Looking for Finds!

Yesterday my cousin and I made a trip to find some vintage treasures to sell. I did find this amazing piece of mid-century pottery to sell or maybe to keep. This is the dance we do in every shop, we find plenty of things that we want for ourselves, but not so many to sell. We laugh and joke the whole time wondering if we're going to get kicked out of the antique shops for having to much fun. Some behind the desks are friendly, but others are showing their aggravation with a slowing antique business. This business is having a really rough go of it in this economy, so if you like vintage you might want support your local vintage shops. Sadly they may not be around if we don't. Keep smiling vintage veterans!lisascala.com

The Process

Here they are! Some of my feather jewelry pieces. These were some of the most fun pieces to to work on. The process was almost spiritual, I know I'm getting a little cheesy but it was great! The feathers are just beautiful and are a nice connection to nature. I love pairing organic, with manufactured items like the heavy chain, it's unexpected and edgy. I know I'm a little wacky with how I get so excited with these vintage finds. I just respect the artist and craftsman of the past and love the care and quality they put into their work. I'm addicted to finding treasures and giving them a new life. When I'm creating, either an object or color combo is where I start, next is balance with symmetry or visual balance. Third is finding an edge and/or an elegance in the look. Most importantly I enjoy it! lisascala.com

Fabric!

Check this find out! I love fabric so much! I have always collected vintage fabrics and now I am starting to use them in my purses and key chains. This fabric could not be more "me" Feathers, Lily of the Valley,(my nick name from my Nana) vintage watches,leaves and love letters. Can you believe it? It's fabulous... I can only sew a straight line so I'm hoping that someone that can really sew will get this fabric. The colors and designs are wonderful, I just keep them around for inspiration and so using them is just a great bonus. I've made pillows and curtains, not well so don't look to closely. Good Luck finding amazing vintage fabrics! Have Fun!lisascala.com

Learning from being a Teacher

Hey I'm teaching tonight, I love my students, they are so creative and supportive. They keep me on my toes and always want more. It's a fantastic way to keep you sharp and seeing things from allot of different views. We are starting to get (little by little) back into metal work: hammering and wire working mostly. We're working on connections tonight.lisascala.com

Knotting, chain, wire connections etc...

The New Feather Jewelry...

I have started making the feather jewelry and it was beyond fun. Creating with these fabulous vintage feathers was amazing! I'm trying to create something new with a little vintage feel. Remember the feather jewelry of the 1970's, a little cheesey and a little rocker. I'm trying to keep that vintage feel with a new fashion edge. We'll see but I am love the process. Check them out soon. lisascala.com

Treasures

I found feathers at a local antique shop (buy local) I can't wait to get started. Pearls have been a really important material for me all along, but I'm trying new combo's that I love. Not So Prim Pearls, a little more fun and edgy than the classic pearls. I dig finding the vintage treasures almost as much as I love creating the jewelry. I get inspired by the smallest things buttons, costume jewelry, fabric and just great forms and colors! Happy Hunting!lisascala.com

Being Inspired!

Purple and grey are hot colors right now, I started getting into purple last year through fashion mag. Osmosis I'm sure, but I've been finding so many great purple vintage pieces lately and its inspiring. Check out these 80's beads that have an African flare when I used them like this, it looks so amazing on and I made it in two pendant lengths. I love the longer one it so bold and a little edgy.

Take a look at them on lisascala.com This is my first blog so I have allot to learn, I'll get there. My inspiration mostly comes from color, form, texture, vintage pieces, and nature. The new thing I'm jazzed about is using feathers in my work I can't wait to make a piece or five, soon!

I just learned that one of the styles that I've been working in is called Steam Punk, who knew, I've been saying Elegance with an Edge! If your out of the loop like me it's romantic, black, Victorian, Halloween, mad scientist all wrapped up in one. I love it and have collected this kind of stuff for along time. Some of my favorites are an acrylic ring with a bug inside,a big black Bakelite heart on large black links, my hand necklace,and my black crow print to name few. I have a new piece to photograph that has a black horn,grey chain and pearls, Steam Punk maybe? I do love making jewelry but I need to get back to my painting! New Years Resolution.