Monday 29 March 2010

Swell family

I'm back!

Apologies for the impromptu break, but I had a very good reason...

Over the last few months, my family and I have been planning a HUGE surprise for my Nana's 80th birthday. My Nana is a brilliantly wonderful and sweet woman, but she is also incredibly modest. When asked what she'd like to do for her birthday, she replied without hesitation, "Nothing. And if you plan anything, I'll kill you."

Undeterred by the (hopefully) light-hearted death threat, we continued with our sneaky birthday planning. My Nana, Aunty, Uncle and three of my little cousins all live in the south of Spain. While we visit when we can, it doesn't happen often, so we knew she'd never expect the British contingent of our family to be there for her big day!

It's always hard to know what to give someone for such a milestone of a birthday. I knew that other family members were planning photo albums and other personal gifts, so I was thrown for a while. "Why don't you make her a necklace?" my Mum suggested.

It took a lot of planning on my part, because I wanted to make my Nana something as beautiful and unique as she is, but she doesn't really like the vintage style. This is the first piece of jewellery I've ever made that contains no vintage or antique parts, but I'm still pretty pleased with how it turned out:


The 'Mirella' necklace is made from freshwater pearls, individually linked with sterling silver and adorned with a nice big swarovski crystal. I wanted to do something a bit different from just pearls, as they can look quite aging and samey.

Luckily, my Nana loved it and she looked absolutely stunning:

She doesn't look 80, does she?! Fingers crossed I've inherited these good genes!

So what do you think of the necklace? Do you prefer a more vintage style, or should I expand Swell to include new styles? I'd love to know what you think.

Much love,

Frankie
Swell Vintage

x

Sunday 21 March 2010

Swell break

Swell Vintage is taking some time out...

(Times, they are a-changing - available at www.swell-vintage.com)

...but I'll be back soon!

Much love,

Frankie
Swell Vintage

x

Monday 8 March 2010

Swell Sweden

I've mentioned Fru & Fröken Kellerman in past blog posts, but I think it's time to go into a bit more detail...

The lovely Fanny of Fru & Fröken Kellerman, a new boutique in the stunning city of Stockholm, got in touch a little while back to ask about selling some of my jewellery. Of course, I jumped over the moon and back at the chance - not just because it's a new stockist, but also because I could tell that Fanny and her talented Mother, who are the brains behind Fru & Fröken Kellerman, share my love and passion for vintage and fashion (hey, that rhymes!).

Fru & Fröken Kellerman
is a lifestyle shop that stocks a mix of vintage, vintage-inspired goods and new designs, so I have no doubt that Swell Vintage will fit in perfectly. I've already shown you some of the pieces that will be Sweden-bound soon, but here's my latest one:



The Goddess Locket: a locket necklace made from a vintage brass locket and vintage cameo, hung on vintage faux pearl and brass chain.

So what do you think? Do you like it? I want to make my collection for Fru & Fröken Kellerman really special, so any feedback you have would be greatly appreciated!

If you fancy reading more about Fanny and Fru & Fröken Kellerman, you should pop over to her lovely blog. It's full of lovely things, news and gorgeous fashion!

That's all for now, folks!

Much love,

Frankie
Swell Vintage

x