Hello June June 09 2021, 0 Comments

June is a happy month, it is the beginning of summer, think s’mores by the campfire, fishing in the stream, beach walks, delicious dinner parties and the perfect time to wear pearls.  They are June’s birthstone. 

Some say that pearls remind them of their grandmother but actually pearls have been used as adornment for centuries, dating back to Ancient Greece.  In the sixteenth century, pearls were extremely popular with the upper class of England.  In the 1900’s pearls became more available to everyone and has since held their popularity.

Pearls are said to be a symbol of purity and often given as a wedding gift or as a celebration for the birth of a child. They are thought to offer protection as well as attract good luck and wealth.  In Ancient Greece, they were said to prevent tears from the bride and sprinkle happiness on whoever wears them.  No wonder pearls are seen at every wedding, bridal and baby shower I have been to.  Wear your pearls!

When I shop for pearls I tend to gravitate towards the shape and sizes that inspire my senses.  The following are a few examples of pearl shapes and sizes…

🤍 Round pearls are easy to wear and nice to use as a base layer when layering with other necklaces.

💛 Baroque pearls and round baroque pearls are great for a bohemian inspired look and they are my personal favorite.

🤍 Keshi pearls are not standard in shape and are free formed.  They may be long and thin, similar to pieces of coral, oval, round, or somewhat square or cornflake shaped.  If you love the unique, one of a kind look then these pearls are for you.

💛 Akoya Pearls are the most classic of the saltwater pearls.  They are very lustrous in appearance and make a gorgeous piece of jewelry.

🤍 Tahitian pearls are the only naturally dark pearls available.  They are very popular and one of the most sought after types.  They create a very modern and up to date look.

💛 South Sea Pearls are the granddaddy of them all.  They come in mainly two colors, white and gold.  They are the largest of all the pearl varieties and quite a showstopper with their luster and size.  If you are going for elegance and pizzazz these pearls are for you!

So ladies and gentlemen get your pearls on and have a happy June!

XO

Tammy

Menagerie of Colors February 24 2021, 0 Comments

Spring is coming.  The weather is turning beautiful where I live in sunny Arizona.  The mornings are crisp, ideal for a brisk hike and the afternoons are picture perfect.  The nurseries are full of colorful flowers.  Red, pink, yellow, purple, green and white, ready to plant in your garden or pots.  Browsing the grounds of the nursery, I find inspiration for color choices and structures for my garden and jewelry designs. Color is a wonderful feeling.  It is a noun meaning  "the property possessed by an object of producing different sensations on the eye as a result of the way the object reflects or emits light."   Color will brighten up your garden, appeal to your senses and put you in a wonderful frame of mind.

The same goes for wearing jewelry with color. It could be your favorite necklace or a bracelet with a menagerie of colors.  Color adds femininity, dimension and character to any jewelry piece.  I love to play with all the colors of gemstones.  I start with a neutral color such as a white pearls, gold or silver beads, then I add a pop of color.  The pop of color brings joy and interest to my designs. It could be something so subdued such as the pink hearts I put on one side of my mask chains, red garnet beads sprinkled throughout a necklace or a wonderful vintage pendant with a touch of color.  My favorite gemstone, besides pearls, is blue sapphire. It is very classic and a feel good color.  If you are faithful to your favorite color and taste then your jewelry pieces will always be in style. 

If you are looking for color and inspiration to enhance your day I would suggest getting out in your garden, dig in the dirt, trim your roses, plant some flowers and maybe even deadhead your geraniums.  Deadheading is a process of pinching back the spent blooms thus stimulating new growth and keeping your plants looking healthy and colorful.  It is a mindless exercise that gives you time to think and  brainstorm.  Wonderful way to spark creativity!

Enjoy,

xo

Tammy

Love your Feet January 25 2021, 0 Comments

January has been a good time to clean out my closet, sort through my shoes and declutter.  I never realized how important shoes are until I started doing shows.  Being on my feet and selling jewelry for hours requires extremely comfortable shoes, especially when you have 10 hour days. I have a system that I like to use and it works pretty well.  I have my shoes shelved in categories of how many hours I can stand in them.  Call me crazy but it works!  The cute but very unpractical shoes go on the top shelves.  They require the least amount of wear time.  The most comfortable shoes that I can last all day in, go on the middle shelves and the half day shoes go on the bottom shelves.  The shoes that feel the slightest bit uncomfortable go right into the donate bag.  Happy feet, happy show, happy day! 

Here are 3 of my current sole mates that I can last all day in and then some. 

1) These are great for a Valentine’s Day gift.  Red shoes put a spunk in my day!  Cloud footwear is uber comfortable, easy to put on with the zipper on the side and a very sporty look.  Click on the shoe to have a look.

2) The second pair of shoes that I am currently coveting are black velvet Birdies.  Their website says they are “the stylish flat that’s secretly a slipper”.  My “students”, (my grandboys who I had been online homeschooling for weeks, that’s a whole other story) gave them to me for Christmas.  I love them!  So comfortable, all day wearing, classic looking and super cute with jeans.  Click on the shoe to have a look.

3) The third pair of shoes that have my feet thanking me are Tamaris.  They were a gift from my other daughter who purchased them in Germany.  The soft insole fits to the wearer’s individual foot shape, delivering an optimum level of wearing comfort.  They have a wedge heal and stylish lace ups, making them look very chic and euro.  New out is this awesome navy blue color, sure to get you loads of compliments!  Click on the shoe to have a look.

This Valentine’s Day why not find your sole mate and treat your feet! 

XO

Tammy

Igniting the Spirit of Service November 16 2019, 0 Comments

Recently I took a pause and went off the grid for a week.  I had the opportunity to accompany a brigade of doctors and nurses from One World Surgery, (www.oneworldsurgery.org), on a medical mission trip to Honduras.  One World Surgery is dedicated to providing world class surgical and primary care to underserved communities, as well as empowering volunteers to make a positive impact on global health. They have a fully functioning Honduran staff that leads the surgery center and serves patients on a daily bases, volunteers provide additional surgery and specialty support, personnel support and education.  I attended as a general volunteer.

I left early Saturday morning and flew into Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras and had transportation to the NPH, (Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos), Rancho Santa Fe.  The surgicenter is on the ranch, along with a lovely posada for the helpers to call home for the week.   We arrived to a beautiful, green and tropical oasis in the woods.  The ranch has over 300 boys and girls, going to school, and living in a loving and safe family environment.  The farm, on the ranch, has dairy cows and pigs.  Cheese is made on-site along with tortillas and bread.  The garden also boasts vegetables and fruit trees to provide the children well-balanced and nutritional meals.

One World Surgery Center is an ambulatory surgical center located on  the NPH ranch. It has a clinic, OR rooms, pre-op areas and post-op areas.  Hondurans from all over the country come to see the doctors and nurses.  Our brigade consisted of 32 surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, nurses and  general volunteers.  During the course of 5 days our group performed 59 surgeries and saw 166 patients in the clinic.  It was very awe inspiring to watch volunteers who have not worked side by side before, come together to enrich the lives of other people for the better.  In the words of Mother Teresa, "Not all of us can do great thing. But we can do small things with great love"

I arrived back home 8 days later, bursting with inspiration, enlightenment and a much deeper appreciation for the simple things in my life.  Volunteers are the heartbeat of the organization.  To give your time, talent and treasures, knowing that your gifts will transform lives is truly amazing.  In the words of Gandhi,  "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others"

Please visit my website www.shoptammy.com and check out my latest bracelet designs. They are freshwater pearls, Honduran wooden crosses, beads and sterling silver charms of Our Lady of Suyapa.  She is the Honduras' Virgin Mary and their most popular religious image.  A portion of the proceeds will go to One World Surgery.  It's all about giving back and igniting the spirt of service, now go light your World!

XO

Tammy

What Inspires You? October 04 2019, 0 Comments

Inspiration, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions, especially to do something creative.  Everyone looks for that spark of inspiration that moves their creativity.

Years ago, when we moved into our house, my Mom brought over a book called Decorating is Fun by Dorothy Draper.  I was hooked!  Dorothy is iconic. I love her boldness, stripes, florals and laissez-faire attitude of if you love it do it!  Her style is known as " Modern Baroque" which is adding a modern flair to a classical style.  She said "Lovely, clear colors have a vital effect on our mental happiness".  She used black and white with a pop of color, big cabbage-rose chintz fabrics and wallpapers and beautiful stripes.  She loved adding mirrors and dramatic details, the opposite of minimalism.  My house, over the years, has taken on a style of its own and my inspiration from Dorothy has spilled over into my jewelry designs.  I love bold, unique pieces, beautiful colors and black and white with a pop of unexpected.

This fall, we travelled to Mackinac Island, Michigan, and walked to the beautiful Grand Hotel for cocktails in the Cupola Bar.  The minute I walked in the door I knew it had the Draper touch...…..I was sooo excited.  My mind started to flow with sparks of creativity!  Not only was the view of the Straits of Mackinac stunning but I was sitting amongst interior design work of a legend.  I was in heaven!

The porch of the Grand Hotel spans 660 feet and is the world's largest.  The beautiful white pillars shine against the teal green ceiling and yellow awnings.  The porch has the Draper touch with a pop of 1375 red geraniums in 147 planting boxes.  A lovely spot to stop, relax and watch the world go by!

Hopefully this has inspired you to get outside, take a walk and look at nature, or maybe even take a trip.  Tell me...….. What Inspires You?

XO

Tammy

Hello Prescott July 26 2019, 1 Comment

Summer is here and the heat is on. The perfect time to begin my travel series.  One of the questions I am asked most is “where do you find your pieces?”. I am going to tell you a bit about where I find my pieces and the beautiful scenery along the way. 

First stop is not far from home, Prescott, Arizona

•  Prescott sits at 5500 feet and the summers are significantly cooler than Phoenix.
•  Prescott has a variety of beautiful lakes and reservoirs.  Daily kayaking, paddle boarding and canoeing are permitted on the various lakes. I went to Watson Lake which is set within the majestic rock formations call The Dells. Here's a secret, if you go at sunset the rocks give off a beautiful golden hue.

Downtown Prescott has a lovely square where you can take a step back in time and visit upwards of 18 vintage and antique shops.  Along the way you can stop and have a drink at one of the many pubs, breweries and eatery, sure to not disappoint!

•  I have spent the day scouring these antique stores to find the perfect piece. Be sure to dig through buckets, glass cases and the back of the store, you never know what treasure you will find!                        

• Prescott has numerous events in the summer time.

https://highlandscenter.org/

Enjoy your adventure and shopping in Prescott, we sure did!!

XO

Tammy

The Cait and Al Collection February 08 2018, 0 Comments

I have been collecting vintage watch fob for the past while and was wondering how to incorporate them into my designs.  I love the feel and look of the vintage gold fobs and I love pearls.  One day an idea came to me and I created the Cait and Al collection using vintage fobs and baroque pearls. Have a look and tell me what you think!

So what is a watch fob....?  Until World War I and the development of wrist watches, most watches designed for men and women had to be carried in their pockets or dangling from their waist or belts. Dating back to the 1700's, fobs were decorative small ornaments or medallion - sometimes purely decorative, sometimes utilitarian, like a seal or key used to wind a watch - suspended from a pocket watch chain or ribbon.  In Europe during the 17th century, decorative fobs were very fashionable.  They were very stylish through the early 1900's and could have lines of art deco, or filigree or feature gemstones.  I enjoy thinking about who wore the fob and what outfit they had on, the beautiful dresses the women wore and the finely tailored outfits of the men. 

Enjoy browsing my collection!

XO

Tammy

Spring Shows 2017 March 29 2017, 1 Comment

I am headed to Yuma, Arizona this weekend for my first of three spring shows.  It is the Women's Expo at Arizona Western College.  I love the people in Yuma, they are some of the nicest folks I have met.  If you get a chance to drive to Yuma, take a moment and enjoy the historic downtown, eat at Lute's Casino and be sure to look up and see their awesome tin tile ceiling!  Another great lunch spot is the charming Garden Cafe, nestled along a winding brick path are bird aviaries and flowing vines, continue walking through the courtyard entrance and arrive at an enchanting, open air restaurant.  Wonderful food and relaxing lunch!  After lunch wonder among the many local gift shops and antique stores, loaded with unique and pretty finds!

My second show is the Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market held at WestWorld of Scottsdale. It is April 28 - 30th and Arizona's show of the season!  The market has over 100 vendors and 35,000 shoppers.  You will find spectacular hand created booths, filled with beautiful vintage and handmade items. Coley and Lindsey ( the founders) motto is that the vendors inspire creativity by curating spaces to embrace a vintage lifestyle. So come #partylikeajunker, shop and be inspired!  Be sure to buy tickets early and skip the long line!

www.junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com/markets/scottsdale-market/

My last show of Spring is the Three Speckled Hens show in beautiful Paso Robles, CA, May 6 and 7th.  Paso Robles is truly one of my favorite spots, filled with rolling hills, vineyards and brisk cool mornings!  The talented, Carrie, Kathy and Susi are the founders and organizers, hence the name the three speckled hens! They do a wonderful job of bringing vendors with old and antique stuff and you will be sure to find lots of treasures and beautiful things! Paso Robles is on the Central Coast of California, half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco, and a fabulous vacation spot for the whole family.  It is in the heart of wine growing region, with golf courses and beaches nearby.  Nearby Templeton is a small, quiet town with a strong community spirit and a vision to preserve it's colorful past. If feedlots, grain mills, cattle, barns and farms sound like something out of a movie, you need to visit!  Weekends are often filled with specialty wine events, art shows, farmer's markets and livestock auctions.  So pack up your family or plan a girl's trip and come visit us over Mother's Day weekend at the Three Speckled Hens show.

www.threespeckledhens.com

Happy Spring,

Tammy

Fall is in the Air October 10 2016, 2 Comments

I love October.  The weather is starting to get nice, the mornings are cool and you can smell fall in the air.  I love the smell of pumpkins, leaves changing colors, and the awakened energy in the air.  It's the knowledge of knowing that 100 degree days are behind me and hoping to pull out my sweater from the back of my closet.  Yes, I love Octobers!

A week ago, I got back from the Three Speckled Hens show in Paso Robles, CA.  It is a two day vintage show that has "a kaleidoscope of color, fashion and imagination where vintage, primitives and remakes all come together in visions of chic home and garden decor" (per the three hens, Carrie, Kathy and Susi).  The Three Speckled Hens Show has been ranked as one the the nation's top antique shows per Flea Market Style, Flea Market Decor and Romantic Homes.  Check it out at  www.threespeckledhens.com

It is set in the Paso Robles Fairgrounds and has vendors spread out all over the lawns, patios and inside buildings. Pumpkins, real and fabricated, vintage pillows and textiles, vintage painted furniture and frames, rusty, chippy, metal, wood, art, crafts and vintage jewelry, are just a few of the items to be found. My booth was across from The Junk Girls, Jenny and Melissa, www.junkgirls.com, from Cambria, CA.  I watched in amazement as their stack of 300 vintage chicken feeders quickly reduced itself to zero in a matter of two hours. Buyers were lined up to buy the feeders, turning them into succulent gardens, industrial lighting, and other creative uses.  Who would of thought that chicken feeders would be the hit of the show! 

I want to thank everyone who came out to shop my booth and the show.  We saw record crowds shopping and roaming the grounds.  Mark your calendar for the next show May 6 and 7, 2017 and come find your treasure in the rough!

Happy October!

XO

Tammy

Savoir Faire Vintage Market July 11 2016, 0 Comments

This week on my summer shopping with Tammy series I investigated the Savoir Faire vintage market at Cal State Fullerton.  It was a perfect cloudy morning to go flea shopping and by the time I arrived, at 8am, the market was in full swing.  There were rows and rows of vendors selling their wares underneath pop up tents. It was a good mix of vintage and painted furniture, vintage and antique jewelry, old records, tools, linens, clothes, dishes and lots of vintage knick knacks and collectibles.  I went the sunday before Fourth of July and the vendors said that only half the vendors participated because of the holiday weekend.  The August market they will all be back with truck loads of found items. The word "savoir-faire" is a french word meaning "literally, knowing how to do", which pretty much sums up the market!  It is held the first Sunday of each month, in lot E of the campus, 2550 Nutwood Ave, Fullerton 92831.  www.savoirfairevintagemarket.com

Summer Shopping with Tammy #4 June 30 2016, 0 Comments

This week I decided to hunt the tried-and-true way,  I scoured good old-fashioned estate sales, rummage sales, tag sales, and yard sales.  You may be wondering what the difference is between each sale. A yard sale is mostly held in a driveway, garage or yard  and it is all the unwanted and unused items that the person holding the sale does not want anymore.  It usually consist of household items, dishes, tools, baby items, clothes, furniture, and other unwanted goods.  You may find a treasure among all the junk. 

An tag and rummage sale is somewhere in-between an estate sale and a yard sale.  It usually has slightly higher quality items and it is usually held by someone other than the owner of the property.  Churches,  non-profit organizations, and fund raising groups are a good place to look for these type of sales.

Lastly, an estate sale is a sale of property and goods from an estate.  Since the person or persons whom the merchandise belong to have passed, an outside sales professional holds the sale.  Most often they are held throughout the house and there is loads of furniture, antiques, kitchen ware, clothes, patio and garden furniture, jewelry, and other vintage items.  Estate sales are where many antique dealers shop so be sure to get there early, before the doors open, and stand in line.  Wonderful treasures at good prices are always found.

Happy Hunting!!

Summer Shopping with Tammy #3 June 16 2016, 1 Comment

Last weekend I went to Chandler, Arizona to check out the Highland Yard Vintage market.  It is a monthly home and garden market held the second Thursday - Sunday of each month.  It is held in the 6000 square foot warehouse behind Merchant Square, featuring over 50 vendors.  Each month there is a theme which is portrayed through out the vendors.  This market was red, white and blue.  There were beautiful indigo pillows perched on top of white shabby chic dressers,  wonderful dried cotton sprigs placed in a vintage bucket, and red white and blue flags, perfect for your 4th of July party!  My personal favorite was a large red clock face that read Victoria Station London 1897.  So many talented designers and makers! For additional information on the market go to www.facebook.com/highlandyardvintage

Summer Shopping - Antiques on the Square June 10 2016, 0 Comments

Summer Shopping with Tammy #2

"Antiques on the Square" is a vintage market happening twice a year in the downtown historic courthouse plaza in Prescott, AZ.  My  husband and I left early Sunday morning to escape the heat and drive to Prescott.  It was a cool 70 degrees when we arrived, much nicer than the 113 degree day that we were predicted to have in Phoenix.  The market was in a beautiful tree lined park surrounding the historic courthouse.  Vendors setup their tables among the 100 year old trees, offering much shade, and a European feel.  As I meandered my way through the market, it was reminiscent of the Paris flea markets that I shopped years earlier in France.  Just to describe a few items, there were beautiful old bottles of all shapes and sizes, antique signs from the mid 1900's, lovely brass figurines from the turn of the century, rusty, chippy farm tools, an anchor from the late 1800's, pretty vintage textiles, old-school turquoise jewelry  and colorful retro tin canisters.  Many items looked like they had just been unpacked from a box that had not been opened for 50 or more years, an abundance of treasures to be found! The next show for Antiques on the Square in downtown Prescott, AZ, at the courthouse plaza, is September 18th, 2016 from 8 am to 4 pm.  Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy your stroll through time! 

Summer Shopping with Tammy June 02 2016, 0 Comments

Dana Point Farmers Market

You are going summer shopping with Tammy.  My first stop last weekend was at the Dana Point farmers market.  It was a crisp, cool day and the vendors were ready to sell.  I found lots of yummy vegetables and fruit to put in my dinner salad.  There were handmade tie-dyed baby clothes from a local southern California vendor.  Julie's Pieces of Mind had hand painted signs.  I wanted to buy the one below for my bathroom! The rest of the market was a collection of soaps, olive oil, fresh pastries, vintage lighting, handmade aprons and beautiful fresh flowers.  Grab yourself a cup of coffee and enjoy your stroll through the market.  Dana Point Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9-1 and is located at La Plaza Park, 34180 Pacific Coast Highway.

Vintage and Repurposed Market at The Marketplace in San Clemente

The second market I went to last weekend was the Vintage and Repurposed Market at The Marketplace in San Clemente.  Eight vendors participated in their inauguratory market last Sunday which included a collection of vintage and handmade items.  Crawford Denim had awesome vintage clothes, vintage turquoise jewelry and shoes, definitely worth a look!  Habitation Co had handmade, fair trade, globally inspired vintage items.  I fell in love with her batik scarfs with vintage buttons and tassels around the edges.  The other vendors had collections of beautiful vintage buttons, vintage jewelry, vintage vessels planted with succulents and other wonderful treasures. This is an up-and-coming market that you do not want to miss!  It is held the last Sunday of the month at The Marketplace in San Clemente, 201 Calle de los Molinos, San Clemente.  It is open 10-4PM.

The Jewels of Miriam Haskell August 02 2015, 0 Comments

This summer has flown by!  Caitlin has been busy working, caring for her two year old son and expecting another bundle of joy in September so people say to spur on creativity that you should try one new thing a week so I thought I would try my hand at writing the blog.  This summer, I have been swimming, biking and enjoying the outdoors.  I have been cooking new recipes, some delicious, others not so much.  I have been painting vintage furniture, which is quite fun! I have been stopping at side of the road vintage stores everywhere we have traveled, my husband is getting very efficient at reading all the online news publications as he waits in the car, haha.

One of my favorite finds of the summer has been a Miriam Haskell necklace.  Miriam Haskell was born in 1899 to small town merchants in New Albany, Indiana.  She was one of 4 children.  In 1926, with $500 in hand, she opened a jewelry boutique in the old McAlpin Hotel in New York and a second outlet within the same year at West 57th Street.  Frank Hess joined her in business that year and the two of them went on to design jewelry for Joan Crawford, Lucille Ball, Gloria Vanderbilt, the Duchess of Windsor, Bernard Gimbel of the department store chain,  John Hertz of Hertz cars, and Florenz Ziegfeld, who decorated the cast of his Follies with her designs.  She traveled to Paris in search of materials and shared ideas with Coco Chanel.  Her intricate necklaces, bracelets, earrings and pins were made of glass art beads, faux pearls and Austrian crystals, hand wired to filigree backings with meticulous detail. Her beautiful and spectacular jewelry was soon sought after, cherished and collected by many.  Check out my website for the beautiful inspiring Miriam Haskell piece!

Upcoming shows:

Saturday, August 8th I will be selling at the Art Unraveled shopping extravaganza from 10-4, Embassy Suites 4415 E Paradise Village Parkway S, Phoenix, AZ  85032.  Over 50 creative and talented vendors.  Stop by my booth and say hi. 

Cait and Al Collection April 15 2015, 0 Comments

Spring has arrived and with it, a new collection by Tammy: the Cait and Al collection. My sister and I are honored that mom has chosen our names to grace the title of this new collection and it is spectacular! Simple style, classic elegance, sophisticated charm, city chic…all words that fit perfectly with this new vintage jewelry collection. Tammy’s vintage pieces paired with delicate beads, colorful gems, and pearls will freshen your look. Her vintage tassel set with aquamarines and small gold toned beads would be perfect for a dinner party or evening out. The chalcedony and gold toned bead necklace set with a light blouse and shorts is ideal for the everyday woman. Check out the new jewelry collection on the website!

Tammy’s next stop is Junk in the Trunk Vintage Marketplace, May 2 and 3^rd in Scottsdale, AZ. Think gifts for Mother’s Day!

Valentines February 07 2015, 0 Comments

According to legend, St. Valentine wrote letters to a loved one from prison and signed them “Your Valentine”, thus beginning centuries filled with cards, flowers, dinners, chocolates and celebration. If it’s true, then one simple, small gesture in a man’s life has contributed significantly to the modern culture. Whether you celebrate Valentines with your loved one, go out with your girlfriends, or refuse to celebrate the holiday at all…it is part of your life. Looking beyond the commercial cards, gifts, and expensive dinners, there is a simple subtle message on Valentine’s Day, and that is to tell your loved one that you love them, which is enough. But, if you must indulge yourself, Tammy Auther Designs has vintage necklaces and bracelets that are perfect for Valentines….hearts, lockets, reds and pinks. Remember St. Valentine and sign your new vintage piece for your loved one from “Your Valentine”.

Blues and Golds of Winter January 19 2015, 0 Comments

Hope you all had a very Happy Holiday! Tammy was busy at her shows in Yuma and Phoenix, thanks to everyone who came out and found some holiday gifts. Her jewelry this new year reminds me of a southwest winter, blue skies and gold mountains. Her vintage citrine glass pendant with freshwater pearls looks like the Sedona mountains at sunrise. The aquamarine and vintage crosses and medals necklace is like a warm blue sky with small passing clouds. I forgot how beautiful the winter is in Arizona, the temperature, colors, and of course, Tammy Auther designs. Shop her website for new pieces inspired by the blues and golds of winter.

Giving Thanks November 19 2014, 0 Comments

Giving Thanks

It has been awhile since my last post, we have been busy! We moved in with mom and dad for a month, while our new house was getting ready…and boy are we thankful. It was a busy, crazy time, but we/they did it and now we are settling into our new home. I have learned many things about my family over the last month, as we were all somewhat re-acquainted after 6 years. I especially learned about mom’s jewelry designs, her studio, and work habits. These are the learnings that stick out:

1. Mom can pretty much make jewelry anywhere in the house…kitchen table, backyard chairs, family room table, kitchen island, and most interestingly the laundry room counter. Henry was sleeping in her jewelry studio for a month…so she got creative.
2. She was able to keep away the small pearls and crystals from Henry, and also from Pete (her 70 lb lab) which proved challenging.
3. Since I was working from home during this time, she often knocked on my door and had me try on a new necklace, or check out her new designs. I would like to think I added to her jewelry designs during that month, although I know her time designing jewelry was very limited.
4. Mom took Henry so many times to her local vintage jewelry sources that they now know him by name (and are probably missing him!).
5. Vintage jewelry designing and creation is NOT easy…it is an iterative process with stringing and unstringing pearls, wearing necklaces around and then changing them, looking to others for feedback, and trying and trying again.

I am very thankful to my mom and family for letting us live there, watching our son, and helping us out for a month.  Check out the website for her latest fall favorites...leather bracelets with pearls and charms.  Have a Happy Thanksgiving! 

Fall Favorites October 01 2014, 0 Comments

Fall has arrived and so have Tammy Auther Design favorites…large baroque pearl drops from vintage chains, leather bracelets with pearl and vintage charms, saints and pearls, and crosses and pearls. The classic pearl look with vintage accessory will add class and history to your style this fall. Long necklaces with a pearl drop will pair with a blouse or long tee, add some skinny jeans or pencil skirt to finish off the look. Add a vintage cross or saint medal to your fall everyday wear. Browse the new arrivals to see Tammy’s fall favorites and find something that fits you this fall.

Tammy will be at the Three Speckled Hens show this weekend, October 4^th and 5^th, in Paso Robles, CA. Click on the picture below for more information. Stop by her booth to check out the fall favorites!

Unlock Your Inner Vintage September 15 2014, 0 Comments

New Tammy Auther Designs include vintage keys with Swarovksi crystals hung from a chain. Unlock your inner vintage style by adding an affordable, simple necklace…layer it with a birds nest necklace, or your mother’s pearls. The vintage keys each bring their own story, whether it be to unlocking an older home in the southwest, to an old era locket kept under the bed, to a fashionable car in the 1950’s. Mom’s vintage jewelry designs and her creation from vintage remnant to fashionable jewelry is not unlike a key…opening up an old jewel, lacing it with pearls or crystals, and being worn by someone new.

Tammy Auther Designs will be at Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market this Saturday!  Come check out her designs.

Summer Blues... September 02 2014, 0 Comments

Happy Labor Day! This past weekend, my husband, son, sister, and I headed to Southern California, for some R&R. The weather was gorgeous, blue skies every day, the ocean was cool and refreshing, and it was lovely to see family. The perfect end to summer! The water had a hint of turquoise, combined with the blues and greens, that made it shimmer in the sun. Sitting at the beach made me think of my childhood, running in the waves, building sand castles, hunting for sand crabs…the smell reminded me of Mexican food dinners, family laughter, and reading a book with the ocean breeze. Memories at the beach are held close to our hearts. We want to give our son these memories, so that he can conjure them later in life and recall the salty smell of the ocean and the tickly feel of the sand on his feet. Mom’s necklaces sometimes do that as well, putting one on, can be like remembering the last time you wore it, or the special occasion it represents. The colors of the ocean remind me of the aquamarines and vintage blue crystals that are in mom’s vintage necklaces. Her pearls and flower necklace remind me of the wedding I attended last year and danced past midnight. Her pearl birds nest necklace reminds me of my baby shower last year, and all the women who attended. A coral necklace reminds me of our trip to Sante Fe, the blue bouquet one of my wedding day, the purple amethyst one of my grandpa, the list goes on and on. Each one representing a small memory, each one happy.

A Lesson in Pearls August 17 2014, 0 Comments

Pearls…the most graceful bead, my favorite, and my mom’s favorite and signature vintage piece. Wild pearls, or those that spontaneously form in the wild, are natural and the most valuable kind of pearl. Cultured pearls are grown intentionally from pearl oysters or freshwater mussels. Salt water cultured pearls are grown in the ocean and are typically larger, 8 to 18 mm. The akoya pearl, originating in the 1920’s, is a specialty of Japanese pearl farms. The Japanese have mastered the salt water pearl and these gems are known for their white color and round shape. The Tahitian pearl is a type of saltwater black pearl, the color coming from the oysters black lips. Freshwater pearls are grown in lakes or rivers, a freshwater environment, 3 to 12 mm in size, and the shape is round or just slightly out of round. These are mom’s choice pearls, they can be grown with different colors, and offer the imperfect shape that makes each piece of vintage jewelry unique. The freshwater pearl can be flat, round, oval, off round…depending on the oyster that created it. Each one unique! This week check out the “Pearls, Pearls, Pearls” page on Tammy Auther Designs. And don’t miss the Birds Nests!

Parisian Style August 04 2014, 0 Comments

As I was glancing at mom’s new arrivals this week, I noticed one necklace in particular that is spectacular and brought out some lovely memories…titled “Vintage French Napoleon and Fleur de Lis Medal”. It features vintage jet black crystals with a double-sided 1950’s medal, Napoleon on one side and a Fleur de Lis on the other. This necklace is so appropriate for this season…the Tour De France has just ended, my dad has been watching it daily. As the bikers approached the Champs-Elysees for their final laps, it reminded me of my summer backpacking trip to Europe. My cousin, sister, and I ventured out onto the Champs-Elysees one summer, window shopped at the luxurious stores, stocked up on Longchamp, ate ice cream on park benches, explored the Louvre, and dabbled in Parisian fashion. We were in need of mom’s jewelry on that trip…little did we know that Paris would be full of fashion forward thinking and in some sense, backward thinking. Vintage fashion and jewelry were everywhere, this vintage jet black necklace is so perfect for Paris fashion…very bold and direct, yet contains historic significance. Check it out at Tammy Auther Designs new arrivals.

Thanks to those who came out to the Art Unraveled show on Saturday. It was a blast!  Even little Henry made it!

 

Art Unraveled Show, Saturday August 2nd.  Phoenix, AZ.