Broken Branches: Studio 50. Come in and sit a spell

Blog by: Kim

Welcome to Studio 50. Grab a cup of coffee and let me tell you some things. You can even put your feet up. Go ahead.

Refashioned and recycled bits and pieces have been my “thing” for as long as I can remember. I have had a life long love affair with all things vintage or bohemian chic. I used to sell cool vintage pieces of jewelry & accessories that I found in antique stores and refashioned. That is “Studio 50” Those who know me know that this is nothing new for me. Life sort of took over and I stopped for a while. Plus, designer habits can take a toll on your bank account, yes? Bargain hunting is the way to go these days. Thrift stores can be hidden treasure troves if you know how to look properly. No junk please!

Mmm k’ay, so what does it all mean anyway? Learn the lingo. Pay attention. There will be a quiz later. # 2 pencils only please. My site is: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Studio50

Steampunk: jewelry designed to reflect the culture and fashions of the steampunk subculture. Like other non-mainstream movements, steampunk places great importance on the value of beauty that reflects unusual or antiquated ideals. The jewelry is often bold and aggressive in appearance, but usually attempts to retain at least an echo of femininity. Steampunk arose out of the ashes of the goth, punk and industrial movements. Gorgeous.

Bo Ho Chic: Bohemian Chic- The Bohemian Chic look is achieved by piling on lots of interesting layers. Look for texture, color, length, volume and pattern when choosing your layers. And, this look benefits from lots of lovely accessories, so bust out the bracelets, necklaces and belts and go for great style. The most common pieces worn to achieve the Bohemian Chic look are prairie skirts, broom skirts, peasant skirts, peasant tops, tunics, and sandals.

Bohemianism - the practice of an unconventional lifestyle, often in the company of like-minded people, involving musical, artistic or literary pursuits, with few permanent ties. In this context, Bohemians can be wanderers, adventurers, or vagabonds.

This use of the word bohemian describes the non-traditional lifestyles of marginalized and impoverished artists, writers, journalists, musicians, and actors in major European cities. Bohemians were associated with unorthodox or anti-establishment political or social viewpoints, which were often expressed through free love & frugality.

Shabby Chic- Shabby chic items are often heavily painted through the years, with many layers showing through obviously time-worn areas.. Fabrics are usually cottons and linens, inspired by old French linens. Fabric is often stained with tea to give it the look of old fabric. Bleached and faded are terms used to.

Shabby chic style is vintage and antique furniture with the original aged paint, or painted white (or another soft color) and distressed at the corners by sanding.

Popular decor items are pillows made of vintage barkcloth fabric, vintage linens, chenille bedspreads, vintage chandeliers, and anything with roses on it. It is a soft, relaxed feminine romantic way of decorating that looks comfortable and inviting. Also called cottage style.

( yoo hoo, still with me? )

Baroque Style Jewelry- the term baroque refers to an irregularly shaped object, and is most often used to describe a pearl that is not symmetrical. I see scrolls and flourishes and ornate designs associated with Baroque jewelry, like the photo below.

Aurora Borealis Rhinestone

This is a pretty rhinestone that has been given an iridescent finish due to a metallic deposit in the stone. It is highly reflective, covering the colors of the rainbow, named after the amazing Northern Hemisphere light display. It was invented in 1955 by Swarovski.

I have this gorgeous little pin for sale with an example of Aurora Borealis Rhinestones: