title of this post.

There are charming pieces of ephemera,
silk hankies and probably best of all a beautiful set of antique
Haviland Limoges handpainted butter pat plates . The provenance on this set is remarkable and the pattern is charmingly lovely.

I will see you all back here at the beginning of September!

HDRose

Gilt Vanity Collection

2009-07-26T21:10:00.001-07:00

Gilt Vanity Collection
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

This is what makes my heart beat a little faster and my chest heave a sigh of longing. These are my gilty pleasures. Reticulated metal vanity/dresser sets.....by the likes of Florenza, Saks Fifth Ave, Stylebuilt and others. I love their thermoset faux stones and AB rhinestones so beautifully applied to gold or rhodium plated designs. These types of sets were fairly common post WWII and appeared at jewelry counters in fine department and drug stores across the country. Higher end counterparts such as Apollo, Globe and Empire dresser sets are not currently a part of my collection as they are outside of my budget. But.....someday....maybe.....

Ode to the days when ladies sat at dressing tables and brushed their locks with boar bristle brushes and had a place for all the trappings used in the course of their adornment.

Femininity and being lady-like, genteel and mannerly were celebrated. As Peggy Lee once sang so well.....

" I enjoy being a girl!"

HDRose

Chunky Striped Wood and Brass Necklace

2009-07-23T18:42:00.001-07:00

Chunky Striped Wood and Brass Necklace
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Earlier this year I uploaded a bunch of photos to Flickr and it was so hot today that I decided to indulge myself and play around with them.
I forgot how many fun items I still have to list yet in my Etsy shop.

This great orange and green striped chunky beaded necklace is but one of the fun finds.

Makes me think I should have a clearance sale. I think I will during the month of August when my yard sale is over and I see what is left after the dust settles.

Stay cool,
HDRose

Madame Butterfly

2009-07-20T03:12:00.001-07:00

Puccini's great opera Madame Butterfly was showcased yesterday in my area on PBS during a presentation of it's program called "Great Performances." To say the opera is great is an understatement. The Metropolitan Opera's production which included traditional elements of kabuki theatre using marionettes was superb.

Though the opera takes place in 1800's Japan and is sung in the composer's native Italian, the listener is transported immediately to the place and time where this story emerges; into the lives of two star crossed lovers whose decisions are played out gloriously with flowing fabric, native costume, puppetry, and voice.

Never in my life have I been touched so deeply by an opera. I wept from my gut as I watched "Butterfly" sing with such voice. The raw emotion expressed (with subtitles) was unmistakeable. One can at once relate to the circumstances and identify with the characters though they are a world away and more than a century removed.

True love is lauded and fidelity extolled in this masterpiece. I can envision the hankies coming out of ladies purses and their gentlemen granting them succor and comfort as they exited the opera houses so long ago, though the story itself was a bit scandalous for it's time.

For a preview of this magnificent opera CLICK HERE!

'Tis the season of painted ladies, fritalaries, and Monarch's in our desert. My town in in a migration path for these lovely creatures. I try to provide plants attractive to them such as lantana, butterfly bush, honeysuckle.....they seem to love my young mimosa tree with all of it's fuzzy, pink, fragrant blossoms as well. I could watch the habit of these delicate insects for hours on end if I had the time and the weather wouldn't melt me.

Toward dusk, the creatures emerge in our desert seeking a drink from sprinklers that are only allowed on after 6 pm. Tonight I will think of Madame when I see them fluttering and seeking nectar, while spreading their sweetness.

In honor of love, art and butterflies....like-minded readers will be given 25% off any purchase made through the month of July when mentioning the title of this blog post in their message to the seller at check out. Your discount will come to you in the form of a PayPal refund within 12-24 hours of your purchase. Click here to be taken to the shoppe, where you will find many things from days gone by.

Carpe Diem!
HDRose

In the Pink

2009-07-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a treble clef brooch for a singer, musician or whimsical pin lover.

A double circlet of gold rings brush finished.

Pink prong set rhinestones w/ an aurora borealis finish. Waiting to adorn the breast of just the right person.

Are you a torchsongstress? A karaoke queen with a following? A rockabilly princess?

Available in my Etsy shop today.

HDRose

Catcher of my Eye

2009-07-17T22:29:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share this picture today. It is a photo of a high relief micro mosiac pin placed on a vintage Evans Compact Purse.

Really I'm such a technophobe, if photos come out well it's serendipitous.

Have a wonderful weekend and stay cool!

HDRose

Shop of the Day: JmilliesJustVintage

2009-07-12T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hailing from Rhode Island, JmilliesJustVintage on Etsy is a darling little shop with New England charm. Browsing through the shop I see that anyone with a hankering to decorate their nursery with vintage/retro theme would find some great things to work with here.

For instance this darling embroidery of Hansel sized 17" x 20". The colors are so vivid in this 1970's charmer that it would make a great focal point on a wall and provide some many great colors to match up with this years wall color palettes:

I saw this and though one might want to display it in a china cabinet or use in the vintage kitchen, this Edwin Knowles vitreous china bowl could hold your baby's wipees or other essentials and have them be under cover as well as organized!

The vintage inspired isn't complete without some chatchkies high on a shelf, perhaps above a window treatment, far out of your tots reach.....visually inspiring, kitschy and cute are George and Martha Washington.....the first PARENTS of our country!

Hope you've enjoyed your Sunday morning stroll down memory lane, and are inspired to take a peek into Jmillies shop. Just click on this posts title to be take there immeadiately!

Stay cool this sultry Sunday,
HDRose

Shop of the Day: MINE!

2009-07-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

Today the shop of the day is mine!

You can find my one and only shop here!

This weekend for all of my blog readers who make a purchase and mention this code (FB001) in the message to seller at checkout time I will refund a discount of 15% off the purchase price via PayPal.

I offer many wonderful vintage items to adorn your body, ignite your soul and enrich your surroundings.

Are you a returning customer? Receive free 1st class shipping on items 13 oz. or under. Simply mention that you are a returning customer and I will verify it against my list. Yes, you can apply FB001 discount as well!

Enjoy these offerings and please visit us today and feel free to leave your comments or requests!
We love the thrill of the hunt whether inside the shelves of our own inventory that we haven't yet listed or out in our So Cal community where vintage reins supreme! Feel free to start a conversation with us to submit your wish list.

Are you into vintage photos and scrapbooking? Here's a great new old stock scrapbook from the early 1970s:

Do you love Rockabilly? I have a minty powder blue men's suit and a gorgeous treble clef brooch for you today!

I love this lemon yellow summery married lucite set:

and this 1940s Teal Sequined brooch and earrings too.

We love our customers and always slip in a freebie/thank you in the form of earrings, notebooks, or coupons for future discount to our returning friends.

Have a wonderful weekend and don't forget the sunscreen!

Warmly,
HDRose

Shop of the Day: PoshAdornment

2009-07-09T18:21:00.000-07:00

Fabulicious.......a new word to add to my vocabulary thereby increasing my word power and my ever increasing lust for beauty in the world of old jewelry. Oh how 'gilty' I feel today!!!!

Fabulicious......part fabulous, part delicious. This is how the mother/daughter duo of PoshAdornment describe their inventory of fine antique jewelry.

I couldn't agree more as my hankie comes out while browsing this opulent shop and I mop my brow and lips while not quite believing that such fine and unique specimens of Victorian, Art Noveau, Art Deco and Czech Boho Jewelry can all be found under this one roof.

You will be welcomed warmly while your search for that special one a kind piece is ended in satisfaction.
These ladies pride themselves on offering unique OOAK's from the past that keep their patrons coming back to shop time and again.

Take a look/see and tell them HighDesertRose sent you!!!

Shop of the day: VintageDay

2009-07-09T07:10:00.000-07:00

When I was first introduced to this shop the name struck me....VintageDay.

So utterly simple and to the point, just like waking up each day to the sunrise.

Those of us who live and love the vintage lifestyle have passion and excitement for our never ending treasure hunt for the perfect treasure.

Today, the jewelry box is opened for you at VintageDay! Here's a smattering of the fantastic deals that you will find there.

Have a wonderful vintage day!

HDRose

Promo Showcase: VintageTreasures4You on Etsy

2009-07-08T08:23:00.000-07:00

Today, I'd like to talk about another special Etsy shop. With hundreds of transactions and 100% feedback, you're bound to be pleased and find something within the borders of this beautiful shop named VintageTreasures4You

Immediately you are greeted with warmth and gentility that oozes Southern Hospitality. Opening her page makes you want to stay and browse.

Jewelry, clothing, accessories and collectibles of all kinds await you there as well as top notch customer service! Irish insists there is something for everyone that captures their sentiment and attachment to a well loved past incident; you know what? I'm a believer, she's preachin' to the choir!

Here is a sampling of what you can expect to enjoy when you visit her shop.

Carpe Diem!

HDRose

and this beauty for the Gothic Lolita in you!

Todays Shop of the Day ANTIQUEALI

2009-07-07T07:51:00.000-07:00

Today I'd like to talk about another great shop that features my favorite 'gilty' pleasure and pasttime, costume jewelry!

Before I get started on that though, I should mention that my friend Alison offers not only FABULOUS costume jewelry by famous name makers, but that she also offers glassware, china

and vintage lovelies for your home.

These beautiful samples from Alison's Etsy Shop

make my breathing rate a bit heavier. The colors are to die for and the quality of her jewelry make them bargains in today's market!

Alison also a shop on a Ruby Lane where you'll find over 250 pieces of beautiful jewelry, along with collectibles, clothing and pottery items.

I encourage you to visit Alison and satisfy your own 'gilty' pleasures today!

Warmly,

HDRose

Purple Daisy Jewelry a slice of Costume Jewelry Heaven

2009-07-06T14:03:00.000-07:00

If you want to be blessed with bling, gilded with gilt or just feel plain pretty

then stop by my friend Sue's Etsy shop called PurpleDaisyJewelry !!!!

Not only will you be warmly welcomed to her well stocked and super organized shop; you'll leave with a smile on your face happily anticipating the order you place.

Sue is all about customer service and providing a great selection to her patrons.

Here are just a couple of items from her beautiful shop for you to consider today.

BTW, she has one of the largest VINTAGE CROSS selections on Etsy!

Here is but a smattering of loveliness!!!!!

http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_155x125.52547093.jpg

http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_155x125.75881295.jpg

I hope that you'll stop by and say hello to Sue, you won't be disappointed!

Have a great day,

HDRose

Today's Shop of the Day

2009-06-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Lynn's finds

http://www.atomicmall.com/jlynnpro

a nice selection of delightful vintage books!

Yesterday's shop......http://vintagevillage.ning.com/profile/poshadornment fabulous antique costume and fine jewelry.

I encourage you to support both of these shops during our promotional blitz for month of June and July!

Vintage Summer Promo Blitz

2009-06-29T06:47:00.000-07:00

Each day for the next month, I am participating in a promotional campaign and will be featuring other Vintage Village members here in my blog.

Today POSHADORNMENT is the featured shop.

Utterly beautiful fine antique and costume jewelry available at this shop.

Please pay her a visit and tell her HIGHDESERTROSE sent you!

Father Time Stands Still

2009-06-23T13:15:00.001-07:00

Father Time Stands Still
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

This week I'm focusing on housekeeping. It means for me paring down, simplifying and putting to good use those things that I already have around me to create new things from old.

Here's an example of an item that I've come up with that can serve dual purposes. Both as an ornament, a piece of jewelry or both. I liked how this came out so well, that I've placed it in the shop and plan on making more with my remainder of spare parts.

It just feels good to get more organized, declutter and reuse and recycle.
Ah, such thriftiness. It could very well become one of my 'gilty' pleasures.

Have a great rest of the week!
HDRose

What a Man Wants.......and how I stumped my guy with a great vintage find

2009-06-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

Have you figured it out yet? what a man wants?

I've lived with one for almost 30 years and as Father's Day approaches this year , I realize that little has changed as to my guy's simple tastes and wishes.

Yesterday we made the 100 mile trek to Long Beach to visit the kiddos. My beautiful daughter in law made 'killer shrimp' (try googling this recipe) it's spicily delicious and the place that made and sold it to many happy patrons over the years is gone from it's Santa Monica location. "Boo!" says daughter in law, then, "Aha" as she has performed a number of workarounds to suit the tastebuds and for all intents and purposes has surpassed her ideal when cooking 'Killer Shrimp' for us. YOM! YOM! YOM!

I visited with her and my lovely daughter while she cooked and my son and husband did what my husband wanted to do, which was go to Home Depot, purchase wood (in order to make living room shelves for the kids' new apartment) open a new HD account (he's like the guy in the Verizon commercial, how many toasters can a man have? as many accounts as they will let him open) and get a table saw for 25 dollars after promo. Yes, promos are much better in LB than where we live.

A man wants......FREE STUFF.....second to that, he wants to spend VERY LITTLE. If he is with his son while doing this, he is passing along a time honored family tradition.

My husband 'bubbles' when he gets a new tool. Yes, like a woman at a baby shower holding up booties, he nearly giggles with glee. You have to know him to appreciate it. He's a very LOGICAL person, a PONDERER to the "nth" degree, and well, just rather serious much of the time.

HOWEVER, he is like me when I find a truly great deal at a flea market or thrift shop. I can't stop talking about it, taking pictures of it, researching it and then finally getting it listed, if I can stand to part with it.

For him, the object of his "percolation" could be a two buck stubby screwdriver, or a two hundred dollar 'cuts this', 'trims that', and "stands on it's head and spits wooden nickels" type of tool. Doesn't matter. He's as happy as can be and is on the lookout for a project and has been known to make one up just so he can use it.

Each new 'trick' that the tool performs is a revelation. The fact that his son is there to share in the experience makes it nearly sacred. I can see the 2 of them now, bowing at the altar called 'Table Saw." Let's just hope no one loses a finger.

Tools. That is what my man wants.

Time. He also wants this. As he has gotten older the Harry Chapin Carpenter song, "Cats in the Cradle" comes into his mind. Not wistfully or with regret, but, more like times flies and doesn't come back. I see him initiating more to get the things that he wants. Tools and time. Tools and time. Tools. Time. Too much like Tool Time.

I think he wants to be Tim the Tool Man Taylor only more high-brow and intellectual. He certainly holds the record for owning enough plaid flannel shirts (I call them his 'uniform.' )Uh-huh....hmmmmmmmmm.

Something else my man wants is a CHALLENGE.

Below are 2 great photos of the challenge that I presented to him and that he accepted. They are really stunning and worth a look see, just for your edification. It took 3 weeks to complete instead of the usual 1-2 days and drew him out of his man cave to gain a tan under the incandescent light of my dining room.

I picked up this puzzle by SpringBok at my local thrift shop. 1500 pieces of patriotic bliss and repetition, in the form of an American Flag complete with the Declaration of Independence superimposed over the flag's image.

A man wants a challenge....he got it. The pieces are larger and have many more straight edges than it's modern day counter part puzzles, so, the border couldn't be put into place completely; which is usually the first strategy he employs when solving any jigsaw puzzle.

Much to my delight, we chit chatted about everything under the sun while he sorted and struggled (also, to my delight) to put it together, day after day, week after week. Ah, the things we women must do to get quality time.

Now that it is finished it remains on the dining room table and we are considering decoupaging it and framing it as we used to do with these puzzles when our kids were small and did the puzzles with daddy.

We had many fine works of art in our home and lots of quality time together thanks to puzzles, tools and time. Throw in a good book and a hike in the hills every so often and I know what my man wants....on Father's Day....on most any day.

I honor you honey, a wonderful dad to our children, supportive hubby ALWAYS and wish you the happiest of Father's Day's.

To all of you vintage loving men and the women who love them, carpe diem......just don't lose a finger.

Fondly,
HDRose

YART SALE 6/10 thru 6/14

2009-06-09T16:14:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

The Etsy Supply Street Team is sponsoring our fast becoming annual 'Yart' Sale. Artists and vintage and supply vendors on Etsy are participating and clearing their inventory to make room for new items. We are passing the savings onto you and hope you'll stop by the shop and support all those who are participating by typing 'yart' into your search from June 10-June 14th.

My shop will be offering 50% off on nearly half the inventory in my shop.

I'm so excited for this opportunity to offer this great sale to my customers and friends.

Just click on my avatar or the title of this blog to be taken directly to the shop. We are trade and convo friendly. Please feel free to drop us a line, we'd love to hear from you!

HDRose

The Spy who nudged me.......

2009-06-08T07:57:00.001-07:00

Minute 16 Camera
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

my husband reads a lot of spy novels. the more twisted the plots of espionage the better. he loves a good murder mystery with lots of intrigue. I like to think of him as the spy who nudged me.

Todays posted pic is in honor of him. It's a vintage Minute 16. Don't know exactly when it was made, probably late 40s, early 50s. I like to think it was used by a private investigator during the time of L.A. Confidential.

Could've just been a camping camera. I have to know so I'll research it today to post it in the shop this afternoon, so if I priority it, it'll get to wherever by Father's Day.

Oh, also, my 'spy' finished his puzzle. A thrifted find. Vintage 1970s SpringBok 1500 piece puzzle of the American Flag with the Declaration of Independence on it. More on that saga later this week.

Be nice to your dads.
HDRose

Vintage Navajo Money Clip

2009-06-02T13:49:00.001-07:00

Vintage Navajo Money Clip
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

I've spent the last couple of days trying to do justice to this work of art in photo. This is a 1976 piece of art and silversmithing produced by a native artist named Billy Padilla.

It came out pretty well except for the reflection of me holding the camera. Oh well, being excited about the piece put me in fast mode for research and photos so as to add it to the shop.

I am glad that it isn't pawn or dead pawn....the connotation of Native Americans having to pawn their pieces and be taken advantage of hurts me to think about.

Instead the artists signature indicates he was self supporting and the hallmark on the reverse of a canyon is possibly representative of a collective of artists working together to achieve self-sufficiency.

HDRose

Married Set vs Demi or Full Parure

2009-05-30T12:30:00.001-07:00

Marriage in Lemon Yellow (married parure)
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Above you'll find an example of a nice 'marriage' of individual components of jewelry that have the same or very similar color value that have been put together in a married set. In other words, they are not a true demi or full parure and 'sets' such as these should never be represented as such.

In this photo, one can easily tell from the differing finishes and styles that while the colors match perfectly this is definitely not an original matched set.

I married them because I felt that they would look nice photographed together, and, when offering them for sale in my shop, they might be attractive to someone shopping for a set in this color to wear to a summer event of any kind.

I love and will spend hours manipulating the jewelry for my shoots in order to showcase their artistry.

The earrings and brooch have an AB or aurora borealis coating.
The lucite necklace has clear lucite discs and silvery gold divider beads that beautifully reflect the soft lemon yellow color.

The stamens on the brooch are all AB coated pronged rhinestones.

This set is available in my Etsy shop where you may see it by clicking on my avatar in the upper left of this blog page.

Please see my archives for other great posts about Rockabilly, New Look and other great vintage photos as well as other things from my personal collections and/or offered in the shop;

Have a peaceful weekend,
HDRose

Another Week has gone by.....

2009-05-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

I am still lovin' my Flickr account and having so much fun playing with editing and framing and captioning my pics.

Here is an example of a picture of a vintage treble clef brooch that goes from just a picture to really being popped and showcased in a special way.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I can see a Rockabilly queen sporting this or it resting upon the breast of cello player.

I love motif pins and have quite a collection that I hope to share with my gilty friends here and on my Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hdroseimages/

Enjoy the days of summer.....the best things in life are free and worth taking an extra moment to pause for thought, hugs, kisses, a child's question or a romp in the garden.

Fondly,

HDRose

FLORENZA LIPSTICK CADDY

2009-05-24T20:11:00.001-07:00

FLORENZA LIPSTICK CADDY
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

I love playing around on Flickr. So much so, that I just purchased a pro account. Yes, if you're wondering I feel a bit 'gilty' about it in times where every penny is important. But, I'm having a mental health day today and part of that is purchasing what makes photography and sharing the love of it that much more fun, hence, a Flickr pro account for me.

Flickr also has free accounts for those of you who don't know.
Check it out at: http://www.flickr.com/

Click on the pic of the lipstick caddy and it will take you to my Flickr site where you'll see more, yes, MORE of my gilty pleasures.

Yes, you too, can develop a gilty conscience and a love for all things ormolu!

Take a peek here's the web addy:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hdroseimages/

with much gilt,
HDRose

Vintage Men's Rockabilly Western Suit

2009-05-21T13:34:00.001-07:00

Vintage Men's Rockabilly Western Suit
Originally uploaded by hd.rose images

Coming soon to my shop! Part of the new inventory being added during the month of June. Shown here with an English Laundry shirt underneath......would look great with a traditional white shirt and bolo or bow tie.

All polyester perfection.

Visit the shop for more photos which should be there by Friday afternoon along with the listing.

Have a safe and Happy Memorial Day Weekend.

Remember, our freedom wasn't and still isn't free.
If you're reading this, thank a soldier.

HDRose

Butterflies Are Free....

2009-05-15T21:03:00.001-07:00

Butterflies Are Free...., originally uploaded by hd.rose images.

Just playing around with a new 'toy'. Don't forget the promo going on in my shop right now. 25% off for Scavenger hunters and free earrings for every 25th new heart with any purchase. Prices in my shop range from under $5.00 to $550.00. There are many great pieces and great deals to be had.

Click on the avatar to the left and be taken directly to the shop or
you can do it the long way and type in www.highdesertrose.etsy.com

Have a great weekend!
HDRose

Flickr

2009-05-15T20:58:00.001-07:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Congratulations to my 500th heart winner RollingHillsVintage on Etsy.Com

2009-05-15T08:07:00.000-07:00

Wow, meeting lots of new friends this week while promoting my shop on Etsy.

Congratulations to RollingHillsVintage, a fellow Cali girl for being the winner of the 'be my 500th heart' contest that's going on in the shop right now. Click on my avatar to the left and be taken directly to my shop for details on how to get 25% off throughout the shop and a free pair of earrings made by me HDRose! My shop announcement on the first page will give you the link so that you can enter.

Make sure to stop RollingHillsVintage's shop! She has many beautiful pieces of hand embroidery and vintage finery in her shop as well.

I love promoting vintage and promoting others who love it as well. After all, vintage today.....tomorrow's antiques! We are curators of the past and many of us dig and dig for the provenance on the pieces we offer.

We seek to offer you quality vintage goods and finery at reasonable prices while we all have fun doing it.

Have a great weekend everybody. Here are a few items of interest either already in the shop or soon to be listed. The large heavy heart casket normally 28.00 is 25% off to contest participants.

This beautiful Sea Holly Brooch is an orphaned piece....I will be adding a new pin back to it. But isn't the detail on it stunning? The maker used a diamond cut on all of the goldplated metal. Figural brooches are one of my favorite collectibles and you will see many added to my different sites over time. Some are very large like this one......

Below is an example of a triple choker made of satin nugget beads. Reminds me of the early sixties.....Holly Go Lightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Some of the beads are spattered with gold flecks. This charmer for the more petite woman is available in my shop currently.

You can also visit me at Flickr www.flickr.com/photos/hdroseimages/

There you'll find some other gilty pleasures and well as recent pictures of wildflowers from my high desert home and pics from my house garden that feature heirloom flowers and vintage artifacts.

Happy weekend,

HDRose

Celebratin' & giving gifts

2009-05-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to follow: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5377572 Follow the instructions there. You will be lead to our thread in the Etsy community (started by Elsie's Attic) and will need to find my latest post there in order to participate. NO, there aren't tons of pages to search through. That's why I am trying to bump the thread and promote Vintage Village. What will this do for ME you may ask? 1) It will bring Etsy people to our thread there and in turn bring them to the Village and expose them to your shops whether or not you are a seller on Etsy so we all benefit. I happen to love Etsy and love the open and giving community that thrives there and know that you will too. You can find them at www.Etsy.com .

2) Because I am celebrating 18 months on Etsy I am offering 25% off throughout the rest of the month on everything in my shop to Scavenger Hunt participants. Just follow the instructions above and you are in like flint! 3) I want my pals here to help me reach my 500th heart! I'm just a 'heartbeat' away now. If you're the lucky gal/guy and participate in the scavenger hunt by following my instructions (found in my shop announcement ) and are my 500th, 525th, or 550th heart you'll receive a pair of earrings handmade by me. Check my feedback, you won't be disappointed! Happy Scavenging!

click on my avatar to the left to be taken directly to my shop.

Happy Mother's Day.....A few days early

2009-05-06T08:30:00.001-07:00

Funny how when we're kids 'the day' whether our birthday, Christmas or some other 'special' day always had to be on 'the' day? Do you remember feeling that way? I do. It was a dramatic 'end of the world' scenario, complete with pouting, going off alone, being bummed for days (looking back, I could've been a challenge.....ya think?) Well thank God, I grew up and out of that and lots of other childish things best left behind, only to discover that every decade of life has it's treasures and it's pleasures. Today, my grown kids have the day off from their jobs. My son and his wife because these are their normal days off from the software company that employs them....my daughter, because she has some flexibility in her schedule before she starts her new job full time. Wow, what a treat! They have a bit of a schlep to get here, over 100 miles 1 way and here they come. No one will tell me what they have in store. Everything has been down low and hush-hush. I feel like that little kid again....waiting for 'the' day, only now it's just a few hours away from happening. It makes me feel very rich in the ways that matter most. No one, no-thing, can take that away from me. Not a poor economy or injured health or the plethora of things that can happen in one's life over 50+ years. I have my mind to enjoy these memories and my heart to savor them. My mother in law used to say that Mother's Day was a Hallmark holiday. I remember being kind of offended thinking that Mother's Day was sacrosanct, you know? I think she had it right and still does at 90 years of age. The importance of gathering together anytime is precious. When we decide to do it doesn't matter, where we decide to do it doesn't matter. Heck, we could fly kites at the park and it would make me happy (well, a little picnic wouldn't hurt either!) As I remember, and I'm sure that many of you agree, most of my Mom's Day dinner's out were a disaster. Everyone serving us wanted to be with their own Mom's! Everyone cooking wanted to be with their own mom's. The day was unremarkable or disappointing in that way. Anyway, I'll stop short in order not to bore the reader to tears. But, one thing I will do in a most vintage (it was early in the century that Mother's Day was made 'official') fashion is to wish each and every Mom out there whether you are an empty nester like me....or youthful vital and still in your nesting years the HAPPIEST of MOTHER'S DAY's! May simple pleasures be the best. Necessary frugality a fun challenge to be met with creativity and panache. If like most of us you are going through very hard times, hug the ones that you love a bit more closely. Cherish the interruptions in your adult conversation and keep building wonderful people because THAT is what Mom's do. I will leave you with 2 adages that though a bit played are still true (they wouldn't be adages now would they?) 1) "The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world." 2) As my wise mother-in-law OFTEN told me while raising 2 that were 13 1/2 mos. apart while my husband was gone ALL the time; "This too shall pass." With warm wishes for your best success, HDRose aka The Desert Rose.....A Vintage Shoppe

Do What You Love, Love What You Do or a brief lesson in what networking NOW means to me

2009-05-05T08:40:00.000-07:00

Last week Etsy (for those of you who don't know what Etsy is visit their site at www.etsy.com) had a presence at the Summit of Awesome artist and craft conference in D.C.

One of the virtual workshhops offered by Etsy for those of us who (boo) couldn't attend the con, was

a workshop on networking.

For those of you tech saavy, up on the latest gadget, app., and the like, your fingers fly.....you're prolific with social and business networking etc.; you already know the nuts of bolts and the how to's. Some of you keep up quite well and feel satisfied with your methods of networking.

For me and others like me, networking was a puzzlement. So many choices and with each choice presented was the concern of what 'network' or application to use. worries about the time that it takes to post to each one, then to keep up with the 'latest' that others are talking about.

When you are a fledgling in this arena and you're looking to generate 'traffic', such as to my Etsy shop, you can get tunnel vision and very frustrated, at least I did.

Networking and posting here, there and everywhere seemed a huge waste of energy for little return. It didn't come naturally, feel good, nor as far as I could tell did I want to join the ranks of those that twitter, poke and generally bore to death the poor creatures we 'keep up' with.

Anyway, what I did come away with from my visit to the lab that day and our virtual participation in the workshop were some really great points that get lost in the shuffle.

Here are some as I remember them:

1) Be genuine and authentic. Wow, there's a concept that certainly flies in the face of all that the internet has become. If you're an artist and you're showcasing your goods with every post, you're doing nothing but using say, Twitter for instance, as a giant craigslist. getouttatown. boring.

People want to know who you are, what you do and why you do it. Like great vintage and antique pieces, people like to know (and I love this word) if there's provenance or history behind what you do or sell.

2) Do what comes naturally for you. Some of us take good photos and love doing it. For us, Flickr is a good way to network. It doesn't so much feel like pulling teeth for us to post our pictures and talk about them; as long as we aren't using that sight to directly link to or market our wares.

However, you can talk about your shop in your profile if that's something that you choose to do. Others love to blog, create a newsletter or showcase their creative process via UTube. It's about you, what you do, and why you want to share it with the world.

What I experienced in the Etsy virtual lab for instance, was a group of women, some of them friends with each other and/or participants of the same crafting group. It reminded me of the old fashioned 'bees' (quilting, crochet, knitting)of the past. Women coming together and get this, networking! Doing what they liked and sharing that passion and interest with others, all around the world via the internet.

3) Choose what you want to focus on, keep it fresh with updated material

Whether you Twitter, blog, use a newsletter, participate in forums or use one of the many social networking sites....stay focused so that the material that you do share makes a connection with your readers. Don't spread yourself too thin by trying to 'post' everywhere! If you are just dropping ads and photos to gain sales, that is your focus and that gets boring, and it probably doesn't yield many sales either. After all, the whole idea behind the DIY and handmade movement is connection and relationship to the artist and his/her craft.

In the case of we vintage lovers, we are curators of tomorrows antiques. If you are a boomer like me than you are part of a very nostalgic generation and you value the past. You might have quite a bit to say about it, and guess what, someone out there wants to hear what you have to say about your artifacts, what turns you on about them, why they have value and why they might want to visit your shop and buy something!

4) Make a commitment and be consistent. Here's where a lot of us fall short. Set aside a regular day on the calendar and start out small. Better to be small and consistant than post once in a blue moon and be quickly forgotten. Whenever you can, link back to your shop, use your shop name everywhere to keep the seed you put out there, watered. Make your photos recognizable as your brand by using consistent backgrounds or props.

When people 'friend' or 'heart' or "bookmark" your shop or make a nice comment, check them out and comment back.

"Smile and be nice.....you'll make friends" was what my mom used to tell me when I was a little girl and painfully shy (ugh, how I dreaded those words, but oh how true they are!).

I've made friends in Great Britain, France, Brazil, Singapore, Australia, Russia, Canada and all over the US via networking over the internet and didn't really know that's what I was doing. I never really thought about it until now but over the last 18 mos. I have received nearly 25,000 page views in my shop, even though I am not a regular blogger and just recently began posting to Flickr again after a long health hiatus. But I have made connections and some sales and some lasting friendships as well since I first stuck my toe in the water.

What I do pretty regularly is post in forums (or is it fora?) make inquiries and form relationships on other networks such as NING. I do this in addition to my posts in the Etsy forums.

NOW what I feel about networking is this: I realize now that I instinctively participated in what came naturally for me, ie: wanting to talk with other like minded people who shared my interest in vintage and a greener lifestyle and continued to hone my picture taking skills. I steered away from what I wasn't comfortable with ie: ad dropping and daily posts with nothing but 'shop talk'. I wanted to connect which is what networking really is right?

So, in my effort to encourage my reader(s) who are new or nervous about social networking I just want to say that you'll never know if you don't try.

You won't know what works for you or what you will like if you don't try it out. If the shoes don't fit, you don't have to take 'em home with ya.

Be yourself, talk about what you love, genuinely and authentically and soon you'll be doing it like it was old hat.....and you'll have the sales and the relationships to confirm it. If you aren't comfortable with a networking venue keep playing around until you find the one that makes you happy and accomplishes your goals.

To all of the mom's out there: Have a wonderful Mother's Day. Relax and let yourself be loved and honored for all that you do for your family. Let them just 'love on you' take a deep breath and enjoy!

Celebrating the learning curve,

HighDesertRose

p.s. in addition to my 20% off everything in the shop Mom's Day sale going on in the shop right now mention today's blog topic and receive free first class shipping on any jewelry in the shop! Happy Mother's Day!

For Jane and other tender souls

2009-04-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

My heirloom climbing roses are starting to make their presence known in my garden. I will save some of the 'shop talk' about these roses and their 'habits' for another post. Today, I want to share the beauty that is just outside my window or meets me as I open my door.

Somehow heirloom seems appropriate as far as classifying these specimens. Heirlooms of value, whether a treasured piece of vintage jewelry or linens, china, sterling....even books, journals or stories are saved and passed down from generation to generation.

A line in the family tapestry has been established and continues beginning to end.....nourished by the love, humor, generosity and creativity of it's contributors and curators; or, in the case of my roses, from their own roots to tip, the family line is intact and remains strong and vigorous.

Please visit http://www.heirloomroses.com/ it is a family run business based out of Oregon, if you would like to learn more about aquiring and raising 'vintage' roses.

Now dedicated to Jane of Yesterdays Treasures (another Etsy shop) here are this week's finds while on 'walkabout'.

This week in the shop will be dedicated to Mother's Day and Springtime with all of it's traditional heralds, like butterflies, feathers, airy vintage crystal bracelets and the like.

We are functioning at about 1/3 speed since my second surgery and continue to thank you for your patience as we gain strength and are able to list and make this great finds available to you.

Should you see something here that isn't in the shop yet, contact me here and I will get back to you with a customized listing on Etsy, okay? Enough! Let's get to the show.

Here is a newly opened blossom from Summer Wine. It's a beautiful apricot/pink blend that fades to pale pink before self cleaning its blossom.

Here is what the same blossom looks like after a week or so before dying back.

See the yellow eye?

Here is a lone California poppy amongst the leaves of a variegated (2 colored) leaf Japanese boxwood.
I love the contrast of the orange against the greens. Here in the Antelope Valley we have so many poppies that we have a festival yearly......hmmmm......maybe I should purchase booth space one of these years.....

Hot Pink Daisies, these go on and on, very prolific bloomers,becoming as large as a shrub! The color is sheer happiness to me.

Snow in summer is the name of this prolific ground cover. In the nightime a white garden reflects the moonlight and provides light to the evening stroller as well as fragrance. The bluish silver leaf of this flower is very attractive.

Here is a chair that I purchased at a thrift shop. Some talented soul made this chair out of leather and had a method for caning the base, the name of which I can't conjure up. I love it's rustic look. It sat outside for a longtime before being donated so the leather is non pliable. I use it as a prop or to accomodate lightweight plants.

Here is a rare variegated salvia. I almost lost it in last winter's freeze, but even in it's severely pruned condition, it yields an early fushia blossom. Hummingbirds and hummermoths love the tubular blossoms. It is sheer delight to watch these creatures drink the nectar. Butterflies follow along after to help continue the pollination process.

Mums will bloom in the late summer bright yellow and sunny, this old rusty wagon wheel, a gift from my daughter is the perfect backdrop for them against our white house.

Finally, here are just a few gilty pleasures that are headed for the shop this week.

Hope that you've enjoyed the peek into one of my other passions gardening.

Mention this blog when making a purchase and receive a 10% discount in the form of a refund when paying via PayPal.

2 Butterflies Belt Buckle measures 4" across. Perfect for your stretchy belt or to use as an altered art component. Looks cool on this driftwood peace.

Sometimes I sit and seal driftwood pieces during the cold months. The montage of pieces often resemble the creatures of the sea from which the wood washed ashore. Unique buckle the simply hooks into the mate.

Weighing in at 1/2 pound, a beautifully gilty Saks Fifth Ave Lipstick Caddy currently listed in the shop!

Vintage Cloisonne Peacock Pendant with Silken Cord and Long Black Tassle:

Obscenely opulent aristocratic trash. Smashing Purple Watermelon Rivoli Glass Ring set in upturned filigree leaves, punctuated with ab purple cabs:

Diamond cut, russian gold butterfly clip with faux pearl 'tail':

Very large Butterfly brooch features hot pink cabs on upper wings, ab pink cabs on lower wings, watermelon or volcano glass navette for it's body and seed pearl eyes.....a knockout. Light and airy.

Hope that you enjoyed this post.

Until soon,
HDRose

Gilt is Good Especially as an Accessory

2009-04-15T09:26:00.000-07:00

Seen here are a marriage of three pieces from the Stylebuilt/Saks Fifth Avenue line of vanity or dressing table accessories that your grandmother or even great granny might have used from the 1950's. The gilt or overlay here is rhodium which is actually in the platinum family. The stones are turquoise, aqua-ish thermoset ( except this example which I sold last year that has a rare red thermoset stone), and all rhinestones have an aurora borealis or irisdescent rainbow overlay.

The lipstick caddy that is round with green stones is further accentuated with pearls. These are my babies, my gilty pleasures. I have more than I need so I keep buying anyway. Why? because I am addicted to their beauty, the stories real and imagined of the women who may have used them in their beauty regemines/rituals, and most of all the shine and flourishing glory that is eye candy for me. I can endlessly arrange a collection on a vanity stand or dresser with differing laces and long necklaces or shawls, purses and the like depending on mood and desired effect. They appear in gold, silver, rhodium and it has even crossed me mind to alter some of the worn pieces for a more gothic boudoir look. Ah, the purist in me has a hard time with this, but the temptation is there.

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Here are a couple of other pics that I will be adding to a listing in my shop on Etsy. I am running so far behind here due to have a lumbar fusion last fall and a corrective procedure for that done a month ago.
Can you possibly imagine the fun that that was? Anyway, it's good to be back and to put a stronger effort in putting out the word on behalf of gilty pleasures and vintage adventures.

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If you enjoy these photos and are interested in seeing more, please leave your comments here and visit my shop by clicking on my avatar at the top of the page.

Have a wonderful April!

HDRose

On a health hiatus

2009-02-28T06:53:00.000-08:00

Please see my shop announcement. Upon my return we shall see the effects of gilt, gilt and more gilt as it pertains to the eye-candy placebo effect on post-op pain.
Until then,
~HDRose

BEST BUDGET VALENTINE EVER

2009-02-12T07:31:00.000-08:00

Okay. Let's go back 17 or so years. She is young mom who works part time for the school district as a classified employee. He is an injured construction worker who is on the mend post-op. They are broke.....as we used to say furtively growing up, when someone we knew was down on their luck. They were eating bean tacos, hot dogs and meatloaf with mac and cheese so they could stay in their house. Date nights were a thing of the past.

After living on this planet for some 50 years I can honestly say we've had our ups and downs and even been 'broke' a couple of times. We have also owned a couple houses, sent our kids to private schools, experienced some nice vacations. All the trappings one would expect comes with middle class life.

Now, I said all of that to say this. As I look back,,,,and I am want to do this quite frequently... as this, that or the other thing that I see, smell, taste, hear or feel will often prompt me to do; and look back I do most times with great fondness.

Valentine's Day. The day of love. Hearts and flowers. Sweethearts forever. Jewelry, perfume, lingerie.....fancy dinners.....hmmmmm, I feel a warm glow coming over me now. I'm very sentimental, hell, I cried when I went through the tunnel of " It's A Small World" at Disneyland.....tears gushing everywhere, "oh my God that was so sweet, can we do it again, please?" Yep, a regular marshmallow inside.

Fast forward from reverie to the best budget Valentine ever.....

The young mother and father take a walk together. All these years later it is still something that they love to do wherever they go. They walk about a mile from their home to the local Thrifty Drug Store where an ice cream counter stands. Today they get a double scoop each! Usually, when they take the kids for special treat everyone gets a single scoop. He chooses Cherry Chocolate Chip/Mint Chip for his Valentine treat.....she chooses......she chooses......she....chooses....she can't remember what she chose honestly because it was different everytime she went. She always was the more adventerous one.

After eating, they hold hands and walk over to the greeting card section and start looking at Valentine Cards and reading them aloud to one another. Sentiment flowed as each of us tried to outdo the other with our card's terms of endearment.

We then moved to the humorous and slightly naughty.....we laughed and guffawed so loudly and were there so long that we were afraid we were going to be asked to leave. We never were.

As we walked home, I felt so rich and that I was lucky that my best friend in the whole world loved me back. Ice cream scoops back then were 25 cents a scoop, so our whole Valentine's date cost a dollar. Yet the memory of it lasts a lifetime.

I think, that what puts us at our best as human beings, is the ability to work with what we have right in front of us. We had virtually nothing at the time and yet we had everything that makes for love and laughter.

All of us have our stories. Please feel free to share your best budget Valentine experience with the rest of us, and if your feeling economically stimulated in any way please feel free to visit the shop and find a bargain, participate in the contest and add a bit of fun to your day. Just click on my avatar.

Have a most loving and filled with laughter Valentine's Day!

Warmly,
~HDRose

My Funny Valentine

2009-01-31T09:04:00.000-08:00

Right now I have a promo going on in the forum on Etsy.

Here is a link : http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6022998

It's in celebration of Valentine's Day and wedded bliss! Lauding of love eternal!

It has to do with visiting the shop and sending a convo in order to receive a double

discount.

Here's the gist of it:

isit me and guess my wedding year based on the photo not so well hidden in an ad in the shop. On top of my current promo, what you will get is an additional 10% off. This means that you could enjoy up to a 25% discount on my quality vintage and handmade with vintage components and supply shop.

I love to convo, talk trades and meet wonderful artists.

So go ahead, take a stab at it. The picture tells the story and if you're stuck inside 'cause it's cold or you have a cold or are in a cold mood.....it just might cheer you up!

ONLY convo-ers receive both discounts which will be promptly refunded to you via paypal. CHECK my FEEDBACK it's important to both of us!

Once you've passed the freebie mark ya still gotta pay the shipping and it's all good, promise!

Here's a sampling of what you will find!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18287272

http://www.etsy.com/your_shop.php?rand=1489132324

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8971529

Kindly,
HDRose

Recommending RowanTreeDesigns

2009-01-23T08:13:00.001-08:00

Some of you may have noticed that I have retooled my shop on Etsy to include more color and a more accurate reflection of the artist meet vintage components vibe that I wish to convey. I have upgraded my banner and shop graphics using the same fabulous United Kingdom resident and fellow Etsians RowanTreeDesigns.

Here is an example of our work while in collaboration. The final is available to view at my shop www.highdesertrose.etsy.com and in Robin's blog which you can access via her Etsy shop at www.rowantreedesigns.etsy.com

I can't say enough to recommend Robin. She is truly easy to communicate with and our collaboration has been not only fun but such a pleasurable work experience.

I now have graphics that I feel are quite unique and can be proud of and rather leaves you wondering about both whimsy and mystique as it applies to a vintage shop environment.

Please give her a click at www.rowantreedesigns.etsy.com
Our collaboration is proof that across many miles wonderful friends and associations are made and a positive experience is the end result having beautiful graphics.

Here is my new banner for you to enjoy!

She carries many turn of the century graphics and motifs, deco, collage etc.

Support a wonderful artist who will work hard to give you the polished and professional look that you are seeking.

Have a great weekend!
HDRose

Painting and Inventory

2009-01-16T17:22:00.000-08:00

Suffice it to say that we are up to our ears in drop cloths and paint, sorting in colors for the upcoming holidays and preparing jewelry for Celtic themed wedding in April. We are busy but happy to be working.

This week I am adding some handmade earrings in cobalt blue and copper to shop. They are what I would term self capped in brass and are simply stunning. They are 3" long and selling for 14 for a pair. I am proud to be using these beautiful old Chinese beads as my vintage component and hope to be doing a lot more of my own work this year in addition to adding many fine vintage finds for you and your home.

Kindly,
HDRose

End of Year Blow Out Sale

2008-12-31T08:29:00.000-08:00

ok, all you sweethearts of the vintage rodeo,
you haute couture vixens, mavens and menches; let's celebrate good times to come!

Stop by and poke yer pretty little head in the door of my shop....I'd be much obliged!

END OF THE YEAR BLOWOUT SALE:

10% off items 9.99 to 29.99

20% off items 30.00 or above

Free Shipping on all Jewelry purchased through midnight New Year's Day. Yes, this is in addition to our percent off sale! Many items throughout the shop have had their shipping reduced or eliminated during this special as well.

Payment must be made via PayPal and your savings you enjoy due to our sale, will be refunded to you as a PayPal refund!

www.highdesertrose.etsy.com

Happy New Year!

My Christmas Card to You!

2008-12-24T08:43:00.000-08:00

I hope this works. It's a great way to start the day, with some good perpspective on what a Merry Christmas really is.

Warmly,
~HDRose

Visit me on Vintage Village

2008-12-23T17:25:00.000-08:00

There's a great new network on Ning started by Elsie's Attic (also an Etsy shop) love the wonderful, mature, fun-loving and knowledgeable group that is starting to congregate over there.

I feel as though I've got a breath of fresh air for the New Year and some new friends and perspectives as well.

In addition to a cool slide show of the snow we got here ( we never get more than a dusting, so 10" was so cool!) I also got a few 'gilty' pleasures posted for those of you who need a pre-Christmas fix.

Here's the link to the village. http://vintagevillage.ning.com/
Just look for me HighDesertRose on the member page.

Elsie's Attic has done a great job of organization on the site and is adding to it line upon line so to speak so things don't feel all over the place....as they can tend to feel when they get so big, so fast.

Enjoy the slide show, it's my present to you. I am thinking of you and hoping that all of you have a safe, happy, healthy, fun and interesting New Year. I hope that reuse, recycling and refurbishing become a bigger and better part of your life. And, that no matter who you voted for this past election season, that you get behind our President and lend support. He's got his work cut out for him and then some.

Hang in there and be good now so you don't get any coal in those stockings. Only shiny gold silver rhodium platinum and the like.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

~ Warmly,
HDRose