New in the shop - Laser cut lovelies

Picnics and Parties Pendant

Champagne and Flowers Drop Earrings


Friday's Flower Brooch

Initial sketches

I'm so pleased to share this collection of laser cut wooden jewellery pieces. Not only are they new additions to my shop, they signify a new direction for my work as I explore the exciting possibilities of realising my designs in wood.

Vintage meets modern in these beautiful laser cut pieces, which were inspired by my Grandmother's doilies. I love the contrast between the abstract lace patterns and the wood. Perfect for everyday wear, and especially lovely as a gift. These wooden beauties look just as wonderful with jeans and a cardigan, as they do with a floral frock.

The custom laser cutting and engraving is completed by a Queensland based small business, and all pieces are then lovingly finished and assembled by hand in my studio. Pop over to the shop for a peek at the whole collection.

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For your chance to win a pair of my silver 'Lois' hoops, click over to the lovely blog, My Vintage Childhood, for an interview and giveaway with yours truly. Winner drawn Mother's Day, so quick sticks!

Finished Custom Made Piece

I love the opportunity of working with a client to produce a beautiful and meaningful piece of jewellery. The collaboration of ideas is always interesting and surprising. I recently completed a a piece which is both a pendant and a brooch, using the client's unusual South Sea Pearl - with an interesting family history all of it's own. 

The scope of the design was quite broad. Something more than a simple bail, that works with the organic shape of the pearl, and includes saw piercing. Inspired by the providence of the Thursday Island pearl, I researched the pearling industry in the area and the history of the island, as I sketched design possibilities. I came across a flower native to the region and incorporated it in to a couple of the design. Below is the sketch of the piece the client chose. She requested the textured finish too, which I think really completes the piece so beautifully and helped create the gentle dome that hugs and protects the pearl.

I'm so pleased with how this piece came together, and how striking it is when worn. It's wonderful to be able to bring such a unique pearl out of storage and into the world as a small wearable artwork.

If you are interested in discussing a custom made piece, or in finding out about a quote, please feel free to email me, christina-lowry@hotmail.com

Each to Own & Ouchflower

The two crafty ladies I would like to introduce you to today are both doing their own thing, and doing it exceptionally well! Kirsten, from Each To Own, creates clever, colourful, afforable, laser cut jewellery which adds flair to any jewellery collection. While Pippa, from Ouchflower, is a master of knots and ceramic; with tassel making, macrame knotting and pottery just a few of her many talents. Her dip dyed tassels in particular may make you weak at the knees, and over come by a strange urge to redecorate your lounge room. Kirsten and Pippa have generously included a piece of their handiwork in the Handmade Christmas Giveaway for one lucky commentor. Pop over and enter if you haven't already, then please make these lovely ladies welcome!

Whether summer is on the way, or you are looking to remember it in the cooler moths, this fab brooch will make you smile. Evoking all the fun of the beach, tropical fun and all things bright and breezy, this little wood and paper inlay brooch measures 7cms high and features a great pineapple design set with a retro pattern. It would be perfect on your favourite cardigan, jacket or blouse as a little quirky feature, or a gift for someone special. It has been made from hand using Tasmanian Blackwood and hand inlayed paper covered birch.

Each to Own is a small, home based jewellery design company, in Brisbane, Australia, specialising in bright and bold pieces for everyday wear.

We incorporate fun patterns and colours with the familiar forms to produce both wooden and acrylic brooches, necklaces, rings and earrings that brighten up your day.

We enjoy our work and we hope you do to.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/eachtoown

Shop: www.eachtoown.etsy.com

Instagram: @eachtoown

A small cotton twine tassel, dip dyed white with white leather wings.
The underside of each wing is painted gold. 
A perfect decoration for your tree this Xmas.
Overall drop 60-70 cm, tassel length 24-26 cm        

I'm a maker with a passion for craft, thrift, collecting and all things Mid Century and Retro. Over the past three years I have slowly decorated our 70's home with thrift finds, eBay purchases. I have a passion for Mid Century Danish and Australian furniture, West German Pottery and Midwinter Ceramics.

My love of traditional crafts such as pottery began in the art classroom, I then graduated with a B.A Craft-Ceramics honors in 1997, in Melbourne. 

Motherhood has been a catalyst for me to venture back into Contemporary Craft and my love of pottery, embroidery, macrame, illustration, crochet, and screen printing now have no bounds!

Blog: http://www.ouchflower.blogspot.com.au/

Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ouchflower

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ouch-Flower/158226207522174

Instagram: @ouchflower

8 Little Things

1. A row here and a row there - a new cardigan by next Winter?

2. New in the shop, Everyday Adventurer Rings in silver or two tone with 9ct gold

3. Watching the sun set from our front deck feels like a little holiday

4. Pickings from my flower bed

5. My dear old cat Seth, who must be about 14 now, and spends most of his day relaxing in above mentioned flower bed. He comes inside smelling of lavender.

6. Roses and lavender, also making my dining room smell amazing

7. A custom ordered One For The Pot as a pendant - now also available in the shop

8. This little mantis came in with the laundry and fascinated Cohen for hours before being released again.

8 Little Things

 

1. New additions - a thrifted boy wearing clogs and holding a duck (who could resist?) for $1, and a 10 pound ball from Freedom

2. 'Great Expectations' - my latest book club read. I love an excuse to read classics.

3. My first piece of Anthropologie - a gorgeous paisley cowl I won in a giveaway on Mother Down Under - thanks Caitlin!

4. Chocolate Cake Beard!

5. Brooch friends - One for the Pot and Erin's window

6. Broccoli in bloom - so pretty

7. A new thrifted cushion for $2 - a little bit of early Spring

8. Phase two partially complete on the Doll House - first coat done

 

What lovely things have you been making, growing or doing lately?

New in the shop - 'One for the pot' Brooch

 

I'm pleased to announce a new addition to the Christina Lowry Designs shop. 'One for the pot' is a solid sterling silver teapot brooch designed and made by myself. It is a perfectly peachy treasure that can be worn by anyone who, like me, falls in to the category of tea loving brooch wearer! 

 

Lovingly at home on a pretty dress or cardigan, a quirky addition to a work jacket or shirt, this darling brooch is hand finished with a unique brushed texture, so each one is a little different.

 

For more images and details pop over to the shop. In stock now and available for Australian and International shipping.

Stitch. Read. Covet. Blog.

Stitch: I could certainly be very happy wandering around my wooden floors in a pair of these socks come Winter. Whether or not the pattern would be too much for me is another matter entirely. But I do believe they are beautiful, beautiful socks.

Read: This looks like a fabulous new read. Blogger and baker extraordinaire Lorraine Elliott explores food, blogging and happiness in this new release. What more could a girl ask for? Congratulations to Lorraine!

Covet: I can see this brooch on my new navy velveteen blazer. I really can. I may just have brought it before I publish this post... There are others in Evie's store however, if like me, you see yourself sporting a cheeky hand painted face on your coat this winter. (Check out her super sweet tooth fairy pouches while you are there!)

Blog: Megan is the kind hearted blogger behind 'The Byron Life.' Journalist by day, Mama, crafter and simple living advocate always, Megan's blog is a delight and an inspiration. Her current series about North Coast Bloggers will have you settling in with a cuppa as you are introduced to some truly gifted, creative women.

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So dear readers, what have you been stitching, reading, coveting or blog-loving lately? Leave a comment below so we can share in the goodness.

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I arrived home with a car full of groceries and two tired children on Thursday to find this dear old lady waiting for me on the drive. I have wanted one of these old sewing machine tables for years. Sometimes it is especially useful to be known in the family as the vintage loving crafty one. Particularly when a family friend saves something like this from going to the tip. A new nail or two will straighten up the wonky drawers, but I do love her just as she is. I moved her straight in to our bedroom, with only quiet protests from my dear husband. It seems good things do come to those who wait.

I celebrated my thirty-first birthday yesterday, along with my dear twin sister. The vase, flowers, candle holders, doilies, tape and brooch were all birthday gifts. So too some Lovely perfume, a chameleon rose for the garden and a set of these gorgeous knitting needles, which are currently on their way to me. Feeling especially loved and spoilt.

Thanks for the birthday wishes on Facebook and Instagram too.
Hoping you all have a wonderful weekend.