1. Where have I been?  I just moved from Cincinnati, Ohio to Washington D.C. in September.  I haven’t had much time since then to post any new jewelry much less work on new designs.  Finally, after much time adjusting (which I am still doing) I have been able to post a ton of new items in the Etsy shop (www.taraleasmith.etsy.com)I’m still experimenting with new techniques and seeing what’s working and selling well.  I am working on creating some cheaper items that people can afford and still feel beautiful and unique with them on.  You’ll see those in the coming weeks!  More statement items are still going to be created and posted online that are completely original featuring one of a kind vintage and antique repurposed jewelry.

    I also have a new website in the works (the husband is working on that!) which will allow me to sell online in my own true store!  I can’t wait for that!  I am working on some millinery items and perfecting them as of currently which you can get a sneak peak through the photos above.  I think I need some more bracelets in the store also!  So you’ll see those! 

    Last but not least, I am trying to still find my true niche and style and jewelry design.  I love enamel flower and swarovski crystals.  Pairing them together creates a true design but I think some more techniques put in the mix together would create a true stunning work of art.  I am still an artist, but I want to further my career in this jewelry world.  It’s so exciting and I never know what I’ll be inspired by or come up with next.  Who knows, I know neon is huge and will be a big trend for this fall and winter and spring and summer 2012.  So you might see that!  Who knows, I will update more with new items I’m working on and posts of new statement pieces.  Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!  :D  Please check the facebook page for new items posted daily and sales and promotions.  There will be one for Christmas!

  2. gaksdesigns:

    Wataru Itou, a talented art student from Tokyo, spent 4 years of his life building this trully incredible paper castle. Named Umi no Ue no Oshiro (A Castle on the Ocean), this paper craft castle features electric lights and even a moving train, made of paper. 

  4. This is amazing and truly shows off what you can do with fabric!  Wow!

    This is amazing and truly shows off what you can do with fabric!  Wow!

  5. theglitterguide: (via fashion / Late Afternoon: sail away)

    theglitterguide:

    (via fashion / Late Afternoon: sail away)

  7. A couple of projects I’m currently working on that aren’t finished yet but I will show you once I’m done!  I promise!  I got this amazing vintage kerosene lamp at The World’s Longest Garage sale also.  I absolutely loved it and it has an amazing cyan blue color with different scrolls of designs at the base of it.  Beautiful, can’t wait to light it!  Then this morning my stinker of a dog sits in my sit before I’m about to post everything.  Isn’t he just too cute?  Thanks for looking!

  8. Went to the World’s Longest Garage Sale this weekend and here are some of the goodies I got!  Can’t wait to create with all these wonderful and beautiful pieces!  Some pieces are more than 100 years old even!  I managed to snag some wonderful antique swarovski crystal pieces from the 1890s…  you’ll see photos above in the collection from shoe clips, a brooch, and a box clasp from a necklace that still has a little string attached to it from the original necklace strands.  I think that old swarovski crystals have a particular shine to them that you can’t get in today’s swarovski crystals.  Some of the newer ones are quite beautiful but nothing has history like these crystals.  It amazes me that I’m a holding a piece that was once a lady’s prized possession and maybe some of the best jewelry she even owned.  That’s what makes antique and vintage jewelry worth it!  Enjoy, there’s another post with current projects I’m working on!  

  9. I’ve been very busy as always creating wonderful new luminous and sparkling items… here’s a recent lovely custom couture item.  More new custom items coming soon to show you!  Just thought you’d enjoy this lovely exotic bird!

  10. Some things I’ve been working on… can’t wait to show you what they’re going to look like when they’re done!

About me

inspired by nature, the days of old, vintage enamel flower brooches, historic fairy tales, aged metals, and the sparkles of vintage swarovski crystals. all these enchanting components are individually pieces into every work of art by hand to create fantastical nautical arrangements with glowing floral motifs, sparkling vines of swarovski crystals, and hidden repurposed vintage jewels.

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