New Lockets

Three new vintage lockets have made their way into the shop this week! Perfect for a vintage themed wedding, or to carry around the pictures of loved ones.

Cream and lace Treasury

The lovely Krista from KJ & CO created this wonderful treasury for her weekly roundup. Such a lovely wedding colour combo!

Collecting Stanhopes

I am always captivated by stanhopes. I know I won't be able to collect them all so I started a board on Pinterest to collect them in another way. At least then I can stare at how awesome they are in one place.

If you love unique jewellery stanhopes could be the thing for you too!

Settling In

The new Wholehearted Vintage office is taking shape! Won't be long 'till I get some new listings up. It's time to fill the printer's cabinet with tiny treasures.

Love this necklace!

I love this necklace by Meghann Rader on Etsy! This beauty was hand-painted on a wooden pendant. The tree line was inspired by Meghann's home on Vancouver Island. I just love the blue hues and hints to Delft. This would be a wonderful statement piece

Meghann has other incredible works of art in her Etsy store - from original artworks to hand-painted brooches. I highly recommend checking it out!

Reflections

One year from today I will marry the love of my life <3

Ruby Red

I just love the depth of red in these beautiful earrings. I added them to the shop this morning. I've got a great collection of earrings I'll be rolling out over the next few months. Stay tuned!

Wedding logos

I've been taking a look at custom wedding logos in preparation for designing one for my own wedding next year. Having a logo can come in so handy when designing stationary, favours and decor for the big day. Here are some of the best designs I've come across so far:

Design by Cobus Esterhuyse

Design by Hector Campoy

Design by Sven Pauwels

Design by Colin Arnold

Design by sthblue on Etsy

Design by James Dziemianzuk

Victorian buttons

I came across these beautiful victorian buttons on eBay. They have so much beautiful detail and all measure about an inch and a half in diameter. It shows how much appreciation they had for design and adornment. These buttons would make wonderful pendants. They along with other great antique buttons can be found for sale on eBay by seller juliek2001. Too many beautiful designs to swoon over.

Farewell

It's finally time to say farewell to this gem of a ring. I'm actually surprised that it lasted in the shop as long as it did. It sold last night and is now on its way to Alabama where I'm sure it will be loved.

Featured on Brides.com

Last week Brides asked their Twitter followers to submit their lovely engagement rings. I'm thrilled to have had mine included in their feature. I love sporting #6 on my finger. I'm always told, "That ring is so you!" and that's the best compliment a girl can ask for!

My Engagement Story

The big day came on August 27th 2011. We were off to the Harvest Picnic Festival at a beautiful conservation area in Dundas, Ontario.

It had been a really tough day to that point. We had come from a memorial service for my Grandmother that morning and I was really looking forward to relaxing.

To kill some time we rented a canoe to take out on Christie Lake. We rowed around taking breaks to talk and enjoy the scenery. On one of those breaks Ryan suddenly got very serious and started talking about our future together. I could see that he was shaking from nerves and that's when it hit me. He pulled the ring out from his pocket and popped the question! He really had caught me by surprise.

It was the perfect moment - drifting on the lake, Sarah Harmer singing on stage in the background. It turned what had been a trying day into a very special one.

The ring is one I had fallen in love with at Cynthia Findlay Antiques in Toronto. I told him, "When you are ready for that kind of thing, please check back to see if it's still there." Thankfully he did!

It's a beautiful 1920s filigree ring made by Orange Blossom. I just love the flowers in the filigree and the intricate cut-out patterns. I really do think it's the perfect ring for me.

Handmade Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Handmade Valentine's gifts always mean a lot whether they were made by you or not! Here are some of my picks for the best handmade Valentine's gifts on Etsy.

Secret Promise Ring - imakecutestuff on Etsy

Keep your love between you and your honey with this great hidden message ring.

Birds in love iPhone case - bamxoo on Etsy

A thoughtful gift that's also very practical.

It Was Always You - spunkyfluff on Etsy

Cut from plywood & comes in all different colours - I love it!

Love You Nightlight - owlyshadowpuppets on Etsy

Possibly the cutest night light I've ever seen. Also available in pink. Check out the owlyshadowpuppet store for some equally as awesome shadow puppets.

Vintage Valentine's Day Gifts

Every girl hopes for a sentimental gift on Valentine's Day. Here are my picks for great vintage Valentine's Day gifts that are sure to make any gal happy.

Vintage Heart Locket - jeanjeanvintage on Etsy

This locket from jean jean vintage is a beautiful example of a traditional heart shaped locket. Pre-filled with pictures or not, any vintage lover will appreciate the sentiment!

Vintage Copper Engraved Cuff - WholeheartedVintage on Etsy

One of a kind gifts are always a great choice. Engraved with "Touch the Wind With Love", this bracelet's message perfectly captures the feeling of falling in love.

Love Token Locket - samcoins on Etsy

There's such a great history behind love tokens. If you're lucky enough to find one with your honey's initials don't pass it up!

Riley Love Lyrics - Published 1905 - joyofvintagewithsam on Etsy

For the literary fans how about an antique 'love' themed book. The best part of books from this era are the beautiful art nouveau covers!

These are certainly gifts that would tug my heart strings. Next I'll be posting my pics for great handmade Valentine's gifts.

feverfew lockets by Olivia Mew

I came across these wonderful handmade lockets by Olivia Mew on Etsy. They all feature transparencies printed with original illustrations. She also sells awesome prints, buntings and patches. Check them out - they look awesome!

Bunny requiem locket by shopfeverfew on Etsy

Setina trapped illustration locket by shopfeverfew on Etsy

Persian home locket by shopfeverfew on Etsy

Happy New Year!

Vintage French Happy New Year Labels by petitefabrique on Etsy

Ringing 2012 in with close friends at our first ever house party was great! We've finally done enough work on the house that it feels like home. I'm feeling re-energized for the new year and have lots of great plans. First on the list: fixing up a Hamilton Printers cabinet to use for all of my jewelry storage. 

Less to do around the house means more time for listing awesome jewelry in the shop. I've got some beautiful pairs of earrings I can't wait to share and much more!

2012 will also be full of wedding planning - so expect posts on the process as we delve into locations, decorations and dresses oh my!