I’m celebrating two momentous events today — my birthday and the return of Downton Abbey, one of my favorite television shows.
So, of course I had to throw a party!
And the best part is that you’re all invited to link up your own Downton Abbey inspired projects. When you do, your post will be visible on all six of the cohosting blogs — Albion Gould, Hey, Let’s Make Stuff, Mabey She Made It, Living Better Together and Major Hoff Takes a Wife, as well as here at Atta Girl Says.
The party hosts are also sharing our own Dowager-approved projects!
Mine is inspired by the gorgeous period fashions and jewelry worn by the Crawley women and their noble cohorts.
Even when they’re riding horseback, watching a game of cricket or mucking about the grounds, the women of Downton Abbey are always beautifully attired. And when they’re dressed for dinner or a formal occasion, watch out for the bling!
I have been holding on to a collection of vintage earrings and other jewelry that I’ve picked up over the years at thirft stores, yard sales and flea markets.
Many are tarnished or mismatched or broken or missing stones, but they’re too pretty to throw away.
So I deconstructed an assortment of earrings and bracelets and necklaces to make some chunky vintage charm bracelets. Just use pliers to remove the clips from the back of earrings. The part that remains usually has a pair of holes, perfect for stringing with beading wire. (I like to use tigertail.)
I find it works best to use vintage beads as spacers between the earring charms. The finished bracelets will sit better on your arm when you add a few beads in between them.
I like to finish my bracelets using crimp beads and a toggle clasp, but you have lots of different options for finishing yours.
I think these bracelets totally look like something Edith or Mary or cousin Violet would wear at one of their formal events or for a night out dancing.
For modern women like us, they’re perfectly fine as everyday attire. Mrs. Patmore might not wear jewelry when she’s shopping for the larder, but I have definitely worn a vintage earring charm bracelet to the grocery store!
If you’re not the jewelry-wearing type, you can add vintage earrings and jewelry findings to velvet ribbon to make some very ladylike bookmarks.
Just cut a length of ribbon 8 to 12 inches, depending on the size of your book.
For some of my bookmarks, I used ribbon crimps at the ends and attached beads to them. Since ribbon crimps can be hard to find, I find it much easier to hot glue a clip-on earring to each end of the ribbon. (Just be sure to fold the ribbon under for a finished look.) You can also use tassels and fancy trim on the end of your bookmarks.
I think Violet and Isobel would both agree that these bookmarks are very elegant and befitting women of their station in life.
If you’re as much a Downton Abbey fan as I am, you might like these other projects of mine.
Downton Abbey Inspired Butler’s Bell Memo Board
Don’t forget to visit my party cohosts and guests for other Downton Abbey inspired crafts, recipes, party ideas, printables, DIYs and more.
Ali
Hey Amy! I absolutely loved reading this post! It’s such an awesome idea to use Downton Abbey as inspiration for all different aspects of our lives all the way from our jewelry to our food! If you get the chance, read our blog about Downton Abbey inspired jewelry! http://www.shopgreeneyedlady.com/blog/
Thanks so much for this post and I am looking forward to reading more from you!
Ali
Colleen
Happy Birthday Amy!!! Thanks so much for doing this on your birthday. I hope you have a blessed day. xoxo
kirby
Thanks, Amy! I have a few linked.