REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND

My door bell rang late Saturday night.  I couldn't understand why someone would visit me so late.  So, I turned on my porch light and looked through my peep hole to realize it was Mike a friend of one of my best friends of 29 years.  As I opened the door and greeted him I noticed a solemn expression on his face.  I asked, "What's wrong?"  He said, "I hate to be the bearer of bad news.....but Denny has died."

I broke down and sobbed uncontrollably as Mike could only stand there embracing me to provide me with some small measure of comfort.

I asked, "When, where, how?"  He explained to me that Denny's family had been trying to reach him with no success, so his father went to his house to investigate only to find him slumped over in a chair.  They believe he died last Thursday.  I learned yesterday that the autopsy report listed the cause of death to be a brain cyst. They also believe he died in his sleep and felt no pain.

The last time I saw Denny was in June and the last time I spoke with him was a few weeks ago.  I didn't know that it would be the last....  

Denny always visited me with gift in hand every Christmas and called me on my birthday and Valentine's Day of every year.  I guess what brings me a small measure of solace is that we would always end our conversations with, "I love you."

I don't know what I'll do without my friend.  My heart is breaking.  My soul, shattered.

Rest in peace my sweet Denny.  I will miss you dearly my friend.

I pray the good Lord will touch your family with His peace and love during this time of sorrow.

l'Agneau de Dieu

-the lamb of God-

Newly listed to Metal Corset.

Under glass, this petite Flaming Sacred Heart ex voto reliquary holds an image from an antique lace Holy card of The Blessed Virgin embracing a lamb. She wears an antique paste rhinestone charm for a crown. Behind her, a snippet of antique lace resembles clouds.

I've strung faux pearls from an old necklace and two antique paste rhinestone disc beads (from EmbellissezLaReine) to form the necklace. It closes with a vintage silver tone slide clasp.

Antique Sterling Silver Flaming Heart Reliquary Ex Voto

(SOLD)

From France, an AUTHENTIC, 1800s, sterling silver, fully hallmarked, antique Flaming Sacred Heart reliquary ex voto. 

These solid sterling silver ex votos are becoming harder and harder to find.

Beautifully engraved with an "M" for Maria, Marion, Mary or Marie and cross with foliage fronds.

Hinged to open allowing you to place a message of devotion inside.

Ex voto reliquaries often held a message of devotion or prayer inside and were pinned to a Saint in a house of worship.

Hallmarked:  Depose (French for Patented) and a Boar's head (late 1800s).

Measures approximately 2" x 1.19".

Antique Pewter Reproductions

 
I've recently embarked on having some rare antique items reproduced in pewter to sell in Metal Corset II.

These pieces were reproduced from some of my prized possessions which took years to find, so I had them cast in pewter to bring to you. Pewter is a metal less expensive than sterling silver but beautifully mimics it. Pewter is also easily drilled.

My Cross To Bear

 
I found this amazing Art Deco pot metal and paste rhinestone shoe buckle with a hidden design of a cross and created this spectacular religious assemblage/altered art bracelet named, "My Cross To Bear".

It features carved pre-ban ivory Pikake flowers which are further accentuated with delicate silver filigree bead caps and creamy ivory baroque pearls (unsure if they are faux or real but I believe they may be vintage Czech Glass).

An additional length of silver plated rolo chain has been added to fit any sized wrist. For the ease of application (or putting on), I've added an Art Deco paste button to the end of the chain.

A hand forged/hammered 16 gauge sterling silver clasp closes the piece.

Measures 8.75" open from the end of clasp to the end of button.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Des mains de Babes

Recently listed to Metal Corset is this tiny Art Nouveau rhinestone chain mail purse assemblage necklace.  It measures only 2" x 3", so I'm pretty confident it belonged to a child's doll long ago.

The chain to this necklace includes several items such as an antique gold gilt sterling silver filigree butterfly and a vintage hand carved Pikake pre-ban ivory lily bead.

Also, beads from a Deauville and Trifari necklace further embellishes it. I especially love the Deauville beads with the mottled gold effect. Lastly, antique gold tone pot metal and rhinestone rondelles from EmbellissezLaReine and a length of a vintage Monet gold tone chain finishes the piece.

It measures 17.5" unclasped.