Tuesday, November 23, 2010

A 1970's gift from Grandma

 I have seen these done in golds and whites and they can be spectacular.  I appreciate having this, glad I saved it,,however, I may have to add to it, or alter it, at least change the lights to white, maybe paint the frame white.
 It is 21"x27"...kinda big, and rather tacky.
I think it was a popular craft back in the early to mid 1970's.


After comparing stories, my sister and I think she bought one for each of us at a Church Bazaar.
Grandma did needlework mostly.


Some of the bling is nice. The sparklies are hard to photograph.


Lots of broken bottles.


Something to do with old junk jewelry to give it a new life.


Cute owl


 
Here is the back, to see how it was done. It was done on artist canvas. I suppose you would make the holes first, put the velvet on, then get the tree lights on, then add the broken glass and bling. Looks like hot glue was used. I was amazed the lights still worked after all these years in a box. I haven't hung it in probably 20yr. ...and when I did it, was in a dark spot at the end of a hallway, it's festive and not too bad at a distance. I'm looking forward to decorating for Christmas this year, now that we are settled. I just have to finish painting the family room first.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

19 comments:

Dorthe said...

How special, it is, and kind of wonderfull in its own way,-if you alter it , how will you do that?
I like it, it is -full power-and grea, and then a wonderfull gift from your grandma.
Hugs,Dorthe

larkswing said...

It is special - I don't know that I have ever seen one before. All the bobbles are intriquing...do share after you add your personal touches! :)

Paula said...

Hello sweet Miss Marcie,

What a lovely Christmas treasure from your dear grandma! I love that the creator of it used lots of vintage jewelry! It is neat how they constructed it. I hope your painting goes well and you can enjoy your Christmas decorating too! Sending you lots of love!!! Paula

Shelley Noble said...

Never saw one of these...LOVE it! I'm sure your tasteful touch will make it rock in a more up-to-date way. Such a nice holiday item to have!

Coleen said...

ahhhhh........fun memories..I remember when I thought those we tacky..now I know they are wonder-filled!

Heart Hugs,
Queenie

Lululiz said...

I have never seen anything like it, what an astonishing piece.

Fete et Fleur said...

I've never seen anything like it. Your grandmother was ahead of her time when comes upcyclying vintage bling. It really is a fun piece of history to have.

Nancy

Unknown said...

Now I'm dating myself but I can remember when these were all the rage to make in the craft world and I had friends who made them, it was on my list of the many things to do that didn't get done but I suppose another project was completed instead, what a fun memory you sparked. It would be fun to try the concept in a smaller scale with some silver, white and creams in the vintage look of today as in shabby cottage. TTMF. Hugs and Happy Thanksgiving, Marilou

The Feathered Nest said...

You are ADORABLE Marcie!!!! "Yeah, it doesn't look too bad at the end of the hallway, in the dark, and if you squint your eyes....." Have a wonderful Thanksgiving precious friend!!!!! hugs and love, Dawn

Ineke Original said...

I've never seen this before. Good idea.
Wishing I had that grandmother.

Marguerite (Tina) Smith Hart said...

How incredibly cool is that? I love it and I would leave it as is, it is a wonderful example of vintage kitch and that your grandmother gave it to you makes it so much more precious! I may have to try to make one for my house!!
Thanks for the great idea...
Tina xo

Sylvia said...

I love it! I have one myself...have been adding pieces to it since its been neglected. I am hoping to hang it this Christmas...

Happy Thanksgiving...
Sylvia

Barbara Jean said...

Hi sweetie and Happy Thanksgiving!!!

What a treasure to have that piece that your Grandma got for you so long ago! I'm sure whatever you do to it will be lovely. And in the meantime, it has a nostalgic beauty all it's own. (I bet just paint the frame would make a huge difference.)

blessings

barbara jean

Betsy said...

I love it. Never seen anything like that before with the lights.
I have made the Christmas tree shape with junk and vintage jewelry in a frame, but never with lights.
Thanks for sharing.
Betsy

Pam of Eastlake Victorian said...

Hi Marcie-

I have never seen one of those costume jewelry pictures. It's actually a pretty cool idea, maybe without the red velvet. Sometimes it's fun to pull something old that has been packed away for years, and get a flash back of days gone by!

-Pam

Dapoppins said...

When my Grandma was at a care home, I saw one of these set up outside an apartment. Not with Glass though, but all the other interesting bits, and I thought, what a cute idea...but the felts, and frame really dated it, and "cheapened" or maybe that is just kitch?

It was still cute. If it had come from my grandma, I would have hung it.

Charlene said...

It's wonderful to have those memories surface when you find something like that isn't it? Enjoy! Charlene

Debra Ganas said...

That is a wonderful piece. You have given me a great idea. I collect Christmas pins and other Christmas jewelry. I should make a big tree shaped fabric tree and pin all my jewelry to it. I will post if I do this. TFS
Debra

Unknown said...

Hi Marcie, Well previously I told you I never made one but remember when they were all rage and then I found one with lights almost like it at the Goodwill for $5.95, yep I bought it so now lets figure out how to make them spectacular, unless you aren't going to alter yours. I understand, however if your Grandmother bought it and didn't make it her self you shouldn't feel bad. Anyhow, Happy New Year and Hugs, Marilou