This is a celebration of vintage charms and charm bracelets.
It is my considered opinion that charms are proof positive that it’s never too late to have a happy childhood. Every great memory is enshrined there- ready to be told to children, grand children, or to oneself on a rainy day.
Granted, my parents (shockingly) didn’t always give in to my blandishments for charms on our family trips, and as I grew older my attention wandered, and I ceased to collect charms as life’s milestones piled up. But now, as I take a chance to breathe before the next onslaught of existence, I also take a chance to collect mementos from the times I wish to remember, and to file them on my bracelets as small tokens of achievement. The graduations I never bothered to attend, the places and events that seemed so unimportant at the time, yet which now glow in time’s reflected light – are surprisingly missed. I celebrate them in my charms, and for a brief moment re-live the feelings – bittersweet and tart as pomegranate on the tongue, gone in a flash, but part of me always.
For the record, I also add tokens of those times I DON’T want to remember- but should because they, too, are a part of who I am and how I came to be where I am now (Not perhaps a world leader, or hero, but still, a sentient woman living in wondrous times). I guess what I have become is old enough to appreciate that we all, every one of us, has a history, and a story, that is worth telling and enjoying, even if only to ourselves. So I love my tiny metallic scrapbooks, and I enjoy every one I see, and appreciate the person whose life it celebrates.
What is it about miniatures? Small perfect replicas of the items we have around us everyday, whether puppies, kittens, babies, or toys – and of course especially ~ as CHARMS ~ endear themselves to us in a way nothing full size can. It becomes far more addictive however, when the item works exactly like it’s larger persona.
Mechanical charms are the ones that perform exactly as they would in full size, boxes open, scissors cut, fruit juicers squeeze etc. In the most detailed of these sometimes trees will light and turn, often to music; it’s as if the toy or tool has been hit with a reduction ray and all is in scale and working order.
Moving charms are just that – they move. The hands on a clock may turn, fish may float about, matchbooks open, etc. All mechanical charms are moving ones, but not all moving ones are mechanical. (It could be argued that a non moving sundial works like it’s larger counterpart yet doesn’t move, but I digress). If the clock moves and keeps time – it is mechanical; if you must move the hands it is not – it is a moving charm. This is no measure of its’ worth however. Scissors are technically simple mechanicals if sharp, but do you honestly know anyone who would trade a nuvo alien for one? If so please send them my way – I have plenty of scissors! ~twinkly grin~
carol's Veteran bracelet
When Carol came to me to ask if I’d design and make a bracelet for the Veterans’ Club to give to her boss last year, it was so much fun, and so well received that I felt I had to do one even better for her since she was then the President of the Veterans’ Club, and has now moved on to an even larger responsibility post graduation. I must admit I don’t think this will ever be completed – I an constantly finding something wonderful to add, both vintage and new! This may end up the definitive wrist ruffle. Since this picture was taken I have added a marine ‘hooah!’ charm, a double mechanical helicopter, and a ‘Big Bertha’ broken heart. I think a working Pin Fire Gun charm is in order, don’t you? Her Vets gave her a set of dog tags when she graduated, so if anyone knows where i can get some small sterling charms of dog tags I’d be thrilled. Any other ideas welcomed!
I managed to find my last Sunshine Cloth (how i can loose so many I never have figured out – I just bought 10 from Sandy in October!) and do a light buff on the now grime free charms. The great thing about the cloths is that they leave the patina intact, and just touch up the highlights. So what do you think of my bracelet – and which ones shall I keep?
The Bracelet - what do you think?
back of bracelet with engraving
Bracelet story continues – first thing after seeing the condition I realized I had to do a major cleaning and get all the grime and oil off without hurting the patina. This involves water, a soft toothbrush and a mild castile soap (I use Dr Bronners although Ivory probably works just as well) It hadn’t been mentioned in the auction, but I thought that one of the hearts looked like a locket, so with much prying (and a broken nail) I got it open to show this lovely lady – the original owner? Naturally it had to come off to be cleaned with dry rub, since she’d not stand up to a bath.
the opened heart locket
