Thursday, May 9, 2013

JET Artisan Profile
Stacy 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





17 comments :

DG Jewelry Designs said...

Wonderful to get to know you Stacy. You have a great shop.

SatinDollCo said...

A great story. Blanche is smiling down on you.

Michele said...

Such a sweet story was nice knowing about you Stacy!!! Love vintage also!!

Unknown said...

Love the story of how your business came to be. Wonderful creative work!

Stacy said...

Thank you so much! I love this team of talented and supportive artists!

YourDailyJewelsBLOG said...

Stacy! It is great when such a positive change in your life comes out of such a sad time. Keep wire wrapping, (with cheap wire) Practice is all it takes and one day you'll realize they are looking great!.
Thank you for sharing your story!!!
xoxoxo
Norah

Unknown said...

Such a beautiful story behind your shop, even if it is bittersweet.

Unknown said...

Hey Stacey!
I found my way back to making jewelry s a result of a tragedy as well, I think when we can make something good come of something bad we honor those we lost and our art or craft becomes so much more meaningful. Thanks for sharing a bit of yourself with us and YES...cheap wire or copper is best, don't give up, one day you'll be glad you didn't...it took me AGES to get wire wrapping too!!!!

Mollie Ann said...

Stacy, this is such a wonderful feature ... and a tribute to Blanche. As you've turned old things into new and beautiful creations, so you've turned sorrow into creativity. Well done!!!

Beadsme said...

Great to see you and your tribute to your furbabies.

Keep trying with the wire wrapping you will get there in the end.

TheSilverBear said...

What beautiful photos of you and dear Blanche, not to mention your lovely jewelry. Thanks for sharing your story and these great photos of your work!

Unknown said...

Fun and beautiful jewelry! It's a wonderful way to honor your furbabies.

Tracy said...

Great profile!

Brooke said...

Stacy,

These ladies already said it all so well. I enjoyed reading your profile and getting to know you and about your jewelry a little more.

MadeByTammy said...

Fantastic blog post and artisans profile! Stacy, I love how your combine vintage components with new parts. That bee necklace is fantastic!

SendingLoveGallery said...

Love your story Stacy, and how healing the process has been for you to embrace your creativity in your fun jewelry and accessories :)

JillreOzmay said...

what a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing. :)