Found Things -Foundlings

At school we had to create objects of beauty from "found materials". These materials could be washing up bottles, toilet rolls, card, yogurt pots shiny paper, etc.. Well we made what we made!!

Jacqui Temple-Smees, loves making interesting and unique items of jewellery from vintage and discarded objects. has found loads of vintage stuff at charity shops, car boot sales, vide greniers and of course our favourite, secret, rummaging ground down here in South West France, has created some beautiful pieces.

vintage glass flower necklace

As a great believer in serendipity, she enjoys nothing more than

exploring old tins and boxes,and like some of us, even buys the

old tin and box, takes it home and creates!

rose pendant

Influenced by collage artists (such as Joseph Cornell), Mucha and

Art Nouveau, Vintage Ephemera, Victoriana, Surrealism and

'50's graphic design. To see more of her work go to

www.prefab-designs.co.uk

Fairy brooch

One of her designs, a foundling necklace, was inspired by the eclectic tokens left at the Foundling Hospital in London, in the 18th Century. These tokens included buttons, thimbles, a swatch of fabric- telling a story. All can be seen at 'Threads of Feelings' Exhibition at the Foundling Museum.

Who would have thought that a tiny token left with a baby would

tell the story of heartbroken mothers who had to abandon their children.

Foundling necklace

It's such a priviledge to find ourselves amongst such creative people, and to live in such a beautiful area. That's it I'm off to rummage and make!