Author Archives: Sans Souci

‘Twas a Marriage Made in Heaven ‘Til They Couldn’t Pay the Mortgage

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This is another fun bracelet; it has some very unique charms. It tells a modern day love story; let’s hope the story has a happy ending. The Marriage Manual: 1. It all starts here with the apple. It opens to reveal the famous “original” couple they “swing: out on a hinge to face the world. Swingers, eh? 2. A Stanhope charm. I will do a blog about Stanhopes at another time. Suffice it to say there is a microscopic image in a little lens. Look closely, it’s Queen Liz! Maybe she’s been around since Adam and Eve. (This is not … Continue reading →

Carbs? Who’s Counting

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This is a mix of vintage charms with some new enamels thrown in for color. The details are amazing, it’s hard to believe you are looking at miniature works of art. There are several “mechanical” charms; these open and/or move. The Food “Menu” Starting at upper left: (new charms were made within the last 20 years, vintage were made before the 1970’s) * small ice cream cone with red, white, green and blue crystals, (fairly new); * enamel orange (new) * vintage beer stein, lid opens; * vintage pie; * vintage enamel hot dog with mustard; * enamel peach (new); … Continue reading →

Albertina watch fob chains as bracelets

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Antique niello pink gold Albertina chain (enamel inlay makes a stripe effect) makes a great necklace for an antique Italian pendant. You may click to enlarge. Pieces can be found in photo albums The portrait framed in silver, is painted on ivory. Here’s another idea for an unusual bracelet. Many years ago Albert chains were used by men for their pocket watches. They would suspend the watch from a fob and it often had charms hanging from it as well. Examples of some interesting English fob charms I have collected: Women had Albertina chains. Like a man’s Albert chain, these … Continue reading →

Stanhopes

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Stanhopes, or ‘peeps’, are miniature microphotographic lenses incorporated in many novelty collectables produced from the mid-19th century onwards. Three of my Stanhopes:(You saw my heart Stanhope on my marriage bracelet) camera: souvenir drawings/photos of Niagara Falls, Buffalo; Celluloid binoculars, ¾” early century, double lens, souvenir drawings/photos of Paris views metal binoculars, ½” ca. 1880’s. I bought this because I was so taken by the silliness of it. I suppose this was a gentleman’s version of a portable Playboy Magazine. There is a photo of 3 naked dames within. Well they were within;they made a run for it. I paid a … Continue reading →

Vintage Mechanical Camera Charms: “Say Cheese!” Watch the Birdie!

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This album accompanies blog 156. Watch the birdie!! Comments from the parallel universe at Yahoo. * Stefany You know I have been excitedly waiting for this blog!! LOL!! Love the bracelet!!! Saturday February 9, 2008 – 10:23pm (EST) Steve P You always have the most unusual and unique charms. Whatever happened to such craftsmanship – oh, wait, I know – mass production. 🙁 Saturday February 9, 2008 – 08:27pm (PST) heidi b OH I JUST LOVE THIS ONE TOO-THAT CAMERA IS STUPENDUS Saturday February 9, 2008 – 10:28pm (PST) Gemini I continue to be amazed and delighted by your charm … Continue reading →

Container Garden progress 8/18/08

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A view of my “container garden.” I like sitting on the deck surrounded by flowers. Our soil is clay and there is very poor drainage; digging is impossible. I buy these flowers every year. Most are minis. Who would think you could have this in New York City? No, it’s not Manhattan, but that’s fine with me. Note for the photographers: These photos were taken with “normal,” not fine, resolution.

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