They're Baaack . . . Twisted Beads!

If you follow my blog, you know that I have been slightly intrigued with retro jewelry from the 1980s.  This is partly a natural progression of my own long-time fascination with vintage and retro jewelry from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. I have also noticed a 1980s retro element to many emerging jewelry trends.

From JW Vintage Jewelry on Etsy

For example, twisted seed bead necklaces are very popular right now. An obvious come back from their extreme popularity in the 1980s. I was always drawn to open the jewelry drawer in my mother's room when I was younger, and I clearly remember her having some of these. However, I did not realize until recently that twisted beads were also made in the 50s and 60s. 

I am thinking of incorporating the twisted necklace style into some of my designs. Especially the Day of the Dead pieces I am working on.

What are your own memories of twisted bead necklaces? Did you ever wear them?

Many Little Blessings Reviews Graceful Leigh!

In her post, Angie even discusses the vintage handkerchief I wrap each piece I send to buyers!

I am excited and very honored by the review I received from Angie on Many Little Blessings! Angie has had this bracelet for several weeks in order to try the bracelet out and see how she liked wearing it. 

I enjoyed reading the ways the vintage Catholic Medals made her think about who previously owned these items. That is very true for me when I work with each piece as well. I especially liked Angie's insights about the Lourdes bracelet making a statement, which is very true about that design in particular. 

In addition to following Angie's Blog, you can find her Facebook page here. 

Whatever shall I do with a Vintage Flower Brooch and Vintage St. Therese Medal?

See this Little Flower of Jesus necklace in my Etsy Store!

This necklace is called Little Flower of Jesus and is full of wonderful, vintage elements. A vintage, St. Therese cross hangs from a vintage flower brooch. One of my all time favorite vintage finds are these rare, Japanese glass foil beads in dark pink! These work wonderfully well with the pinks in the brooch, and are paired with faceted, black glass spacer beads.

You can see additional images in my Etsy store listing for this necklace. 

I call this Little flower of Jesus because St. Therese (who is pictured with flowers) thought she could give Glory to God by being a flower of Jesus.

I have also been working hard on my upcoming Day of the Dead line of jewelry. I can give you just a small, sneak peek!

Back it Up

Public Domain

Earlier today, I completed a new necklace. I had plans to photograph it and list it for sale at Graceful Leigh. However, my back is not being very cooperative with me in these plans.

So look for my update on that, plus a possible sneak peek at some of the Day of the Dead line I am busy working on!

Dia de los Muertos

In Western tradition, All Hallows' Eve, Oct. 31 (Halloween) is followed by the observance of All Saints Day on Nov. 1 in Anglican, Catholic, and some Protestant faiths. Additionally, Catholic and most Anglicans also observe All Soul's Day Nov. 2. Each of these observances is a time to pray for the departed.

Public Domain Image

In Latin-American countries and communities, this same time period is known as the Day of the Dead. Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) celebrations go back thousands of years, predating the Aztecs in Latin America. During the time when the Spanish were actively converting the natives to Catholicism, they moved the Day of the Dead celebrations from August to November 1-2, to fit with All Saints and All Souls Days.

Public Domain Image of decorated skulls

Most people are extremely familiar with the sugar skull imagery from Day of the Dead. Skulls and flowers are common symbols. Many observers also build Day of the Dead altars in their homes.


Do any of you observe Day of the Dead? How?


Later this month, I will be unveiling a Day of the Dead special collection! Just in time for the fall holidays! So definitely stay tuned for that!

Two Etsy Treasuries!

I am extremely excited and honored to have my jewelry included in the following two Etsy Treasuries. Treasuries are created by Etsy members and feature items that either conform to a theme, or just items the creator likes. 


I love the reds that tie each image together.  I am excited to be part of such a beautiful collection! Can you find me???



'The Truth about Me #1' by mcboza Some of the truth.

Todos Caemos - 8x10 Fine Art... madelaine $30.00	Poetes Long Layered Tulle an... rosemortem $149.00	Sacred Heart Wooden Cross Ha... TheWoodwifesWa... $15.00
Red candles in a Manchester ... IzzyVerena $18.50	Christmas Church luminaries ... terrymillsphot... $18.00	SUMMER SALE 30% OFF - Rouge ParisBrest $21.00
Evidence of Light - 12x18 - ... caryndrexl $69.00	Whimsical Schoolhouse Vintag... IntheDivide $25.00	Secrets 24x36 ALPhotography $190.00
Secret Whispers - Wearable B... AlteredAlchemy $68.00	antique victorian red rose c... FrenchFrouFrou $4.95	FLAMENCO Fine Art Giclee Pri... yelenalamm $320.00
the discovery - 4x6 print sixhours $12.00	Repurposed Virgin Mary and C... GracefulLeigh $46.00	The English Major- Open Edit... janethillstudi... $45.00
Fine art giclee print..La Me... ImagineStudio $22.00

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

I am  also in the spiritual Treasury below that focuses on Mary. Being part of this wonderful combination of people expressing faith through art is amazing.

I am truly blessed to have included in both these lists.


'Blessed Mother, Mary, turn thine eyes of mercy towards us!' by LittleBirdWares
To Thee do we cry.

Statuary Angel Wings In The ... MountainArtCas... $29.99	Blessed Mother devotional me... diddywadiddy $16.00	Antique Immaculate Heart of ... MoxieAntiques $385.00
Mary My Hope 1954 Catholic P... KNOXIND $65.00	Tranquility in Mosaic Virgin... trekkerjen $30.00	Vintage Virgin Mary Religiou... mariposafuerte $48.00
SALE Beautiful 1900's Po... VINTAGELOURDES $48.00	Vintage Lefton Madonna Porce... RinnovatoVinta... $18.00	Virgin Mary Religious Antiqu... EmbellissezLaR... $40.00
Handmade Hand Painted Scapul... TheWoodwifesWa... $25.00	Vintage Virgin Mary Ceramic ... twirlswithpear... $12.50	Vintage Guadalupe Antiqued S... mariposafuerte $16.75
FIVE 5 Dollar SALE Vintage V... blackforestros... $5.00	SALE- Vintage Religious Lot ... VINTAGELOURDES $7.50	A Lily Stamping Double Stran... GracefulLeigh $50.00
Virgin Mary Catholic Saints ... craftymule $40.00

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

Current Jewelry Trends

One of my more recent blog posts was about the new neon trend in fashion. There are some other, jewelry specific fashion trends emerging as well. One fad are dangle earrings - anything that falls below the ear lobe. The current dangle trend seems to be in favor of a slightly dramatic look in earring drops. 

A variety of dangle earrings to gracefully fall below your ear lobe.

Bold statement necklaces remain in style. Such neck wear makes for a memorable jewelry choice for women who want to make an impression. I have noticed these can be asymmetric as well as chunky. Many of these styles remind me of the Miriam Haskell necklaces of the past- like bib necklaces and the use of giant floral motifs. 

Does your necklace make a statement?

Pearls are back with a bang. This is especially true of pastel toned pearls (note the peach, faux pearls in the above left picture!). Depending upon how they are used, pearls can add a more romantic and timeless feel to a piece of jewelry.

Pearls are soft and nostalgic.

Religious Jewelry remains popular as well. Crosses of all styles are now worn on many differing types of jewelry. Stars of David are also in demand. I recently had a woman inquire about creating a Hamsa (hand of God) necklace. Both Jewish and Muslim individuals can wear these as symbols of protection.

Do you find yourself drawn to one or more of these recent trends?

**All images in this post are of Graceful Leigh jewelry.