Author: Jodi Bloom

A Day at The Circus: #6

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

“There is no greater picture than that of 10,000 smiling children. No brighter music than their clear-ringing laughter. That I, with my small amusements, have created such precious art is my life’s proudest achievement.”  PT Barnum, (1810-1891)

To read the full story behind this wearable art capsule collaboration with Double Stars, head back to the main Circus Capsule page. Below, you’ll find details on this particular neckace, A Day at the Circus #1 (limited edition of 6). The main photo at the top and the first 4 photos below are of this necklace. The last two photos show you the modular nature and the capsule mood image for the entire collection, but are NOT necessarily this necklace.

#6 features all of the common elements to the series: A unique scrap yarn crocheted textile base, approx. 46″, (this one features a tonal bright happy colors, pink, puple, bling fiber), fixed pompoms, one removable pompom affixed to a hair barrette clip, a handmade Free Circus Animals pin badge, 1 bead-filled jelly bangle, 2 striped African jelly bangles made from recycled flip-flop, vintage plastic whistle, vintage plastic skull charm, Viewmaster reel from the series A Day at the Circus, c.1957, three antique mid-century circus animal toys in used condition: a dear polar bear, striped tiger and pink lion. The necklaces with only two celluloid critters are priced a little lower. Note: Viewmaster viewer not included.

As with all of these necklaces, most of the bits ‘n pieces are removable and can be rearranged in any manner that suits you or left off completely, giving you a textile-only necklace and a pile of other fun stuff to play with and wear. Necklace can be worn long or cross-body, or shorter and doubled with a button/loop clasp. Crazy modularity!

Questions, please email. I would prefer that this very special piece not be shipped back and forth, so please get the answers you need to decide.

Painted dress by Yusho Kobayashi.

A Day at The Circus: #5

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

“There is no greater picture than that of 10,000 smiling children. No brighter music than their clear-ringing laughter. That I, with my small amusements, have created such precious art is my life’s proudest achievement.”  PT Barnum, (1810-1891)

To read the full story behind this wearable art capsule collaboration with Double Stars, head back to the main Circus Capsule page. Below, you’ll find details on this particular neckace, A Day at the Circus #1 (limited edition of 6). The main photo at the top and the first 4 photos below are of this necklace. The last two photos show you the modular nature and the capsule mood image for the entire collection, but are NOT necessarily this necklace.

#5 features all of the common elements to the series: A unique scrap yarn crocheted textile base, approx. 46″, (this one features a rich off white, neon green, bling fiber), fixed pompoms, one removable pompom affixed to a hair barrette clip, a handmade Free Circus Animals pin badge, 1 bead-filled jelly bangle, 2 striped African jelly bangles made from recycled flip-flop, vintage plastic whistle, vintage plastic skull charm, Viewmaster reel from the series A Day at the Circus, c.1957, three antique mid-century circus animal toys in used condition: a kindly lion and the sweetest polka dotted pink giraffe. The necklaces with only two celluloid critters are priced a little lower. Note: Viewmaster viewer not included.

As with all of these necklaces, most of the bits ‘n pieces are removable and can be rearranged in any manner that suits you or left off completely, giving you a textile-only necklace and a pile of other fun stuff to play with and wear. Necklace can be worn long or cross-body, or shorter and doubled with a button/loop clasp. Crazy modularity!

Questions, please email. I would prefer that this very special piece not be shipped back and forth, so please get the answers you need to decide.

Painted dress by Yusho Kobayashi.

A Day at The Circus: #4

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

“There is no greater picture than that of 10,000 smiling children. No brighter music than their clear-ringing laughter. That I, with my small amusements, have created such precious art is my life’s proudest achievement.”  PT Barnum, (1810-1891)

To read the full story behind this wearable art capsule collaboration with Double Stars, head back to the main Circus Capsule page. Below, you’ll find details on this particular neckace, A Day at the Circus #1 (limited edition of 6). The main photo at the top and the first 4 photos below are of this necklace. The last two photos show you the modular nature and the capsule mood image for the entire collection, but are NOT necessarily this necklace.

#4 features all of the common elements to the series: A unique scrap yarn crocheted textile base, approx. 46″, (this one features a rich purple, limey green, bling fiber), fixed pompoms, one removable pompom affixed to a hair barrette clip, a handmade Free Circus Animals pin badge, 1 bead-filled jelly bangle, 2 striped African jelly bangles made from recycled flip-flop, vintage plastic whistle, vintage plastic skull charm, Viewmaster reel from the series A Day at the Circus, c.1957, three antique mid-century circus animal toys in used condition: a sweet striped tiger, a pink-eared elephant and a lovely camel. The necklaces with only two celluloid critters are priced a little lower. Note: Viewmaster viewer not included.

As with all of these necklaces, most of the bits ‘n pieces are removable and can be rearranged in any manner that suits you or left off completely, giving you a textile-only necklace and a pile of other fun stuff to play with and wear. Necklace can be worn long or cross-body, or shorter and doubled with a button/loop clasp. Crazy modularity!

Questions, please email. I would prefer that this very special piece not be shipped back and forth, so please get the answers you need to decide.

Painted dress by Yusho Kobayashi.

A Day at The Circus: #3

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

“There is no greater picture than that of 10,000 smiling children. No brighter music than their clear-ringing laughter. That I, with my small amusements, have created such precious art is my life’s proudest achievement.”  PT Barnum, (1810-1891)

To read the full story behind this wearable art capsule collaboration with Double Stars, head back to the main Circus Capsule page. Below, you’ll find details on this particular neckace, A Day at the Circus #1 (limited edition of 6). The main photo at the top and the first 4 photos below are of this necklace. The last two photos show you the modular nature and the capsule mood image for the entire collection, but are NOT necessarily this necklace.

#2 features all of the common elements to the series: A unique scrap yarn crocheted textile base, approx. 46″, (this one features a rainbow of colors, minty green, bling fiber), fixed pompoms, one removable pompom affixed to a hair barrette clip, a handmade Free Circus Animals pin badge, 1 bead-filled jelly bangle, 2 striped African jelly bangles made from recycled flip-flop, vintage plastic whistle, vintage plastic skull charm, Viewmaster reel from the series A Day at the Circus, c.1957, three antique mid-century circus animal toys in used condition: a sweet striped tiger and a pink-eared elephant. The necklaces with only two celluloid critters are priced a little lower. Note: Viewmaster viewer not included.

As with all of these necklaces, most of the bits ‘n pieces are removable and can be rearranged in any manner that suits you or left off completely, giving you a textile-only necklace and a pile of other fun stuff to play with and wear. Necklace can be worn long or cross-body, or shorter and doubled with a button/loop clasp. Crazy modularity!

Questions, please email. I would prefer that this very special piece not be shipped back and forth, so please get the answers you need to decide.

Painted dress by Yusho Kobayashi.

A Day at The Circus: #2

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

“There is no greater picture than that of 10,000 smiling children. No brighter music than their clear-ringing laughter. That I, with my small amusements, have created such precious art is my life’s proudest achievement.”  PT Barnum, (1810-1891)

To read the full story behind this wearable art capsule collaboration with Double Stars, head back to the main Circus Capsule page. Below, you’ll find details on this particular neckace, A Day at the Circus #1 (limited edition of 6). The main photo at the top and the first 4 photos below are of this necklace. The last two photos show you the modular nature and the capsule mood image for the entire collection, but are NOT necessarily this necklace.

#2 features all of the common elements to the series: A unique scrap yarn crocheted textile base, approx. 45–46″, (this one features rich burgundy, sweet pinks and quite a bit of bling fiber), fixed pompoms, one removable pompom affixed to a hair barrette clip, a handmade Free Circus Animals pin badge, 1 bead-filled jelly bangle, 2 striped African jelly bangles made from recycled flip-flop, vintage plastic whistle, vintage plastic skull charm, Viewmaster reel from the series A Day at the Circus, c.1957, three antique mid-century circus animal toys in used condition: a pink horse, a sweet elephant. The necklaces with only two celluloid critters are priced a little lower. Note: Viewmaster viewer not included.

As with all of these necklaces, most of the bits ‘n pieces are removable and can be rearranged in any manner that suits you or left off completely, giving you a textile-only necklace and a pile of other fun stuff to play with and wear. Necklace can be worn long or cross-body, or shorter and doubled with a button/loop clasp. Crazy modularity!

Questions, please email. I would prefer that this very special piece not be shipped back and forth, so please get the answers you need to decide.

Painted dress by Yusho Kobayashi.

A Day at The Circus: #1

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

“There is no greater picture than that of 10,000 smiling children. No brighter music than their clear-ringing laughter. That I, with my small amusements, have created such precious art is my life’s proudest achievement.”  PT Barnum, (1810-1891)

To read the full story behind this wearable art capsule collaboration with Double Stars, head back to the main Circus Capsule page. Below, you’ll find details on this particular neckace, A Day at the Circus #1 (limited edition of 6). The main photo at the top and the first 4 photos below are of this necklace. The last two photos show you the modular nature and the capsule mood image for the entire collection, but are NOT necessarily this necklace.

#1 features all of the common elements to the series: A unique scrap yarn crocheted textile base, approx. 46″, (this one has lovely jewel tones, blue, burgundy, lavender, etc.), fixed pompoms, one removable pompom affixed to a hair barrette clip, a handmade Free Circus Animals pin badge, 1 bead-filled jelly bangle, 2 striped African jelly bangles made from recycled flip-flop, vintage plastic whistle, vintage plastic skull charm, Viewmaster reel from the series A Day at the Circus, c.1957, three antique mid-century circus animal toys in used condition: a lion, a camel and a delightful spotted leopard. The necklaces with only two celluloid critters are priced a little lower. Note: Viewmaster viewer not included.

As with all of these necklaces, most of the bits ‘n pieces are removable and can be rearranged in any manner that suits you or left off completely, giving you a textile-only necklace and a pile of other fun stuff to play with and wear. Necklace can be worn long or cross-body, or shorter and doubled with a button/loop clasp. Crazy modularity!

Questions, please email. I would prefer that this very special piece not be shipped back and forth, so please get the answers you need to decide.

Painted dress by Yusho Kobayashi.

Disco Sheep (Capsule)

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

People all over the world (you don’t need no money)
Join hands (come on)
Start a love train, love train (don’t need no ticket, come on)
People all over the world (join in, ride this train)
Join in (ride this train, y’all)
Start a love train (come on, train), love train

Love Train by The O’Jays, written by Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff

The Disco Sheep are ready to hop (well, hopping is a bit of an issue, but you know what I mean) on your love train and boogie the night away. So, please take them out, buy them a cocktail, and turn up the music. They are also known to protect you from creepy disco dudes, but I can’t exactly verify or guarantee that. Each of these playful necklaces features a vintage plastic sheepie (1960s or so), a curation of wonderful candy-colored beads from around this disco world, a sparkly disco ball (duh), striped cotton baker’s string, delicate antiqued brass chain and whatever else you see here. Length is 39;” with a clasp it can be easily doubled and worn shorter. Or, I’m happy to shorten it for you, just drop me a line.

A Day at the Circus (Capsule)

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

“There is no greater picture than that of 10,000 smiling children. No brighter music than their clear-ringing laughter. That I, with my small amusements, have created such precious art is my life’s proudest achievement.”  PT Barnum, (1810-1891)

Under the striped tent: Balloons, the silly taunting music of the calliope, the very air scented with a sickening mixture of cotton candy and dung, clowns are mocking in opaque make-up. A thousand children laugh and shriek. Wedged between my parents, I am certain that the world will come violently apart at any moment, there will be no turning back and I will be forever twirling/spinning, jerked from high to low by invisible strings, my soul growing small, finally disappearing. I try hard not to cry. My perplexed & loving parents, having bought the magic–and very expensive tickets–frown and scold. The colors! The sparkle-spangle of the flying acrobats, the razzle-dazzle of the Ring Master’s top hat & tails, the animals so festively costumed, so very clever! The truly delicious (with slight chemical aftertaste) sticky spun-sugar in pastel hues!

And thus, we present one more attempt to reconcile (and wear) beauty + ugliness, happiness + sorrow, chaos + order. You know, in a playful way. Or, maybe it’s just a fun necklace.

The Details:

Modular. Each OOAK necklace (6 total, 4 remain) is approx. 45–46″ long. Can be worn singled (anywhere on the body), or doubled, with a button & loop fastener. Most of the objects can be removed, reordered, reaffixed (lovely rusty safety pins) or left off all together, providing a gorgeous textile-only necklace and a little pile of wearable object/toys. One pompom is a hairclip. Fasten charms to the bracelets and wear them or pin them to your clothing. Note: We do not advise wearing the animals separately due to fragility.

Materials. Textile base: a kinetic length of intuitive free-form scrap-yarn crochet and magic. Pompoms: handmade, scrap yarn. Widgets: Viewmaster reel from A Day at The Circus, a series, released in 1957  (the technology and Metaverse of its day), Free the Circus Animals badge, handmade. Colorful plastic bracelets (one filled with beads!), vintage plastic skull and whistle charms. Celluloid, blow-mold, handpainted circus animals, made in Post-war Japan, mid-century. At 70+ years old, these dearest antique creatures are survivors of who-knows-what at the hands of small humans, and need to be handled with care (could break if dropped or banged). Most show wear–a small crack, a dent, a missing ear–all are stable in this context and still have loads of love to give.

Phineas Taylor (PT) Barnum did not enter the circus business until he was 60 years old. He established “P. T. Barnum’s Grand Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan & Hippodrome” in Delavan, Wisconsin, in 1870 with William Cameron Coup–a traveling circus, menagerie, and museum of freaks.

Disco Sheep #4: Jules

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

People all over the world (you don’t need no money)
Join hands (come on)
Start a love train, love train (don’t need no ticket, come on)
People all over the world (join in, ride this train)
Join in (ride this train, y’all)
Start a love train (come on, train), love train

Love Train by The O’Jays, written by Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff

The Disco Sheep are ready to hop (well, hopping is a bit of an issue, but you know what I mean) on your love train and boogie the night away. So, please take them out, buy them a cocktail, and turn up the music. They are also known to protect you from creepy disco dudes, but I can’t exactly verify or guarantee that. Each of these playful necklaces features a vintage plastic sheepie (1960s or so), a curation of wonderful candy-colored beads from around this disco world, a sparkly disco ball (duh), striped cotton baker’s string, delicate antiqued brass chain and whatever else you see here. Length is 39;” with a clasp it can be easily doubled and worn shorter. Or, I’m happy to shorten it for you, just drop me a line. Last photos show a variety of Disco Sheep and how they look when worn. This listing is for Jules the green sheep. Return to capsule here.

Please click photos below to enlarge.

Disco Sheep #3: Allain

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

People all over the world (you don’t need no money)
Join hands (come on)
Start a love train, love train (don’t need no ticket, come on)
People all over the world (join in, ride this train)
Join in (ride this train, y’all)
Start a love train (come on, train), love train

Love Train by The O’Jays, written by Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff

The Disco Sheep are ready to hop (well, hopping is a bit of an issue, but you know what I mean) on your love train and boogie the night away. So, please take them out, buy them a cocktail, and turn up the music. They are also known to protect you from creepy disco dudes, but I can’t exactly verify or guarantee that. Each of these playful necklaces features a vintage plastic sheepie (1960s or so), a curation of wonderful candy-colored beads from around this disco world, a sparkly disco ball (duh), striped cotton baker’s string, delicate antiqued brass chain and whatever else you see here. Length is 39;” with a clasp it can be easily doubled and worn shorter. Or, I’m happy to shorten it for you, just drop me a line. Last photos show a variety of Disco Sheep and how they look when worn. This listing is for Allain the orange sheep. Return to capsule here.

Please click photos below to enlarge.

You’ve Got A Friend (Capsule)

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

When you’re down and troubled
And you need some lovin’ care
And nothin’, nothin’ is goin’ right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night

You just call out my name
And you know, wherever I am
I’ll come runnin’
To see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I’ll be there
You’ve got a friend

—Carole King (writer, recorded on Tapestry
—James Taylor (recorded on Sweet Baby James)

Each necklace in this series features a fun-lovin’ vintage Care Bear friend–ready to party in a cute party hat–surrounded by a deliciously sweet, super sparkly riot of vintage and new beads and charms (including a mememto mori vintage skull), all affixed to 19 inches of chunky candy-colored plastic chain and guaranteed to bring maximum joy to you and everyone you meet. Each is one of a kind, as pictured, and ready to come knockin’ on your door. The entire first series is also shown, other friends listed separately.

Disco Sheep #2: Brenda

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

People all over the world (you don’t need no money)
Join hands (come on)
Start a love train, love train (don’t need no ticket, come on)
People all over the world (join in, ride this train)
Join in (ride this train, y’all)
Start a love train (come on, train), love train

Love Train by The O’Jays, written by Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff

The Disco Sheep are ready to hop (well, hopping is a bit of an issue, but you know what I mean) on your love train and boogie the night away. So, please take them out, buy them a cocktail, and turn up the music. They are also known to protect you from creepy disco dudes, but I can’t exactly verify or guarantee that. Each of these playful necklaces features a vintage plastic sheepie (1960s or so), a curation of wonderful candy-colored beads from around this disco world, a sparkly disco ball (duh), striped cotton baker’s string, delicate antiqued brass chain and whatever else you see here. Length is 39;” with a clasp it can be easily doubled and worn shorter. Or, I’m happy to shorten it for you, just drop me a line. Last photos show a variety of Disco Sheep and how they look when worn. This listing is for Brenda the yellow sheep. Return to the capsule here.

Please click photos below to enlarge.

Disco Sheep #1: Marty

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

People all over the world (you don’t need no money)
Join hands (come on)
Start a love train, love train (don’t need no ticket, come on)
People all over the world (join in, ride this train)
Join in (ride this train, y’all)
Start a love train (come on, train), love train

Love Train by The O’Jays, written by Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff

The Disco Sheep are ready to hop (well, hopping is a bit of an issue, but you know what I mean) on your love train and boogie the night away. So, please take them out, buy them a cocktail, and turn up the music. They are also known to protect you from creepy disco dudes, but I can’t exactly verify or guarantee that. Each of these playful necklaces features a vintage plastic sheepie (1960s or so), a curation of wonderful candy-colored beads from around this disco world, a sparkly disco ball (duh), striped cotton baker’s string, delicate antiqued brass chain and whatever else you see here. Length is 39;” with a clasp it can be easily doubled and worn shorter. Or, I’m happy to shorten it for you, just drop me a line. Last photos show a variety of Disco Sheep and how they look when worn. This listing is for Marty the red sheep. Return to the Capsule here.

Please click photos below to enlarge.

Small & Mighty Mended Heart #2

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

Don’t let the size fool you, this miniature mended heart is strong, resilient, and full of love. At just an inch tall and wide, the focal heart is made of tattered vintage feedsack quilting scrap (1930s) and has a sweet rusted bell dangling from the bottom. The heart is two-sided / reversible, with purposely primitive stitches. Lovely, rare beads complete a carefully curated romantic tribal look that you’ll want to wear with everything, either alone or layered with other jewelry. The antique brass chain is delicate and 24″ long. I am happy to shorten it for you, just ask.

This particular purchase will be extra special; I will immediately donate $25 to this GoFundMe, set up to help the broken-hearted families of Uvalde, TX in their time of unimaginable tragedy.

Look for more Small & Mighty Mended Hearts coming soon. I’m hoping to be able to do more of these that will include the donation feature in the coming week.

An Interview with a MOST Unusual Pet: Meet Cookie, the Axolotl!

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

SoCharmed: I am so happy for everyone to meet my new friend and special blog guest, Cookie, the axolotl. I ran across them on Instagram and… well… I just fell in love with their smile! I thought it’d be fun to get together to chat and hope you’ll enjoy this interview. Yay!

Cookie, thank you so much for agreeing to meet up to chat! I must admit you are the first axolotl I’ve ever had the pleasure of talking to. For the uninitiated amongst us can you give us a little basic background about yourself? Are you a fish? A baby dinosaur? The cutest little monster ever? Just what are you?

Cookie:  Hi! Why yes, I AM the cutest little monster ever but I am actually an amphibian salamander. It’s okay to Axolotl questions! Ha!

Some people even call me and my friends “water puppies”! We have the best personalities and actually love people and do tricks for them. I live in the water full time, unlike a frog or other lizards that can live outside of water and sunbathe in the warm sun and I actually prefer colder water and night time the best. Axolotl’s have very poor eyesight since we mostly live the dark and we’re actually natives of Mexico!  Ole!

SC: Haha! I love a friend who can drop a good pun. So, I always bring snacks to interviews, but I must admit, I just didn’t know what in the world you might like to eat. You are so adorable, I bet you like candy, right? My favorite is Twizzlers!

C:  My favorite candy is big, fat juicy earth worms! (I only eat every other day!) I used to eat bloodworms when I was a babylotl because I was too small for the big worms!  I’m sure if I was able to eat candy, it would be gummy worms!

Here’s a video of me eating. I have to be hand fed with tongs because I can’t see my food unless it’s right in front of my face.

 

SC: Oh, I find gummy worms delicious too. I wonder if I might be part Axolotl! Cookie, I hope this is not too private or embarrassing, but I heard a rumor that no one quite knows just yet if you were born a male or female and that’s why I’m using they/them pronouns. When will we all find out?

C:  What are pronouns?!  I haven’t decided what I want to be yet since I’m only a year old. Sometimes we don’t know axolotl genders until we are about 18 months old. My humans have been trying to figure me out for months and they still don’t know either so right now, I just identify as a water puppy.

SC: Right, that makes sense. Most people have plain old (boring!) puppies and kitties as pets. What qualities make you an extra special pet? Do you have any super-powers you can share with us?

C:  Yes! Axolotls can regenerate limbs if they are ever “amputated” and we are 99% more resistant to cancer cells than humans and scientists think we might carry the cure for cancer one day!  There are some of us that can also glow in the dark! It can only be seen under UV light and the axolotl must have the GFP gene. This is a recessive gene that can be passed from generation to generation. GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein) allows the Axolotl to glow under UV light. When the Axolotl has less pigment, they will glow brighter like my friend pictured below.

SC: Wow, that is pretty amazing indeed. I wish I could glow in the dark!

SC: Speaking of superpowers, I heard a couple of Super Heroes take really good care of you. I think they are all grown up now; do you have a more recent picture of them you can share with us?

C:  Sure, here’s a current picture of my besties, Jackson (12) and Carson (almost 11).

SC: Whoa, they sure are grown up. Do you ever get lonely for the company of another axolotl? There are rumors that axolotls don’t really play well with others. Is this true, Cookie? You look too gentle to fight.

C:  It’s not completely true, but we will fight and nip at each other. I have never been roommates with another axolotl so I wouldn’t know. If we have to share a tank, it’s best we are the same gender and the same size to grow up with. I’m pretty content staring at my cute little self in the corner of my tank when I’m not interacting with my humans or busy eating.

SC: I understand that, I like my alone time too. How did you come to live with your family? If someone wants to bring an axolotl home for a pet, where should they go to find one?

C:  My family found me through a reputable axolotl breeder in Indiana, Strohl’s Herptiles and they shipped me in the mail! The breeder made sure I was nice and comfy on my trip to my new home.

If your human friends are interested in bringing home an axolotl, tell them to do their research and prepare their tanks well in advance or else we can get very sick and die if the conditions aren’t right for us.  We are very sensitive to temperature, oxygen, bacteria, lighting conditions and even the decorations that you put in our tanks. We learned some very hard lessons, so please do your research well in advance and prepare your tank at least a month or two before your axolotl’s arrival to create the perfect nitrate/nitrite and bacteria conditions. Watch lots of tutorials from experienced axolotl care takers. Our skin is also extremely sensitive, so please do not touch us very much.  We do like to bump heads with your fingers and taste them (but don’t worry, we won’t bite…we don’t have teeth!) Sometimes I like to crawl up into my dad’s hand…he’s very gentle.  Just be sure to wash your hands without soap extremely well before giving us a light, quick touch.  Our skin is like a fish’s, so removing the slime coating on us is not good for our health.

SC: Thanks for all that great info. It’s definitely important for humans to be very responsible in adopting such an unusual pet. Cookie, thank you again for being so cute and fun and willing to share about yourself. The world can seem so stressful, but you really appear to have a happy and peaceful outlook! Do you have any advice for our readers on how to navigate the ups and downs of life?

C: If you see someone without a smile, just give them one of yours…it’s what I do!

SC: That is a great idea, and I’m going to try that. Thank you again and thanks so much to Jackson, Carson, and their mom, Niki, for being so cool!

Elementals: #2

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

Elemental (from MW): adjective: primary or basic.

But also: noun: a supernatural entity or force thought to be physically manifested by occult means.

This series, I think, meets these criteria. Simply made from gorgeous, rare materials, designed to evoke so much more. I’m not sure about the occult part, that’s up to you. These grunge-glamorous simple necklaces feature a substantial, faceted, SUPER sparkly orb that makes me want to crawl inside it and live there, and other glass/clay beads to create a romantic tribal curation. A & C have a blue aurora borealis cast and B throws more green colors. Strung on delicate antique brass chain and measuring a fixed 24″ in length (I can shorten, just ask). All of the Elementals are being designed for layering with my other pieces. The final image shows you how it looks worn. I love these with a beat-up flannel shirt or an LBD. Versatility!

3 of a kind and each is unique but one is spoken for (C is Sold) so only 2 available. Please let me know your selection at time of purchase.

Please email with questions and don’t forget to click on photos to enlarge.

Small & Mighty Mended Heart #1

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

Don’t let the size fool you, this miniature mended heart is strong, resilient, and full of love. At just an inch tall and wide, the focal heart is made of vintage feedsack quilting scrap (1930s) and has a sweet rusted bell dangling from the bottom. The heart is two-sided / reversible, with purposely primitive stitches. Lovely, rare beads complete a carefully curated romantic tribal look that you’ll want to wear with everything, either alone or layered with other jewelry. The antique brass chain is delicate and 24″ long. I am happy to shorten it for you, just ask.

This particular purchase will be extra special; I will immediately donate $25 to this GoFundMe, set up to help the broken-hearted families of Uvalde, TX in their time of unimaginable tragedy.

Look for more Small & Mighty Mended Hearts coming soon. I’m hoping to be able to do more of these that will include the donation feature in the coming week.

The Mended Heart #4

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

We stitch the dear tattered thing together, its mends and scars our memory-badges of love, honor, strength, loss, pain, resilience and joy. Who amongst us doesn’t carry a precious version of this story?

The Mended Heart necklaces are evocative one of a kind treasured heirlooms, crafted with a curation of ancient and new materials gathered across decades and continents. Materials may be frayed, and all sewing is purposefully primitive and imperfect.

The readymade necklace pictured here is available as shown and includes: vintage crazy quilt scrap heart focal (date unknown, but early 20th century), vintage and new global beads  (bone, horn, glass, clay), a plastic gasket,  distressed ribbon, and a special vintage numbered French laundry tag. A handmade cast and distressed metal star charm hangs from the heart. Made to be worn long, this is a 33″ necklace with a 5″ focal (including both parts).  The last photo provides a sense of scale and context when worn with a beautiful slipdress from Domi.

I am happy to answer questions and please click photos below to enlarge.

*  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

ALSO AVAILABLE by request: Custom Mended Heart

I also offer customized heirloom Mended Heart necklaces that include similar supplies and treatments, but also can incorporate treasures of your own. These should be small items (like those you see on the readymades), in keeping with the overall aesthetic, and must be able to be readily sewn into place, either on the heart’s front or back, or on the necklace ribbon/cording. Examples that can work are small buttons, scraps of fabric, small charms or keys. If you’d like a necklace customized, we’ll have an email convo to discuss details and review items you might wish to include. Snapshots of your supplies can also help in assessing feasibility. I can start with a quilt scrap of yours or utilize one from my collection and can let you know what’s available at the time of inquiry.

Finally, a small amount of beloved human or animal ash remains can be tucked and sewn into a customized heart, permanently and I’ll guide you through these requirements.

Custom Mended Hearts start at $250. For further information, please email me.

 

 

Art with Heart

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

Like most artist/designers, I have many (many) collections of all kinds of stuff in my home. In my case, much of it falls under the category of art. The walls are dense with pieces I’ve acquired, from friends, from yard sales, thriftstores, and from the artists themselves. I purchased the piece above from an estate sale on my block shortly after I moved in. I was blown away by the image and the workmanship. It seems very old and I don’t know anything more about it.

I love images of hearts in all styles, from vintage valentines, to religious icons, to anatomical representations. As a newly diagnosed cardiac patient, these depictions have taken on another layer of meaning for me. I ran across this beautiful object by Ukranian artist (living in Poland) Daryna Syniehibska on Instagram @duchess_of_brooches. I ran to her Etsy shop and made an immediate purchase. The description simply read: Beaded canvas Ukrainian blooming heart. Unbroken. With the last name Bloom, a heart that is literally (and figuratively since my mom’s death) broken, ancestors that hail from Ukraine, and an ongoing daily sense of sheer horror at the devastation being brought upon Ukraine by Russia, I was instantly and hopelessly in love with this work of great beauty and meaning. I asked her to sign and date the back, which she did, pictured below. A tiny-but-mighty Ukrainian flag was a perfect surprise.

I have never understood the snobbery of perfecting and hiding the back of embroidered work, of disallowing for the mark of the human hand. Life is messy, art is messy, perfection is way overrated. I will treasure this treasure forever. Please visit this amazing artist on Etsy, her sensibility and subject matter is unique, her command of traditional crafts is incredible, and her talent is evident in every little detail. The brooches pictured below are available now (with free shipping!) and I might have to have one.

In keeping with beaded artworks, I’ve owned the piece below for so long I’m forgetting its provenance. I believe I acquired it during Etsy early days, and I believe it is Peruvian folk art. Beads, buttons… what is not to love about this lovely piece?

I’ll leave you with a thriftstore piece that I fondly call Our Lady of the Bead Studio. She isn’t really beaded, but made from one of those crafty kits you might have bought in the 1960s or 70s, where you glued tiny colorful pebbles onto a patterned board. I know I did a few of those and there are no words for my adoration of this object. Suffice to say, she has watched over the jewelry studio since the very beginning. Amen!

Web Launch

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

I’m so happy to announce the launch of the newly designed soCharmed Web site. I’m going to miss that crazy old site; it served me well for so long I can’t even remember. Redesign was based around optimizing for mobile as well as facilitating shopping from within Instagram. I also wanted to keep something connected to the old site, and the Boot logo has been given a new coat of paint as well.

You should now have a greatly improved experience viewing and shopping on your tablet and smartphone. Stay tuned while we install WooCommerce for Instagram purchases, and follow @socharmedtribe to see what I’m up to in life and jewelry-making. Also for announcements of sales, which I do plan to have. In fact, there will be one coming up within the next week or so.

I can’t say why, after a long long break, the jewelry design muse visited with me again. I have some theories, which perhaps I’ll share some other time. Right now, I’m focusing on necklaces; they seem to provide the format I need at the moment. I do plan to make bracelets, earrings and pins again as well. I’m also excited to use this blog (though I’m not promising a particular frequency!) to share all kinds of stuff: behind the scenes, inspirations, interviews with other artists and some additional surprises.

Anyway, enjoy the new site, let me know what you think or any problems you experience using it. I want to give a massive shout-out to code-guy extraordinaire, Peter Kaizer. Hit him up for your Web-commerce site-building needs; he’s quite used to working with fussy, bitchy, insane artists and other types. 🙂 Thank you for supporting my work; I love you.

The Collector: Bluebird of Happiness

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

If life is an endlessly fascinating curation of experience and memory, so your adornments must be. This is the second in what I believe will be a longer series for two reasons: 1. I loved making this. The quiet rhythm, the poetry, the intuition and counter-intuition of juxtaposing so much treasure. And, 2. I have more beads than any one human being should (by any measure) own, collected over decades and from around the globe.

This one of a kind strand, a soft baroque palette of mostly blues/pinks, is 46″ without a clasp and can be worn long, flapper-style, or looped twice over your head. Upon examination, and I hope you’ll examine it for years to come, you will find too many things to name, but here’s a partial list: glass Czeck bluebird, handsewn velvet heart, vintage wedding cake bead, bullet casing, memento mori ceramic skull, textiles including vintage millinery, stars, a rusted metal button from an archeological dig, raw ruby, rusted safety pin, tribal beads, and endless sparkle from divine glass beads. Last photos (with Magnolia Pearl jacket) will give you size and my styling context. But looks great with a shredded tee shirt too!

For further information, please email me and don’t forget to click on the images to enlarge them.

Forgotten Flowers

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

Today the world seemed cruel, but evening hours
Were filled with perfume from forgotten flowers.

–Eva Sparks Taylor, Prayer in a Garden

A very vintage 1940’s rhinestone pin takes on new life, and death, and a certain spirit that is both unique and cunning. Patina grunge abounds, and some stones may be missing but this adds to the ancient charms and powers of this wearable art. The back has been artfully treated as well. Pin is 1.75″ across, a really perfect lapel size. Although this has been carefully created to be quite stable, dropping or banging it could cause breakage. I would not pin this to a purse or backpack. I’m sort of loathe to let go of this one!

One of a kind, ready to ship.

Click photos below to enlarge.

You’ve Got A Friend: Sharing is…

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

Sharing is caring
Oh sharing is fun
We can all share together
Be kind to everyone

Can you share? (Hmmm)
Can you share? (Hmmm)
Can you share? (Hmmm)
Please? (Okay)

—Soojin Jeon (Recorded by Cocomelon)

Each necklace in this series features a fun-lovin’ vintage Care Bear friend–ready to party in a cute party hat–surrounded by a deliciously sweet, super sparkly riot of vintage and new beads and charms (including a mememto mori vintage skull), all affixed to 19 inches of chunky candy-colored plastic chain and guaranteed to bring maximum joy to you and everyone you meet. Each is one of a kind, as pictured, and ready to come knockin’ on your door. The entire first series is also shown, other friends listed separately. Return to the Capsule collection page here.

PS: As an added sharing bonus, I’m including a free vintage Mardi Gras beaded necklace with each Friend necklace (very last picture). These are quite old and rare, probably dated mid-20th century, judging from the plastic and the colors. I’ll randomly choose one that will layer well with your Friend!

Please email me with any questions.

Remember to click photos to enlarge!

You’ve Got A Friend: Rainbow

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There’s a land that I heard of once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true

—Arlen Harold (Recorded by Judy Garland, 1938)

Each necklace in this series features a fun-lovin’ vintage Care Bear friend–ready to party in a cute party hat–surrounded by a deliciously sweet, super sparkly riot of vintage and new beads and charms (including a mememto mori vintage skull), all affixed to 19 inches of chunky candy-colored plastic chain and guaranteed to bring maximum joy to you and everyone you meet. Each is one of a kind, as pictured, and ready to come knockin’ on your door. The entire first series is also shown, other friends listed separately. Return to the Capsule collection page here.

PS: As an added love bonus, I’m including a free vintage Mardi Gras beaded necklace with each Friend necklace (very last picture). These are quite old and rare, probably dated mid-20th century, judging from the plastic and the colors. I’ll randomly choose one that will layer well with your Friend!

Please email me with any questions.

Remember to click photos to enlarge!

The Collector: Everything All at Once

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

If life is an endlessly fascinating curation of experience and memory, so your adornments must be. This is the first in what I believe will be a series for two reasons: 1. I loved making this. The quiet rhythm, the poetry, the intuition and counter-intuition of juxtaposing so much treasure. And, 2. I have more beads than any one human being should (by any measure) own, collected over decades and from around the globe.

This one of a kind strand, a symphony of neutrals, but only at first glance, is 76″ long and can be worn in many ways, from lengthy swingy flapper style to doubled, tripled and depending upon your neck size, even quadrupled (a tiny unobtrusive clasp allows this). Upon examination, and I hope you’ll examine it for years to come, you will find too many things to name, but here’s a partial list: tiny antiqued key and rusted bell charms, glass, clay, bone, actual bones (tiny fish and mammal vertebrae and other things), plastic, velvet millinery, sequins, raw rubies, stars. As in most of my work there is a small memento mori skullalong with much life, sparkle, and joy. The last photos provide some size context. Ancient cropped top is vintage, dress is by Yusho Kobayashi.

For further information, please email me and don’t forget to click on the images to enlarge them.

Pocket Full of Posies

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

Or anything you like… a dime for emergency calls at the payphone, a seashell, a little hard candy if you’re a grandma. A poem, a crystal, a word for the day. Anything goes! This dear pocket necklace is two-sided, made from a truly sweet and embellished (lace + hand embroiderey) vintage quilt, strung on handcrafted rag cord and adorned with lovely tribal beads. My signature vintage laundry tag and rusted safety pin are included; it is always wise to have a safety pin on hand. Cord length is 30″, pocket is 2″ with 2.5 inch beaded dangles. Perfect for layering with shorter and longer pieces alike.

For further information, please email me and don’t forget to click on the images to enlarge them.

The Mended Heart #2

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

We stitch the dear tattered thing together, its mends and scars our memory-badges of love, honor, strength, loss, pain, resilience and joy. Who amongst us doesn’t carry a precious version of this story?

The Mended Heart necklaces are evocative one of a kind treasured heirlooms, crafted with a curation of ancient and new materials gathered across decades and continents. Materials may be frayed, and all sewing is purposefully primitive and imperfect.

The readymade necklace pictured here is available as shown and includes: vintage Victorian crazy quilt heart focal (late 1800s), satin ribbon, vintage global beads  (bone, horn, glass, clay), a vintage archeological military button, vintage millinery supply and a special vintage numbered French laundry tag. A small piece of ancient genuine keyhole hardware hangs from the bottom of the heart focal and a tiny rusted safety pin adorns the back. Made to be worn long, each necklace is a fixed length (+/- 34″) that falls below the breast. Hearts range from 3-4″ including dangling charm at bottom. I can provide a precise measurement and may be able to shorten, but not lengthen the cord. The last photo provides a sense of scale and context when worn.

I am happy to answer questions and please click photos below to enlarge.

*  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

ALSO AVAILABLE by request: Custom Mended Heart

I also offer customized heirloom Mended Heart necklaces that include similar supplies and treatments, but also can incorporate treasures of your own. These should be small items (like those you see on the readymades), in keeping with the overall aesthetic, and must be able to be readily sewn into place, either on the heart’s front or back, or on the necklace ribbon/cording. Examples that can work are small buttons, scraps of fabric, small charms or keys. If you’d like a necklace customized, we’ll have an email convo to discuss details and review items you might wish to include. Snapshots of your supplies can also help in assessing feasibility. I can start with a quilt scrap of yours or utilize one from my collection and can let you know what’s available at the time of inquiry.

Finally, a small amount of beloved human or animal ash remains can be tucked and sewn into a customized heart, permanently and I’ll guide you through these requirements.

Custom Mended Hearts start at $250. For further information, please email me.

 

 

The Mended Heart #3

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

We stitch the dear tattered thing together, its mends and scars our memory-badges of love, honor, strength, loss, pain, resilience and joy. Who amongst us doesn’t carry a precious version of this story?

The Mended Heart necklaces are evocative one of a kind treasured heirlooms, crafted with a curation of ancient and new materials gathered across decades and continents. Materials may be frayed, and all sewing is purposefully primitive and imperfect.

The readymade necklace pictured here is available as shown and includes: vintage feedsack quilt scrap heart focal (1930s), a lovely sweet vintage red goat (likely 1950s-60s), vintage and new global beads  (bone, horn, glass, clay), a precious beaded ring, a tiny tooth that looks authentic but is actually dental supply, a rusted bell charm, handcrafted rag ribbon, and a special vintage numbered French laundry tag. A handmade cast and distressed metal star charm hangs from the heart. Made to be worn long, this is a 30″ necklace with a 4″ focal (including both parts). The last photo is for scale and shows the necklace with a beautiful Domi slip.

I am happy to answer questions and please click photos below to enlarge.

*  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

ALSO AVAILABLE by request: Custom Mended Heart

I also offer customized heirloom Mended Heart necklaces that include similar supplies and treatments, but also can incorporate treasures of your own. These should be small items (like those you see on the readymades), in keeping with the overall aesthetic, and must be able to be readily sewn into place, either on the heart’s front or back, or on the necklace ribbon/cording. Examples that can work are small buttons, scraps of fabric, small charms or keys. If you’d like a necklace customized, we’ll have an email convo to discuss details and review items you might wish to include. Snapshots of your supplies can also help in assessing feasibility. I can start with a quilt scrap of yours or utilize one from my collection and can let you know what’s available at the time of inquiry.

Finally, a small amount of beloved human or animal ash remains can be tucked and sewn into a customized heart, permanently and I’ll guide you through these requirements.

Custom Mended Hearts start at $250. For further information, please email me.

 

 

You’ve Got A Friend: Night Night

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

Night, night, sleep tight,
Don’t let the bugs bite,
If they bite squeeze them tight,
They won’t come back another night.

—Scottish Lullaby

Each necklace in this series features a fun-lovin’ vintage Care Bear friend–ready to party in a cute party hat–surrounded by a deliciously sweet, super sparkly riot of vintage and new beads and charms (including a mememto mori vintage skull), all affixed to 19 inches of chunky candy-colored plastic chain and guaranteed to bring maximum joy to you and everyone you meet. Each is one of a kind, as pictured, and ready to come knockin’ on your door. The entire first series is also shown, other friends listed separately. Return to the Capsule collection page here.

PS: As an added love bonus, I’m including a free vintage Mardi Gras beaded necklace with each Friend necklace (very last picture). These are quite old and rare, probably dated mid-20th century, judging from the plastic and the colors. I’ll randomly choose one that will layer well with your Friend!

Please email me with any questions.

Remember to click photos to enlarge!

You’ve Got A Friend: Funshine

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

When you’re down and troubled
And you need some lovin’ care
And nothin’, nothin’ is goin’ right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night

You just call out my name
And you know, wherever I am
I’ll come runnin’
To see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I’ll be there
You’ve got a friend

—Carole King (writer, recorded on Tapestry
—James Taylor (recorded on Sweet Baby James)

Each necklace in this series features a fun-lovin’ vintage Care Bear friend–ready to party in a cute party hat–surrounded by a deliciously sweet, super sparkly riot of vintage and new beads and charms (including a mememto mori vintage skull), all affixed to 19 inches of chunky candy-colored plastic chain and guaranteed to bring maximum joy to you and everyone you meet. Each is one of a kind, as pictured, and ready to come knockin’ on your door. The entire first series is also shown, other friends listed separately. Return to the Capsule collection page here.

Please email me with any questions.

Remember to click photos to enlarge!

In the Permanent Collection

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

A collection of memories, once fluttering, now still… cherished. You are a museum.

This exceptionally detailed and delicately beautiful miniature work of art features a baroque frame that has been given the patina and grunge of time, a group of tiny brass flutters, and one central butterfly that is a very vintage Czech glass button. A mosaic of the tiniest beadwork and glittering rhinestone chain surround these treasures. The frame is 2 3/4″ x 2 3/8″, substantial but very wearable. The back has been lovingly textured and treated with special effects. A 17″ aged brass chain is looped through the focal and ends with a lobster clasp.

Due to the somewhat delicate nature of this piece, I recommend that you wear it shorter rather than longer, so that it sits upon the flat part of the chest, rather than bouncing around at a longer length. I’m happy to make adjustments. While this piece is very stable, there is some fragility, with tiny beads and glass that could fall out or break if dropped, banged, or otherwise abused. Not recommended for children, or a night out slam dancing. Ths would be lovely hanging on a wall when you’re not wearing it.

One of a kind, ready to ship.

Remember to click on images below to enlarge.

Elementals: #1

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

Elemental (from MW): adjective: primary or basic.

But also: noun: a supernatural entity or force thought to be physically manifested by occult means.

This series, I think, meets these criteria. Simply made from gorgeous, rare materials, designed to evoke so much more. I’m not sure about the occult part, that’s up to you. Pictured is a lovely simple necklace that features a large-ish, damaged brass globe and other brass beads with krobo disks from Ghana. strung on distressed silky ribbon with a sweet clasp and measuring a fixed 17″ in length. All of the Elementals are being designed for layering with my other pieces. Last photo shows how that works. The other necklace in that photo is available here. The Billie Holiday pin shown in one photo is NFS/collection of the artist.

3 of a kind but one is spoken for so only 2 available. The beads are the same, but there is variance since they are handmade.

Happy to answer questions and don’t forget to click on photos to enlarge.

Dreamland: Let Them Eat Cake

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

“Let them eat cake” is the traditional translation of the French phrase, Qu’ils mangent de la brioche,” said to have been spoken in the 17th or 18th century by “a great princess” upon being told that the peasants had no bread. The French phrase mentions brioche, a bread enriched with butter and eggs, considered a luxury food. The quote is taken to reflect either the princess’s frivolous disregard for the starving peasants or her poor understanding of their plight.While the phrase is commonly attributed to Marie Antoinette, there are references to it prior to the French Revolution, meaning that it is impossible for the quote to have originated from Antoinette, and it is unlikely it was ever spoken by her.

The Dreamland necklaces are delicate poems of another time (past or future), crafted with a curation of ancient and new materials gathered across decades and continents. On this necklace you will find an ancient porcelain doll’s leg dug up from a bombed German doll factory, gorgeous vintage and new Czech bohemian glass beads, a tiny piece of handsculpted vanilla cake (with sprinkles), a memeto mori bone skull, velvet milinery flowers, snake vertebrae, a tiny tooth that looks genuine but is just dental supply, and vertebrae of a small mammal.

The readymade necklace pictured here is available as shown and ready to ship. It is one continuous length (approx. 52″ with the doll leg focal an additional 1.5″) knotted on silk cord and can be worn long or doubled. The last photo shows the necklace styled, in context with a beautiful crochet/knitted top by Colors of Jades. A second necklace used as a prop, with vintage Nigerian brass globes, is listed separately. It was designed for layering with this one and is not included in purchase.

I am happy to answer questions and please click photos below to enlarge.

Dreamland: Annual Adventure

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

The stuff of dreams:

Brutal hot mid-western August day: We pile into father’s ’55 T-Bird, tumble out at the State Fair, and the Annual Adventure of Our Lives begins. Sister has the skate key so that we can sail and glide across the steaming black asphalt… from the midway to the thrill-rides and  farm buildings, jam-packed with 4H teenagers, chickens, pigs, sheep and goats, stinky in the heat but we don’t mind. Rumor has it there was a brief appearance of aliens at the Fair one year, and sister swore she saw a UFO the night before when she looked out our bedroom window just before midnight. We do not believe her, though we shiver at the thought. Probably just a shooting star, we say, streaking across the sky as we slept dreaming of hot miniature fried donuts, covered in sugar and cinnamon.

The Dreamland necklaces are delicate poems of another time (past or future), crafted with a curation of ancient and new materials gathered across decades and continents. On this necklace you will find a feedsack quilt scrap heart, Czech glass beads, a skate key charm, a memeto mori ceramic skull, vintage dice, velvet milinery flowers, and potentially a space ship, but that can not be verified. Please note: ’55 T-Bird not included; you’ll need your own ride to the Fair.

The readymade necklace pictured here is available as shown and ready to ship. It is one continuous length (approx. 52″) knotted on silk cord and can be worn long or doubled.

I am happy to answer questions and please click photos below to enlarge.

Forever Held #1

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

e. e. cummings

This tiny wearable work of art includes a Victorian brass hand, a blue Czech glass heart, and many tiny vintage and new glass beads. The frame is 2 5/8″ x 1 1/2″ and has been hand-treated with grunge and a beautiful patina. Strung on a copper chain that is 24″ with lobster clasp. The back has been texturally treated with embedded treasure as shown. Although these pieces are crafted for stability, there is a certain inherent fragility in the tiny glass bits and pieces; if dropped or banged breakage could occur. For that reason, I do recommend wearing these shorter, on the flat upper part of the chest. Please let me know if you’d like the length adjusted at time of purchase.

ee cummings was one of the first poets I ever read; I’ve loved his work since I was a very young girl. Carry the hearts of all those you love, including your own dear heart.

When not being worn, this piece would be happily stored on your wall, or in the lovely box it will ship in.

Remember to click on images below to enlarge.

You’ve Got A Friend: LOVE

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

When you’re down and troubled
And you need some lovin’ care
And nothin’, nothin’ is goin’ right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night

You just call out my name
And you know, wherever I am
I’ll come runnin’
To see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I’ll be there
You’ve got a friend

—Carole King (writer, recorded on Tapestry
—James Taylor (recorded on Sweet Baby James)

Each necklace in this series features a fun-lovin’ vintage Care Bear friend–ready to party in a cute party hat–surrounded by a deliciously sweet, super sparkly riot of vintage and new beads and charms (including a mememto mori vintage skull), all affixed to 19 inches of chunky candy-colored plastic chain and guaranteed to bring maximum joy to you and everyone you meet. Each is one of a kind, as pictured, and ready to come knockin’ on your door. The entire first series is also shown, other friends listed separately. Return to the Capsule collection page here.

PS: As an added love bonus, I’m including a free vintage Mardi Gras beaded necklace with each Friend necklace (very last picture). These are quite old and rare, probably dated mid-20th century, judging from the plastic and the colors. I’ll randomly choose one that will layer well with your Friend!

Please email me with any questions.

Remember to click photos to enlarge!

Hazy Cosmic Jive

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

Didn’t know what time it was, the lights were low
I leaned back on my radio
Some cat was layin down some rock ‘n’ roll
“Lotta soul,” he said
Then the loud sound did seem to fade
Came back like a slow voice on a wave of phase
That weren’t no DJ, that was hazy cosmic jive

—David Bowie, Starman

The Hazy Cosmic Jive series is a set of sparkly little talismans, each offering various protections and other mystical privileges to the wearer as described on the images. All four styles feature a super twinkly enameled and bejeweled focal in creamy opaque colors, with tiny (and magical) enhancement charms of glass, plastic and bone beads. The last image is labeled A-D; please choose one (or layer a few) and include a note at purchase (a pulldown menu is coming soon!). If you choose Style D, also include your choice of color in your note: From top center, clockwise, the colors are Spearmint Green, Ballet Blush / SOLD (almost white, with a hint of pink), Ocean Blue, Bubblegum Pink. Necklace chain is extremely delicate gold filled at 17″ length. Each style is limited to 4 pieces or so and these will not likely be remade when sold out.

These were hard to capture in photos, they are very detailed and sweet and are designed to work well layered with other necklaces on the site.

Please email me with any questions.

The Mended Heart #1

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

We stitch the dear tattered thing together, its mends and scars our memory-badges of love, honor, strength, loss, pain, resilience and joy. Who amongst us doesn’t carry a precious version of this story?

The Mended Heart necklaces are evocative one of a kind treasured heirlooms, crafted with a curation of ancient and new materials gathered across decades and continents. Materials may be frayed, and all sewing is purposefully primitive and imperfect.

The readymade necklace pictured here is available as shown and includes: vintage feedsack quilting (1930s), handcrafted twine, vintage beads (bone, horn, glass), a vintage button, vintage millinery supply and a special vintage numbered French laundry tag. A small tin red truck with moveable axles dangles from the main focal. A tiny rusted safety pin adorns the back. This necklace includes a tiny tooth that is not real but is dental supply and truly looks authentic. Made to be worn long, each necklace is a fixed length (+/- 34″) that falls below the breast. Hearts range from 3-4″ including dangling charm at bottom. I can provide a precise measurement and may be able to shorten, but not lengthen the cord. The last photo provides a sense of scale and context when worn.

I am happy to answer questions and please click photos below to enlarge.

*  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

ALSO AVAILABLE by request: Custom Mended Heart

I also offer customized heirloom Mended Heart necklaces that include similar supplies and treatments, but also can incorporate treasures of your own. These should be small items (like those you see on the readymades), in keeping with the overall aesthetic, and must be able to be readily sewn into place, either on the heart’s front or back, or on the necklace ribbon/cording. Examples that can work are small buttons, scraps of fabric, small charms or keys. If you’d like a necklace customized, we’ll have an email convo to discuss details and review items you might wish to include. Snapshots of your supplies can also help in assessing feasibility. I can start with a quilt scrap of yours or utilize one from my collection and can let you know what’s available at the time of inquiry.

Finally, a small amount of beloved human or animal ash remains can be tucked and sewn into a customized heart, permanently and I’ll guide you through these requirements.

Custom Mended Hearts start at $250. For further information, please email me.

 

 

Dia de los Muertos

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

Do not stand at my grave and weep. 
I am not there, I do not sleep. 
I am a thousand winds that blow. 
I am the diamond glints on the snow. 
I am the sunlight on the ripened grain. 
I am the gentle Autumn’s rain. 

When you awaken in the morning hush, 
I am the swift uplifting rush 
of quiet birds in circled flight. 
I am the soft stars that shine at night. 
Do not stand at my grave and cry: 
I am not there, I did not die. 

–Author Unknown, Native American, North America

The four Day of the Dead necklaces pictured here are offered individually, as priced below. Teal with copper metallic is SOLD. Please let me know which of the others (baby blue with pink metallic, bright red with blue, smaller white baby skull) you would like. Each necklace features gorgeous glass Czech focal sugar-skull bead, with a Frida Kahlo floral crown, surrounded by a mosaic of tiny beads and sparkles, both vintage and new. Brass or silver heart charm is a little over 2″ long x a little over 1″ wide, so quite small. My default chain is a nice 24″ brass or black chain with lobster claw clasp; I can reduce (but not lengthen) to your specification. I do recommend wearing these shorter, upon the flat part of your chest, due to some level of fragility. Although the pieces are extremely stable in their creation, they will break or fall apart if dropped or banged hard. So no slam dancing while wearing.

Each is one of a kind, ready to ship.

Click photos below to enlarge.

Be Drunk

Posted on by Jodi Bloom


You have to be always drunk. That’s all there is to it—it’s the only way. So as not to feel the horrible burden of time that breaks your back and bends you to the earth, you have to be continually drunk.

But on what? Wine, poetry or virtue, as you wish. But be drunk.

–Charles Baudelaire, Be Drunk

A smashed yellow bottlecap forms the base for this incredible concoction… embellished with a tiny clay skull, vintage and new beads and bits, a vintage beaded bow. Back is embellished as shown with a secret bee. About 1.75″ across and 2 3/8 from very top to very bottom. Made with care, love and is very stable, but could break or shatter if dropped. Perfect for a lapel, probably should not be pinned to a purse or backpack where it might get banged and bumped. You may get some extra super powers wearing this; but I can’t be certain about that.

One of a kind, ready to ship.

Click photos below to enlarge.