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The Flower Pin Evolution

A Lenora Dame Studio Brooch with a classic flower power pin at its center THE FLOWER PIN EVOLUTION It is first the original flower power pin, a token in the shape and spirit of a flower that is a symbol of a socio-political statement. Then over time it transforms into a magnificent piece of jewelry with more monetary than political value. In other words, it starts out as a simple, very affordable…

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Classic Flower Power Pin Styles

Free image of wildflowers on yahoo.com Flower power pin styles blossom in anonymous abundance just as wildflowers bloom in nature in all their colorful splendor. Neither identification nor documentation exist for flower power pin styles in all their varieties before their huge popularity, during their craze in the 1960s and 70s, or even today as collectibles. Therefore the opportunity continues…

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FLOWER POWER PINS: Before, 1960s, And After

‘Flower Power Pins: Before, During, and After’ is the story of the mysterious flower power pin. In order to get a clue to this mystery, it is necessary to learn about collectible vintage jewelry before, during, and after the existence these pins themselves. In addition this collection of articles chronicles my journey that leads to them, the pins themselves, and the course I take in search of…

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My Favorite Collectible Treasures

On 1st dibs.com a Butler and Wilson Gripoix Brooch I swoon over my favorite collectible treasures. In fact, I sometimes get heart palpitations or break out into cold sweats. All my favorite collectible treasures are available to purchase on line. Sometimes due to their cost and availability, they can only become mine in my dreams. IN MY DREAMS Then I have to be content with including them in…

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Lenora Dame Studio

A derivative of a flower power pin from the Lenora Dame Studio. The inner layer of this brooch is actually an original flower power pin. When I first saw this pin I thought it was a flower power pin derivative. In fact, looking at it closely, I am sure the inner yellow daisy pin layer is a flower power pin. ‘The first seeds of the company are planted when Lenora gives up her thriving career as an…

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Jelly Belly Jewelry

1940s “Jelly belly is a collector’s nickname for a type of jewelry primarily made during the 1940s. These pieces were called “clear belly” by the companies that made them. They consist of clear Lucite bellies set in metal, usually sterling silver or gold plated base metal.” Worthpoint https://www.etsy.com/market/jelly_belly_pin SOURCES AND RESOURCES JELLY BELLY JEWELRY

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Not A Flower Power Pin

Lenore Dame Metal Flower Brooch in Gold & Violet – One-of-a-Kind Jewelry but not a flower power pin This magnificent brooch from around the time of Flower Power Jewelry is Not A Flower Power Pin. The reason is because it has gold filigree, decorative stones and is a one of a kind piece. So it is derivative of flower power jewelry rather than a flower power pin. Decorative Vintage Pin This is a…

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The Flower Power Jewelry Mystery

This two-layer flower power brooch comes in two tones of blue with a green stem with two green leaves sold by Hey Viv! on ebay. There seems to be a mystery about the very popular flower power jewelry of the 1950s and 1960s. It is only since I am now familiar with this genre of costume jewelry that I find that there really is a flower power mystery. Undocumented There is very little if anything…

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Flower Power Jewelry Rocks

This flower power enamel metal pin rocks with orange explosion Flower Power Jewelry Rocks even though it is not expensive. It is also inspiring even though it has no semi-precious or precious stones. Lastly, it is made from the least expensive metal, enameled tin? What makes Flower Power Jewelry rock? It’s the bold colors and the sheer simplicity of most of the designs.   The Flower Power…

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My Favorite Lucite Handbags

Most of my favorite lucite handbags are either unavailable, too expensive, or have imperfections. For one or more of these reasons I do not own one or have one in my collection of vintage accessories so far. But lucite fascinates me because of its unique designs, the finish using a variety of materials added to it, and the history of lucite itself. It does not mean that I never will. But…

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Alternative Fashion Materials

Alternative fashion materials become wildly popular during the 20th century. Their zenith is the 1950s, when lucite handbags become the most trendy. The reason primarily is that some materials have a commercial restriction during WWII. Therein lies the opportunity and even necessity to find alternative materials for the public. Because of various challenges including the one regarding WWII…

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1950s Lucite Handbags

A VINTAGE PINK LUCITE PURSE HANDBAG WITH CLEAR ETCHED LID displays the whimsical touches that made Lucite pocketbooks so popular after the deprivations of World War II: an angular Art Deco body featuring shiny strands of gold and silver lame embedded between laminated layers of pink Lucite, lollipop handle, and transparent carved lid through which the bag’s hot pink lining is visible. It sells on…

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Vintage Costume Jewelry as Be Jeweled Decor

Traditional stainless steel Celtic knot Claddagh ring from faire.com Vintage costume jewelry has always been my preference over precious and even semi-precious stone jewelry. For example, I am not a fan of the diamond engagement ring. In addition whenever family jewelry needed dividing between siblings, an ordeal followed. Therefore, I am perfectly happy with what I collect now. In fact, I prefer…

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Be Jeweled Handbags

A vintage bag from a local thrift store with vintage jewel and crafts ornamentation. Be Jeweled Handbags are the marriage of vintage handbags and vintage costume jewelry. In addition, they have hand applied ornamentation, are one-of-a-kind, as well as great looking. I am a collector. For many years I have accumulated vintage pocketbooks, jewelry, hats and other knick-knacks. Lately, I have…

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Be Jeweled Coordinates

INTRODUCTION TO BE JEWELED COORDINATES A black patent vintage purchase is the creative canvas for the stunning purse. An outfit of Be Jeweled Coordinates is really exploding on this summer’s fashion scene. Be Jeweled Coordinates are composed by up to four parts and even more: 1. A vintage ‘canvas’ to apply coordinated decor like the black patent thrift store bag 2. BLING to apply to the canvas 3.…

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My Mother Lived A Bohemian Life

Wedtrend Women’s Vintage Tea Dress, Short Sleeve Cocktail Party Dress Work Church Casual Dress shown at left My Mother could be described as living a bohemian lifestyle. This was at a time when other mothers are taking their fashion as well as lifestyle tips from the Donna Read Show closet. Not only was my mom unique in her lifestyle. But this cultural anomaly did spill over into her children’s…

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Around the World in Six Weeks

My mother’s six week trip around the world included a ride on an elephant in India. When I was fourteen years old, my mother took a trip around the world. It actually lasted six weeks. Unlike our move to Italy that lasted for an entire school year, we kids did not go on this adventure. In addition I think she would have gone for longer if circumstances were different. The group tour was…