Christine Graves – Collected Keepsakes

I have a strange addiction to old, vintage jewelry. I’m not talking about antique jewelry that could fetch the owner a few thousand dollars. No, I’m talking about all that old stuff my grandmother used to wear. The stuff that was supposed to make you look like a million bucks without putting you in the poor house. It was big, it was gaudy, and it was awesome.

I have several jewelry boxes filled with pieces that I’ve picked up at garage sales and craft fairs. My worst enemy is eBay as I’m always finding junk jewelry lots that have one or two pieces mixed within that I just can’t live without. It’s a sickness and I’m working on it. Not very well or with any gusto, but you know…

I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with some of those pieces as I’m running out of room. I’ve thought about selling some online, but not sure that’s the right thing to do. Then I found something that really struck my style. It’s a craft project that is absolutely beautiful. Creating framed artwork with pieces of jewelry.

Pink Christmas Tree by Kattscottagevintage

I’ll admit that I haven’t tried this yet, but I’m forming a plan to make something similar. The artist that made this has obviously perfected her craft. So for now, I’ll just use this as inspiration to get something of my own made. I think I’ll start out small.

Another thing I’ve noticed with vintage jewelry is that there are a lot of pieces that are damaged in some way. These can either be repaired or turned into a different piece of jewelry. The nice thing about this is that you can turn around and resell these pieces online or even through local craft fairs. It’s a nice way to put a little cash back into your pocket to find that next great piece.

I also came across an idea that is something that could be done quickly. Creating rustic Christmas ornaments. This would be a great way to use only one or two pieces in conjunction with either old lace or even worn denim. I will be making some of these in the near future and will post pictures.

I believe it’s important to find ways to preserve the unique beauty of vintage jewelry. As a collector, I’m always looking for ways to show off some of my prized pieces. However, I’d really love to be able to pass other pieces on to different collectors and keep the love alive.

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My husband’s 1947 Panel Wagon Rat-Rod

It seems there are hundreds of shows on TV about restoring vintage cars. My husband is a car guy and our yard is littered with his “vintage collection”. I put that last line in quotes because all I see are a lot of old, worn out clunkers. But he looks at it like a rich man looks at a new yacht. So I’m trying to learn the appeal of vintage cars.

Over the years, I have found myself a lot more drawn to older vehicles. I’m not just talking about a tricked out ’67 Chevelle, I’m talking about the old Camero sitting in someone’s yard on blocks. The one that’s missing the front bumper, a little rusty in the back quarter panel, and two different colors of paint. No, it’s not worth a ton of money, but it’s got appeal.

My husband and I watch a lot of those cars shows, namely Counts Kustoms on the History channel. He loves to watch them transform something that looked at though it could never be driven again, into something that brings a tear to a grown man’s eye. I watch it because I’ve learned a lot about what to look for in the details of a vintage car. Who knew all those car shows could be educational?

My husband has been collecting vintage Volkswagens for years. Parts, pieces, who vehicles. You name it, he’s either got it or knows where to get it. I’ve always loved bugs but had no idea that they were such a collector’s item.

The 1967 (?) Volkswagon Bug my husband just bought
to teach our 8 yr-old granddaughter to drive.

We have Volkswagon stuff all over our place. Not just the real ones either. We’ve got toys, memorabilia, logos and a whole lot more. I never realized that all this stuff was something a lot of car guys will collect. And depending on how old it is, what it is, and even where it’s from, they can go for a lot of money. I’m starting to see the appeal in vintage cars.

Though it seems most guys want something that’s both old and in perfect shape, there’s something to be said for vintage cars in their well-loved states. The tales those old cars could tell. I think I like them in that condition more than if they were mint. But that’s just my opinion.

What about you? What’s your take on vintage cars? Do you have a favorite? Tell us about it. I know a lot of car guys that would love to hear your story.

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Both pictures featured in this post are the sole property of Christine Graves and may not be reused without written permission. All opinions are that of the author who makes no claims to be an expert.

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Collected Keepsakes

Author: Christine Graves

Collecting Vintage Jewelry

The Appeal of Vintage Cars