catherine thoms

Art Deco Earrings

2012-02-06T13:07:00.003-06:00

When I came across these vintage brass art deco pendants, I was immediately in love! I feel like the combination of turquoise gives the earrings somewhat of a tribal feel, and the smoky quartz drops add just the right amount of balance.

These can also be made in different color combinations...they are shown below with pale pink moonstone drops instead of the smoky quartz.

If you are interested, please contact me at catherinethomsvintage@gmail.com for pricing and more info!

Thanks and Happy Monday!!!

-Catherine

Family Heirlooms

2012-01-30T15:12:00.002-06:00

Do you have any old treasures lying around in your drawers or jewelry box? Maybe something special passed down to your from your mother or grandmother or even great-grandmother? We should be wearing these sentimental pieces everyday instead of just letting them collect dust!

Here are two examples of pieces I made for a customer incorporating some of her old family heirlooms...

First, a leather cuff using a gold monogram pendant that her grandmother gave to her as a wedding gift. She used to wear the pendant on a long chain but wanted a more fun and modern way to wear it!

And then, an antique gold pendant that was bought on a trip overseas by her grandmother. I added pearls and used a beautiful textured chain to keep an "antique" feel to the necklace.

So.....if you find any old treasures hiding in your drawers and want a fun or more modern way to wear them, I would be happy to work with you to incorporate them into a custom designed piece of jewelry just for you!

I think I could eat beets on anything!!!

2012-01-26T15:00:00.000-06:00

Hello and Happy New Year! (I know it's almost Valentine's and here I am saying happy new year..sorry I'm so behind!) It's been a loooong time since my last post, but I was so busy during Christmas time working on special orders and traveling that I completely forgot to blog! And no, this post is not about jewelry, but instead, a recipe I wanted to share. After dropping Kirk off at the airport this morning (it's Vegas market time) and going to my Pure Barre workout, I came back home and was starving!!! I didn't think I had anything to eat, but I opened the fridge anyway and decided to whip up a little salad (surprised I actually had all these ingredients on hand!) So here it is:

Ingredients:

2-4 cups arugula
1 can sliced beets (drained and quartered)
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
6 slices pancetta

For dressing:

olive oil
red wine vinegar
salt & pepper

First, heat a small skillet on medium-high and pan fry pancetta until crispy. Drain on paper towels and then crumble. In bottom of small mixing bowl, whisk together about a tablespoon of vinegar and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add arugula on top of dressing and toss together. Once plated, top arugula with with beets, goat cheese, and crumbled pancetta. Serves 2.

Easy and so delish!!!!!! (especially if you love beets as much as I do...Kirk doesn't at all, so he better be thankful I made this when he was out of town!)

Stay tuned for new jewelry pics coming soon! :)

-Catherine

New Earrings!!!

2011-11-22T11:56:00.000-06:00

Gold Branch Wreath with Vintage Blue Glass Beads and Vintage Chain Tassel on 14K Gold Filled Earwires

$64

Gold Medallions from Vintage Belt with Czech Cathedral Cut Crystal on 14K Gold Filled Earwires

$48

Turquoise Marquis Beads with Hematite on Gold Hoops and 14K Gold Filled Earwires

$40

Gold Lace Ovals with Carnelian Beads and Czech Glass Drops on 14K Gold Filled Earwires

$56

Vintage Buttons and Vintage Chain Tassel on 14K Gold Filled Earwires

$48

Gold Beaded Hoops with Spotted Jade Teardrops on 14K Gold Filled Earwires

$48

Blue Glass, Moonstone, and Smoky Quartz Drops with Vintage Chain Tassel on 14K Gold Filled Earwires

$48

Carnelian Beads on Irregular Gold Hoops with Amazonite V-shapes on 14K Gold Filled Earwires

$56

Turquoise on Irregular Gold Hoops with Amazonite V-shapes on 14K Gold Filled Earwires

$48

Beaded Hoops with Serpentine, Swarvoski, Turquoise, and Czech Crystal on 14K Gold Filled Earwires

$48

{Custom Design using Customer's Vintage Green Rhinestone Disco Ball Beads}

Moving......

2011-11-18T00:14:00.000-06:00

Yay!!! You can now follow me at www.catherinethomsvintage.com. Be sure to change my web address in your favorites and check back soon for new jewelry!!!

-catherine

Holiday 2011

2011-11-14T18:10:00.001-06:00

Christmas is just around the corner and a great excuse to ask for (or give) some new jewels!!! Here is a peak at some new pieces from my Holiday 2011 collection. Let me know if you are interested in any of these pieces or if you would like for me to create a custom piece for you!

Luxe Feather Necklace

{chocolate feathers dangle from 22K gold plated flower pendant and hand-cut vintage crystal on jade and black coral beads} $98

32" L

7" pendant

Vintage Key Necklace

{vintage keys and smoky quartz crystals on antiqued gold chain and genuine leather cording. 22K gold plated shepherd's hook clasp} $88

24" L

Turquoise Tassel Necklace

{antique wreath brooch with turquoise stone, chain tassel, and vintage hand cut crystal beads on 22K antiqued gold plated double link chain} $98

38" L

Industrial Chic Statement Necklace

{vintage smoky quartz crystals and brass hex nuts on macrame cording and antiqued gold plated double-link chain. Removable extra length makes this necklace more wearable! Can be worn without for more of a statement necklace look, or with for a longer, more casual look with jeans and a simple top} $120

21" L

28" L (with extra length)

Beaded Tassel Necklace

{amazonite, carnelian, and peach glass beads create a tasseled effect on 22K gold plated chain with shepherd's hook front clasp} $98

40" L

Black Cameo Tassel Necklace

{vintage black cameo brooch with black and crystal rhinestones, vintage chain tassel, on 22K gold plated double-link chain} $88

40" L

Vintage Flower Necklace

{antique gold flower brooch on vintage chain with vintage coral beads} $98

36" L

Check back soon for more new pieces! Earrings coming later this week...

-Catherine

Turquoise

2011-08-01T14:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday!!! Hope you are all staying cool... With the temperature here in Dallas nearing 106" and a heat index of 115" expected later in the week, I am planning on locking myself indoors pretty much everyday and making lots of new jewelry. I am especially loving working with turquoise in my designs lately. You can combine it with so many different stones and metals, and it adds such a fun pop of color to your summer outfits! So here is a little "blue" to cool you off on these sweltering days.....

{irregular shape turquoise statement necklace-$86}

{turquoise earrings with red coral faceted beads and gold shell bead on gold plated chain and 14k gold filled earwire}

{oval turquoise bead with smoke swarovski crystals, citrine stones, and Czech glass cathedral cut sapphire blue and crystal beads on 14k gold filled earwire}

{antique gold circle brooch necklace with turquoise stone and vintage chain tassel taken from end of old hat pin}

Hope everyone has a great week! Stay posted for more new designs coming soon!!!

Until then,

Catherine

SNEAK PEAK!!!

2011-07-01T18:23:00.001-05:00

Here is a little glimpse into some designs I've been working on lately. Be sure to check out my Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/catherinethomsvintagejewelry, for more new pieces!!!

{antique pearl bar pin necklace with vintage chain tassels-$88}

{gold branch wreath earrings with freshwater pearls and crystal drops-$48)

{antique gold wreath brooch necklace with turquoise stone and vintage chain tassel with pearls-$96)

{vintage black cameo locket with hand cut vintage crystal bead-$86}

{antique gold leaf brooch necklace with turquoise stone and crystal pendant-$68}

{vintage gold leaf earring with pearl on 14k gold filled chain-sold}

{gold circle pendant earrings with vintage blue pitted glass bead and vintage chain tassels-$64}

{gold circle necklace with peacock freshwater pearls, crystal bead, and gunmetal chain tassel-$62}

{gold circle charm necklace-sold}

{gold branch wreath earrings with turquoise stones, Czech blue cathedral beads, and jade green teardrops-sold}

{antiqued silver bird clasp necklace with braided gold ring on gunmetal chain-$30}

the power of layering

2011-03-30T22:14:00.001-05:00

This statement necklace is actually two necklaces layered and can be worn FOUR different ways!!!

{1: wear it long like this by itself}

{2: shorten it by doubling the chain through like this}

{3: add this little beauty to it}

{4: and voila!!! you get this look!}

large gaspeite stones and glass pearls on brass chain with gunmetal finish and gold plated rings:
$112

faceted green quartz briolette beads on 14K gold filled chain:
$58

nouveaux bijoux

2011-03-28T23:12:00.002-05:00

A few of my newest jewelry creations:

{vintage pink quartz double strand with antique brass safety pin and green gaspeite cluster...can be worn 2 ways} $120.00

{antiqued silver bird clasp, gold braided ring on delicate 14K gold-filled chain...clasps in front} $40.00

{vintage white stone brooch with gold rope detailing on 14K gold-filled chain and shepherd's hook clasp} SOLD

{vintage gold circle pin with green gaspeite and pale yellow quartz cluster, hand cut vintage crystal beads and shepherd's hook clasp on 14K gold-filled bar chain...clasps in front lariat style} SOLD

{antique gold bow pin with rhinestone detailing on 14K gold-filled textured cable chain} $82.00

{gold and silver braided ring with vintage cross on delicate 14K gold-filled chain} $65.00

{vintage gold filigree medallion earrings on 14K gold-filled leverback hook} $30.00

more to come soon...

-Catherine

Fabulous Finds

2011-03-23T11:02:00.003-05:00

Meet Ellan...my vintage dress form. I found this little beauty yesterday at one of the many great antique stores here in Dallas. Ellan, short for Ellanam (L & M) Adjustable Form Company (see picture below), will serve as my jewelry model from now on. I just love her!!!

I also picked up these little collectibles while I was out antique hunting. Antlers are such a big decorating trend these days and I've been wanting to get some for a while! I think a big wooden bowl full of these would look great in the middle of my table! These antlers were $10 each, however, when I arrived home with them, Kirk informed me that he could get me as many as I wanted from his family's deer camp in Mississippi!!! yay!!!

Off to make jewelry now so I can put "Ellan" to work modeling for me!!!
-Catherine

apartment living

2011-03-21T18:41:00.008-05:00

While Kirk and I are exploring the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex in search of the perfect neighborhood and home for us, we have settled in comfortably in our uptown loft-style apartment. I've always thought it would be fun to live in an open floor-plan space like this in a big city...and now I am getting my chance!!! Although we do have a 20' x 20' storage room stuffed to the brim with furniture and boxes we've accumulated during our 3 something years of marriage, we were actually able to fit a lot more in this loft apartment than we would have in a traditional style apartment. With only four main walls, I used furniture to divide up the space into Kirk's office, dining/bar area, living room, bedroom, and my office/jewelry making area. The hardest part has been not having a guest bedroom for when friends and family come to visit, but hopefully we can manage until we find a house! Here are a few pictures of how I've tried to make this rented space "our own":

"Book page" wreath hanging on old window

Entryway

Open shelving allows for displaying my Juliska dinnerware (which I love!!!)

Vegetables, fruit, and herbs are within easy reach above sink while cooking!

Antique sconces hanging on old shutters that I repainted flank the bar...decorative mirrors above add height to the space since our ceilings are high.

I love being able to display our stemware collection and cake stands, and this antique cupboard-turned-bar provides great storage underneath and is perfect for entertaining.

Built-in desk area.

I was so excited our apartment had built-in shelves for displaying books, collectibles, and family photos.

My favorite candle...Capri Blue "Volcano" scent from Anthropologie...I love the mercury glass jar it came in and will use it for display even after the candle is used up!!!

This pair of chairs with a sofa table behind them divides our dining area from living room.

Burlap and bird print pillows add texture and color to our chocolate brown sofa.

I hung this old window from the ceiling over my chest of drawers to separate our bedroom from my "jewelry-making" corner. The antique tray holds my perfume bottles and these lovely candlesticks I got for Christmas.

A collage of family photos framed in black and white frames creates a wall of memories over the dresser.

I love the symmetry that these old windows provide on either side of our bed. Grouping together mirrors, art, and architectural elements (like this shutter) can create a focal point and add height over a bed.

A cut lily stem in a simple glass bottle adds a pop of color and smells so delightful when I wake up every morning...I use this Annieglass bowl to hold my favorite jewelry that I wear most often.

A stack of books raises this lamp up so that it is the same height as the one on the opposite side...since we have mismatched nightstands. The pretty little bone box is perfect for storing Kirk's loose pocket change and cuff links!

Hope you've enjoyed touring our apartment...

More jewelry pictures to come very soon!!!

-Catherine

new city....new jewelry!!!

2011-01-19T15:07:00.001-06:00

Well....it has definitely been waaayyy too long! Since my last post, I started a new job as a visual merchandiser with Arhaus Furniture (which I loved), designed and made lots of new jewelry (and sold it!), found out we were moving to Texas with Kirk's job, quit my job (that I loved), sold and packed up our 2,500 square foot home in Louisville, Kentucky, and moved into a loft apartment half of that size in Dallas, Texas!

We love Dallas so far...it's only been 3 weeks...but I have a feeling we will be here for a while! Now that I am completely finished decorating our new apartment (1200 sq. ft doesn't take very long), and until I find a new job, I plan on focusing a lot more time and effort towards my jewelry.

Here are some necklaces that I made for my friend Kirby to give to her sisters as bridesmaids gifts for her wedding that was in November. The lockets and bow pins were all antique-store-finds, and the gold bar chain gives the necklaces more of a vintage look as well.

I also made earrings for all of the bridesmaids in my friend Whitney's wedding in December. Although the dresses were a deep plum, I wanted the earrings to be neutral so that the girls could wear them more often in the future. The combination of the gold filigree with the gunmetal chain gives these earrings an eclectic look, and the smoky quartz and vintage crystal beads add just the perfect touch of sparkle!!!

And here is one of the beautiful bridesmaids modeling the earrings:

Check back soon for more updates and new jewelry designs!!! Hope you are all having a wonderful 2011 so far!!!

-Catherine

earbobs!!!

2010-03-10T22:38:00.002-06:00

Here are a couple of my newest creations...vintage earrings!!! Also, as of this week, Catherine Thoms Vintage jewelry is now for sale in Tradewinds (where I work). For those of you who live in Louisville, stop by and see us in Chenoweth Square in St. Matthews, and check out these new baubles in person!

Crystal and Light Pink Vintage Glass

Beads, 14K Gold Filled Hoops

and French Ear Wires.

$~~52.00~~ SOLD!!!

Blue Pitted Glass Vintage Beads, Smoky Ruffled Glass

Vintage Bead Clusters, 14K Gold Filled

Tassel and French Ear Wires.

$64.00

Vintage Charm Bracelet

2010-02-23T17:48:00.001-06:00

Vintage Rhinestone Buttons, Gold Filigree Beads, Pearls, Glass

Beads, and Gold Braided Rings on 14K Gold Filled Double

Strand Chain and Lobster Clasp. 7" to 7.25" Length.

$75.00

Spring Collection

2010-02-17T12:09:00.010-06:00

Vintage Multicolor Square Brooch, Pearl and Glass Bead Cluster,

14K Gold Filled Textured Cable Chain, Vintage Gold

Filled Filigree Button Clasp, 34" Length

$188.00

Antique Gold Locket with Birds, Coral Resin Stone, Clear Quartz

Freshwater Pearl on 14K Gold Filled Double Strand Cable

Chain with Freshwater Pearl Stations. 28" Length.

$140.00

Antique Gold Flower Brooch with Pearl and 14K Gold Filled

Tassel on 14K Gold Filled Textured Cable Chain.

26"-30" Adjustable Length.

$~~140.00~~ SOLD!!!

Vintage Locket Necklace: Heart, Oval, and Round Antique

Gold Filled Lockets on Vintage Rose Toggle, 14K Gold

Filled Small Rope Chain. 18"-20" Adjustable Length.

$120.00

Vintage Rose Beads and Gold Filigree Bead on

14K Gold Filled Braided Ring. 14K Gold

Filled Flat Cable Chain. 24" Length.

$60.00

Vintage Yellow Enamel Earrings with Pearls, Clear Quartz

Beads,on 14K Gold Filled Long and Short Cable

Chain. 18"-20" Adjustable Length.

~~$88.00~~ SOLD!!!

Cluster Necklace: Green Glass Beads, Clear Quartz Beads,

and Gold Filigree Bead on 14K Gold Filled Cable

Chain. 23"-26" Adjustable Length.

~~$52.00~~ SOLD!!!

Just for Fun!!!

2010-01-13T14:12:00.001-06:00

Here are a few pics of the snow in Louisville and our weekend in Chicago:

(Bentley loves to lick the snow!!!)

Kirk and I on Navy Pier...Brrrrrr!!!!

Kirk, me, Meg, and Ryan at the 96th Floor bar of the Hancock Tower

A Few More Necklaces

2010-01-13T13:54:00.003-06:00

Double Strand, Gold Leaf Branch Brooch with
Turquoise, Pearl, Glass, and Coral Resin Bead Cluster,
14K Gold Filled Cable Chain and Lobster Clasp,
32" Adjustable Length

~~$112.00~~ SOLD!!!

Gold Vintage Birdnest Brooch with Seed Pearls,

Coral Resin, Pearl, and Glass Bead Cluster,

14K Gold Filled Chain and Lobster Clasp

20" Length

~~$82.00~~ SOLD!!!

Clear Quartz Circle with Smoky Quartz Drop

and Vintage Gold Filigree Bead, 14K Gold

Filled Chain, 28" Length

~~$53.00~~ SOLD!!!

More Jewels!!!!

2009-11-17T21:43:00.002-06:00

My latest designs........

Light Turquoise Rectangle Stone, Smoky

Quartz Drop with Cluster Beads, Gold Filigree

Bead, Clear Vintage Glass Bead, 14K Gold Filled

Chain and Lobster Clasp, 32" adjustable length
$~~88.00~~ SOLD!!!

Vintage Gold Wreath Brooch with

Turquoise Resin Stones, Clear Vintage Glass Beads,

14K Gold Filled Textured Chain and Spring Clasp, 28" Length
$~~68.00~~ SOLD!!!

My Newest Venture: Jewelry

2009-11-09T21:47:00.004-06:00

I am always looking for something new to create, design, etc...next on my list: vintage inspired jewelry. I have always loved jewelry and, lately, have been wanting to create my own line of unique and interesting pieces...so, here is my first attempt! I love to scavenge through antique consignment shops in search of anything and everything I think I could use in some way, and we have some really great shops in Louisville! On my last trip to my favorite antique shop, I noticed a case filled with tons of old brooches, pins, watch fobs, etc...and my mind started whirling with ideas of all the things I could create with them! So I picked out a few of my faves, bought them, and then drove down the street to a bead and jewelry supply store. Here I found a whole bin of vintage glass beads...and the ideas started pouring into my mind!!! I could design one-of-a-kind pieces that incorporate either vintage pins and brooches or vintage beads...or both!

So here are the pieces I have designed and created so far:

Vintage Gold Vermeil Leaf Pin, Green and Clear Quartz
Stones, 14K Gold Filled Chain and Findings, 30" length
~~$130.00~~ SOLD!!!

Vintage Gold Bow Fob-Pin, Clear Resin Drop,
Gold Filled Chain and Findings, 21" length
$68.00

Retro Vintage Brooch with White Resin Stones,
Blue and Clear Vintage Glass Beads, Clear Resin Drop,
Antique Gold Filled Toggle Bar, Gold Filled Filigree
Beads, 14K Gold Filled Chain, and Toggle Clasp, 32" length

$~~130.00~~ SOLD!!!

Vintage Yellow and Clear Glass Beads,
Gold Filled Chain and Findings, 24" length
~~$74.00~~ SOLD!!!

New Paintings...

2009-09-21T22:34:00.005-05:00

Well...I've had them finished for a while, just haven't gotten around to posting pictures until now!

I painted this cross for my friend Brittany for the baptism of her sweet little baby Charlie!!! It looks so cute in his nursery which is decorated in green and brown.

And this picture I painted for our family room and framed in this really neat rustic wood frame that Kirk's sister Marcy passed down to us...I think it belonged to Kirk's great grandparents???

And finally...another shutter that I painted/antiqued. I love the way it looks leaning against the wall over the drop-leaf gateleg table that Kirk's parents found at an antique auction in Mississippi!

Shutters...

2009-06-04T17:21:00.004-05:00

These are some old shutters that came from Kirk's great-grandmothers house. I painted them ivory, then antiqued them, and hung them on either side of our dining room window. Obviously, they are not the size of our windows and don't fit perfectly, but I still think they add such an eclectic and shabby chic feeling to the room!

new painting!!!

2009-06-04T17:11:00.006-05:00

Okay, so here is my newest painting. I've had it finished for a while but am just now getting around to posting it! It's a take-off on my "Damask I" painting but with a neutral color palette and more intricate gold-leaf design.

Damask II
24" x 48"

2009-01-16T09:46:00.005-06:00

Abstract Zebra
40" x 30"

2009-01-16T09:43:00.002-06:00

Damask I
48" x 24"

2009-01-16T09:10:00.003-06:00

Square Root
48" x 36"

2009-01-16T08:54:00.003-06:00

Meditation
48" x 36"

2009-01-16T08:41:00.004-06:00

Horizon
48" x 36"