I've moved!

Hi! this website has moved to www.christinemariestudio.com.

you can wear them again. really.

"You can wear that dress again!" <-- Those of us that have played the bridesmaid, have heard that one before!

Just a little bling - handpainted, turquoise feathers to desert blue.

In this case, you can wear the jewelry again - I really do think so (at least I would!) I had the pleasure of creating 6 earring and bracelet sets - all the same but a little different. The most striking blue color - I am hoping I get to see a picture of them in action when all is said and done.

Two tone turquoise and desert blue.

The same but different.

Are you a bride? Do you know a bride? Contact me for more information about custom bridesmaids' jewelry. Not a bride? contact me anyway. Many of my pieces can be created in custom colors and I would love to work with you.

snippets & miscellany.

I am so happy to report this!

Adorn is reopening this weekend after a devastating fire in early January. I stopped in yesterday to drop off some jewelry, the store is looking a-mazing. Inventory was just being moved in that day, yet I managed to walk away with 2 new things... ?

Nifty jewelry display going to Adorn - made from a picture frame
and a cut up Ikea curtain (background fabric).

Nicole and Ethan are back better than before { I knew they would be }. It's one of those places where I never feel overwhelmed, I know I am going to find something great - someone has already done the hard work and has narrowed it down - I'm seeing the great stuff { note to you tall girls - prairie underground - nice long arms - the sleeves hit the middle of my hand kind-of-long }. It just feels good to shop in there. You must go...

other miscellany.

If you didn't see it, I won't let you miss it - lovely Becky from Buckets of Burlap is wearing my jewelry. Isn't she pretty? Becky's vintage farmhouse is swoon-worthy (so is her ability to take pictures). I first found her blog via the Where Bloggers Create series last August.

photo by buckets of burlap

oh glorious day!

{ Hear it on youtube }

One day when Heaven was filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a Virgin
Dwelt among men, my example is He

Word became flesh and the light shined among us
His glory revealed

Living He loved me, dying He saved me
And buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He's coming, oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day

Source: tinyurl.ms via maricruz on Pinterest

One day they led Him up Calvary's mountain
One day they nailed Him to die on a tree
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He

Hands that healed nations, stretched out on a tree
And took the nails for me

'Cause living He loved me, dying He saved me
And buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He's coming, oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, over death He had conquered
Now He's ascended, my Lord evermore

Death could not hold Him
The grave could not keep Him from rising again

Living He loved me, dying He saved me
And buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He's coming, oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day
Glorious day

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming
One day the skies with His glories will shine
Wonderful day, my beloved one bringing
My Savior Jesus is mine

Living He loved me, dying He saved me
And buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He's coming, oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day
Glorious day, oh, glorious day

boldly go. where only the tiny have gone before.

I found some earrings the other day, sorting through my closet. Old. Think 10 years ago, some older. Some were clips - would it surprise you to know that I got my ears pierced when I was 28? I think it hurts more when you are older { especially when you take them out one week early for your sister's wedding and then you can't get them back in again - I have fat earlobes - can you say "re-pierce"? }

I've repurposed some of these into new pieces { I can tag them vintage assemblage LOL }.

I used to wear TEENY TINY earrings. PEENSY. I used to make teeny tiny earrings...

The evolution of size. The left are circa about 2 years ago... the right are a current design.

I am a fairly neutral dresser. I dress for comfort. My clothes are usually pretty safe and easy - I think some of this is being 5'10". I love it, don't get me wrong, but it is hard to find clothes that fit right. Online ordering is essential. Returning is a pain. Therefore I don't venture far from "what I know".

Keeping it simple and finishing with a bold accessory makes me feel like I tried. Maybe I am just heading out to sit in carpool line... when I pair the jeans with the tee, then add some comfortable big unique earrings, I feel good. I made an effort. It's so easy. I admit it, it makes me feel like I am edgy. I'm 40 and I know what's going on.

That's why I make them, so you too can be edgy in your comfortable clothes.

What bold accessory do you have that makes you feel "finished"?

ready, set, gift!

Do you know someone who would just love my jewelry, but you aren't sure what to pick? Giving handmade items can sometimes be tricky { but special } because they are so unique.

Give a gift certificate!

I've just set up gift certificates specifically for my shop { thru paypal }.

This option is always available in the right sidebar.

fav pic share. spring break.

I love this picture and I wanted to share it. It's spring break here and we went to OMSI (amazing LEGO exhibit there right now) with cousins who are here from out of town. I like how, even in silhouette, you can see their personalities.

From left to right: My son, Michael, and daughter, Charlotte. Cousins, John and James.

We are fortunate to live in such a pretty city, (Portland) especially in the spring.

spigot head has a big sister.

I am thrilled with the recent addition to my dress form collection - this wasn't a conscious decision, I just can't help myself! Let me just say - Martha (of Vintage Trifles), I will buy any dress form you "accessorize". She's crazy-brilliant with these things. Spigot head was my first and I am truly addicted.

Spigot head.

I shopped the 3 Friends Sale { Roost Reimagined, Molly Mo's and Vintage Trifles } last weekend in Salem with my sister-in-law. We were prepared with the big empty SUV. Fortunately, she bought items that were too big for the vehicle, so Big Sister Spigot Head was able to travel in luxury...

Here she is and I think she is stunning! If I don't sell jewelry it will be because everyone is too distracted by my displays.

Lovely brushed metal base!

I am never throwing away another spigot-industrial-turny-thing again.
Upcycle genious.

She rocks the navel, I think.

More vintage dress form love? --> Check out my pinterest board full of them.

...............................................

What is your favorite display item?

snippets & miscellany.

snippets...

I just got back from the 3 Friends Sale - Roost Reimagined, Molly Mo's and Vintage Trifles. I did manage to only purchase items that fit in the car... will share pictures this week. Again I was a sucker for the display items, they get me every time. I did purchase a few packets of vintage buttons from Roost and they were cleverly labelled Snippets & Miscellany - I thought an appropriate title for this post. I think I might have purchased 5 little packages of vintage buttons, strictly based on how cute the labels were.

other miscellany...

I challenged myself earlier this week to design a pair of earrings for an outfit chosen from a catalog. It was a fun exercise and I enjoyed going at it from a different angle. I chose a sweater-skirt combo from Boden USA catalog. The earrings I designed for this outfit are salmony-pink with sage green undertones, blue crystal and vintage chain. Check them out here. I do think this model really does need some earrings (maybe you do too)!

more other miscellany...

Yet another chance to win a gift certificate for some goodies to my shop! { instructions for entering here --> } Buckets of Burlap is hosting a $50 gift certificate giveaway, good for anything in my etsy shop!

new love. old white.

My paint exploration continues. Old white { Annie Sloan Chalk Paint } is my current love and I've added some new chippy goodness to my etsy shop.

old white + paris gray + clear & dark wax

emporer's silk + old white + clear & dark wax.

old white, simply distressed and embellished.

................

For more white lovelies --> White Wednesdays with Kathleen at Faded Charm.

Also linked up to:

 

chippy metal love.

I got a NapaStyle magazine in the mail the other day and I almost tossed it out. I am not sure how they all find me, but we are on gift-y magazine overload - the trinkety kind of magazines. I assumed this one might be similar (I've never seen it before). Fortunately I flipped through it on the way to the recycle bin.

There is some serious vintage metal/industrial love in this magazine.

I tend to get great inspiration from lovely old chippy things and I expect that many of you do too. Enjoy my favorite picks!

Vintage Galvanized Box - each is different. { link }

Vintage French Oyster Basket - the real deal mid 30's. { link }

Torrione Basket Stand - I really want to
make a space for this one somewhere
in my house... { link }

Quindici Metal Cabinet - swoon !! { link }

European Wash Basin - again, the real deal! { link }

Village Water Canister - mid 50's. { link }

Vintage Shepherd's Weight Doorstop { link }

Vintage Iron Grate - this would go on my wall, I would not be
scraping my boots on it! { link }

the perfect blue.

It's time for some pinterest love.

Recently introduced to Annie Sloan paint { the yummiest colors - I get mine at the Purple Pear }, and I am inspired to paint. Furniture, jewelry <--coming soon, you name it... I've taken to scouring craigslist under the terms "tlc" and "needs paint", because I really need more hobbies { not! }

Pinterest is full of shabby blue inspiration...

Source: compare.ebay.com via Christine on Pinterest

Source: delightbydesign.blogspot.com via Christine on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Christine on Pinterest

Source: blanaid.com via Christine on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Christine on Pinterest

Source: seacottage.blogspot.com via Christine on Pinterest

Source: domestically-speaking.com via Christine on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Source: dreamywhites.blogspot.com via Jess on Pinterest

Source: roomseventeenstyle.blogspot.com via Melinda on Pinterest

Source: potterybarn.com via Tami on Pinterest

Source: mysweetsavannah.blogspot.com via Shannon on Pinterest

simplicity. turkey tortellini.

I've been working toward my goal of Simplicity (my word of the year), intentional living... a big part of this for me includes making as many meals as I can. Ok, that didn't sound simple. To rephrase --> I am simplifying in other areas, in order to make it easier for me to give time to what I feel is important.

I don't consider myself to be much of a cook { ie cookbooks still need pictures and step by step directions for me - don't just say "blanch" without explaining what it means...} So that's my level of cooking ability.

Instead of reaching for the cardboard box and pushing "Start" on the microwave, I've been on the hunt for easy meals and today, with the help of Simple Mom's Basic Guide to Menu Planning, I've got a month of meal's planned, printed out and on the fridge. It is so freeing! and it was easy...

I'm sharing one, we've had it twice and it is easy-peasy. All it needs is Olive Garden breadsticks to take it to the next level...

This recipe serves 6 generously... my crockpot it small and threatens spillage - I will be upgrading to a larger one, just keep this in mind - it will go right to the top on the small crockpots.

R E C I P E

Turkey Tortellini Soup

Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 6 to 8 hours on low, or 3 to 4 on high, plus an extra 30 minutes on high

• 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 4 cups of water
• 4 cups coursely chopped roasted turkey breast (1 pound)
• 1 - 14.5 ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 - tablespoon dried Italian seasoning, crushed
• 1 - 9-ounce package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 - cups fresh baby spinach
• Shredded Parmesan cheese

1. In a 5- to 6- quart slow cooker combine broth, the water, chopped turkey, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
2. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 6 to 8 hours or on high-heat setting for 3-4 hours. If using low-heat setting, turn to high-heat setting at the end of 6 to 8 hours. Stir in tortellini. Cover and cook for 30 more minutes or until tortellini is tender. Stir in spinach. If desired, sprinkle each serving with Parmesan cheese.

Per Serving: 240 cal., 3 g total fat (2 g sat. fat), 63 mg chol., 656 mg sodium, 25 g carb. (3 g fiber, 4 g sugars), 28 g pro. I was not able to find this recipe online - SOURCE: Better Homes and Gardens Diabetic Slow Cooker magazine 2012.

i can't resist. portlandia.

From Portland  --> make jewelry.

My husband and I laughed so hard at this one. Portlandia nails it every time.

just tinkering.

I tinker. I stare at the pile and sometimes I got nothin'. Other days, my creativity flows, so much so that I only make one earring before moving on impatiently to the next design, forlorn single earrings strewn all over my workspace, my fingers refuse to move as fast as my brain on these days.

Wire wrapping is something I've been considering adding
to some of my designs. It's so pretty, but something
I still remain inconsistent at. I think this was my 3rd go at it.

It has taken me 4 months to know what to do with the lovely
filigrees atop this fringe. I bought this fringe - it was one of those -
oh oops, smaller than I thought! But I love them so much here.

Favorite high school earrings are the main component here -
yikes! they are truly vintage LOL - these clips from long ago
have been converted to a great looking long filigree earring.

I recently read article on another artist's blog about time spent tinkering, experimenting and failing. It made me feel better about my tinkering time - it's part of the creative process (no matter your hobby), although at times it feels like a mental block. I improve by experimenting, whether I succeed or fail.

"Those days of tinkering and taking stock are not lost time. You need those times to think and experiment and move things around... Even when you make something and it doesn't turn out, it's still valid time spent. It's going to happen whether you like it or not, this tinkering. In fact it HAS to happen to get good work, so you might as well either square with it or consign yourself to the easy path of making frivolous trinkets."- Sparrow Salvage

Lace, silk, suri silk ribbon.

My next tinker session? I want to experiment with lace, textiles, ribbon. I hope to create layered textile pendants and wrist cuffs. I can't sew. Experimentation definitely required.

Christine Marie giveaway @ Primp

If you love the vintage style, then don't miss this opportunity to win a $40 gift certificate to my etsy shop. Michele at Primp has been so kind as to host a giveaway that ends on Valentine's Day.

--> { More about how to enter }

While you're there don't miss the Primp Your Stuff Link Party - a lot of creativity flowing!

funky junkin'.

I think I have the post funky-junk blues. I had much fun seeing my vendor friends - everyone is so talented! Over the top displays, fabulous stuff { thus requiring large blog pictures for full effect }! I picked up a few things for my craft room and my son's room, I'll share those in a later post. Dixie and Linda are amazing ladies - thank you for a really fun show!

This large mirror frame could not have been more perfectly chippy-shabby. I was actually "lightly" contemplating it, but someone saved me from myself - it was already snapped up.

Tarte - outrageously creative - I know who got the Santos { wink }.

I always look for Diane's dress form. { Molly Mo's }

Just Chic had my favorite horizontal surface in the whole place.

I did not catch the name of the vendor that had this shelf. Perfectly rustic.

Faded Charm does the grey-white-cream thing the best.

Ormolulu. Need I say more?

I can't finish without sharing a little bit of my booth...

If you missed this show, the next one not-to-miss is the 3 Friends Sale, March 17th. Mark your calendar and watch for more information.