Jeanette Janson-Mixed Media Artist

Recycling and repurposing

With all of this moving and rearranging and organizing of the new workspace, it seems like my time to create had been pushed aside for more "important" matters.  Now that everything is starting to settle, I'm able to get my junk out and play again.  

These photo holders were so fun and easy to make.  I took old doorknobs, electrical switch housings and porcelain feet and wire wrapped them to create photo stands.  I think the charm is seeing the original parts that have been recycled.  I added some rhinestones, keys and other embellishments, too.  I have several listed at Vintage Supply Co. if you are interested.

I don't know about you, but I still love the old porcelain Charlotte dolls.  It's a trend that I thought would be long over by now, but they are just so sweet that I don't get tired of them and I'm always looking for new ways to use them in my artwork.

I soldered these and added jump rings to the tops and bottoms.  Then the fun part....embellishing!  Keys, crystals, old rosary parts, tags and more give these the finishing touch.  They are here.

During these cold winter days, I really don't mind being inside and working on listings.  Here's a good variety of metal escutcheon parts.  Lots of project potential!

Typewriter keys can be used in jewelry or art projects.  These are already flat on the back and ready to go.

I'm putting together boxed lots, too.  Odds and ends that I am pulling from my stash.  Really a great deal...this one is only $15, even with postage added, that's still less than $1 per piece.  It's the best way to build up your stash for future projects.

Here's another grouping.  I can see assemblages, art dolls or robots made from these parts.  

I don't know about you, but I am counting down the days until it's warm again and I can hit the flea markets.  Until then, I guess I will have to be happy with my computer, my toasty slippers and a cup of hot chocolate!

Have a good weekend!

 

Settling into my new space

It's been about a month now and I feel pretty settled into my new workspace.  I have everything decorated and arranged the way I want it.

I love having the extra space to spread out and grow.

There's definitely pros and cons to everything.  I do miss being able to work in the evenings.  When I was at home, I always seemed to get a second wind after dinner and could get a lot done between 7 and 10 pm.  Now, I have to get my work done during the day. 

I miss my dog, too.  She had a bed in my old studio and used to be by my side all day.  It hasn't been easy on her, either.  I think she is going through separation anxiety, but she will get used to it eventually.  I've been trying to give her more attention when I'm home.

The extra room for inventory means I can stay nice and organized.  Speaking of anxiety, nothing irks me more than not being able to find something when I need it...or sell it.  Now everything is within arms length.

It's great to have a dedicated area to pack in.  I'm still working on making this area a little prettier, but everything is handy when I need it here.

I found this board at Goodwill the other day.  For $3 it was a great find!  I inserted a bunch of vintage pictures under the ribbons.  I love how it's interchangeable!

I'm still leaving things at home that I need, but luckily it's not too far away.  If I really need something, I can zip home and get it.  I have a microwave and mini fridge here, too, so I don't even have to leave for lunch or a snack.


Since my studio is connected to a retail location, it gave me the chance to set up an antiques area, something I've wanted to do for a long time now.

I bought this old metal cabinet for under $50.  Another great deal!  It has just the right amount of distress and wear. It fit perfectly by the stairs leading up to my loft.

I worked today on getting it loaded up with antiques and collectibles.

Lots of fun things to poke through!

If you are in the area, I would love for you to stop by.  I am in The Artist's Coop on the historic square in Laurens, SC. 

Hope you have a great week!

 

Early morning find

I've been trying to get out for a run every morning since the holidays.  Today, I felt like the early bird (freezing her butt off) who caught the worm.  In our town, we have a truck that comes around and picks up larger stuff when it's put out by the street.  That means you never know what you'll find.  Usually it's just junk that needs to go to the landfill, but this morning I spotted a pile of old spindles that had been thrown out.

I guess someone took them down and put up white vinyl rails.  I can totally relate to that.  Sanding and painting railings is so much work.   Well, I could hardly pass these by, so I got home and drove back to load them up.

Now, what to do with them? 

This light is interesting, but not quite my style.

A wreath might be a cool idea....I think it might look good with all the same spindles, but I don't think I have enough.

Candle holders are also a possibility.

I'll probably pile them into a big basket or bucket and just enjoy their texture and style.   Sometimes the best ideas come to me when I just put something aside and let it simmer for awhile....then one morning I will wake up and know exactly what I want to do with them!  I'll keep you posted.

Holiday fun

I don't know about you, but I've had enough eating, drinking and celebrating to last me awhile now.  It's about time to pack up the decorations, throw out what's left of the cookies and call it a year! 

First, a little recap of the holidays:

I gave Alex the Locksmitty robot, one that he had picked out as his favorite

I opened my present, a fossil watch and wallet.  My hubby does such a good job every year.  I gave him a few hints, though, so he doesn't get full credit!

The second round of company arrived just after Christmas.  It's so great to see my nieces and nephews.  They live far enough away that we only get to see them about once a year now...not nearly enough!

Phoebe even got into the Christmas spirit and wore a green bow all day long.

Hope you all had a good Christmas and I wish you only the best in 2012!

 

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!  I hope this is a beautiful day for you, filled with family, friends and happiness!

My son and brother arrived in town last night and they will stay for a few more days.  My mom is loving her 1st Christmas in the new house next door and it sure makes it easier for us to spread company around between the two households!

My sister and her family arrive mid next week as well as my younger son and his girlfriend.  We are really having an extended Christmas this year!  Sometimes it happens that way, especially when there's travel, work schedules and other things to consider.

I will continue to run the 25% off sale at Vintage Supply through the end of the year.  It's a great way for me to lighten the inventory in preparation of new listings and it's also a good chance for you to stock up on art supplies for the upcoming year.....I know you have some projects in mind!!  If not, look around and inspiration may strike!

Check out the savings HERE...no coupon code or reimbursement is necessary!  The original and sale price is clearly stated.

Merry Christmas!

 

25% off SALE

In celebration of my new location, everything at Vintage Supply Co. is 25% off until year end.  Stock up now for future projects, art shows or rainy days!  A great opportunity to build your stash!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageSupplyCo

Studio photos

I thought I would post a few pictures of the new studio area.  We've been working for the past few days trying to get everything set up before Christmas and company gets here.

Total chaos...everything is at the location, but lots of work to do.

Where to begin???

What a difference a few days make...

A little rearranging, a little organizing...and I think I actually have a workable space. 

I dug this mannequin out of a closet at home.  I had nowhere to display it...now she has a brand new place to call home! 

These silver spray painted antlers were a Christmas gift from my friend, Jan.  I love the fact that she added a row of rhinestones to bling them up.

A vintage easel and stool.  I wonder how many people have sat at this easel painting in the past?

Lots of drawers for storage.  I cringe when I think back how the movers carried this unit up the stairs.  I was holding my breath that they wouldn't slip!

Of course, I had to dedicate some space for work, so I set up a partition and have all of my work related stuff hidden behind it.

This will look better soon when I get it organized. 

OK, just wanted to check in to let you know that I am still here.  These past few days have been really busy, but I think the worst of it is over now. 

Happy Holidays!

xo Jeanette

A new home for Vintage Supply Co.

For the past year or so, as I've seen my growing inventory invading my living space, I've been quietly thinking to myself how nice it would be to have a place to work and create artwork outside of the home.  I'm a firm believer that the universe moves in mysterious ways and as soon as you start wishing for something, there's a good chance that an opportunity will come your way.

Well, you've probably guessed by now that that is exactly what happened for me.  I am in the process right now of moving into this amazing space.  It is connected to our local artist co-op, airy and light and just the right amount of square footage for me.

Oh, and did I mention that it has gorgeous tin ceiling moldings, hardwood floors and beautiful dome windows??  I would call it a perfect fit for Vintage Supply Co.

I've got it pretty much cleared out and I brought some shelves up for storage.

Love that natural light!

My mom and Linda came up to check it out today.  They gave it 2 thumbs up!

It's going to be great, but I'll have lots to do in the next few weeks.  I'm bringing in reinforcements (my able bodied son) to help with the move. 

Keep or get rid of all the tables?...not sure yet.  Lots to do, trying to stay calm and organized, but change is always disruptive.  Wish me luck and I will keep you updated with photos!

A few listings and some news!

I finished up a few more mercury glass candleholders and thought I would share some pictures with you.

I found these big flower pins at the flea market over the weekend and tied them around the tops with a ribbon.  I think they really add a finishing touch.

This pin is attached to a stretchy rhinestone bracelet.  I used one of them and I have another listed at Vintage Supply.

Sometimes it pays to think outside the box!

I've been reorganizing and listing new items for the past few days.  Here's a little show and tell of my favorites:

These are brass stamps, but I would use them to put the finishing touch on the top of an assemblage.  They would make great toppers for cigar box-sized artwork.

These vintage draw pulls are just so detailed.  I can imagine how beautiful they would be on a dresser.  Lots of potential for artwork, too!

I almost can't bear to part with this gorgeous rhinestone pin, but I think it's time I listed it.

I love the look of wooden folding rulers.  I always try to have a few different kinds available for use.

An old framed photo hanging by a chain.  Simple, yet a great decorating piece.

I'm going to continue clearing out and listing items for the next few weeks.  The reason for this is because I have a move in store after the New Year.  I am very happy to tell you that I will be moving Vintage Supply Co. out of my home and to a real location.  The reality is that I am outgrowing my space here and have been looking for room to spread out for some time now.  A great opportunity arose and I decided to grab it.   More to come as that develops, I promise!

 

Mercury Glass Candle Holders

I really love the look of old mercury glass, but it can be downright expense to collect;  even the reproduction pieces that you find at Target and Anthropology are not cheap.  I've seen a few tutorials out there, so I decided to try making some candle holders for the holidays. 

I started out with cheap clear glass bowls or votives that I found at Hospice or Goodwill.  I'm not spending more than a few dollars on these....if that.

And this is the finished product...so pretty and antique looking.  I like the results so much that I've gone a little crazy making them.  Why stop at one when you can have 2 dozen? 

I begin by spraying the insides of the glass with several coats of Krylon mirror paint. 

That gives it a nice smooth and even surface.  I like it to look old and distressed, so I sponged on layers of black and gold paint to give it depth.  Take your time and experiment with this.  This is all going on the inside of the glass.

Don't get fussy about this step; a lot of it's coming off anyway.

These are beginning to look like they have some age to them.  I let these dry real good overnight and then went back to them the next morning.  The final step is to get some masking tape and start pressing it into the paint on the inside.  When you pull it off, you get sections of paint that come off on the tape. 

It looks like the paint has worn off naturally after years of use.  The final step was to look through my old jewelry odds and ends and find pieces to embellish them with.  I used a ribbon to attach a brooch along the top of one, a rhinestone shoe buckle was perfect clipped to the top of another.  I even gathered a bunch of single clip earrings and lined them up along the top of one.

A small votive in the center gives them a beautiful glow when lit. 

I think they look best in a grouping...so I guess I'm going to make a few more.  I'm sure some will head out the door as Christmas presents, anyway!