Maria Theresa Thaler

 I have an interesting coin pendant that was given to me a number of years ago. I decide to do some research. This is a Maria Theresa Thaler coin. It has a fascinating bit of history that I thought I would share with you.

The Maria Theresa Thaler is probably one of the most famous and well-known coins of the world.  Originally struck in Austria from 1740 to 1780. (My coin pendant is dated 1780,) the Thaler was the currency of the Austrian Empire. It was very important for trade with the Levant (parts of Turkey, Lebanon, and Syria). The 1780 Thaler was the only silver coin that the Arabs trusted and would accept. This coin became the unofficial currency in some areas of Africa and Asia, and may still be in use today as a "trade silver dollar" in some Arabian bazaars.

 The Thaler coin has been used to make jewelry and ornaments such as head-dresses, necklaces, armbands and brooches to attach face veils or headscarves. These coins also served as a kind of portable bank since nomadic tribes wore their wealth while on the move. This unique silver coin was believed to contain healing powers and ward off evil spirits.

Etsy Treasuries

I really like how Etsy has made it much easier to make a treasury. There are so many fun groupings. Here is one dedicated to ants and my encaustic tiny ant paintings are featured.

Fun Necklaces for Summer . . .

I've added a lot of new necklaces to my shop. 

This heart charm necklace with white and yellow cabochons is so romantic and pretty.

These beautiful pieces of jewelry are wonderful for summer. I think this locket would look fantastic on a white linen dress.

Many of the necklaces are re-purposed pieces of vintage jewelry. Like this butterfly necklace.

This is a vintage crystal Aurora Borealis necklace.

I used some wonderful blue vintage crystal beads on this pretty necklace.

This romantic necklace has a jade green cabochon flower with small vintage white cabochon flowers.

Here's a cute owl pendant from the 1970's.

Vintage Button Ring . .

 I love vintage buttons and I have lots of them. Many of these buttons are made from shells.

I decided to use some of these beautiful buttons to create a whimsical ring.  All you need are some buttons in different sizes and a ring base.

To start with, I took a large button and glued on smaller buttons. I used a  jewelry making glue called E-6000. I got this glue at Jo-Ann's Fabric store.

I layered lots of small buttons on the larger button and then I let the glue dry overnight.

The next day, I glued the larger button on to the ring base. I used an antique style filigree ring base. Once again I let the glue dry overnight.

And that's all there is to it! Now you have a super cute ring. I think this would be a great piece of jewelry to wear this summer with a white linen dress.

For a final touch, I added a light blue cabochon flower. This is a fun ring to make or if you like you can buy this one here.

I'm A Vendor at . . .

I am so excited to be a vendor at the Farm Chicks show in Spokane, WA. I have read about this event in Country Living Magazine and now I get to be a vendor selling my artwork. This should be a fantastic weekend although could be a little dangerous to my pocket book with all vintage items to check out!

New Family . . .

 There is a place not too far from my house, where each Spring I get see a new family of geese.

 

 

Here is the proud papa and mama, very concerned by my presence.

I love watching how the goslings following right behind their parents.

 

Country Shed

I had some time the other day so I took a walk in the fields of a vineyard near my home. (Our island has about seven small family owned vineyards.)

I came upon this weathered old shed.

There is such beauty in weathered wood. . .

and rusty wire.

This is just another reminder for me to take time, slow down - and really "look" at the beauty in my life.

I love Vintage . .

I found some wonderful vintage items for my shop - Red Truck Designs.

This beautiful piece is an amazing rhinestone necklace - very Marilyn Monroe. It reminds me of something she would have worn in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes."

The necklace measures approx 14 inches and the larger rhinestone cluster  measures approx 1 1/2 inches.

Here is another piece and is in perfect condition. This necklace has two jeweled leaves on a wonderful linked chain. Both of these necklaces would be fantastic to wear to a wedding, special event or with any summer dress.

I also had to show you this  bracelet because I think it is just amazing. I posted this item in my shop and it sold right away.

Summer weather is here and this beautiful white vintage slip dress would be perfect on a hot day. It is made with a fantastic lace fabric that is sheer but not really see through.

After a Day at the BEACH . . .

Here is a new mixed media encaustic painting perfect for summer time decor.

The colors and fun images make this a great painting for a child's room too.

 This painting is available in my shop here.

Mixed-media Suncatchers

One of my favorite magazines is Somerset Studios.

Recently I saw some wonderful mixed media glass bottles. I loved the idea so I decided to make some of my own designs.

These pretty little bottles hold some wonderful treasures like vintage pearl beads and  sea-glass I found on the beach here on our island.

On the tops of the bottles I have added vintage chandelier crystals.

My soldered art charms add some interest.

Soon these pretty little pieces of art will be available in my shop - Red Truck Designs.

New Mini Encaustic Photo Paintings . . .

I've been busy creating some new mini encaustic paintings.

 I really like how these photo encaustic paintings can be grouped together. The blue and green colors are wonderfully calming yet also fun.

You can find these pieces in  my shop by clicking here.