JET Artisan ProfileStacy Browner of BlancheB

How BlancheB began ...

Blanche was my companion ... much more than a dog, she was family. When Blanche got sick in 2008, I needed a way to make more money to pay for very expensive treatments. I was so stressed about my fur babies that I had loved for 12/14 years. Both died within 6 months of each other, after a long battle trying to keep them well - which was devastating.

I began by selling a friend's jewelry on commission to raise money for these very costly medical treatments. I enjoyed selling jewelry, and thought I would try my hand at it.

I took a few classes, and started selling just my own designs. I was obsessed! I never had been crafty before. I loved this new creative outlet. It helped me to get past my grief.

I started by breaking up older pieces I had and didn't wear anymore, and used the parts to create my own jewelry.  A great example are the Cameo Bobby Pins on the right!

I make a lot of Bobby Pins - using older parts from other jewelry pieces, vintage buttons and more. You can see my entire selection of hair accessories - not just Bobby Pins but also combs and more - in my Hair Sparkle Collection!

Flower Bobby Pins (2)- Beach Tropical

This set of 2 Tropical flower Bobby Pins was made by me - with creamy ivory white velvety Fabric Flowers and AB rhinestone centers to add sparkle!

These are perfect for Summer wear or a day at the beach!

I wear a lot of necklaces myself, so I guess that is why I like to make them the most.

I love working with anything that grabs my eye, stones, shells, pearls, reclaimed pieces for an eclectic mix of boho, beach and retro looks. You can see that in my jewelry!

By combining vintage components with new parts, I can make unique styles and designs that are exclusively my own. This is what I love about what I do ... when you buy an item in my shop like the Garnet and Vermeil Bee Necklace on the right, you can be confident you will not see the same necklace worn by anyone else.

The styles in my shop are really an eclectic mix, because I use such a varied combination of found and vintage parts. You never can be sure what you'll see and I like it that way!

The Peace Peacock Earrings below are a fantastic example of the surprising variety offered in my shop. They have a truly retro look, which is actually very in style again!

These earrings were made with peacock printed Mother of Pearl discs and the iconic Peace symbols - which are as popular today as they were over forty years ago.

I love to dabble now that the floodgates are open! I'm not just making jewelry.

I have incorporated painting, paper crafts, knitting and I'm taking sewing classes now. Experience gives you a true appreciation of other's talents.

I wish I could wire wrap. I have tried a few times but just haven't gotten it. It seems I either ruin the item or the wire and I never seem to get over the hump. But I keep trying and there is hope!

I also have a vintage shop on Etsy here: chickievintagelove.etsy.com

Follow me on Twitter @ChickieVintage

Or on Wanelo at wanelo.com/ChickieVintageLove

Visit my Pinterest boards here: pinterest.com/slbrowner