SUE JACK DESIGNS

Dreaming of Summer on a Snowy Day

2012-02-03T12:57:00.005-07:00

This morning we woke up to a "snow day".....work and school were canceled for all of us! As I looked out the window at the foot of snow that buried my wrought-iron furniture, fountain and vines, I found myself daydreaming about what my garden/deck looked like last summer.

Knowing at my age you shouldn't wish your life away, I decided to appreciate being inside my warm and cozy home with my family. It didn't stop my daydreaming though about the many ways we can dine alfresco when it is warm....

Which one is your favorite? : )

For the Love of Vintage Vogues

2012-01-31T21:55:00.002-07:00

For the majority of my years I have taken Vogue magazine with very little interruption in subscriptions....it's a fashion lover's best friend. Occasionally I even pick up a vintage Vogue just for the heck of it....because I love vintage fashion even more than modern fashion. Here are a few of my favorite vintage Vogue covers:

Heaven Sent

2012-01-14T09:33:00.008-07:00

My daughter belongs to K-Life which is a ministry group focused on mentoring and coaching today's teenagers. The group further breaks into smaller groups of 5-6 people so that the teens can get together easily at someone's home or to go to the movies, etc.
A couple of weeks before Christmas, my daughter's small group, led by a delightful. energetic young woman named Kelsey, got together for their usual meeting, but this time they made a point of inviting the parents back a little early to pick up their daughters...."for a surprise" they told us.
When we arrived, the girls took us to a nearby field where they opened large paper lanterns.
They held the large lanterns while lighting a small piece of paraffin-covered cardboard which was secured in the center at the bottom of each one.

One by One, as the heat filled the lanterns, they lifted weightlessly......

disappearing into the dusky sky.

They floated farther and farther away.....

until they were so high you could see only a speck in the sky....then nothing.

It was an amazing evening filled with awe and dreams for the future.....for each daughter had written their favorite scripture, New Year's resolution or a note about someone/something they were thankful for on the outside of their lantern so that it could be lifted closer to God in thankfulness.

A "Link" to My Past

2011-11-13T19:51:00.002-07:00

Not very long ago I was searching for some pictures of early oil wells in Oklahoma, and in particular, near my hometown. I sifted through lots of images, but one really caught my eye. It was a picture of my mother, the baton twirler, marching with the Drumright High School Band in their Christmas Parade....probably around 1953-1954.
I sent the picture to my mom and she couldn't believe that it was floating around "out there". She wasn't even positive that the twirler that I thought was her WAS her (the one on the far left by the brown car), but I blew the picture up and am 99.9% sure that it's her!

I love finding treasures like old photos of my family....it put a huge smile on my face and opened a whole new book of stories for her to share with me. It was so much fun.....

Letting You in on One of My Favs - Betsy Martin of Reign Denver

2011-11-05T14:07:00.001-06:00

I haven't met Betsy personally, but she seems to be the "Girl in the Know" for Denver. She sends out a weekly blog with the latest and greatest goings-on locally, so I thought I would share it with all my Denver Buds. Here's her latest post....enjoy:

http://www.denverreign.com/

Old Favorites

Admit it, ladies. You watch shows like Pan Am and Mad Men and daydream about the costumes. You throw in your Audrey Hepburn DVD collection only to covet her orange Givenchy overcoat and mink hat. You, sweet fashionista, are an old soul. You prefer a little story behind your wardrobe, and a bit of history in your home. And you get giddy as a schoolgirl when you stumble upon hidden gems like South Broadway’s Chic Antiques. Proprietress and Vintage expert Sabine McCurry scours the scene, giving Denver women a chance to step back in time and dress in authentic clothing from 1890 to 1980. Each piece is hand selected for authenticity, quality, condition and style, so that your nod to Jackie O is one of which the icon would undoubtedly approve. Located in the heart of Antique Row, Chic Antiques also offers unbridled goodness by way of luxury bath goods with vintage-inspired packaging, accessories (McCurry’s hat collection is hovering around 1,000) and furnishings that would make any glamour puss go gaga. We loved the 1940s vanity chair that looked like it would be just as charming in our boudoir as it would the bathroom. While there, check out the metallic French wallpaper that adorns the plush dressing area. It’s tres chic. Chic Antiques, 1487 South Broadway, Ring 303.325.5108

Champagne Bubble Clutch

2011-10-21T17:56:00.000-06:00

Just sold one of my favorite clutches on Etsy!

The bride needed a green clutch and was so excited about finding it!

Hope it fits her wedding colors and is more than she expected....I always LOVE to hear something I designed is even better in person!

Many hours were spent hand-sewing the various-sized, ivory pearls

on to liken it to champagne bubbles.....

I think I may have even been drinking a glass a champagne

when I was making it....don't you dare tell!

Twenty Years Ago Today!

2011-10-04T22:46:00.004-06:00

I can't believe it!

Twenty years may have gone by,

but a million memories were created.

Here's to the next twenty, my Love.....

Fall Table Centerpiece

2011-10-03T21:04:00.005-06:00

I love fall! The colors are so rich and beautiful, the leaves shimmer and shake like jewels, and the cool, crisp air is just perfect for bundling up in your favorite sweater and scarf....or next to your hubby/boyfriend. And decorating for fall is just as much fun as decorating for Christmas....well, almost.

Several women at my church take turns bringing two centerpieces to decorate the alter at the front of the sanctuary. I don't actually do it as often as other women do because my assigned Sunday is the fifth one, which only comes around five times a year. This year October has five Sundays, so I will be bringing the flowers for our October 30 service.

I wanted to find something creative to take because I'm among so many talented floral designers....they set the bar pretty high sometimes! So I turned to Youtube and found something that I think will be perfect! So perfect, in fact, that I wanted to share it with you for your fall table decorations.

One side note....it would probably be a good idea if you actually knew the neighbor whose yard you are plucking your pieces from!

Day Tripper

2011-10-01T20:54:00.003-06:00

I haven't blogged in ages, but definitely DO check in on all my favorite bloggers. You keep me going....helping me remember that there is a whole world out there of creative people, writers, designers, crazies just like me,....I love you all and thank you for your inspiration!!!!

We took a trip to the mountains this weekend to see the aspens turn (something all Coloradans do just becuz....). but by the time we got to Conifer, my youngest had a 102.5 fever. How does this happen ONLY on days we are leaving for a trip???? All I can say is that it must be innate. Bless her heart, she was not giving in and asking us to go home though....she took some pain medicine and put on a happy face so she wouldn't miss a thing!

The aspen trees were gorgeous! They appeared to be ablaze with fire until you got right up to them.

Then, when you stood next to them, their tiny, heart-shaped leaves shook like little sparkly jewels in the wind, giving them their nickname "Quakies".

Luckily, kids are resilient and we ended up having a wonderful day even with her feeling "under the weather". She didn't miss one drop of God's sunshine, rain, lightening, wind, and even snow! that was provided for today's viewing pleasure!

If you've never seen Colorado's "turning of the aspens", you must set aside time to experience it. It's something you'll never forget......

Depending on the end-of-summer weather, the best times to go are September 15 though October 6 or so. You really must......

Flutter By Butterfly....

2011-04-10T21:06:00.003-06:00

My daughters and I love butterflies and thought we would share some butterfly inspiration with you....

Can you imagine floating down a staircase in this gown?

By Luly Yang

Or dancing the night away in these lovelies?

Or......or I don't know what! I'll let you fill in the blanks for this little doozy.....but everyone should have one, don't you think?

And we have Alexander McQueen, Phillip Treacy and Luly Yang to thank for it!

Enjoy.......

Sue

Isabelle's First Kiss....

2011-03-31T19:45:00.004-06:00

I work on a laptop computer and lately it's gotten SO slow! I cleaned up my "desktop"....which wasn't easy....had pics and folders everywhere! It still didn't help very much though. So I asked my husband to take a look and he asked how many pictures I had in my iPhoto file. "I don't know....le'me take a look...."

O...M...G...

Would you believe I have over 10,000 pictures????!!!! Needless to say I'll be cleaning that puppy up over the next few months! Aaarrrggh! I'd rather reorganize my underwear drawer....
But I have to share one of my treasured finds with you.....

"Oooooww! It looks like a catepillar!!! Will it tickle???"

".....this is gonna be yucky....I just know it!"

"Sch-mack!!!!!

"Yuck!!! (pppth, pppth!) I knew it would be prickly!"

Awwwww....aren't Daddy's little girls just the BEST!!!

My Mother's Home Sweet Home....Our Home Away from Home

2011-03-12T09:56:00.005-07:00

Visits to my mother's home are always a visit to "another land". She decorates her home seasonally....and oh! to have that luxury! It has been well earned by her though and did not come easily....working mother of three in the 60's through the 90's, lots of remodeling, and years of collecting all that stuff (okay, your're right....this was probably more fun than work!!). But I digress....

While her rooms are decorated beautifully, it's the vignettes in their own special nooks and crannies that always catch my eye....and my daughters'. I can always find one of them standing near her grand piano....staring at vintage pictures of her when she was a child....or gently touching a feather that has been laid near a bird's nest in a bookcase....

And speaking of birds, she definitely has an affinity for our dear feathered friends......

and robin's egg blue....she's always loved that color! What a treat it is for us to get to stay with her! It's like visiting a completely different home every time we go....and we love it!

Heart Number Seven...is Time on the Wing! Does Yours Fly By as Fast as Mine?

2011-02-14T21:39:00.002-07:00

Because my mother loves birds so much, this heart sachet came together easily, too. I've wire-wrapped a vintage brooch that had a bird on it, then laid it over the feather "ribbon" that was diagonally sewn across the heart. The ribbon is a vintage piece from my grandmother's old sewing trims and is attached to the brown dupioni silk heart at the top center. Last, but not least, is a bird egg dangling at the bottom.

as;dlkfja;slfjas;dlfjk

Heart Number Six Sings a Song of Love...

2011-02-13T21:11:00.001-07:00

This is one of my favorite heart sachets....simple, but still sings a song. I have a couple of bolts of this fabric because I flipped over it when I saw it. I bought a couple of yards to begin with, then I went back and bought it all! And when a new bolt of it came in, I bought it, too! Sick, isn't it??? Don't tell anyone.....

Heart Number Five....is just Heart Number Five!

2011-02-12T09:15:00.001-07:00

This heart sachet is made from a yummy iridescent hot pink and red dupioni silk fabric which I ALWAYS keep in stock. I've used it for linings of handbags, trims on dresses and headpieces, and as the decorative outside fabric for clutches....I just love it. The beaded lace was made from hot pink iridescent beads and other yellow gold and hot pink beads. Hanging from the bottom of the heart is a handmade heart-shaped charm painted pink with a tiny little cherub lying under a rounded blog of glas to magnify the cherub. This little charm was the inspiration for the whole design! I have affixed a vintage earring with iridescent rhinestones to the top center as its focal point.

Heart Number Four....and, yes! There are more.....

2011-02-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

I love hot pink and when I held it against this honey gold taffeta, it popped....and in a good way! The little vintage velvet flowers were on an old earring that one of my VERY best friends gave to me (yes, Lisa from KC!).....it had been her mother's earring in its previous life.

I love how the beaded "lace" outlined the edge of this Valentine, too. The bugle beads are matte-finished which I also adore.

And I still don't have any ideas for this year's heart....any suggestions? I'm thinking metallic charcoal gray taffeta....I'll look for a piece of cool jewelry to be the focal point tomorrow when I drop by my studio. But I'm all ears for suggestions, Girlfriends!!!

Take care and have a wonderful weekend, Bloggirls.....

Luv,

Sue

PS....Check out the holes in the Morning Glory leaves.....isn't nature cool?

Heart Number Three, Sweet As Can Be....

2011-02-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

Couldn't resist using one of my Great Aunt Opal's vintage buttons because of the tall, skinny heart on it. It was the inspiration that guided this heart's design.....

The button is probably from the 40's and is made of a composite wood-like substance. And if I had more time I could go into a whole spiel about buttons, but I'll spare you and do it another time...just don't let me forget!

Feeling a Little Blue? No Worries....I Have a Quick Fix

2011-01-24T21:29:00.001-07:00

One of my favoritest all-time books is Revealed by Carlyn Quartermaine.

I've reached for this book dozens of times....and for every excuse I can think of, too!

In the mood to paint? It contains colors galore!

Feeling a little blue, but don't know exactly which shade of blue you are feeling?

Yup! It's in there....promise!

Her splashes of color cover almost every page of the book from beginning to end.

Don't you adore her fabric designs? I mean....who could resist them?

I'm thinking this pair of pink chairs

will fit in my daughter's bedroom beautifully....don't you?

You just gotta have this book.....WAY better than any "mommy's little helper"!

Heart number two, more purple than blue....

2011-01-22T08:19:00.001-07:00

I think I may have forgotten to mention the "rules" that I must follow to make these sweet little sachets. They are simply this: I may buy nothing. Everything must be found in my studio or jewelry box....everything! (Okay....I guess there is one exception--I always use newly purchased dried lavender inside.)
If you're a designer, and especially if you collect vintage items to use in your creations, this is really not such a challenge.

You only need to begin with one item such as a piece of ribbon or a piece of jewelry that you plan to use....everything else just falls into place!

Have a wonderful weekend, and thank the good Lord for the gift of yet another day. Rain, sleet or snow....there's still so much to appreciate.

Sneaky Holiday, that Valentine's.....

2011-01-18T21:27:00.006-07:00

I just looked at the calender with my "Where are we in the year?" frame of mind instead of "What do I have scheduled today?" frame of mind. And, yes.....I cannot believe that Valentine's Day is on it's way! That lovely little holiday ALWAYS sneaks up on me.....do you feel the same way????

Every Valentine's Day (and I use the term "every" quite loosely here), I make a heart-shaped lavender sachet for my wonderful friend and sweet mother, and it's time to begin thinking about what I'm going to create for her this year. Any ideas?.....I'm desperate!

In years past, I've made her a heart in pink, or red, or purple, or even gold!....too many to remember them all. (Well, actually I do....I have a list.....I'm a little obsessive in that way. But, trust me, that's as far as my "organizational" obsession goes....just ask my hubby!) I'm just not sure what this year's heart is going to look like. But I do remember that last year I shared the one that I made for her with all of you,

and I promised that I would share some of the ones that I had made "next" Valentine's Day, which, of course, would be now. So in the next few days, I'll be posting some of my fun little heart-shaped creations that I've made for my mom. Hope you enjoy them!

Here's the first one that I made for her:

I remember it all began with a vintage pattern book that my mother gave me. And, uh huh, it did indeed come from my grandmother as you may have guessed...chock full of curvy initial transfers...completely irresistable! I embroidered the "P" out of gold metallic thread, and I loved how it turned out. The outside "lace" trim is created from two layers of seed beads sewn into the seams.....very simple to do! Try it....

The Lure of Red

2011-01-07T22:23:00.007-07:00


Vintage Dior

A simple red dress....made of nothing but the finest of fabrics...silk, of course! Only because it swishes...it crunches....and it has amazing shadows between its folds. Doesn't get any better than that....except if it's vintage....then it screams!


www.memphisvintage.com

That simple red dress exudes confidence. It demands attention. It lures every eye...and begs it to linger. You know what I'm talking about....the gaze from a guy while his girlfriend is poking his side and pulling his arm....yea, that's the one. Oh, and the one from the girl sitting at the table next to you who's longing to be in your shoes....uh huh....


www.thefashionlist.com

I can't put my finger on it, but the thought of that simple red dress has gotten me out of many a tearful situation. I must confess that I tear up way too easily....especially at church (the choir's special music always makes my eyes well) and while watching movies (I totally embarrass my daughters when they are with me!). But if I must hold back tears for any reason, my mind does this automatic fast forward to my red "dream" dress. It always gets my mind off of the situation at hand...even if it's only for a few seconds. Those fleeting moments give me just enough time to regain my composure....works every time....try it!

An Homage to Valentino

I used to think that I could never wear red....that it just wasn't my color. But now I believe that EVERY woman can wear red. You just have to find the perfect shade that compliments you. Through trial and error I have learned that "cherry" red is my perfect shade. What's yours? Please do share....and tell me what makes it work for you!

PS....For those of you who prefer to carry your "pop!" of color in lieu of wearing it.....try one of these:

Valentine


www.suejack.etsy.com

(I know.....audacious of me to add one of my bags among Valentino's beauties!!)

Valentino

From Whence We Come......

2011-01-04T22:01:00.001-07:00

That I would enjoy designing beautiful things seems natural since I come from a long line of creative women on my mother's side of the family.

My great-grandmother May (pictured above) made dozens of beautiful quilts--mostly for warmth--but nevertheless beautiful, each and every one. She also designed her own clothes as well as her daughters'.....my Grandmother Maude and my Great Aunt Opal....

and as they became young women, they were dressed to the nines...always.....(don't the dresses on the left below look like they stepped right off Ralph Lauren's Spring 2010 runway??)

My Grandmother Maude (pictured above left in the photo on the left, and right in the "smocks" photo above), designed my mother's and Aunt Nancy's clothes, too, both casual and special occasion frocks. They were also the "Belle of the Ball" where ever they went....complete with coiffed hair, rhinestone earrings and necklaces, and matching pumps.
My mother worked full-time as I was growing up, but she still found time to teach me to sew. I know she knew it was inevitable when she watched me making clothes for my Barbie dolls at age 6. Alas, it's one of those things that's just in your blood....there is no denying it!
When I was 11, she bought my first sewing machine for me....an old, used black Singer with gold trim, which I still have, along with our original sales receipt.....$19.95! I still love that old machine for its memories of my first original creations, and for its own design and style. These old sewing machines sell for a mint today.....but I wouldn't part with mine for the world!

(I also have my Great Grandmother May's treadle sewing machine, but have not had the confidence nor time to learn to use it. I know,....it's on the list!)

Ring Out the Old, Ring In the New

2011-01-03T11:42:00.005-07:00

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
~Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1850

Snowy pictures of my sister's home in Pennsylvania.....I miss her terribly and wish I were there now.....

I wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

~Photos taken by my mother....thank you, Mom.~

Christmas Inspiration

2010-12-03T17:08:00.001-07:00

There's nothing more festive that a vintage chandelier that is bedecked with sparkly holiday cheer!! Treat your guests to one at your next holiday dinner party.....

Something Blue

2010-09-22T08:44:00.006-06:00

See more pictures in my Etsy shop: SueJackDesigns

I just love that old saying....."Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue....." and so many brides still adhere to it today! Whether by tradition, superstition, or just plain being forced by your great aunt, most brides (that do not have blue as their wedding color) will add a tiny bit of blue somewhere.

When I got married, my girlfriend Lisa designed my garter....which I still have to this day. :) She added a tiny piece of blue ribbon to it so that when I walked down the aisle, it was present during the exchange of our vows. I think I included that bit of blue because of superstition....it wasn't a blue item that previous family brides had carried before me, but for some reason I felt compelled to include it! What if it meant I would have bad luck in my marriage if I didn't???? I was so not going to take that risk.......

I recently finished this statement or bib necklace that would be perfect for a bride's "something blue". It has one large baby blue rhinestone in it among several other smokey blue, gray and clear rhinestones and pearls....all set in vintage silver brooches, necklaces and chains.

Please share your "something blue" with us.....a link to a picture would be extra fun, too!

Champagne Bubbly Evening Clutch

2010-09-11T11:11:00.003-06:00

Recently I'm in the mood for heavy satin......you know, the kind from the 60's that those lovely modern evening gowns were designed from. It lends itself to crisp construction, a luxurious sheen without being shiny, and, in the right design, gives your look a new level of vintage modernism.


The various sized ivory pearls hint to the special occasion ahead.....

Champagne Bubble Green Clutch on Etsy

Nod to Elsa Schiaparelli - Second in a Series

2010-09-03T10:48:00.003-06:00

In March of this year, I wrote about Elsa Schiaparelli and her wild creations that slapped Paris square in the face, and I explained how Elsa had inspired me to create some unusual evening bags. Here is my second clutch in this series:

It's casual, but dressy....serious, but whimsical....but most of all, it's an ice breaker!

See more pictures of this "Elsa Inspired" clutch in my Etsy shop!

La Boheme, A Night at the Opera

2010-08-30T07:58:00.003-06:00

What's a night at the opera without an opulent evening bag? Dull indeed.....

Spice up your fav navy blue dress with this little number!

Sapphire Blue Silk Evening Bag by Sue Jack on Etsy

The Going Away Gift for Lisa

2010-08-16T07:16:00.008-06:00

One of my best friends, LISA, recently moved to Kansas City, and I was so very sad to see her leave. We have known each other for over 20 years and are such similar creatures in style and design. Her husband got a fantastic offer that he could not resist, so all of us who love Lisa so dearly could not be disappointed. Well, selfishly we could be VERY disappointed, but not for her.....

Several of us got together and gave her this necklace as a going away gift......and we hear she is taking Kansas City by storm with it! (Lisa adores monograms so I could not resist adding a wonderful vintage "G"--for her last name--designed with aurora borealis rhinestones. It is in the lower left side of the necklace as you are looking at it.)

In My Own Little Corner....

2010-08-05T21:59:00.016-06:00

For the most part, I'm a firm supporter of whoever said, "The house is DONE when you die!" Do you know what I mean? It's like this ongoing process....where, even for the things that were once "done" in your mind, you're already looking at with those squinty little eyes....thinking "Ooooo, that would look even better if I did blah, blah, blah to it.....," then you snap out of it when your husband blurts, "Don't even THINK about it!"
However, after working for years on our backyard, I finally do feel like we've gotten our additional outdoor "room" close to completion. (Don't pay any attention to the cord running from the fountain...we'll get to it someday, I'm sure....;)

Set up for luncheon...normally there's only 2 tables/chairs....the black set is from my kitchen.

The striped Porcupine Grass is my favorite annual ornamental grass.

Neptune with up-lighting.

Lots of container gardening!!!

Sweet Autumn Clematis arch over side path....

One of my large pots making a big splash.

I love mornings in the garden with a cup of herbal tea in hand....just looking around makes my head spin with new color combinations for handbags and necklaces. It's no wonder I incorporate so many flowers and floral designs in what I create.
It's also nice to spend our evenings in such a serene place with water trickling in the background. Finally....we get to enjoy.....

Deluge of Vintage Pink Pearls

2010-08-01T20:13:00.008-06:00

It probably goes without saying that pink and green are my favorite colors.....any shade of either....I adore them!
And when I dumped all my vintage pink pearls into the lid of a box to begin filling an order for the sweetest bride, I couldn't resist snapping a shot of them to share with you. To give you an idea of size, the largest ones are 3/4"....

Aren't they lovely?

They are making their way into the simplest, but most elegant bridesmaids' necklaces and bracelets ever I've made.....

Lilly Dache Encouraged Personal Trademarks....What's Yours?

2010-07-25T15:20:00.003-06:00

I just finished reading both of Lilly Dache's books - Lilly Dache, Talking Through My Hats (1946) and Lilly Dache's Glamour Book (1956) - and they were wonderful!

Lilly Dache dreamed of an American wonderland from childhood in France, and managed to make her dream come true. Carrying only $13 and her talent in her pocket, she crossed the ocean alone at age 18 to come to America, and she became the most famous milliner in New York.

Her first book describes her many challenges and how she overcame them in detail....an inspiring read for any entrepreneur in the fashion industry!

Check out how she layers on the jewelry, too....definitely not a shy woman.....

The book also shares how she first fell in love with New York, then Jean Despres, and how she managed to balance her thriving empire's demands with her devotion to her husband.

Along the way, she gives you hints as to her clientele and their temperaments...and some are a dead give-away....
Her second book was my favorite, and I will definitely read it again someday!
It is amazing how far we've come with our ideas of what constitutes "modern-day glamor", yet equally amazing how some things have remained unchanged. For example, she suggests that women do all they can to maintain their figure and appearance....exercise, keep an attractive hairstyle and color, always wear complimentary makeup, etc....all are a must for being the best you can be....and keeping your confidence at its utmost!
One of her most important points is that each person should have their own trademark. That trademark could be a certain color that you always include in your attire, an object that you identify with in your accessories (such as leopard print), or even a constant style in your wardrobe (such as always incorporating a vintage piece).
I'm curious....if you think about your appearance and style...something you always go to with complete confidence, what is YOUR trademark? Will you share it with us?

Beach Party Necklace

2010-06-25T08:27:00.000-06:00

I had so much fun creating the "Summer in Nantucket" necklace that I decided to make another beach-themed bib necklace in different colors.....greens, golds, and coral. It's called "Caribbean Treasures".

The tiny crab crawling on the rhinestone "seaweed" is my favorite part of this one....but I also really like the green and gold lobster.

So tell me....which is your favorite....the "Summer in Nantucket" necklace or the "Caribbean Treasures" necklace?

Catherine Hopkins' Texas Soiree

2010-06-19T07:59:00.009-06:00

Catherine Hopkins at The Shiny Pebble hosted the most elegant Texas Summer Soiree (and you know they do everything "big" in Texas.....). Her guests included some of the most fashionable ladies from all Four Corners!
I was "late for the party", as usual, but Catherine so graciously invited me in for a drink after hours to peruse the event. "Being late for the party" didn't mean that I couldn't enjoy all its benefits, so I jumped at the chance to don my fav vintage cocktail dress.....the parties' decor was so extravagant, how could I not?.....

I thought my raspberry silk cocktail dress would do nicely,

Photo from Couture Allure Vintage Fashion (http://coutureallure.com)

but was at a loss for which shoes to wear with it! Oh, what's a girl to do when she has too many shoes to choose from??? In these cases I usually ask my lovely daughters, but it's summer......they have their own social calendars and were nowhere to be found. So I will ask you! Which pair do you think would compliment the gown with an understated elegance? I would love to hear your thoughts.....

(You may be surprised to hear that I was actually leaning toward the green!)

Lovely Lilacs

2010-06-06T16:55:00.000-06:00

In the Victorian times, flowers represented a language unto themselves....and lilacs expressed "the first emotions of love".

I couldn't believe my luck when, in the middle of lilacs blooming all over my neighborhood, I stumbled onto this lovely vintage lilac brooch (see the upper right side of the necklace). The necklace's combination of pieces almost came together on their own.....and it was so much fun to create!

Please click on the picture to enlarge and look at each piece closely.....the individual pieces are as yummy as they can be!

Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.....

Elegant Fundraiser Project for Kids

2010-05-29T09:02:00.006-06:00

My daughters' school has a fundraiser every other spring and each class is required to donate one item. A few parents come up with ideas, then we let the kids choose the one they want to create. I suggested that we let the students make a chandelier from glass beads, and this was the project that they chose to make.

Surprisingly, the chandelier was easy as pie to make! First, we bought a vintage-style chandelier on eBay for $60 plus shipping. Then we purchased large glass seed beads in shades of greens, yellows, golds and clear, and clear crystals in various larger sizes from a local bead shop.
In preparation, we had pre-cut the desired lengths of 28-gauge wire for the kids to string the beads on in no certain order or pattern....just randomly as each child pleased. This took the class about two hours to do, and we completed 56 long wire "strings" for the top and 56 short wire "strings" for the bottom.
The rest of the project was completed by the parents. It involved removing the original plastic "crystals" from the chandelier, and then drilling supplemental holes in its frame so that we could get the amount of wire "strings" that we wanted to fill in the chandelier's shape. We also added crystal-shaped beaded wires to drop from each lamp's cradle.
I think they did a wonderful job on it and, lucky for me,.....my husband won the auction, and it is now hanging over my kitchen table!

Summer in Nantucket

2010-05-24T08:24:00.003-06:00

Summer is just around the corner and I couldn't help but be inspired by the beach! Luckily, with my mother and sister's help, I have collected quite a few pieces of vintage jewelry that have an ocean theme. When all the pieces were laid next to each other, they screamed "lobster boils" and "clambakes"....and naturally Nantucket came to mind! Here's what ensued:

This necklace could easily be worn to any beach party....just add your favorite new summer dress or your "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini"....it matters not!
You can see more of this necklace and others in my Etsy shop.

Happy Mother's Day to All

2010-05-07T20:11:00.026-06:00

A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take. - Cardinal Murmillo

Recently, my aunt sent me pictures of my grandmother and my great aunt when they were young girls. They were beautiful sisters who always dressed alike and even studied the same subjects in high school and college. They both went to a state college and got teaching degrees in the early 1930's!
My mother and my aunt were both very close to their mother and aunt, both of whom lived well into their 80's and enjoyed life to its fullest. I'm confident that my creativity has come from this side of my family.....

I took those vintage photos and transferred them to fabric to make a collage for my mother for Mother's Day. Along side the pictures, I added a note that her mother had written of her early childhood memories of her and her sister playing with their dolls.
I added her signature in the bottom left corner just so others would know who this piece of art was in memory of.

The photos are decorated with vintage laces and ribbon trims, rhinestone brooches, and vintage silk flowers.

I can't wait for the mail to arrive at my mother's home, and for the moment she opens her Mother's Day gift....

*************

Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back
to normal after you've had a baby..... somebody
doesn't know that once you're a mother,
'normal' is history.
* * *
Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by
instinct... somebody never took a three-year-old shopping.
* * *
Somebody said being a mother is boring ....
somebody never rode in a car driven by a teenager with a driver's permit.

* * *
Somebody said if you're a 'good' mother,
your child will 'turn out good'....
somebody thinks a child comes with
directions and a guarantee.
* * *
Somebody said you don't need an education to be a
mother....somebody never helped a fourth grader
with his math.
* * *
Somebody said you can't love the second child as
much as you love the first....somebody doesn't
have two children.
* * *
Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother
is labor and delivery....
somebody never watched her 'baby' get on the bus
for the first day of kindergarten...
or on a plane headed for military 'boot camp'.
* * *
Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her
child gets married....somebody doesn't know that
marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a
mother's heartstrings.
* * *
Somebody said a mother's job is done when
her last child leaves home......somebody never had grandchildren.
* * *
Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so
you don't need to tell her....
somebody isn't a mother.

******************

Happy Mother's Day to all of you! Even if you are not a mother, I'm sure that you have influenced another's life as a mentor and friend.....that's what being a mother is all about!

Haute Handbags

2010-04-24T13:50:00.002-06:00

The Spring issue of Haute Handbags has hit the stands and I'm so excited to be included in this issue!
The handbag they asked me to submit to them was my kiwi velvet clutch with white ostrich feathers and vintage brooch.

Beth, their editor, was a doll to work with and I love her choices in all that she creates. I follow her blog, too.....http://coutureovercoffee.blogspot.com/....check it out.
You'll love the magazines Stampington & Company publishes, too! Once you begin looking at them....it's difficult to tear yourself away. Have fun!

Edwardian Lace Wrist Cuffs

2010-03-25T08:45:00.007-06:00

Period movies have always drawn me in...especially the ones set in the Renaissance, Victorian and Edwardian times. There is something about them that transports me to that era, and lets me escape the modern-day troubles, politics, and hustle-bustle around me....even if it is for only a couple of hours. Nestled in a cozy throw with a cup of hot chamomile tea, I can completely forget the woes of the day and gather inspiration to make something new....usually something that I would not normally make, such as these Edwardian cuffs.

So when you need a wee bit of inspiration to help you step outside the box, consider a momentary escape by watching "The Golden Bowl" or "The Wings of the Dove"....you'll be amazed at how inspired you will feel!

Here is wonderful blog link to many other period movies....but I warn you, they do become addictive! I keep this bookmarked so I can refer to it time and time again.....
http://periodmovies.blogspot.com/

My Nod to Elsa Schiaparelli

2010-03-02T13:56:00.007-07:00

ELSA SCHIAPARELLI (1890-1973)

“She slapped Paris. She smacked it. She tortured it. She bewitched it. And it fell madly in love with her.”— Yves Saint Laurent

Between WWI and WWII, Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel dominated the fashion world. While Coco is best known for her "little black dress", Schiaparelli rocked the world by transforming Surrealism into fashion art. She collaborated with Man Ray, Salvadore Dali, Jean Cocteau, and other surrealists to turn the early fashion world upside down. Here is her famous and first design....the "bow-tie" sweater:
An Italian-born Parisian resident, Elsa was known to her friends merely as "Schiap". She was the first to use shoulder pads and animal prints, and is the inventor of the color "shocking" pink.....hence the name of her signature perfume and autobiography which I am currently reading.
Every evening when I close her book, my mind races with unusual and crazy ideas to decorate my evening bags as I lay awake until 2:00 am. Would I actually have to nerve to step outside my comfort zone and try something....shall we say....."irreverent"? I wasn't sure I had it in me...I'm such a traditional designer at heart! But as fate would have it, I felt the urge to peruse my box of vintage gloves and handbags. (I don't know why.....I just do this about three or four times a year.) I set the box aside as I was getting ready for bed and tossed a pair of gloves on top of it. When I awoke the next morning, the gloves that I had so carelessly tossed on top of the box were lying in an unusual "bow" shape. That's it!.....a Schiap-inspired "bow" for my clutch! How could I resist the idea?
I have come to learn as a designer that inspiration lies all around us--in every aspect of our lives. We have to keep our eyes sharpened and our minds open so that we recognize it when it's under our noses...it could be our only chance, you know.
Even though my daughters laughed curiously at my latest design, I have a feeling there will be a few more Schiap-inspired, glove "bow" evening bags to follow....I have to find some way to use some of the beautiful vintage gloves!

Schiap's twelve commandments for women:
1. Since most women do not know themselves they should try to do so.
2. A woman who buys an expensive dress and changes it, often with disastrous result, is extravagant and foolish.
3. Most women (and men) are color-blind. They should ask for suggestions.
4. Remember-twenty percent of women have inferiority complexes. Seventy percent have illusions.
5. Ninety percent are afraid of being conspicuous, and of what people will say. So they buy a gray suit. They should dare to be different.
6. Women should listen and ask for competent criticism and advice.
7. They should choose their clothes alone or in the company of a man.
8. They should never shop with another woman, who sometimes consciously or unconsciously, is apt to be jealous.
9. She should buy little and only of the best or cheapest.
10. Never fit a dress to the body, but train the body to fit the dress.

11. A woman should buy mostly in one place where she is known and respected, and not rush around trying every new fad.
12. And she should pay her bills.

The book Shocking Life by Elsa Schiaparelli is full of details about her life, her work and her travels. If you desire some whimsical inspiration, consider reading it and doing some research on Elsa.....you'll be amazed! My vintage copy of "Shocking Life" is a recent eBay purchase which gave ME a shock when I saw how high the bids could go!!!...luckily I got mine during the Super Bowl while everyone else was stuffing their faces with chips and chili con queso... :)

Spring Green.....

2010-02-27T12:29:00.001-07:00

If you have had time to browse through my blog or Etsy shop, you've probably noticed that I love green and pink....alone or mixed....doesn't matter....just love 'em!
One of my favorite shades of green is peridot....it reminds me of spring, which is fast approaching for most. Living in Colorado demands more patience though before the daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses peep their little blooms above the cold, snowy ground. Fortunately, my impatience is eased by designing jewelry, handbags and clothes using all the vibrant spring colors that I wish! Working with the peridot greens in this necklace gave me plenty of time to dream of all the beautiful flowers that are probably just beginning to stir.....

A Bride's Bag Green with Envy

2010-02-23T08:58:00.006-07:00

While visiting some of my vintage haunts last spring, I ran across a 1960's evening gown with the most beautiful rhinestone piece which was attached at the center front of its empire waist. The gown itself had many stains on it....evidence of quite a party at its last hoorah! But the rhinestone accent piece was still sparkly and had promises of a new life.
When I returned to my studio, I removed the rhinestone decor and held it next to many different pieces of vintage fabrics. Finally, it popped when I laid it on a scrap of 1960's heavyweight satin in lime green.....a piece my mother had picked up for me while shopping at one of her vintage boutiques! (Having a mother and sister who know me well certainly has its benefits. My mother sends me a box once a month filled with treasures awaiting a new life, and my sister always finds something special for me at her flea markets!)
I wanted this bag to have a contemporary feel to it, but contemporary to the '50's or '60's. You know....the old Hollywood look from Joanne Woodward....but something that would be perfect for today, too! Here are the results.....

MICHELLE ROARK - 2010 Olympic Mogul Skier

2010-02-17T20:34:00.018-07:00

My FANTASIA statement necklace has found a new home with my friend Michelle Roark, 2010 Olympic Mogul competitor, and 2006 Olympian and World Cup Champion Downhill Skier.
Michelle may wear spacey-looking ski clothes and fly down mountains at 40 mph, but she's all girl underneath. And her favorite color? You guessed it....PINK! So it's no wonder that my Fantasia necklace has found a new home with her. Michelle was even brave enough to rock it with her US Olympian ski gear in an interview with Fox news:

As if her skiing talents weren't enough, Michelle is the designer and creator behind Phi-nomenal Perfumes and owner of Denver's Voila Spa; Next time you are strolling around downtown Denver, take a few minutes to walk through Voila and smell her latest perfumes....she will even create a custom one for you!

Voilà

Salon/Spa

Parfumerie

2185 Broadway

Denver, CO 80205

303-292-2728

A Daughter's Valentine's Day Tradition

2010-02-10T22:24:00.007-07:00

A few years back I made my mother a small heart-shaped sachet for Valentine's Day. It was red duipioni silk with a double row of "lace" that I created from seed beads and I hand embroidered her initial "P" on the front in metallic gold thread. While I sat working on it I thought about my childhood days that she had filled with love and the warmth of her touch. I enjoyed filling the time it took to make every tiny hand stitch with those wonderful memories! It turned out so lovely that I made one the next year....and the next year....and the next....

I think I have missed one of the last 9 years in making them, but I did get another one made for her this year. Blue is not really one of her favorite colors, but I am running out of new colors to use!....hope the turquoise duipioni charms her eye!

I do have one rule to follow when I design her hearts: It must be created from things I already have at my home and my studio...nothing purchased specifically for it.

Sometime I will take pictures of them all and share them with you....

ON A ROLL.....

2010-01-09T13:05:00.011-07:00

What is it about the new year that makes us feel an emergence of sorts? And for those who do not get that feeling, a promise or resolution to ourselves somehow makes up for it.
Mine has come in the form of creativity, and I am bursting at the seams with new ideas for jewelry, handbags and clothes. My only hindrance.....what do I begin working on first?
For inspiration, I sat in my studio opening box after box of fabrics, patterns, jewelry, beads, ribbons, and laces....all of which are vintage....some of which are even antique. My imagination ran wild with thoughts of their experiences in previous lives, conversations they overheard, and places they had visited.

While perusing these treasures, I came across a vintage straw hat that had the most beautiful silk roses completely encircling it....and they were the most gorgeous color of rose pink. A few minutes earlier I had been holding a pink pearl necklace and a pink rhinestone necklace in my hands, and the idea came to me....a statement necklace with the pearls, rhinestones and silk flowers! I hope you like it......more pics are available for viewing at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38123522.

MY NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

2010-01-07T22:54:00.009-07:00

The Thanksgiving and Christmas season were a blur for me. I remember working long hours and spending lots of time away from my family. Well, actually I was sitting three feet from them, but my face was buried in my laptop. I tried to tell myself I was spending time with them, but the lack of conversation and activities revealed the truth....they didn't even know I was in the house...
My New Year's resolution? Have all my holiday items for Etsy and holiday shows completed by October 31, so when the holidays roll around, I will get to share them with my family. I'm already working on it, too!

At left is a picture of my latest statement necklace, MISS BALMAIN....second in a series of necklaces that feature a vintage, miniature bottle of perfume among other wonderful and unusual vintage pieces of jewelry. The first one, called FANTASIA, can be viewed on my Feb. 17, 2010 post about Michelle Roark, entrepreneur and Olympic skier....it is pink and gold and I LOVED! the name of the perfume in that one! Both were very fun to make! You may see more pics of MISS BALMAIN here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37947622.

Easiest Halloween Costume Ever!!!!

2009-10-27T21:36:00.002-06:00

It's three days before Halloween and any mother of a child without a costume is ready to either renounce the holiday or totally willing to put a sheet with two holes in it over their kid for the trick-or-treating ritual. I almost fell into the latter category a couple of years ago until I discovered this adorable jellyfish on the internet.

It was complete with instructions, and the most difficult thing to find was the umbrella! And if you have a golf shop within 5 miles of you, consider yourself there.....

It required an umbrella that was more in the "bubble" shape...not like the usual one that most people use, and lots of bubble wrap and iridescent cellophane. The umbrella was easily located at the nearest golf pro shop, as I mentioned above, and the bubble wrap and cellophane were at the nearest strip mall and Target. One hour later....voila!....instant jellyfish.

My daughter wore an all-white sweatsuit underneath to keep warm and her only complaint was that she got tired of holding the umbrella. She was a trooper though and hung in there holding that umbrella high overhead. I think it was all the fun compliments from passing parents that made her feel the pain was worth it all in the end. The kids passing by her didn't have a clue what she was.....you could hear the parents explaining as they walked away from us.

In the end, she looks back at the pictures and remembers what a fun costume it was. I look back and remember how easy it was to make!....And, oh, if only they could all come together that quickly! The kudos from other moms telling me she should get "Best of Show" just made me realize that a fabulous costume doesn't have to take hours to make and cost tons of dollars.....it only takes a little research and a quick trip to your nearest golf pro shop!!! Go figure! :)

Custom Designed Statement Necklace

2009-10-14T17:30:00.018-06:00

I just completed a custom necklace for a non-traditional bride-to-be and wanted to share it with you.

She asked me to use silver metal, clear rhinestones, fuchsia rhinestones (which, by the way, are really hard to find!) and pearls. I spent a couple of weeks collecting the components, then another week assembling it.
I loved how it turned out and am now starting a new one that I will list in my Etsy shop at http://suejack.etsy.com/ .
If you have time to peruse my shop, you will find lots of sumptuous evening bags and a few statement necklaces....you'll also recognize how I am influenced by my love of Europe's royal history.

SUE JACK DESIGNS

2009-08-22T13:01:00.007-06:00

About six years ago, I decided to create a line of evening bags after I closed my business of designing custom bridal gowns. A new daughter with tiny, sticky, peanut butter fingers just didn't mix with all the bolts of silk that I had stacked around the studio. But, oh, how I missed designing!
My first show was the Junior League Holiday Mart and I took 45 handbags with me. As good fortune would have it, I only brought home four of them! Well, that was enough to fuel my inspiration, imagination and pocketbook, so Sue Jack Designs was born.
All of my evening bags and statement necklaces are my own designs. I search the world over for vintage items to use in creating them as I adore one-of-a-kind, handmade items. I hope you will enjoy what I have made and peruse my Etsy shop at your leisure.....your favorite cup of tea in hand.