Tuesday, February 8, 2011

THE SHIRT OFF HER BACK...

...is now the apron around her waist.  My friend, Jackie, and I ran across a darling apron idea in a magazine last week, repurposed from a man's shirt.  Telling me she had an old shirt that no longer fit her, I was gifted with it the following evening, after an impromptu Friday night of drinks and laughter.  Not thinking she wanted me to actually wear it, as it was about 80 sizes too small (she definitely needs to grow a body), I took it home and tore into it.  A soft, white, pinwale corduroy it is...the ruffle (made from the corduroy on the back of the shirt) was added to give it some width, and I added a loop at the waist, to accommodate a hand towel for keeping hand prints off her pretty white apron.
Finished just in time to join in on White Wednesday fun, at Faded Charm.

And, every once in awhile I finish up a piece that I feel like keeping for myself (or it's so obnoxious that I know no one else wants it).  I actually finished a piece a few weeks ago, as the precursor to the Rhinestone Cowgirl necklaces (one of which I am giving away next week - see how to enter above), and knew it was destined for my own jewelry box.
My very own "Rhinestone Cowgirl Godfather Necklace"...the disembodied horse heads were given to me some years back, having come from a vintage conch belt.  The necklace sports a large, 2" crystal with cowgirl and cowgirl definition (ripped from my dictionary, much to my daughter's horror), underneath; a beautiful vintage rhinestone earring; hand-formed silver loops, turquoise; red fire-polish beads; a stunning, antique, aqua rhinestone button; more crystals; and sterling silver wire and components.  The three strand crystal necklace belonged to my Mom, in high school.

The Key to Her Heart necklace was headed to the shop until my daughter got ahold of it, and I offered it up as restitution for desecrating the dictionary - fashioned from discarded, vintage jewelry pieces - a 1-3/8" gold plated heart hangs beneath a gold tone mesh bow; gold metal rose with a sparking rhinestone is another old jewelry piece; 2-3/4" antique skeleton key; and various crystals, fire polish beads and vintage rhinestone buttons join up with hand formed loops and brass chain - Happy Valentine's Day, Jaci.

Entry for the Rhinestone Cowgirl Crackerjack Necklace Giveaway ends February 18th, with the winner announced on the 19th.  Have a wonderful week...stay creative - and warm, to my family back in Denver.

18 comments:

Hopewell Creek Designs said...

The apron idea is a really good one.That is too,too clever!I love how you can take all of those pieces and make such a pretty piece of jewelry( more like wearable art!)I do not have the mind set to make it look good...and trust me I have tried :)

Julia said...

What a great idea for an apron. I love the idea of the loop for holding a dish towel!
Great necklaces!!!!!

Norine ~rosethoughts~ said...

Great idea for the apron!
I remember those old horse heads. Given to you by an I-talian too ;o). Nice accent!
Just remember..."Leave the gun. Take the cannolis."

Ahl Cooped Up said...

I would hate to cook with that beautiful apron.
They are so stylish now. I have several vintage ones. One was made for me by my Aunt in 1976. It has cross stitch and sequins on it, in a Christmas theme. It's taken me all these years to appreciate and like it. I'm happy it never got tossed!
Lucky Jaci. She has great taste, and a not so bad Mother too!

The Primitive Bucket said...

As usual...AMAZING!!! Love the apron and of course then necklace is to die for... LOVE IT!!!
You do such amazing work...no matter what it is you do!!

Honey at 2805 said...

Oh, how cute is that apron! Pretty necklace assortment.

Jackie said...

I love that apron! I am so lucky to have such a creative and giving friend! It amazes me what you are capable of, we did not even buy the magazine we saw it in, and BAM, you created it in a day! Truly amazes me! Thank you!

Gracie's Cottage said...

Now that's a cute apron...and you just whipped it up? Amazin'...love it. The jewels are downright darlin' too!

Jan

oldgreymare said...

SOOOOOOO CUTE! I want one now : D

Jackie, she is a wizard....

xx
z

Only Prettier said...

I ADORE THAT APRON! such a cool ideal!

Unknown said...

What a sweet apron and your etsy pieces are gorgeous! :)

~Liz

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

Adorable and I just love the jewelry:)
~Debra xxx
Capers of the vintage vixens

Joyce - Quilted Nest said...

Way cute! Good thing it needed to be a bit bigger - the ruffle 'makes it'. Great idea, I'm very impressed!

Crystal said...

Can't wait to try the apron idea out!!! I love it!!!!

Rebecca said...

that is a great idea-repurposing and unique too!

bj said...

This is the cutest thing I've ever seen. Such a GREAT idea. Why didn't I think of that??? or the Internet??? or FACEBOOK???..haahhaa..
I do indeed love this apron.

Olivia said...

Oh wow that apron is deelish and the jewelry divine! Love your blog!
Hugs,
Olivia

Wanda said...

Thanks for your visit to my Roses in winter blog. I am loving the apron, I want to go raid my hubbies closet and make some, love the ruffle great job.