{NEW Modage Necklaces}

Over the weekend I finally had some time to upload new necklaces to my Modage Etsy shop. For those who are new to Modage - I've been designing jewelry in my home since 2008 and I absolutely love it. It all started with me taking a class with some co-worker friends at Ornamentea one evening and I became instantly hooked. My design philosophy is to create pieces that beautifully balance one-of-a-kind vintage, eclectic and timeless pieces with a modern aesthetic. I'm obsessed with hunting for treasures in thrift stores, antique shops and flea markets. Tiny treasures often become the inspiration for my jewelry and here is where I get to share it all with you.     

All necklaces are handmade by me. This means there can be some differences between the pictures and the actual item. I try hard to keep these differences limited but the handmade nature of my items make that all of them are one of a kind. I hope you enjoy the new pieces and if you have any questions or would like to request a custom order, don't hesitate to contact me.

To purchase any of the above pieces, please click here!

{Swoozie's Swag Giveaway}

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It’s always sad to hear about one of your favorite stores closing. In 9 days, Swoozie's will be closing there doors, another sign of the tumultuous economic times we’re living in nowadays. Yesterday during lunch I went to go check out some of the deals and much to my surprise everything was 60 – 80% off. At first I was just going to pick up a few little things – but my mind started to turn and decided I would make up a swag bag and give it away to one lucky reader. If you are a lover of cards, paper, stickers, ribbon, etc. {like me} - then this giveaway is just for you!

ITEMS INCLUDED IN THE SWAG ARE:
~ Kate Spade black and white notecards
~ 6 stickers (Hello, congrats, thank you, etc...)
~ 10 printable Birthday cards
~ How to talk to your boyfriend greeting card
~ Will you be my bridesmaid? greeting card
~ 4 blank black, white, and mustard cards
~ 6 Baby girl stork cards with a blush pink ribbon to tie around each card
~ Recycled green storage box {I'll also include a little MODAGE goodie inside}

COMMENT TO WIN:

~ Simply leave a comment below simply to say "hello" this time {NOTE: only comments left below will be included; comments left on my Facebook or Twitter, eventhough I always love to hear from you, will not count} 

~ Giveaway ends on Monday, May 31st at 3pm, ET, and a winner will be randomly chosen using the Random Number Generator. Please check back on Tuesday to see if you are the lucky winner!!!

Good Luck!!! 

{Weekend Plans}

TGIF Peeps! It has been a super long week for me, filled with 13+ hour days all week. I won't complain because this only happens on occassion at my job, but boy am I glad today is friday. Per the usual - here are my weekend plans:

{I do all of the sketches in my Weekend Plans, however, as much as I would like to take the credit for the sketch above, I did not create it. But isn't it perfect? All credit goes to  Ian Dale}

I hope that you have been inspired by MakeunderMyLife this week, I know I have. Going through the pages of Jess's blog has really inspired me to do things differently - with a purpose and intention. On Wednesday she posted about a book she read titled Being Happy For No Reason. In Jess's words:

"The first fresh idea I came across is about how we as a society often try to accumulate happy experiences in order to create a happy life. If we can just get that next bag, apartment, house, puppy, job, smaller jean size, and boy then we will be happy. All of these happy events are like happy beads on our happy necklaces. If we have enough “happy beads” on our necklace than we have a happy life. Rather than worrying about each new bead or event that comes onto our necklaces, we should focus on making the thread that is holding those beads, stronger. If we have a happy thread, then the good or bad events that come onto our necklaces have less of an impact on our overall sense of well-being. Sure, things can happen that can devastate, or delight us for a moment. But the longevity of our happiness is dependent ultimately on our threads, not our beads."

So through this message, just like Jess, I realize that I better start strengthening my thread today.

I hope you have an amazing weekend and (like I always say...with a twist this time) whatever you do, make sure you do something special just for you - with purpose and intention!

{Vintage + Modern}

I really love mixing modern decor with vintage treasures - as you know this is this premise of my jewelry line MODAGE. It's really all about mixing and matching. And even more so it's about adding character to a room, making your home a little less cookie-cutter and a little more unique. So today I thought, after doing some research, I would share some of my favorite vintage etsy sellers {Sadie Olive, Hindsvik, Vintage Modern Mix, and West and Plum} with you. Take a peak and maybe it will give you a boost of inspiration to add some character to your home...

Now I simply need to decide what I'm going to add to my collection. I'm thinking the white and mustard milk glass from Vintage Modern Mix may be the next purchase. It would go perfect on my nighstand in my bedroom...filled with fresh flowers. Lovely!

 

{MODAGE Update & GIVEAWAY}

MODAGE is getting a facelift this weekend and I wanted to give you (my faithful viewers) a chance to look at some of the new items that will be posted (inclusive of my flea market/vintage shopping finds) on the site. Additionally, I will be placing most of my current pieces on sale (up to 40% off). So be sure to check out the site this weekend; until then - here's a sneak peak:

Much more to come...
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MODAGE GIVEAWAY

I am giving away the following necklace (18 inch, sterling silver chain with a hammered domed sterling disc, and lovely chalcedony bead at the clasp) to one lucky random winner!

As MODAGE is getting a facelift, I need a new logo, and need your help!

Here's how you can win:

1) Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or Bloglovin' and leave a comment (below) telling me which one you are following me with.

-AND-

2) Include in your comment the number of which logo you like the best (below), and why.

All entries are due by NOON EST on Friday, March 19, 2010. I will select the winner at random later in the day on Friday, March 19 and will post it here and email the winner. PLEASE LEAVE A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS WITH YOUR COMMENT SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU.

Can't wait to get your feedback - spread the word!!! Have a good day - make it lovely!

{Weekend Plans}

TGIF peeps!! Guess what? I just looked at my countdown clock on my Facebook page and realized I have 208 days until Italy! Still seems kind of far away - and that’s ok because I need as much time as I can get to save up for the shopping extravaganza we have planned – along with lots of wine, gelato, pasta, and gondola tours. Ahhh…can’t wait! Back to present time - I’m happy that the weekend is here although I can’t complain because my work week was pleasantly mild. Regardless, I'm happy to have some down and relaxation time. What are your plans this weekend?

PS.

I'm happy with my decision and THANK YOU to all who helped me get there!

PSS.

My dress form came yesterday and it's F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!!! And look what was attached...a very old rusty needle and thread. I will never remove it and wonder how long it's been there....I'm in love!

{Raleigh Flea Market}

I decided to go to the flea market at the NC State Fairgrounds this weekend because it was the first weekend in a couple of months over 50 degrees. I knew there would be a lot of vendors there - but boy did they show up, I've never seen the flea market so crowded. Of course, I could have bought a TON of things, but I stayed true to the reason for going and that was to gather pieces for MODAGE. I did have one "splurge", the cutest little salt and pepper shakers...I just had to have them (yep...I'm turning into my mother). Below are some of my findings...

Clock-wise:
~Vintage salt and pepper shakers
~3 vintage brooches
~Antique brass pendant
~2 sterling silver bracelets
~Vintage brass button
~Sterling silver ring

I abosolutely love my findings, and you will be seeing each of these pieces MODAGE-ized (ha! just made that up) soon! Stay tuned...

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Here are some of the items that I would have loved to purchase, but I refrained, and instead will  allow them to be eye-candy...until the next time:

As you know, I've been dying for a chandelier to put over my bed. These weren't exactly what I was looking for, but they were still lovely...

Love these...wish I would have asked the price on them - maybe next weekend...

They had TONS of jewelry and I could have gone crazy, but with my recent ebay purchase I was on a budget and stuck to it...

These lovely glass doorknobs would be PERFECT for my Hollywood glam bedroom makeover, wouldn't they?

Another great Hollywood glam finding...I would probably reapholster it though...

This rusty glider reminds me of my childhood - my Aunt Sookie and Grandpa Beard had one. I know I have a picture of me and cousins sitting on it - hmm...where is that picture??...

There's a man at the flea market that has a truckload of rusty items. I love this plaque and thinking back, should have bought it...

Vintage mustard suitcase. Love it but figured I probably wouldn't love it as much while lugging it around Italy...

If it wasn't for my friend Rosalyn giving up sweets for Lent, we would have gotten some. Aren't I a good friend for not getting them and eating them in front of her?

Vintage radio flyer - adorable...

I'm such a kid at heart - I love these vintage skates. Wouldn't they be great sitting on shelf?
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Finally, I joined a photography meetup group and we met for the first time at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Here are a few pics from the class on Saturday...

Have a great day - make it lovely!

{Weekend Plans}

TGIF - we made it another week!!! Per the usual, my work week was pretty hectic and I’m so looking forward to some down and relaxation time. I do have to say that I’m very sad that my friend is moving to Atlanta tomorrow…but I guess that means I have another vacation spot to visit, right? Sharon I will so miss you and it definitely won’t be the same without you. You are one fab chick and I’m so happy and blessed that our paths crossed here in little Raleigh, NC – you are a forever friend. Drive safely and we’ll see you soon. Love you!!!

Ok peeps, have a great day and enjoy your weekend!

{MODAGE}

It's been a long time coming and I'm excited to announce that.....(drum roll please) MODAGE is officially open for business!!! I hope you enjoy the collection and please visit often as I will be adding new pieces frequently. All items below and several others are now available on my Etsy site. Enjoy!

{Weekend Plans}

TGIF!!! I'm so looking forward to the weekend - even if we are supposed to get another snow storm (over it!!). I have a few things planned but mostly I'm looking forward to some rest and relaxation...

{MODAGE COMING SOON: Saturday, February 13, 2010}

{One final step...}

I thought I would get to say today "MODAGE is officially launched" but unfortunately I have one last hurdle in front of me before I can say that. All of the pictures of my pieces are way too large and I have to scale each one down so that I can load them onto Etsy. This is going to take some time, but I promise to have the site up and running by the end of the weekend. I will be taking a few days off from blogging so that I can focus on getting everything all set. Thank you for your patience - your excitement is pushing me to make this final step go as quickly as possible.

In the interim - here's a little teaser:

{Pictures of my pieces above were taken by Cyn Kain Photography}