Compass Rose Design Jewelry

Steampunk Insect Jewelry and the Victorian & Edwardian Era

2012-02-18T08:32:00.000-08:00

Victorian inspired steampunk insect jewelry has risen in popularity, but few know the history of these designs are echos of elegant designs made more than a century ago. Throughout the Victorian era, images of the natural world were popular in jewelry, fashion, and furniture design.

One of my most popular Time Flies necklace designs harkens back to earlier designs. I made this large statement pendant with an ivory colored antique pocket watch face, probably art deco, with red and black numbering. The detailed antiqued gold and brass butterfly stamping is reminiscent of art nouveau designs by the French designer Vever.

Vever was a family-owned jewelry design house that opened in 1821 in Metz, France. They specialized in precious gem setting as well as semi-precious and organic gemstones, creating high quality art nouveau designs popular with upscale clientele. The family company won a Grand Prize for gem-set jewelery at the 1899 Paris International Exposition, and contributed to exhibitions in Moscow (1891), Chicago (1893), and Brussels (1897). The firm won a second Grand Prize at Paris’s 1900 International Exposition for their exquisite gem-set Art Nouveau jewelry designs.

This 1894 Late Victorian evening gown is from the archive of the Victoria and Albert museum - you can get lost for hours! Made in a gorgeous black accented with glass beads and sequins, trimmed with tulle, embroidered net in a design of butterflies applied to the skirt and bodice, lined with silk, the bodice strengthened on the inside with whalebone. The large sleeves are also typical of this period, a revival of similar 1830s balloon style sleeve, called l'imbecile (silly) or a la folle (foolish). These exaggerated sleeve styles often required small down shoulder pillows, called sleeve pumpers. From the 1840s until the brief revival in the 1890s, sleeves were more tailored.

Pictured at right, this Compass Rose Design custom dragonfly design was a custom request - I love how it turned out with the amethyst Swarovksi crystal drop bead detail. Again, this brass dragonfly has incredible detailing and fabulous whimsy. Victorians put great stock in symbolic romantic ideas, drawing upon ancient symbols in sentimental designs.

These jewelry designs reflect the late nineteenth-century interest in the natural world, including moths, butterflies, dragonflies, and others. The diamond, sapphire and pearl dragonfly brooch is art nouveau - circa 1890-1905.

My Compass Rose Design Jewelry mechanical clockwork beetle ring is a revival of a late nineteenth century beetle design. I've added a steampunk element with the antique mechanical jeweled watch movement. This design combines industrial elements with late Victorian romantic and natural design qualities. I have this design in both a ring and pendant version.

The late Victorian original that inspired me is pictured at left. The body of this elegant gold insect pin is fashioned from a stuning pearl, the head set with green garnets and its eyes represented by two faceted diamonds. The brooch is marked on its hook "J & M" for the firm of Jacques & Marcus, which operated in New York from about 1882 to 1892.

You can see more of my Compass Rose Design Jewelry Steampunk and Victorian Insect Jewelry in my etsy shop.

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A Brief History of Buttons

2012-02-12T18:46:00.000-08:00

Victorian Buttons & Necklace

I love making antique and Victorian button jewelry. Searching for Victorian buttons for my antique button jewelry is one of my favorite adventures. Discovering jars at estate sales and hidden corners of junk shops and sorting them into colors and eras and designs is deeply satisfying.

Buttons were invented in the Bronze Age. Their earliest usein Ancient Greece, the Indus Valley and China was as ornament rather thanfastener.

15th Century Button from the UK

Buttons of bone, shell and horn are some of the earliest found. Ornamental shell buttons have been found in the Indus Valley made around 2000 BC.

Functional buttons, buttons as technology, appeared in Medieval Europe along with closerfitting garments of the 13th century on. Though the hook and eye closure was in use by the 14th century in England, in the mid 19th century

1850-1900 Buttons

steel hook closures enabled tighter lacing.

Designs of the early Victorian era reflected the romantic notions of theyoung queen’s courtship and marriage and a fascination with natural history. Love tokens, travel charms and other symbol-laden, sentiment-infusedjewelry was popular from 1830 through the end of the 19th century.

Massproduction methods in the 1800s popularized the use of steel picture buttons onwomen’s and children’s clothing from the 1860s into the Edwardian era. Victorian pictures buttons, often with multiple layers, featured detailed scenes from Classical art and European fairytales.

Gown with Buttons, 1870-80s

Natural and romantic designs - botanical scenes, animals were common. Most buttons were made of steel, brass, mother of pearl, wood, or horn. The patterns and detail can be stunning and intricate.

With the death of Prince Albert in 1861, Queen Victoria adorned herself in black Whitby jet mourning jewelry, causing the rest of the nation to do the same. Jet is a hard, deep black material formed when wood petrifies under pressure in the presence of salt water.

The premium jet preferred by the Queen came from mines in Yorkshire, but was not affordable to most. Since the petrified wood jet was expensive, black glass buttons came into fashion to fulfill the need for strict rules of mourning attire in Victorian Europe.

One of Queen Victorian and Prince Albert's daughters, Princess Louise is pictured at right wearing a jet necklace and mourning

Princess Louis

attire after the death of her father.

The 1860s and 1870s was also the time of the Civil War in the United States. It was a time when most of the world was in revolution, tumult and mourning. Germany, Italy, France, Prussia, and other countries were formed and torn asunder in decades of upheaval as the modern world was born. As a result of widespread grief suffered by Royal family and families the world over, keepsake charms, lockets and other sentimental expressions of love and memory flourished throughout the Victorian era into the early 20th century.

This pair of antique button earrings by Compass Rose Design is made with a pair of buttons with a beautifully detailed flower vase design set in brass filigree setting and accented with amber brown

Compass Rose Design Earrings

czech glass crystal beads.

See more Victorian Button Jewelry in the Compass Rose Design etsy shop.

We're also working with antique railroad uniform buttons, circa 1880- 1920. Some of our Antique Railroad Uniform Button Cuff Links were featured in a Valentine's Day treasury on etsy.

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Bazaar Bizaare, Edwardian Ball, Fine Silver Steampunk Rings and Holiday Sale

2011-12-02T09:20:00.001-08:00

Getting ready for Bazaar Bizaare this weekend at the Concourse Exhibition Center
620 Seventh St. (at Brannan) San Francisco, CA 94103-4901

Big News! We've been invited to the Edwardian Ball on January 20th and will be there with the new Antiquities collection of gold pocket watch chain, fine silver rings and a world of luxe Victorian adornment.

We had a great experience at Thread SF, and the Firehouse 8 Fundraiser and love connecting with folks!

I'm launching a fine silver line early next year - here is a preview of some of the planning and design work:

Below is the bezel cup, seen from the bottom

and the top before I made the ring.

starting to look like a ring!

and finito!

Holiday Season is rolling along! Don't miss out on the 15% Holiday sale on my etsy site with discount code 15HOLIDAY11 until December 20th!

I've got great women's items

and men's and unisex as well

Don't miss our LAST holiday shows:

DNA Storefront Pop-Up Shop
Saturdays, December 10 and 17th, 2011
12 am - 5 pm
1767 Waller (at Stanyan),
San Francisco, CA
(more info)

Visit the Compass Rose Design website for upcoming events and discounts

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Holiday Shows Just Added, Pin Up Hair Emporum & Unique Boutique

2011-11-22T16:41:00.000-08:00

NEW HOLIDAY SHOWS JUST ADDED:

Holiday Bazaar Fundraiser for Firehouse 8
Saturday, November 26, 2011,
10 am - 8 pm
1648 Pacific Ave.
San Francisco, CA
(more info)

DNA Storefront Pop-Up Shop
Saturdays, December 10 and 17th, 2011
12 am - 5 pm
1767 Waller (at Stanyan),
San Francisco, CA
(more info)

Bizaar Bazaar
Saturday & Sunday, December 3rd and 4th, 2011
11 am - 5 pm
Concourse Exhibition Center,
San Francisco, CA
(more info)

I'd like to honor the many fabulous gallery and shop owners that I work with. Each is has an ability to transmute their ideas and philosophies into a physical environment. Compass Rose Design fits into each one in a unique way.

This week, I'd like to honor one of the North Bay shops I work with: the Pin-Up Hair Emporium and Unique Boutique, in San Rafael, California.

I love combination shops - my favorite was in West Virginia - a combination Hair Salon/Movie Rental/Knitting Shop/New Age Book Store. While you can't rent a movie at the Pin-Up Hair Emporium and Unique Boutique, you can get a haircut and color and several beauty treatments, appreciate local artists and you shop for housewares, beauty products and accessories! Here are a few shots I took while getting my hair done last week.

The Shop is dedicated to Becky's Grandmother, who had her own shop in Denmark. (this photo is from the shop's Facebook Page.)
Becky is amazing - her collection of vintage and local is nothing but luscious. Get a haircut or beauty treatment and shop from her collection of handmade and vintage for the discriminating treasure hunter.

When you enter the shop, you are greeted by this most deeeeelightful succulent bathtub extravaganza - a feast for the eyes before you treat yourself.

Above, painted vintage records create the perfect space and color palette in what used to be a bagel shop in San Rafael, California.

Grab a cup of tea while you browse and enjoy either a current edition of Paris Vogue or a vintage beauty magazine.

Compass Rose Design Jewelry fits right into Becky's luscious vision of vintage love, with lace and antique ceramics lining the shelves.

A selection of vintage and new handmade housewares for gift shopping - the perfect multi-tasking environment!
An awesome mural never hurts!

Lovingly constructed from floor to ceiling, this true House of Beauty is sure to delight!! Find out more about the Pin-Up Hair Emporium & Unique Boutique services.
Or you can shop now at the Compass Rose Design Direct shop

10% off my direct Compass Rose Design shop w/ RCRD10

Visit the Compass Rose Design website for upcoming events and discounts

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Father of Steampunk, Marin Handmade Art Walk, Blog Features

2011-11-11T16:29:00.000-08:00

In Steampunk news, there is a recently revived effort to construct Charles Babbage's steam computer. For those who don't know Charles Babbage, he was a Victorian mathematician, inventor, philosopher and otherwise foresighted brainy guy. He essentially conceived of the first computer in a steam-powered age - and is a central inspiration of the steampunk and cyberpunk movement, including authors William Gibson and Bruce Sterling.

In 1991, the London Science Museum made a replica of his Difference Engine No. 2, complete with 8,000 mechanical moving parts. Really rather impressive that he conceived of computing machines well over a century before the technology existed to execute the ideas.

Now, the team at the Science Museum is assembling the Analytical Engine, a rather massive garage-sized computing machine that Babbage designed but never constructed.

It will probably take the team years to construct the thing, but it will be interesting to watch the progress unfold. I love that Babbage was so far ahead of his time, the implications of which for the clever party concerned, are that your brain will be halved and displayed in perpetuity at two London museums, each of which are privileged with half of the previously vital organ. You can read a bit more at the Computer History Museum.

In other news...
Several weeks ago, I participated in a north bay event with a group of etsy artists from Marin Handmade. We were tucked in a leafy courtyard behind Art Works Downtown, in San Rafael. The collection of wares was wide and wonderful from purses and bags to jewelry to greeting cards and carved gourds.
I love the textile creations of Robin Stelling Designs - on etsy at www.creativebeadz.etsy.com

Kaelen Van Cura of Kaelen Rose Paper Works - on etsy at www.kaelenrose.etsy.com. Her cards are nothing short of cleverness and delight - unsurprising from a woman fabulous enough to wear a turquoise teal length wedding gown with a red petticoat!!!! Read the interview from Marin Handmade here.

Heather Graef, of G Studio on etsy at www.gstudiostyle.etsy.com had a great selection of bags and ipod cozies made with a really awesome selection of sturdy fabrics - definitely designed for daily use!! Read the interview from Marin Handmade here.

The ceramic work of Forest Lesch Middelton of FLM Ceramics, was spectacular. He's on etsy at www.FLMceramics.etsy.com. Forest invented a printmaking technique for pottery using designs inspired by 15th and 16th century Turkish designs as well as Afgani rug patterns. Read the interview from Marin Handmade here.

I was featured in a recent blog by an interior designer contributor at Designs by Studio M in Tampa, Florida.
They did some eye-catching whatnot with my photos:

Speaking of blog features, a Turkish customer bought a ring from my Compass Rose Design shop and was so thrilled, she blogged about it. Though I cannot understand it, the online translation made for some good laughs. What an honor!

First - in Turkish

Then - an endearingly translated screenshot, declaring "There was no such thing as Steampunk," which is undoubtedly not what the title is saying.

WINTER SHOW SCHEDULE

Don't forget about my upcoming Holiday shows:

SF Thread Sunday, November 20, 2011,
11 am - 5 pm
Metreon Shopping Center,
San Francisco, CA
(more info)

Bizaar Bazaar
Saturday & Sunday, December 3rd and 4th, 2011
11 am - 5 pm
Concourse Exhibition Center,
San Francisco, CA
(more info)

Or you can shop now at the Compass Rose Design Direct shop

10% off my direct Compass Rose Design shop w/ RCRD10

Visit the Compass Rose Design website for upcoming events and discounts

Find Compass Rose Design on Facebook

Holiday Shows, Luscious Galleries, The Fad of Authenticity?

2011-11-10T15:41:00.000-08:00

I've finally gotten my holiday show schedule up on the Compass Rose Design Jewelry events page, just in time! I also celebrated my one year anniversary working with Modern Eden in North Beach, San Francisco!

There was a recent article "All That Authenticity May Be Getting Old" in the New York Times which essentially stated that handmade just another fad. Below is the photo and some of the supporting evidence presented in the article:

"Major retailers sell vintage or handmade objects, or produce items with that look. Clockwise from top left: artisan-made felt ornaments and a mass-produced mug adorned with an owl, the totem of the crafts movement, both from West Elm; vintage pickling jars sold by Pottery Barn; wooden tops made from reclaimed railroad ties and vintage toys from India, sold by CB2; the Versailles chair, linen pillow covers made to look like vintage grain sacks and reproduction machinery gears, all from Restoration Hardware. " (see full article)

F*$@ You New York Times. What is a fad is West Elm and giant entities like Pottery Barn either pretending to be artisans, or employing etsy artists or other crafter-makers to do huge scale production far beyond the realm of sensible scale. There is a parallel with small beer brewing - there are ways you can interact with your medium and craft in a way that is prevented by industrial processes and industrial scale. I would argue that Pottery Barn, in it's very nature is incapable of being authentic. Large scale operations reliant upon global production systems exist, but let's not pretend that making pillows out of "real" Turkish flour sacks is part of the handmade movement. In addition to patting ourselves on the back and celebrating handmade goods, the handmade movement is also born of old school craft of necessity. For me, becoming a full time artist and maker was born out of needing a job and finding something I was good at (and happen to love). Inherent in scale is a whole set of values about living wage and craftsmanship and quality of life and valuing human life and work that is at philosophical and physical odds with fulfilling orders for Pottery Barn. The point in handmade for me is to recognize and directly support craftsmanship and quality while minimizing middle men and human and environmental externalities born of exploitative production relationships. Who knew making necklaces would feel so philosophically important?

Certainly Urban Outfitters got called on making a design similar to an etsy artist, seen in the photo below from Regretsy.

But there is another layer, eloquently pointed out by Regretsy, that other artists are making state cutouts earlier, and let's be honest - this has been a design since the 1970s at least. I make typewriter key and pocket watch jewelry, which has been made since the 1960s at least. At least the chain stores use plastic fake typewriter keys and aluminum watch stamped molds, so authenticity of objects matters. a lot. It's an interesting thing to ponder. I'm pretty convinced that it works itself out.The questions of authenticity and scale are on my mind as I think about goals for next year. The expected trajectory of business seems to be infinite and sustainable growth, whatever that means. As I near the capacity of my physical body and quickbooks ability to maintain the now 10 galleries in four states I work with!!!, questions of hiring people, expanding, sales reps arise. Several weeks ago while vending at Indie Mart, I met a fellow vendor who had been in business 10 years and had grown to 5 sales reps and 4 production assistants. Yes, she made more money, but she has scaled down to a scale of 1 for issues of quality of life, and she still makes a reasonable living. As a maker, and artist, an entrepreneur, this work of making real things at a sensible and sustainable scale has great meaning.

Can you tell I am reading Shopcraft as Soulcraft. The irony that the link is to a giant chain bookseller is not lost on me :)

I am proud to make things, and I am constantly amazed by the constant cleverness of all the gallery owners I work with. Each has an amazing ability to create a space that reflects their interests, passions and philosophies. We form a network of local entities that all make each other possible.

Yabette, Queen and Owner of Swankety Swank, in San Francisco, is a master of refurbishing furniture and truly artful recycling.

I always look forward to my sessions with her - we just did a big refreshment to the collection last week - go check out some of my latest designs, including pearls, finally!

Swankety Swank is also a great place to prepare yourself for the Edwardian Ball, should you need to adornments of the ruffled and feathered variety.

Need a corset?

Head to Dark Garden :)

Just two more shows left this year:

SF Thread Sunday, November 20, 2011,
11 am - 5 pm
Metreon Shopping Center,
San Francisco, CA
(more info)

Bizaar Bazaar
Saturday & Sunday, December 3rd and 4th, 2011
11 am - 5 pm
Concourse Exhibition Center,
San Francisco, CA
(more info)

Lots of new items at the Compass Rose Design Etsy shop - Check it out! www.etsy.compassrosedesign.com

10% off my direct Compass Rose Design shop w/ RCRD10

Visit the Compass Rose Design website for upcoming events and discounts

Find Compass Rose Design on Facebook

Marin Handmade Art Walk, Indie Mart, Steampunk Extravaganza

2011-10-11T14:07:00.000-07:00

We had an excellent time at the Handcar Regatta - not only was the entire crew amazing, but the world of costumes and contraptions was beyond inspiring. Very Ren Faire meets Burning Man Lite. Sort of a reminder how much we all really want to dress up - and need more opportunities to do so!

Summer show season is coming to a close - just one show left before Christmas Season kicks off with the Bizarre Bazaar in December.

Come visit Compass Rose Design Jewelry this Friday from 3pm until 8pm in San Rafael for a North Bay Etsy event!

There will be a great assortment of North Bay Etsy artists working and a variety of delights from jewelry to clothing to stuff for baby and home - all handmade in the Bay Area!

On a related note, I am reposting an interview on my work posted on the Marin Handmade Blog:

"Artist Interview - Creek Van Houten of Compass Rose Design

Creek creates understated steampunk & Victorian adornments for both women and men using antique ephemera, found objects, metal, vintage buttons and anything old or whimsical.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Becoming a full-time crafter and artist was the last thing I ever thought possible, but after returning to the U.S. from Amsterdam in 2008 – necessity was a great inspiration. While looking for a job and making a jewelry collection for my wedding party, I began to get more requests for necklaces and earring sets. I studied environmental science and politics, but after working a decade in environmental non-profits, public relations and a few years abroad in the Netherlands, I have just followed the passion and the requests. I truly love the combination of skills that make this work possible.

What kind of artist are you, and what first drew you to that particular medium?

I’ve been making stained glass and jewelry for the last ten years with vintage and found treasures. My tendency both for collecting as well as reassembling has been a lifelong project. I took apart my first stereo at age seven and disassembled my first broken pocket watch at nine. In both cases, my goal was to repair the items, but upon realizing the parts were so beautiful, I began constructing art. After almost a decade of work in non-profits and then some marketing, I've taken the plunge to become a full time crafter maker metal alchemist. I also weave, mostly Navajo – style, but this is a much more personal art form. I learned to weave while herding sheep in Arizona in 1999, and experience great parallels in working with glass, metal, and wool – all textiles of a sort, with their own behaviors, inclinations and tendencies.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

When I’m not making jewelry, I am working on founding a small beer company with my husband. Keeping as much of the work in-house for both companies takes most of my time and covers most of what I love. In addition to the making of real things, I get to stay up on web design to social media to marketing and bookkeeping.

Who is your greatest creative influence?

My dad, who showed me that unexpectedly marvelous possibilities are worth pursuit. After being a dentist for 20 years, he followed his skill and passion – and invented swim fins as well as an exercise wheel for small rodents. Both sell internationally. He showed me it is possible to make your own life way.

Please describe your creative process.

I love what I do. From scouring antique fairs and flea markets, to web design and soldering and art shows, I adore working hard and making things. Especially at a time when watch makers rarely repair mechanical watches, I feel great purpose in giving a new life to these precious items from the junk pile.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

My Dutch grandmother, who died when I was 8, made me a crocheted lace table cloth. It reminds me of the world of textiles and skills and stories that connect us all, and the world of fiber and home-based arts that only recently left the bounds of the kitchen, pantry and courtyard.

What is it about living in the North Bay that most inspires your creativity?

There is nothing I have experienced like the close juxtaposition of art, culture, nature and urban populations in the North Bay. Particularly after living in Holland, where no forests or wide-open spaces exist, really at all, I appreciate the sense of mental space and possibility. We live in a world that bridges art and technology and wildness – all of which inform who I am and the type of mechanical, yet refined art I seek to create.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Loving the North Bay, hopefully still making things and pursuing new skills and mediums. The North Bay truly combines the things I love about the Bay Area, Santa Cruz, the woods, and the Netherlands - a community which values the simple pleasures of family, food, art, music, and togetherness."

Lots of new items at the Compass Rose Design Etsy shop - Check it out! www.etsy.compassrosedesign.com
10% off my etsy shop with discount code CRD10

10% off my direct shop w/ discount code RCRD10

Visit the Compass Rose Design website for upcoming events and discounts

Find Compass Rose Design on Facebook

Men's Steampunk Collection - Alamo Square Flea Market & Indie Mart - Daft Crafts

2011-08-18T15:27:00.000-07:00

New - Exclusively for him! So, I've noticed that men like wearing jewelry, but I think that the mix of women's and unisex necklaces can - well, freak some of them out. Is it for guys, is it for girls?, they ponder. Also, I've gotten some feedback, mostly from my tolerant husband, that chains get caught in chest hair and men have larger necks than ladies (on the whole). So - I've started doing more cord style necklaces in an array of upcycled and reclaimed pieces - railroad luggage tags, clockwork beetles, and yes, a vintage R2D2 pendant.

This weekend is the Alamo Square Flea Market - plus some Indie Mart folks - a perfect nexus of antiques, salvaged whatnot, yummie vittles and lots of handmade and upcycled goods. The variety of quality and origin is wonderful - for the foragers among us, you can score the perfect undiscovered weird piece of something, or get cute finished handtowels, soap and jewelry. I'm bringing a new collection of men's necklaces and lots of reworked vintage cameos. The event is Saturday, August 20th from 9am until 3pm at Alamo Square. Come shop, eat, oogle, explore, and visit!

Happy to announce another out of state gallery! The kind folks at Daf t Crafts in Independence, Missouri are now carrying the Compass Rose Design Jewelry collection! They've been super kind and wonderful and it feels wonderful to be working with another independent art designer maker crafter space.

Also just got an invitation from a new barbershop - gift shop - boutique in Portland, Oregon called The Modern Man. I love combination ventures. My favorite one was in Lewisburg, West Virginia - also coincidentally a part barbershop - plus a knitting supply shop and new age book store. If I remember right, you could get coffee as well. Nothing short of heaven. I'll post more details about the Modern Man when they're up and running.

Lastly - another moment with my garden - I am THRILLED that we might actually get a pomegranate!

Curious about what shows are coming up? Check my events page.

Find Compass Rose Design on Facebook

Extreme Summer Marketplace, I love Indie Mart, and Hops in the Garden.

2011-08-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

I'm really grateful for the community aspect of this work. I adore the hours of time alone with my ideas, trays of old keys and cameos, soldering, weaving with metal. But I LOVE show season - the summer months that stretch into fall where I appreciate both my amazing customers and the clever organizers of events and marketplace craftiness. The marketplace interaction - direct from maker to appreciator, whether bread or a bracelet - is one of the oldest community interactions in this human family.

I've gotten back into cameos. They are quite an investment on my end, but I love watching all the antique pieces find their home, almost seeking out their new owner for the next life of memories. It's really rather profound and beautiful watching folks interact with them. I started making a few new designs with long hanging tassels that can be worn long or wrapped double. I like that versatility in my pieces when possible - it really changes how you feel wearing the piece.

The San Anselmo Art & Wine Festival was rather a delight, it's my hometown and people were incredibly supportive. The two-day show was a marathon, but the commute was 7 minutes. I loved this guy's old school phone adapter for his mobile.

It's been interesting to visit with folks at all sorts of events and see the collection resonate across age groups and marketplaces. This summer has been one of extremes - from fancy wine festivals, diy hip maker events, to full scale flea market - people have received us well.

Indiemart end of July outside Thee Parkside was next. Indiemart is one of my favorite markets. People tend to simplify the Indiemart phenomenon as a hipster event, but it is much, much more. Kelly and the entire team of mostly volunteers - are rockstars of clever. But not inaccessible rockstars, they are people doing real things out of creative passion, purpose, and a diligent commitment to a different relationship with stuff, time, work, and each other.

I appreciate Indimart's realization of a we-can-do-it-ourselves universe and the creation of a place for people like me - it makes my livelihood possible. Possible for me to employ my skills and to make a lifestyle and employment option I love. I deeply and profoundly love what I do and people like Kelly and all the gallery owners I work with.

Next up is Alamo Square Indie Mart, Saturday, August 20th - a delightful convergence of antiquers and makers - another favorite.

And though random, I am too thrilled not to post a photo of our hops that finally are bearing fruit, as it were.

Curious about what shows are coming up? Check my events page.

Find Compass Rose Design on Facebook

San Anselmo Art & Wine Festival, Front Page, & My Very Own 700 Club

2011-07-12T13:12:00.000-07:00

Compass Rose Design has been going through some exciting growth lately. I've been so busy making things and keeping up with new galleries, but wanted to make a few announcements!

First - I have joined the best kind of 700s club - not the Pat Robertson variety - but I just passed my 700th sale through my etsy shop - thrilling!!!

I made the etsy front page with one of my upcycled clockwork necklaces:

Last week, I scored a fabulous pile of antique cabinet keys - and went to town making long and short necklaces of every variety - delicate and sturdy at the same time.

I have a few shows coming up, starting with this upcoming weekend, San Anselmo Art & Wine Festival.

The event is Saturday & Sunday, July 16 & 17 - free admission!

and music all day!

I'll be announcing my other summer shows in the next couple weeks!

Lots of new items at the Compass Rose Design Etsy shop - Check it out! www.etsy.compassrosedesign.com
10% off my etsy shop with discount code CRD10

10% off my direct shop w/ discount code RCRD10

Visit the Compass Rose Design website for upcoming events and discounts

Find Compass Rose Design on Facebook

How to Make Beer Bottle Cap Magnets - step by step instructions

2011-06-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

After lots of requests, here are directions for how to make bottle cap magnets! Bottle cap magnets are fabulously rewarding. Once I made the save the date magnets for our wedding, I realized you can put ANYTHING in a magnet and make it durable art!

Vintage fruit labels are one of my favorites to work with - they make beautiful magnets:

Here is an overview of the tools, supplies and process so you can make your own sets! They make great hand-made thank you gifts! Here is an example with some magnets I made for our beer company, Van Houten Brewing.

What you'll need to make your bottle cap magnets:
1. bottle caps - either unused or gently saved used caps
2. paper art
3. 1" hole punch
4. adhesive (glue gun or e600 & craft glue)
5. 2 part resin: I use Envirotex Lite - it works great!
6. Two cups, two chopsticks
7. Scissors
8. hot air gun or your lungs
9. whole earth magnets

Print your design. Make sure to use fairly thick paper and be aware that plain white paper works slightly less well. Start with a batch of about 20 - you'll have a limited window to work with the resin, so this is a nice batch size.

Using the 1" punch, punch out all your designs. I first used scissors, but the punch makes it WAY easier to get a true circle. I prefer the Fiskar punch - available at Amazon and other spots.

Secure your graphic in each cap with the glue and let them dry.

Mix your resin - 1/2 and 1/2. Use a bit less than half a cup of each and mix them for about 30 seconds in a cup. Then transfer the whole thing into the second cup and use the second chop stick to stir. Do not mix again with the first chop stick to keep the resin as clear as possible.

Carefully fill each cap, taking care not to overflow. I like mine to be fairly full, but you'll get a feel for what level you like best. Any resin that overflows will attach the cap to the base and make it unuseable. Work quickly but deliberately.

The resin will have lots of tiny bubbles, which we'll take care of in the next step.

Using either a hot air gun or using your own hot breath (taking extra care NOT to inhale the fumes!), apply a quick blast of hot air and you'll watch the bubbles evaporate and disappear!

Then - place your tray in a dust free-area (to prevent permanent dust in your art). I use a box top or large tupperware and set the whole tray on a shelf to cure for 24-48 hours until hardened.

Once dried, you are ready to attach your magnets. I've attached them inside under the graphic as well, which makes a really nice finished piece that emphasizes the beer brand, but the magnet is much weaker. If you want to make a really functional magnet, I recommend attaching the magnet to the outside.

Use a glue gun or E6000 adhesive to attach the magnets. You need a really strong adhesive to convince the magnet to stay on the bottle cap surface. Make sure to keep space between the caps, or you can quickly have a jumble of magnets and get glue everywhere! Let them cure until the glue is completely dry.

And - you'll get some delightful, practical, hand made, recycled useful art magnets!

Anything flat can be made into a magnet!!!! Enjoy!

Lots of new items at the Compass Rose Design Etsy shop - Check it out! www.etsy.compassrosedesign.com

10% off my direct Compass Rose Design shop w/ RCRD10

Visit the Compass Rose Design website for upcoming events and discounts

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Compass Rose Design at Green Zebra in San Francisco

2011-05-10T17:52:00.000-07:00

Hooray for Heather from Heathered wallets - whose recommendation landed me a spot on the shelf at the Green Zebra, at the Crocker Galleria in San Francisco.

I got there on farmers market Thursday - it's simply luscious to have the produce in the middle of the financial district - and prices to match.

We set up a selection of women's and men's items. With all those fancy suits walking around - I'd love to see some of my upcycled watch cuff links on them!

Here are some of the Heathered selection at Green Zebra

Green Zebra brings back all my memories of working at the Ecological Farming Association - a bit of funkiness, a lot of passion and a great cause - all of which attracts pretty great people. Green Zebra offers "local savings for sustainable living." They are expanding the collection of beautiful local, handmade, and recycled goods.

Lots of new items at the Compass Rose Design Etsy shop - Check it out! www.etsy.compassrosedesign.com

10% off my direct Compass Rose Design shop w/ RCRD10

Visit the Compass Rose Design website for upcoming events and discounts

Find Compass Rose Design on Facebook

It's the little things - gift box upgrade

2011-05-02T23:02:00.000-07:00

After a year in business, I'm taking a step back to reflect and make some improvements.

Mostly finished with the long overdue website update: www.compassrosedesignjewelry.com

It took 350 packages for a pair of cuff links to get mashed on their way to Ireland. Luckily, this groom planned ahead, so we had plenty of time to send a replacement pair:

So - I upgraded my packaged to include gift boxes - I'm still waiting for my black ribbon, but am happy with the improvement:

Lots of new items at the Compass Rose Design Etsy shop - Check it out! www.etsy.compassrosedesignjewelry.com

10% off my direct Compass Rose Design shop w/ RCRD10

Visit the Compass Rose Design website for upcoming events and discounts

Find Compass Rose Design on Facebook

Spring Sale, Etsy Front Page and Buzzing Bees

2011-03-06T08:32:00.000-08:00

First things first - Compass Rose Design Jewelry made the etsy front page with the men's steampunk compass money clip.

Sort of exciting since I just did a custom order of 8 money clips for a bridal party in California.

I've been big into insects - bees and butterflies abound! Perhaps it is the blossoming cherry trees and the arrival of the pollinators that has given me the bug, as it were :)

To celebrate the almostness of spring, I'm launching a spring sale for those clever enough to take advantage of 20% off my etsy store pricing - it's insane -it's wholesale - it's almost spring!!! Use discount code ASPRING20 for your discount!!

10% off my direct Compass Rose Design shop w/ RCRD10

Visit the Compass Rose Design website for upcoming events and discounts

Find Compass Rose Design on Facebook

Victorian Buttons, Victorian Ladies and Luscious Inspiration

2011-02-20T08:20:00.000-08:00

I am increasingly drawn back to the original jewelry designs and the world of these buttons in their original incarnation. In celebration of the bosoms upon which these buttons began collecting their stories - I offer a few of the favorite antique button images I came across.

You can just imagine the layers of corsets and undergarments! It's also no surprise that I come across repeats of some designs. With so many matching buttons - it's inevitable.

Oh... rigid relaxation.....

I like the collar buttons on the one below - as if buttons all up the front were not sufficient.

Buttons on the side..

I love seeing some of the larger buttons - and the high level of detail.

...or both sides....

Throw in some feathers, and we're good to go!

I just got a fabulous lot of Victorian and antique picture buttons at an antique fair and am excited about the new designs swirling around in my head.

Check out some of my latest antique button necklaces in my etsy shop:

The necklace above I made with an intricate garden Butterfly design accented with two shades of shimmering green Czech glass beads.

This fabulous button has a highly detailed dragon or griffin - how mythic!

Always a fan of natural scenes - this sparkling cattail button has glinting faceted marcasite bits set off by the mix of gold and bronze tones.

Don't forget about my February 15% off from my Etsy shop with FEB15

10% off my direct Compass Rose Design shop w/ RCRD10

Vsit the Compass Rose Design website for upcoming events and discounts

Find Compass Rose Design on Facebook

Last Minute Handmade Love and Late Winter Inspirations

2011-02-05T07:22:00.000-08:00

Come indulge in my steampunk necklaces, neo victorian adornments and a world of luscious accessories in the first trunk show of the year!

Looking for that last-minute Valentine's day gift for your sweetie? Look no further than Big Umbrella Studios' trunk show "Last-Minute Handmade Love!"

Saturday, Feb.12 & Sunday, Feb. 13 from 12-5pm
Big Umbrella Studios, 906 1/2 Divisadero St., SF, 94115
www.bigumbrellastudios.com

Featuring some of the most awesome handmade artisans from around the Bay, don't miss your chance to find the perfect gift that you've been holding out for at this two-day show.

Saturday, browse the magical wares of Nerd Jerk, Heathered, Compass Rose Design, and Etta + Billie. On Sunday, find joy in the majesty of Twinkie Chan, Mangosteen, Crooked Sister, and Monkey + Seal.

Nerd Jerk: http://www.etsy.com/shop/NerdJerk
Heathered: http://heathered.weebly.com/
Compass Rose Design: http://www.compassrosedesignjewelry.com/
Etta + Billie: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ettaandbillie
Twinkie Chan: http://www.twinkiechan.com/
Mangosteen: http://www.mangosteenoakland.com/
Crooked Sister: http://www.etsy.com/shop/crookedsister
Monkey + Seal: http://www.monkeyandseal.com

See you there!

I've been working on a few new designs: this first one was a custom for a bride - the photo is not amazing, but the necklace is.

I also did some pin brooches now on my etsy shop .

Continuing on with the wing theme - I got these luscious wings and I am LOVING them. I've done several necklaces as well and am very pleased with not only how they look, but how fun they FEEL to wear!

I also did a necklace accented with brass and copper chains - I think the contrasting metals are fabulous.

The first hints of blossom and late winter glimpses of spring have given me the first moments of garden delight. I got in some tiny bees and am putting them to work as well.

Don't forget about my February 15% off from my Etsy shop with FEB15

10% off my direct Compass Rose Design shop w/ RCRD10

Vsit the Compass Rose Design website for upcoming events and discounts

Find Compass Rose Design on Facebook

Creative Places, The Mission Statement and Craft Beer

2011-01-28T20:58:00.000-08:00

Galleries, shops, storefronts, pubs - are all a reflection of their owners. The physical spaces of the mostly women artists where Compass Rose Design collections have landed are places of creative abandon, clever intuition, and endless possibility. I delight in the differing flavors of each - from urban chic to vintage elegance - each one is an experiential synergy of local creative forces worth entering and exploring.

Last week at the birthday party of an old friend - I met an awesome and incredibly stylish woman arrived fresh off her bicycle - named Helene - of Culture Consumer who is also a member of the Mission Statement in San Francisco. Lots of folks have recommended the Mission Statement to me - and all the stars aligned - and just a few days later, I met Estrella was dazzled by the assortment of amazing clothes and accessories. I am honored to be part of the collection at the Mission Statement. ! Estrella also has her own website for her Estrella Tadeo clothing designs and accessories - where you can see her art - a practical and contemporary but whimsical laboratory of artistry.

So in my other life - I am a brewer's wife and the president of a small craft beer company planning a production brewery. We're having our first public event serving homebrew on February 13th! Brian of www.bayareacraftbeer.com is doing most of the leg work and is awesome.

Breweries of Tomorrow Nanobrewery Festival

February 13 from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
at the Social Kitchen and Brewery, 1326 9th Ave. San Francisco, CA 94122

In honor of the event - I made a few pairs of beer bottle cap cuff links - a fun upcycled creation. They are listed in my etsy Compass Rose Design shop.

And some out of Monopoly Top Hats!

Don't miss our winter Etsy sale!
15% off the entire shop until Feb 28 with discount code FEB15

Proud member of the SF Etsy Team!!!
Check out the team blog at http://sfetsy.blogspot.com/

Compass Rose Design Jewelry is a one woman artisan operation - handcrafted Victorian button jewelry, antique button jewelry, steampunk jewelry, and other upcycled accessories crafted with found objects and storied treasures.

Victorian Lockets, Memory Keepsakes & Shadowboxes

2011-01-16T14:39:00.000-08:00

I’ve been really inspired by vintage lockets, which started with Aunt Daisy, and has lead down a long pathway of memories, shadowboxes and keepsake trinkets. I’m working with two families of lockets – Edwardian and early 20th century lockets as well as vintage lockets 20-40 years old.

This is a gorgeous example of a Victorian mourning locket. They can cost up to $300, but sometimes I discover treasures within my budget.

Here are a few I’ve made so far. Some have ended up at Dark Garden and Modern Eden and I am listing a few on my Etsy store and the Compass Rose Design direct shop.

A while back, I made a locket of my mother’s mother – my Dutch Oma – and have gotten so many comments on it. I love wearing her and honoring her presence with her engagement photo from 1942 Rotterdam tucked in a vintage ladies watch case.

I’ve done a few custom orders and have decided to offer them officially – you can send me a photo and we can make a beautiful keepsake shadowbox locket. Find out more or order a custom family photo shadowbox.

Visit the Compass Rose Design Jewelry shop - 10% off w/ discount code RCRD10
Visit the Compass Rose Design Etsy shop - 10% off w/ discount code CRD10
Visit our website
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Proud member of the SF Etsy team

Last show of the season, Victorian Dress Restoration and a New Sign

2010-12-17T09:07:00.000-08:00

It's been a really amazing holiday season of shows at Market SF and our last trunk show at Modern Eden. It's been really great to meet so many fabulous artists and feel a sense of solidarity and community. Loved meeting fellow artists at Form & Funktion, Lorinczi jewelry and others! After a few years, I can truly say that I love what I do.

A few favorite items from the Market SF show last weekend including Linen dish towels from The Heated

Modern Eden's Trunk show was a delight - and the gallery is looking stunning as usual!

Also stocked up the collection at Boneflowers - a world of whimsy, lace and delight, curated by the fabulous Jenna. You can see my latest designs and listen to old vinyl while you browse her amazing universe.

A few of her recent projects with Victorian clothing:

Getting ready for our last show of the season!! Come visit me Sunday!

SFFAMA & BRIEF SPACE Present: "INDIE BAZAAR 3: HOLIDAY BAZAAR."

I also finally got a sign - just in time for my last shows :)

What: INDIE BAZAAR 3: HOLIDAY BAZAAR
When: Dec.. 19, 2010, Sunday, 11AM-5PM
Where: Brief Space at Metreon, 101 4th Street (at Mission), SF, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA
Admission: FREE TO THE PUBLIC

Find out about other Compass Rose Design Events

Don't miss the Compass Rose Design Holiday Sale
10% off everything until December 31!
Etsy discount code: 10DEC10
Direct shop discount code: XMAS10

Visit the Compass Rose Design Jewelry shop
Visit the Compass Rose Design Etsy shop
Visit our website
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Beet Freaks, Legos, Holiday Shows and a New Workspace

2010-12-10T13:54:00.000-08:00

I've been so busy keeping up with winter shows and gallery requests, but I am catching a moment while getting ready for my back to back shows tomorrow at Market SF and Modern Eden. It will be the last Market SF show of the season, and the last one at the Blue Macaw on Mission - where Barb has been keeping me full of her mimosas during the Saturday Artist Market.

Last weekend was fabulous, and the first show I'd done in a month. Since my new nephew Hank was born a few weeks ago, I've been full into legos, starwars, and fort-building with his big brother, Julian. Anyways, last weekend's Market SF was full of some really great folks, including spiced pickled beets from the Beet Freaks. The hint of garlic, ginger, cinammon, cayenne were delectible!

Here's another delicious beet recipe from my friend Joscelyn from a family cookbook I made:

Things have been scaling up pleasantly and after permanently taking over the kitchen table, we carved out an additional spot near a window in the living room. I am thrilled to have more space and feel more organized, at least temporarily.

In preparation for my last holiday shows December 11 at Market SF and Modern Eden's Winterland Trunk Show. I'm excited to do a show at Modern Eden! the space is really amazing and a fabulous studio, gallery and gathering spot.

I've been making lots of new designs - come see them tomorrow!

Don't miss my last show of the year next Sunday December 19th - Indie Bazaar at Brief Space

Find out about other Compass Rose Design Events

Don't miss the Compass Rose Design Holiday Sale
10% off everything until December 31!
Etsy discount code: 10DEC10
Direct shop discount code: XMAS10

Visit the Compass Rose Design Jewelry shop
Visit the Compass Rose Design Etsy shop
Visit our website
Find us on Facebook

Art, Wine and Compass Rose Design in Sonoma County!

2010-12-03T07:39:00.001-08:00

Last month when my Aunt Martha was visiting, we drove up to Graton to have lunch at the Willow Wood Market - a delightful example of the best cafe cuisine that nor cal has to offer. After lunch we popped into the Graton Gallery, a fabulous space filled with the work of mostly local artists from throughout Northern California. I showed them a necklace I was wearing and was happily contacted just a few weeks later to bring a collection.

I headed up to Graton yesterday for a brunch with my friend Lynn, of Hobo and Banyan Wines, and The Crush Widow blog.

Well - apparently, folks are happy to have a more affordable artisan jewelry in the gallery, and the Victorian buttons continue to be a hit with everyone from young women to grandmothers. The display looks wonderful!

Pam, one of the Graton Gallery partners, is nothing short of amazing. She helped start the Santa Cruz Jewelers Guild in the 70s, spent time making Navajo style squash blossom necklaces with turquoise straight from the mines, started an ISP in the 90s while doing early web design, had a career as a graphic artist, is fascinated by taxidermy, and loves her current husband of 25 years, because he "lets [her] be [her] own person". She reminds me a lot of my mom - a woman with a lot of talents from different parts of life - a survivor of life's tribulations - a matter-of-fact-no- bullshit-can-do type of lady.

All in all, the gallery drop off took more than three hours because it essentially became a salon, where people drifted in and out, ruminating about life, relationships and art.

If you're looking for a fabulous day out in Sonoma County, have brunch at the Willow Wood Market, then browse at the Graton Gallery, and the other antique shops on the block!

Don't miss the Compass Rose Design Holiday Sale
10% off everything until December 31!
Etsy discount code: 10DEC10
Direct shop discount code: XMAS10

Visit the Compass Rose Design Jewelry shop
Visit the Compass Rose Design Etsy shop
Visit our website
Find us on Facebook

The Power of Rivets and Burning Man Nostalgia

2010-11-21T16:40:00.001-08:00

I just returned from a metal smithing workshop that rocked my world. Joe Silvera, a metalsmith, artist, and teacher taught a really well put together class at Baubles & Beads in San Rafael. Some of the material was familiar to me, but the rivets were new and I am in love.

Getting to know the qualities and characteristics of each metal feels very elemental and very ancient, like weaving and stained glass - two of my other loves.

Here are some of the pieces I made...

and one in progress... which I of course modified the pattern from a ginko leaf into a tulip.

Which got me daydreaming about some of my favorite metal pieces from Burning Man before I moved to Amsterdam.

Don't forget 10% off the Compass Rose Design Store until December 31, 2010 - enter XMAS10 at checkout!

Visit the Compass Rose Design Jewelry shop
Visit our website
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Compass Rose Design at Dark Garden, Various & Sundries, and the Aunt Daisy Collection

2010-11-16T19:22:00.000-08:00

The big news is that Compass Rose Design is now featured at Dark Garden - one of the most luscious places on earth - full of corsets, lace, parasols, wristlets, and a world of delight. They'll also have a selection at the Dickens Christmas Faire! Dark Garden is at 321 Linden Street in San Francisco.

Compass Rose Design is now also at Various & Sundries in Fairfax, California, at 69 Broadway Ave. Fairfax CA 94930 right next to the Scoop - some of the best ice cream on the west coast.

First things first, my uncle by choice's Aunt Daisy - queen of costume jewelry - was a great collector. She loved cats and owls and Christmas, and left literally pounds of costume jewelry, charm bracelets and treasures. Born in 1915, though she claimed she was 10 years younger, all her official records say she was born in 1925. This only became a problem when she needed to collect her social security benefits and had to prove she actually deserved them.

There was a mountain of pink bejeweled owls and flowers....

... as well as some real treasures like some charm bracelets with working parts...

... and a metal purse with movie tickets from a 1936 film in Ponca, Oklahoma as well as a consumers tax credit coin.

You will see some of these items reappear in new configurations - there are some fabulous lockets, charms, book lockets, and crystal whatnots that I think call for a new collection - The Aunt Daisy collection will be made from Aunt Daisy's treasure trove of vintage jewelry... stay tuned....

Don't forget 10% off the Compass Rose Design Store until December 31, 2010 - enter XMAS10 at checkout!

Visit the Compass Rose Design Jewelry shop
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Typewriter Key Bracelets, Residents Artist Gallery, Project Transaction

2010-11-12T18:56:00.000-08:00

I’ve had a hectic of a week in the best possible way! I've put an initial collection up on the new Compass Rose Design Direct Store - 10% off with XMAS10 at checkout for friends and family (that's you!) I just came across a lot of typewriter keys, so I'll be making more bracelets. They have such a nice weight and sound to them!

I got invited to R.A.G. Residents Apparel Gallery at 541 Octavia St. in San Francisco. It’s a really awesome space with more than 75 Bay Area artists run by two fabulous sisters, Blakely and Page.

The space is filled with clothing, accessories and jewelry, just down the street from La Boulange Bakery.

I originally heard about R.A.G. from Jake and Holly at Project Transaction – who I met at Market SF, a small artist market at the Blue Macaw in the Mission every Saturday. (By the way, I’ll be at Market SF on December 4 and December 11). Jake and Holly make reclaimed leather cuffs, belts, restraints, harnesses and other accessories, with brands, rivets, and prints that are both edgy and sophisticated. Below is one of their handmade leather belts available at the Project Transaction Etsy Shop. They've also had some INCREDIBLE upcycled modified leather vests - re cut and outfitted with grommets that I adore.They are good folk.

Visit the Compass Rose Design Jewelry shop now
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NEW!!!! Compass Rose Design Direct Online Shop

2010-11-10T07:22:00.001-08:00

Etsy has been so good to me, I love sending pieces all over the world - but the time and fees are adding up. Our friends at Timmy Mays set up a new online shop (which is awesome!) and inspired me to set up a direct shop as well.

The new shop is at www.shop.compassrosedesignjewelry.com

How is the New direct shop different from the Etsy shop?

No Etsy signup required - All you need is a paypal account.
The direct shop will have the full collection, where Etsy has limited line.
Etsy gets so flooded and I want to make it easy for folks to find me.
Etsy has lots of fees, so I can offer lower prices at the Compass Rose Design online shop.

So...wider selection, easier to find, lower prices - you can't go wrong!!!

I'll be adding items frequently for the holidays - feel free to make requests.

Shop before December 31, 2010 and receive 10% off the entire store when you enter XMAS10 at checkout!

Visit the Compass Rose Design Jewelry shop now
Visit our website
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Found Object Bracelet, Pumpkins & Beer, and Gathered Thyme

2010-10-31T10:52:00.000-07:00

I’ve done stained glass for about 8 years, but I haven’t hauled out the soldering iron since before I lived in Amsterdam. I did some really fun pieces with broken glass I found when I was about nine years old at a logging camp in the woods where I grew up near Skyline, California.

Yesterday, at Baubles and Beads in Berkeley, I started a refresher in some basic metal working skills. Unsurprisingly, my first piece is a found object bracelet. I started with an assortment of favorite objects.... My soldering iron was getting too hot, annoying since it was the one recommended - but apparently the Weller 100 with the blue handle is the best for this type of project. Volcanoarts.com has pretty good prices and awesome selection for stained glass, metalworking, and book binding!

Some of the objects you will recognize from other Compass Rose Design series, but there are some wonderful new pieces as well. I used old game pieces, rulers, postage stamps, a 1919 accounting register, wrist watch, key, escutcheon, and an optician’s lens – and I think it turned out pretty well.

Now I am eager to get to my collection of broken ceramics and stones...

The garden is definitely shifting with the seasons. The oregano and thyme I collected last week are dry and ready to put in jars for winter seasoning.

My husband, Johnny is brewing beer today, he’s making an Oktoberfest ale. There is no pumpkin involved, in fact if you want pumpkin in your beer, Van Houten Brewing probably won't be able to help you, but it’s Halloween….

Find Compass Rose Design on Facebook

Find us on Twitter at compassrosedzyn

Shop our Etsy store at www.compassrosedesign.etsy.com

Visit our Website at www.compassrosedesignjewelry.com

Olive Meet Etsy, Black Heart Industries and a Semi-Secret Garden

2010-10-12T22:02:00.000-07:00

Compass Rose Design was invited to another gallery!! I haven't even had a chance to do a mailing to galleries because they keep approaching me, which I take as a great sign.

The Olive Hyde Art Guild and Gallery in Fremont, California is hosting an exhibit of Bay Area Etsy artists called Olive Meet Etsy. Olive Hyde was a super cool old lady who was born in San Francisco in 1886 and left a a fabulous legacy.

The Olive Meet Etsy Exhibit runs from October 15 - November 13
Opening Reception: Friday, October 15, 2010 7-9pm
The Olive Hyde Gallery is at 123 Washington Blvd. Fremont, CA

The gallery has a very sweet semi-secret feeling garden. I loved this brick wall.

And a very sweet succulent garden:

I love the weekly Market SF local artist market at the Blue Macaw. It's usually a fairly mellow day and I get to talk with other artists and people watch all day.

Last week, I had the Compass Rose Design booth out front with Black Heart Industries. Gustavo is an extremely clever guy with many skills under his belt including carpentry, metalwork, leatherwork, and upcycling anyone under the table.

This is the story of him upcycling a file cabinet into a snazzy desk.

Gustavo makes excellent belts (and took the 2 photos below). I bought this one:

But I also LOVE the handpainted one adorned with bottlecaps:

Visit his website or etsy store to get one for yourself.

We're still waiting to hear back about the Renegade Handmade Craft Fair In December but will keep folks posted!!!

Don't miss out on my current sale - 15% off my ENTIRE etsy store for Christmas Earlybirds!!!
Just email or convo me for the discount!
www.compassrosedesign.etsy.com

Find out about events at the Compass Rose Design site.

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Press, New Spyglass Necklaces, Peaches and Wine

2010-10-08T08:03:00.000-07:00

This article is excerpted from Cristophe Tomatis of SF Indie Fashion

"On Saturday, we headed to the Mission to check out Market SF, a weekly artist showcase at The Blue Macaw. We found tons of great, unique items and met local artists who design and sell their products in San Francisco. Here are some of the highlights:

The featured artist was Compass Rose Design. Each piece is handmade by Creek, the founder and designer. She takes antiques (some over 150 years old) and refashions them beautifully. Not only is each piece unique, but also has a story behind it. Check out the custom pocket watch jewelry below:"

Compass Rose Design, photo by Cristophe Tomatis

Compass Rose Design's Table, , photo by Cristophe Tomatis

end of excerpt. (read more of the article)

When I discovered our first online press last night, I was enjoying some delicious wine from my friends Lynn and Kenny at the Hobo Wine Company and Banyan Wines. They make amazing wine and have an exceptional knack for being incredibly unpretentious, delightfully hip and above all, making amazing wine. They have a wine club through their tasting room, Downtown Wines, in Healdsburg, which I absolutely recommend.

Here is one of my favorite Hobo red's pictured in front of some peaches I just finished canning. I even love the label!

Finally - a few new designs made with spyglasses from last week.

Don't forget - 15% off our ENTIRE etsy collection throughout October!!!!

Visit our Etsy Store.

Visit the Compass Rose Design website for events, discounts, and latest designs.

Spyclasses and End of Summer Salsa

2010-09-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

In my pursuit of fascinating antique objects, I came across these old monocle test lenses - what a delight! I'm going to make them into long dramatic necklaces paired or grouped with other objects and gemstones.

Since much of my life is about multi-tasking, I'm starting the monocle necklaces while I wait for a batch of end of summer garden salsa to process. I made some excellent salsa a month ago, so excellent, it is gone.

Since It's my first year gardening in this location - we're north of San Francisco and it gets both cold and hot (by California standards) - our crop is not overwhelming. Supplemented with a bit of harvest from my mother-in-law, I have plenty for another batch.

Here is the recipe - it's from my mother in law. It's excerpted from a cookbook I made of Dutch family recipes and other favorites at www.enoughbutter.com.
For more information about upcoming events, specials and new designs
visit www.compassrosedesignjewelry.com

Announcing.... Compass Rose Design Bracelets

2010-09-27T20:08:00.000-07:00

I tend to make things I like, and haven't yet found the right bracelet fixin's until recently. But, I've gotten a lot of requests for bracelets at various shows, and I finally got my supplies in. Today I did bracelets with vintage watch movements, antique buttons and typewriter keys.

I'll be posting these at my etsy shop soon and am sure to make more - especially considering the mass produced but expensive crud available at SkyMall.

Compass Rose Design to be Featured Seller at Market SF!

2010-09-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

Compass Rose Design Jewelry will be the featured seller at the Saturday Artist Market - hosted by Market SF next weekend, Saturday October 2, 2010 at the Blue Macaw, 2565 Mission St. in SF.

October 2, 2010 Participating Artists

Featured Artist: Compass Rose Design Jewelry

Compass Rose Design will be raffling off this steampunk pocketwatch necklace!
www.compassrosedesignjewelry.com

Black Heart Industries	Leather belts & cuffs	blackheartindustries.com/
Cassandra Designs	Jewelry	www.CassandraDesigns.org
Coffee n Cream Press		www.coffeencreampress.com
Compass Rose Design	Jewelry	www.compassrosedesignjewelry.com
earthly treasures	Jewelry
Elizabeth's Zakka Store	Woman fashion & jewelry	stores.ebay.com.au/Elizabeths-Zakka-S...
Max Plus Mar	Tshirts	www.maxallbee.etsy.com
Mr Rogers	Men's tshirts & art	www.bunnymatic.com
nrgee designs	Knitted items	nrgee.etsy.com
Romey Designs	Woman & baby fashion	www.RomeyDesigns.com
Studio 76 Design	Illustrations	www.studio76art.com
The Fork in the Road	Jewelry	www.etsy.com/shop/theforkintheroad

Come visit for a chance to win one of our Compass Rose Design signature pocketwatch necklaces!

visit www.compassrosedesignjewelry.com for our latest designs, event announcements, discounts, and custom items.

Getting ready for Indie Mart this Sunday

2010-09-17T16:30:00.001-07:00

Come visit Compass Rose Design at Indie Mart!! Betty and I will be there will a lot of new pieces and an expanded men's collection including upcycled pocketwatch tie pins, cufflinks, and moneyclips.

Come to Indie Mart!!!
Sunday - September 19th, 2010
noon to 6pm at Thee Parkside - Portrero Hill.

I made my first treasury

2010-09-17T16:22:00.001-07:00

This is a silly thing to post, considering I am getting ready for Artist Market SF tomorrow at the Blue Macaw - but, I am taking the time to get rejuvinated after last night's evening fashion bash at Fort Mason - and made my first treasury on etsy. The subject is totally random :)

Compass Rose Design on Haight St.

2010-09-13T07:55:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a great Sunday. I headed over to Haight St. in the afternoon and after searching for parking for almost 30 minutes (I don't miss city parking) made my way to Distractions, at 1552 Haight Street. The owner, Jimmy, had approached me at the Alamo Square Indie Mart and asked me to come in for a visit to see if we could get some Compass Rose Design treasures into his shop. Distractions, which Jimmy started in 1976, is nearing the end of its existence as a psychadelic institution and is going to be reborn as a STEAMPUNK BOUTIQUE!!!

Since while not hawking psychedelia on the weekends, Jimmy does Victorian house renovation, deconstruction and reconstruction on the side - he'll clearly have no problem with the design aesthetic. He showed me photos of a Victorian he numbered, took apart, moved and reconstructed in the Russian River area. Needless to say, impressive. After a few minutes of sentimental loitering (I got my first Grateful Dead tie dyed tapestry there when I was 16), Jimmy came in hauling a large old stained glass window, just as when I had first met him at Alamo Square - I get that he often has a window or some other unwieldy architectural gem in tow.

It was a great interaction, and even though the full Steampunk theme does not begin until January, my designs are helping blaze the trail!

Compass Rose Design at Modern Eden

2010-09-09T16:18:00.000-07:00

Now you can visit Compass Rose Design Jewelry creations in person at Modern Eden, a gallery in Northbeach. Located at 403 Francisco St. at Powell, the gallery is a brand new space operated by artists Kim and Bradley. He does incredible paintings and she does otherworldy scuptures.

The couple have transformed the space. The lighting, wood flooring, skylights are breathtaking. The way they divided the large space into intimate maze of secret corners and nooks without making anything crowded is to be commended. The overall effect is spectacular.

Visit Modern Eden to see Compass Rose Design creations - they're carrying both our women's jewelry and our men's collection of upcycled pocket watch cufflinks and tie pins.

Modern Eden
403 Francisco St.
San Francisco, CA
Hours: Wed-Sun Noon - 8pm

Compass Rose Design at Sassy City Chicks September 16th

2010-09-07T20:04:00.000-07:00

Compass Rose Design will be doing our first fancy shmancy fashionista and cockails event next Thursday at the San Francisco Sassy City Chicks events at the Herbst Pavilion at Fort Mason in San Francisco! General admission is $5 and if you pop for $20 you get a fashion tote brimming with as the SF Examiner says, "Sassy Tote Ticket holders will receive a reusable black Sassy Tote filled with make up, lingerie, and/or other girly items and receive complimentary cocktails, spa services, and much more!"

Sassy City Chicks
Thursday, September 16th, 2010 from 5 - 10pm
At the Herbst Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, SF

More about Sassy City Chicks SF
Buy Tickets for Sassy City Chicks SF

Compass Rose Design in the Noir Serendipity Treasury Challenge

2010-09-07T08:42:00.001-07:00

Compass Rose Design's Spider's Web Steampunk Neckace was just featured in an Etsy treasury by CassandraKiss, as part of the Serendipity Treasury Challenge!

See the Spider Pendant Here or

click on the image below to see the whole treasury.

Hooray Etsy!

Compass Rose Design loves Indie Mart!!!

2010-08-23T12:15:00.000-07:00

The Alamo Square Indie Mart was a fabulous third show for Compass Rose Design Jewelry. This was the first time that Indie Mart paired up with the Alamo Square Flea Market, and I think it was a great coupling to be surrounded by artists, vintage goodies and treasures of every sort.

Our great neighbor May from Timmy Mays, took a photo of me at the Compass Rose Design Jewelry booth. My dear friend and partner in crime, Betty (who is awesome) and I had a great time chatting with folks all day. We got more great feedback about the collection and lots of happy customers. People are loving the pocket watch necklaces, and antique button necklaces. We brought more vintage watch cufflinks and bottlecap cufflinks, which were well received. I am happy to have a men's collection that is more than one item.

It was fun to run into Katie from Noligoods, who I went to nursery school with. She makes super clever double sided glass necklaces with fabric and clever print inlays.

We'll keep everyone posted about when our next Indie Mart appearance will be.

Compass Rose Design at Indie Mart - August 21

2010-08-17T18:36:00.000-07:00

Compass Rose Design Jewelry is happy to announce that our second show will be at the Alamo Square Indie Mart on Saturday, August 21, 2010. The event takes place at Alamo Square in San Francisco from 9am until 3pm. The Compass Rose Design collection was well received at the SF Artist Market, so we are feeling optimistic about seeing folks at Indie Mart.

Come visit us!!!

Alamo Square Indie Mart
Saturday, August 21, 2010 from 9am - 3pm
Alamo Square: Scott, Fulton & Hayes Street (directions)
More about Indie Mart

Don't forget to check for the latest designs at our online shop at www.compassrosedesign.etsy.com

Compass Rose Design at Market SF August 14th

2010-08-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

Come visit Compass Rose Design Jewelry on Saturday, August 14th for our second SF Artist Market at the Blue Macaw -2526 Mission St in SF.
Mention my blog and you get 10% off any Compass Rose Design purchase this weekend!

Here are some of the featured sellers you can visit!
for links to the items - click here....

Compass Rose Design Jewelry will also be at Market SF September 4 and September 18

more about Market SF

visit the Compass Rose Design etsy store

August Earring Special

2010-08-05T16:59:00.000-07:00

Buy a Compass Rose Design necklace and get a matching pair of single strand drop-style earrings for $10 from the Compass Rose Design online store through August 31st, 2010 at Midnight!

Enter the code AUGU10 in the notes to seller, email, or an etsy conversation to receive your discount on Compass Rose Design steampunk jewelry and antique button jewelry.

Earrings are 2" single strand drop style made to coordinate with necklace with matching Swarvoski crystal or Czech glass, like the example shown in photo. Double strand earrings are $15 during the August special.

Visit the Compass Rose Design online shop to redeem your discount!

Compass Rose Design at Indie Mart - August 21

2010-08-05T16:53:00.001-07:00

July sale 10% off through the end of July on all orders

2010-07-16T18:57:00.000-07:00

Visit Compass Rose Design's online shop and receive 10% off all items in the shop!!! The Compass Rose Design July sale goes through midnight July 31, 2010!

Enter JULY10 in the notes to shipper, email, or convo and you'll receive 10% off your entire Compass Rose Design jewelry order!

Shop the July sale at Compass Rose Design Jewelry

Browse the Compass Rose Design Jewelry online store

Vintage Label and Postage Stamp Jewelry

2010-07-16T18:26:00.000-07:00

While living in Amsterdam, I often visited the Waterloo flea market for odds and ends. On the far edge I came across an old couple selling all manner of paper memorabilia, photos, labels, maps and old letters. I fell in love with a few labels from an old store on the same canal I lived on - Prinsengracht. They must have been for Dutch and Belgian or maybe French distribution, since most of the labels are in French. A glorious upcycling opportunity!

Sometime last year, I realized I was saving stamps. I came across a couple that were eye catching and calling out to be upcycled. Now paper treasures catch my eye wherever I go... fruit labels, vintage postcards, old advertisements, stamps... all snapshots of moments in time transformed into wearable art.

Visit our online shop for more Vintage Stam p & Label necklaces!

Compass Rose Design offers vintage label and stamp necklaces from our current collection or custom ordered from available pieces!

Find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/compassrosedesign

Visit the Compass Rose Design online shop

Insect Jewelry from Compass Rose Design

2010-07-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

Compass Rose Design insect jewelry has taken off with the gardening season! Buzzing bees, dragonflies, flowers, and wings are the theme of the spring and summer-inspired series with a steampunk neovictorian flair from Compass Rose Design Jewelry.

And yes, I am including arachnids here :)

Find Insect Jewelry at the Compass Rose Design online shop

Find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/compassrosedesign

Visit the Compass Rose Design online shop

Antique Button Jewelry from Compass Rose Design

2010-07-14T19:49:00.001-07:00

Compass Rose Design was born last year when I got married and wanted a personal gift to thank the ladies who helped make the day awesome. I decided on antique button jewelry. I wore a red wedding dress, we ate chocolate cake, and let's say the garden was full of magic making and merriment. Creating antique button necklaces for these women sparked a passion for found treasures and upcycled jewelry. Each button holds a story reworked into a piece ready for a new set of memories.

Visit the Compass Rose Design online shop

Find Compass Rose Design Jewelry on Facebook at www.facebook.com/compassrosedesign

Visit the Compass Rose Design online shop

Steampunk Upcycled Pocket Watch Jewelry

2010-07-14T19:48:00.000-07:00

These upcycled steampunk necklaces made with pocket watch movements, vintage style charms and crystal and glass accents have been one of Compass Rose Design Jewelry's signature styles!

These pieces have been worn by brides, travelers, fashionistas and sexy moms from the east to west coast!

Visit Compass Rose Design for more Pocket Watch necklaces!

Compass Rose Design offers steampunk necklaces and steampunk earrings from our current collection or custom ordered from available pieces!

Find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/compassrosedesign

Visit the Compass Rose Design online shop

Welcome to Compass Rose Design Jewelry

2010-07-14T19:47:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Compass Rose Design - Antique Button Jewelry, Steampunk Jewelry, and Other Treasures!

At Compass Rose Design, I've been making wire wrap jewelry for the last ten years with vintage and found treasures. Each piece is handmade, reflecting a bit of treasure renewed into something unique and beautiful. Compass Rose Design offers an eclectic mix for casual and elegant occasions. Every creation combines Victorian or vintage buttons, pocket watch pieces, Czech glass, found objects, vintage style charms, Austrian crystal, vintage prints, and a lot of love. I enjoy thinking about the story of each button – from a corset or waistcoat or evening gown – through the ages to you – highlighted with glinting garnet, crystal and glass.

Find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/compassrosedesign
Visit Compass Rose Design online shop