Category: Featured

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.

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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: 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!

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.

 

 

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.

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!

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.

Shipwrecked

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

Scattered across the ocean floor, there are more than 300 million shipwrecks, containing billions of dollars worth of cargo. I imagine this bracelet might have been made of the scavenged remains of some lost pirate ship.

A fired clay focal with amazing silver metallic finish flashes hints of aqua and fuchsia… with a raised bumpy pattern in matte mustard. Trust me, it’s really one of the coolest objects I’ve ever seen. Sits beautifully on the wrist with vintage industrial steel chain, forged hook, and clasp made from old kuchi finding that has two ruby/glass stones. A fantastic verdigris crust has been applied.

This bracelet wants to fit you perfectly… loose enough for comfort but not so loose as to roll around the wrist. I will finish it to your measurement at purchase; and please email if you have any questions.

Absolutely a divine, artful, strangely evocative, one of a kind object d’art.

Ethnographica 1

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

Adventurer earrings that feature heavily distressed vintage Afghani findings and truly vibrant neon red tassels encased in filigree. Bohemian chic that would look great with gauzy summer whites and warm winter wools, or just your basic T and jeans. These are made of unknown metals with non-precious stones. Medium weight with ear-wires are thicker than Western gauge (but wearable by anyone). Imperfections abound and are part of the charm.

Go tribal.

Djuna Barnes

Posted on by Jodi Bloom

We are beginning to wonder whether a servant girl hasn’t the best of it after all. She knows how the salad tastes without the dressing, and she knows how life’s lived before it gets to the parlor door.
Djuna Barnes

And here is the servant girl’s bracelet, handcrafted from a vintage cuff and a terrifically old button stitched on with wire. Additional embellisments include vintage rhinestone chain and a small crystal. Tarnished and waxed to post-apocalyptic perfection.

One of a kind and could fit many wrists. My wrist, very small at 5.75 inches, is too small for this piece; it won’t close tight enough for the button to stay atop. I believe it will work for any wrist that is 6.25 inches or larger.