New Art

An Abstract of Geometric Diamonds

Recently, one of my art pieces was featured in a beautiful treasury with the theme & title inspired by my piece, An Abstract of Geometric Diamonds. 

An Abstract of Geometric Diamonds by FrameBoutique

Zentangle Abstract in Green & White Circles 

Pointillist Tree of Life in Pen & Ink

My art since these pieces has moved far from these styles, but still very much within the Zentangle motif. I hope to post some new pieces soon :)

Zentangle Abstract by FrameBoutique

*** All images, jewelry designs & artwork are property & trademark of FrameBoutique & cannot be used without proper citation or consent. ***

Pocket Watch, Glasses & 'Stache Necklaces, Oh My!

At long last, FrameBoutique has (back) in stock the much sought-after, antique line of pocket watch necklaces that quickly sold & emptied our stock last time (sorry for the delay for those who inquired!). We have three pieces from the previous line along with three new varieties, each with a distinctly unique design, which I will be listing later this week!

Along with the pocket watch necklaces I will be listing later this week (if my schedule slows down!), I will be listing my black glasses frame necklace (a favourite amongst friends & often, a whimsical party prop). As well, I finally have the moustache necklaces back in stock! Getting ready for Movember!

Happy Monday everyone!

His Girl Friday

When I design new pieces, I like to watch old black & white films. Whether it be for inspiration, a reminder of classic, enduring style or simply for the smart dialogue & quick banter, I always watch classics; Roman Holiday, Garland's A Star is Born or my favourite, His Girl Friday.

I've been thinking lately, when exactly did actors stop dressing so elegantly? Why is it that current films & T.V shows tend to have dialogue that lacks the quick wit that demands your full attention? Now, I'm not over-generalizing. There are films & shows that simulate the brilliantly funny screwball comedy of the 30s & 40s such as Gilmore Girls.

"Walter, you're wonderful, in a loathsome sort of way".

Hildegard "Hildy" Johnson, the female lead, is sharp, clever & fully independent (well, sort of). As a film from 1940, it seems a contradiction to have such a strong female lead, one who is the best "newspaperman". I realize now that it was really the 1950s that began to instil that type of Betty Friedan, Feminine Mystique, view of women.

Rosalind Russell's comedic timing & delivery is nothing short of genious. She reappropriates the masculine by wearing black tailored suits & hats similar to men's fashion of the 30s & 40s. With some of my pieces I try to do this, on a lesser scale of course, with my moustache & upcycled tie necklaces, but nonetheless, the film serves as inspiration.

Hildy [speaking to Walter on the phone]
"Now, get this, you double-crossing chimpanzee: There ain't going to be any interview and there ain't going to be any story. And that certified check of yours is leaving with me in twenty minutes. I wouldn't cover the burning of Rome for you if they were just lighting it up. If I ever lay my two eyes on you again, I'm gonna walk right up to you and hammer on that monkeyed skull of yours 'til it rings like a Chinese gong!"

My Crafty Spaces

Finding the space to organize my business has proven to be quite an arduous task. After almost eleven years with my partner Sean including one year of marital, cluttered bliss and at least five years living together in a one bedroom apartment, our collective undergrad and graduate degrees have accumulated mass clutter, hundreds of books and little space left for a new business.

For several months we've been scouring vintage boutiques, upcycling found pieces, repurposing antique printer trays, sanding, painting - a far cry from a feng shui home, but we've created a manageable space and at least our kittens seem content.

We repurposed two antique printer trays which holds most of my finished pieces. Plus, we've now found new loves and are constantly accumulating more printer trays to restore. Using simple eye hooks in each crevice holds a fantastic amount of earrings and rings.

We use the blue Hamilton printer tray to bring to shows or sidewalk sales. It's great for easy transportation and is definitely an eye catcher.

Using acrylics, I love hand painting some of my pieces to diversify my products. Black is such a classic colour to start with and some of these items have produced some great complete pieces. Plus, who doesn't love to paint?

As an early, very early birthday present to my partner (we often buy random gifts throughout the month leading up to one another's birthdays), I bought him this great little owl pincusion from strawberriesandcream on Etsy: strawberriesandcream.etsy.com . Their designs are adorable!. Sean's a closet needle threader.

A few more images of my crafty spaces! I love making my own business card designs and using these elegant paper cutters. It can be labor-intensive but the end result is so aesthetically beautiful. I just received some custom made stamps from modernartstamps.etsy.com

and I'm so excited to start applying them to cardstock for earring studs!

Now, I'm finally putting my wedding china to good use! Actually, the dishes are the perfect shade for pictures and add a touch of elegance that my Ikea dishes couldn't touch. lol!

Right now, as the summer is coming to a close and we're gearing up for autumn trends, I've been acquirng various pieces in vivid shades of red that I cannot wait to use. Some of the hand blown glass I've already made into earrings. They're so elegant and the translucent glass reflects sunlight in such a pretty way. I really like these pieces!

My necklaces are strung everywhere in our apartment. I'm in the process of finding antique door knobs or cabinet knobs (if you know of where I can find some, please share!) and I'm going to adhere them to some sort of wood board which I'll frame. It's an idea I found on everythingetsy.com and it really showcases each piece instead of trying to figure out where one necklace ends and another begins.

And lastly, a piece I'm very excited to work with. I'll be making this piece into a necklace. Anyone that knows me or recalls my last birthday bash, knows my quirky sense of taste. Plus, if these don't sell, I'll wear them! :) Thanks for taking the time to read my post! I've been asked by so many friends about how I've coped in such a small space, but alas, it's the Toronto life.

In future posts, I will include some DIY tutorials on how to make some of my pieces so everyone can join in on the fun. I think for the first DIY tutorial, I'll focus on the Shabby Chic Pomander! Check out my shop to see some of my pieces: frameboutique.etsy.com
Cheers!