Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Vintage Reconstruction: Art Nouveau Pendant


Miss Laurel Christensen sent me this lovely three inch tall art nouveau antique brass pendant this week for a little vintage reconstructing! She requested that a chain be made to compliment the pendant without detracting from it, and that it be made long.

First things first, this lovely little lady needed a subtle polish to bring out her original details again. I was careful to leave a lot of the natural patina so that it would maintain it's natural, vintage look and appeal. Immediately so many details started to show up... and her little face was so sweet!





I then began to make a simple embellished chain with just the right amount of shine and sparkle that wouldn't take away from her, and an adjustable chain that can be made super long for a slightly more bohemian look... and viola! Trust me, this is soooo much more gorgeous in person. I hope that this lovely keepsake now has a new life and can be enjoyed so much more.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

"Creative Vintage Reconstruction"


Ladies, way in the back of that jewelry box that you never use (you know, the one up on that shelf that you dread dusting) is that loose tangle of string and beads that was a necklace that belonged to your grandmother that you wouldn't dare throw away because of it's sentimental value and vintage charm. Or maybe you are like me and have a whole handful of broken "junk" as your mom called it as she gave you the ziplock baggy full of random old things one day. Then you put it in a drawer... and that was ten years ago. Whether you have a necklace that has broken strands of beads, or even a perfectly good item that is just too 'old fashioned' for you, give that jewelry love and life again! Don't throw it away! Don't spend more money on jewelry that you will be sick of in a week! I am here to help!
Introducing Creative Vintage Reconstructions.

It is so fun to be able to wear a piece of heirloom jewelry that once had another life. It is even more fun to breath new life into it with a fresh, modern approach that works with your style TODAY while still maintaining it's vintage charm! It does no good being stuck in a box collecting dust. So much of the jewelry from the 1940's & 50's can become fun and casual for everyday without losing a bit of it's original intended glamour!

click on photo to enlarge


With the utmost care, I will reconstruct whatever item I am given based on the purpose for the finished piece, the personal style points of the wearer, and with subtle artistic freedom. Through out the process I will stay within a personal budget and guidelines which will be decided during the estimate. Give me as much freedom to create or as little as you want! Depending on the size of the project, some items may require a deposit to get started, and most items will take no more than two weeks for completion depending on quantities at that time. This process does require the customer to have an open mind and allow for artistic discretion in some areas. Not all things are possible and I will do my best to communicate all possibilities during the estimate.

Now get to digging in those drawers and jewelry boxes! This is a wonderful and thoughtful gift idea as well for almost any occasion that calls for a sentimental token. Let me design something thoughtful for your daughter's birthday or for your mom for Christmas! Maybe there is a necklace I could make into two bracelets for you and your sister! How amazing it will be to have a custom one-of-a-kind heirloom gift that is hand crafted just for them. If you want, you can even give me something to work with and let yourself be surprised!



You give me the pieces. I will create the masterpiece.


Please send all inquiries to catherinenikolejones@yahoo.com

Include the following information:
~ Photo(s) of item
~ Measurements of item
~ Ideas for the item's future and purpose
~ Preferred investment for project (minimum $50)
~ Date preferred for completion
~ Your name and phone number






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Monday, October 10, 2011

Fashion's Night Out 2011!


Last month, the Lexington Fashion Collaborative (the same amazing group that brought us Future of Fashion) brought FASHION'S NIGHT OUT to Lexington!! We had a fantastic turnout for both the pop-up store and the fabulous fashion show which showcased a few of Lexington's local designers! Maraschino was there at the temporary pop-up store on Manchester street with a fantastic spread of glittery things to buy. I met so many wonderful people, and I can't wait to have another showing soon!

Now if you read the fashion bible (aka VOGUE) regularly, then you are probably familiar with this event. If not, then here is an overview: Fashion's Night Out is a global initiative in partnership with American VOGUE and the CFDA to bring together fashion retailers and all lovers of fashion to provide awareness about what your town has to offer! Stores participating in this event are usually open until 11PM! This is great because is gives people who normally would have a chance to get out during business hours, time to shop shop SHOP! What a fantastic economy booster!


I was on ABC Channel 36 in Lexington to talk about my jewelry line MARASCHINO and FNO last week! Check it out below.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Now... Online Shopping!

FINALLY after lots of hard work and patience, I am proud to say that the Maraschino Online Store is now open for your shopping pleasure! Be sure to check out all three 'Labels'. The Black Label is designed for glamour girls and vintage sweethearts, and features lots of sparkle. The White Label focuses more on classic looks and natural elements. Lastly, my Bridal Label offers custom pieces for the entire bridal party and certain items and examples are shown on the site!

Enjoy! And as always, I thoroughly enjoy all feedback and suggestions.

For discounts, sale notifications and trunk shows... be a FAN on FACEBOOK and be sure to join the Maraschino VIP Group for FREE shipping on all orders!!



All photography courtesy of Andrew Kung Photography. I recommend him for all of your photography needs!

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Feature in Sophisticated Living Magazine


I am truly lucky and blessed to be surrounded by so many gifted and amazing people. I was given the opportunity to have my designs shown in gorgeous Sophisticated Living Magazine for their Sept/Oct editions. View Louisville's edition HERE. The fashion spread was photographed by Andrew Kung. Thank you so much to everyone involved. It was an honor!

Maraschino by Catherine Jones

For my few close friends who have known me for years, they know that I have lots of passions. That isn't hard to tell for those who even just met me yesterday! But before I modeled or even did makeup or styling, I obsessively created. I owe a lot to my upbringing on a farm with a mile and a half long gravel driveway and my homeschooled education which left me constantly finding ways to entertain myself. My mom would give me old clothes to revamp into new styles (sometimes secretly my father's, much to his dismay) and my grandmother would give me scrap fabrics to keep me busy. It wasn't long before I realized that you could make just about any odd, home grown outfit look couture with the right accessories! And thus at the age of twelve I became obsessed... with jewelry.

I was that girl who sold friendship bracelets out of a shoebox on the playground for a quarter - AND took custom orders. In 2007 I created a line which catered to custom bridal orders and classy, timeless pieces that incorporated antique and vintage jewelry and parts. As it started doing well, I simultaneously began getting modeling work, and makeup artistry soon followed and thoroughly absorbed the rest of my efforts. It was a sad day when I had to put it all on hold until the time was right to relaunch - and I am SO excited!!

I like to incorporate elements of freedom and movement in most of my pieces. And of course, lots of SPARKLE! I believe in the mystery of old Hollywood glamour and that at the heart of every starlet there is silly girl who wants to have fun, be free to love, and feel beautiful. I am cheesy you say? Heck yeah I am. But it's the truth and I think that will show through. ;-)
There are so many things to come!

Be a fan on Facebook - MARASCHINO FANS - to stay updated on the latest pieces, showings and locations.

Stay tuned for my lookbook coming soon... weeeeee!!!!!!




photos by Andrew Kung Photography