Violets New Vintage Blog

Renewed my Audubon Membership

2012-01-12T09:17:00.000-08:00

I renewed my Golden Gate Audubon membership for 2012.
I've been noticing alot of Yellow Rumped Warblers downtown and south of market this year.

Happy New Year

2012-01-04T21:41:00.000-08:00

Have a wonderful 2012!

Ten Minute Kindle Cover

2011-10-31T09:53:00.000-07:00

Recycled shirt sleeves make great covers for your Kindle....in 10 minutes! Cut the sleeve long enough to cover your kindle and sew up the bottom. That's it! You now have a cute, protective cover for your Kindle. I used a small bit of velcro to keep the sleeve closed...if you cut the sleeve long enough you can fold over the top and no velcro is needed. Too easy!

Clements Ribiero, Yes!

2011-09-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

Loving all the beaded twin sets in the Clements Ribeiro Fall Collection.
Click here to see the more

Gallery - BetsyBerberian.com

2011-08-31T21:21:00.000-07:00

Gallery - BetsyBerberian.com

Circuit Board Clocks

2011-08-24T10:33:00.001-07:00

Here is a preview of a work in progress.....new circuit board clocks are being made this week. I have the perfect circuit boards for clock making and I'm hunting for the just right, gold tone clock hands to match.

Pooch with Yin Yang Face

2011-08-24T10:25:00.001-07:00

Meet Betty, the pooch with the Yin Yang face....one of my favorites. She lives at SF Animal Care and Control and is waiting to be adopted...if you live in San Francisco, stop by the shelter and check her out. (1200 15th St @ Harrison)

Good News

2011-08-21T06:41:00.000-07:00

San Francisco Animal Care and Control opened it first-ever cat adoption center located inside a privately owned retail store....and I will be working there to help with adoptions this week. The Market St. Pet Food Express has opened an adoption center in their store to help decrease the number of homeless cats and kittens in San Francisco. If you are looking for a new feline companion, stop by and check out the kitties!
Pet Food Express and the San Francisco Animal Care & Control Cat Adoption Center is at 1975 Market St. The center's hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
Read the full story here.

Artfire has Changed

2011-08-05T15:49:00.000-07:00

The long awaited changes at ARTFIRE went live today! New studios, new cart, new Facebook Kiosk and new Rapid Cart! The seller tools are still the best around and their forums are buzzing with all the excitement. If you were thinking about opening a shop there, now would be a great time to go for it! Don't forget to say you heard it from Violets new Vintage. Thanks

Become an ArtFire Pro with this link and get your 3rd month free!

High Bridge Arms is Here to Stay

2011-07-27T11:50:00.000-07:00

The last gun shop in San Francisco is here to stay! I visited High Bridge Arms yesterday and met with owner Steve to conduct a little business and check out the shop. Although Steve was busy with the re opening, he was very friendly and took plenty of time to help me; we chatted awhile too. After some permit problems, the store is re opening and is still at the same address; 3185 Mission St, San Francisco....can't wait to go back. (I want one of their cool t-shirts too!)
You can keep up with High Bridge Arms on their FACEBOOK page.

Eco Friendly Jewelry

2011-07-20T08:31:00.000-07:00

Eco friendly jewelry has been making its mark in high fashion. The necklace featured on this Vogue cover is made from recycled bicycle tires! (Italian Vogue Aug. 2010) The designer is Kathleen Nowak Tucci. You can see more of her jewelry designs here on her web site: www.KathleenNowakTucci.com

Circuit Board Key Chain Sale

2011-07-11T09:34:00.001-07:00

All of my Circuit Board Key Chains are on sale this week! All key chains just $5.00...I have guitar key chains and bicycle key chains too.

Happy Fourth Everyone!

2011-07-03T11:09:00.001-07:00

I'm off to a BBQ later today....saw the fire works from my front room window last night. It pays to live on hill in San Francisco. Have fun today folks!

My Volunteer Bit

2011-06-28T21:08:00.001-07:00

Did a bit of volunteering at SF Animal Care and Control today to help Tonis Kitty Rescue get a small video of some kittens born with 'the wobbles' Its a slight neurological disorder that makes the animal appear wobbly and kind of drunk....You can see the movie on the TKR Facebook page. In my down time I visited the dog kennels and developed a small crush on a brawny, big headed pit bull named Magoo.
I'm at the work table all day tomorrow to fill up those sold out spaces with new jewelry!
Thanks for stopping by, Betsy B.

Magoo in his tux

SF Pride Parade and Celebration

2011-06-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

The parade was fantastic and the big party at Civic Center Plaza after the parade was wild and a real body crunch. I watched Stiletto Ghetto perform (great voice) and bowed out to catch the train home with many costumed riders. Three hours of fun was fine for me. To see more pics on SF Gate CLICK HERE. Thanks, Betsy B.

SF Pride Parade and Celebration

2011-06-25T16:11:00.000-07:00

I'll be going downtown tomorrow to watch this years Pride Parade. Its a great event and I always come back with wonderful photos. I meet great folks and enjoy seeing all the fabulous and creative costumes...I took this photo at a past parade; a nice shot of French tourists who really dressed for the occasion.

Circuit Board Dangle Earrings

2011-06-20T10:03:00.001-07:00

I'm having fun designing new earrings from circuits that have alot of silver. I cut the design to show off the natural pattern and because they are made from recycled circuits they are light as a feather. You can read all the details here:
Circuit Board Jewelry, thanks!

Happy Fathers Day!

2011-06-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there! To see more photos of dads who rock click here.

Bill Cunnngham New York

2011-06-15T09:10:00.000-07:00

If you follow Bill Cunninghams 'On the Street' Videos in the New York Times you will be thrilled to know the new documentary about Bill Cunningham is now playing at the Opera Plaza! (601 Van Ness Ave. 2:45, 5:00 and 7:30) I'm looking forward to seeing this little gem tomorrow.....

Fathers Day

2011-06-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

Fathers Day is June 19th and I am at the work bench transforming my supplies into some great cuff links, tie tacks and tie bars for your dad. Check back this week to see what I came up with....yes, I know, I'm creating as fast as I can. Thanks, more later..

Tonis Kitty Rescue Fundraiser

2011-05-29T09:05:00.001-07:00

I'm looking forward to a great party this Thursday. It is a fundraiser for Toni's Kitty Rescue. The party will be held at a wonderful shop called Leftovers Home Furnishing and the food will be catered by SmallPotatoes....yummy. Door prizes and a silent auction too. Maybe I'll win the trip to Hearst Castle!

Freckled Kitten

2011-05-22T23:53:00.001-07:00

I had an opportunity to take photos of some of Toni's Kitty Rescue 'foster' kittens yesterday morning! This little one looks like she has a few freckles....too cute. You can learn more about TKR and see more photos of new kittens on their Facebook page. Enjoy!

New Circuit Board Cuff Links and Tie Bars

2011-05-13T22:18:00.001-07:00

New cuff link styles for men are being added to my Artfire Shop.
Very popular as groomsmen gifts!
(just sold these and I'm working on new ones.)

Peregrine Falcons Downtown San Francisco

2011-04-28T18:11:00.000-07:00

I saw both peregrine parents today! The babies were being banded and the parent birds were very upset....much screaming and diving around the nest area. This downtown area is so nosy with construction I was amazed that the peregrine cries could be heard so distinctly. What a wonderful lunch time treat. You can find out more about these falcons and see video here at: Predatory Bird Bird Research Group

National Pot Smokers Day

2011-04-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

I didn't know it was National Pot Smokers Day. I was running an errand and saw two young men along Portola Ave. jumping up and down and waving their thumbs trying to flag a ride. I impulsively stopped and picked them up. I haven't picked up a hitchhiker since the late 70's....not sure why I did so today. These 19 yr olds, one a rapper and one a model, told me they were off to Haight St. to celebrate Pot Smoking Day. I asked them a few questions and got the skivvy on the big, annual pot party. I dropped them off right in the Haight and watched them walk towards Golden Gate Park to join the celebration. (Yes, they did give the driver a nice 'tip'....thanks guys.)

A Great Read

2011-04-18T16:19:00.000-07:00

Just finished a wonderful book, 'Lets Take the Long Way Home' by Gail Caldwell. Julie Myerson says in her NY Times review; "If female friendship is the beating heart of this book, then a bond with a dog is the vein of pure tenderness that runs through its pages. You feel that the women’s friendship would never have existed in quite the same way without this crucial, balancing canine element." Its a great story folks, check it out.

Big Bird Big City

2011-04-12T19:34:00.000-07:00

Every spring I make it a point to stop by Golden gate Park to see the Great Blue Herons. The come back every year to the same spot to build their nest by Stowe Lake. Here is a video from Bay Nature, enjoy!

Circuit Board Jewelry Past and Present

2011-04-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

Looking at previous designs doesn't help to inspire new work. One way to get your creative motor running is explore a new medium. I'm moving towards painted clay, a fresh start and new designs. Getting my hands dirty today. Check back soon to see something different.Change is good.
Click here to see the jewelry photos in full size or slide show.

Silvery Hoop Earrings

2011-04-01T14:13:00.001-07:00

BetsyBerberian.com is going to fill up with new items for spring. To start off my spring additions, I added these earrings with the cool amethyst bead center. A nice break from the circuit jewelry for me; and I hope for you too!

Bronx Zoo Cobra Found

2011-03-31T10:47:00.000-07:00

To get my daily giggles I check out the Bronx Zoo Cobra on Twitter. The snakes wit is as sharp as her fangs. Read more here: NY Times Article and here: Missing Cobra Joins Twitter-NY Daily News

Thought the fun was was over : Bronx Zoo Cobra Found

Not Over Yet, the Cobra tweets from the Zoo!

Follow the Bronx Zoo Cobra Here

CreativeBreakRoom.com

2011-03-24T13:13:00.000-07:00

New forum, previously known as UEF is up and running!

Circuit Board Pendants = Geek Chic

2011-03-22T21:13:00.000-07:00

A friend who purchased cuff links for their hubby asked me to make something similar for her to wear. I used the same brass bezels with a matching bail and created a circuit pendant for the ladies. Four new pendants will be added to my Violets new Vintage Shop this week. New designs in the pin section coming soon too. I hope you like the new pendant design and will stop by my shop to see more.....I'm working on some in silver too....see you there!

SF Stormy Weather

2011-03-20T01:51:00.000-07:00

Oil lamps are more efficient than candles and create a nice ambiance when the electric lights go out. Some of my lamps came down from the shelf last night just in case the fierce weather knocked out the power. The lights did go out in my neighborhood last night, but only for a minute. The morning turned out sunny and it was great to go out for a walk and see all my neighbors walking their dogs or cleaning up after the storm. More stormy weather is expected this week so the lamps will stay out on the table...I don't mind, they're kind of cute, especially the little chubby ones.

Happy St. Patricks day!

2011-03-16T14:44:00.001-07:00

Everyone is Irish on St. Patricks Day. My great grandmother came to the US from Ireland and I think of her and my grandmother more than usual on this day. If you are in SF , take a break and have an Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista in North Beach.
Here are some travel tips if you want to discover Ireland in person. Last but not least, from the Anglo Celt to the Wicklow People; a long, clickable list of Irish Newspapers

Circuit Key Chains w Guitar

2011-03-13T04:33:00.001-07:00

I added some cool guitar key chains to BetsyBerberian.com last night. I used recycled circuits with gold borders and made them all with sweet little guitar charms.....the guitars have nice detail and match the gold color on the circuits.
Click Here to See More.

Cool White Opal Earrings

2011-03-05T03:39:00.001-08:00

I made these cool earrings from white opals I recycled from a vintage brooch. I used wonderful brass findings I had stashed away and then added the tiny opal beads. These opal earrings are one of a kind and available on BetsyBerberian.com. Its so enjoyable to show and sell my jewelry in a calm and quiet place.....ahh relaxing. No flash, just my work. I'm adding new items daily! Be sure to stop by and visit.

Vote for Artfire!

2011-02-28T08:58:00.001-08:00

CLICK HERE NOW to vote for your favorite Online Handmade Marketplace. I'm betting Artfire will win....they have the tools that keep sellers happy and shoppers don't have to 'sign up' and join before they can buy!

New Circuit Tie Tacks

2011-02-24T20:07:00.000-08:00

New items for the guys added today....Circuit Board Tie Tacks. Cool gold lines on a dark green back ground. Will be adding an old fave too..new clocks coming soon....better than the old designs!

Make Your Own T-Shirt Rug

2011-02-20T10:24:00.000-08:00

With all the how-to articles out there, its hard to find one that just gets to the point...Well, I found a great one with lots of to the point details and great photos!
Click Here to Check out this tutorial from
Exoelle!
Happy Hooking!

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T10:53:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to wish all my readers a happy Valentines Day! Couldn't resist the posting the old photo of Black Heart Earrings...for anyone who doesn't like Valentines Day.. lol enjoy

The Coolest Cat Bed

2011-02-09T09:29:00.001-08:00

This cat bed is a work of art and wins this weeks Geek Chic Prize! It is made from a recycled computer monitor and was created by ALPINEBUTTERFLY, who has a shop on Etsy. The bed is hand painted with high quality acrylic paints. The artist says 'I use high quality acrylic paints, and bamboo stuffing in all of my projects. I'm constantly trying to update my art, and insure I'm reducing, re-using and recycling everything I can ... as well as only purchasing quality low/no impact products.' The artist also makes cool pillows! CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE FROM ALPINE BUTTERFLY.

Chinese New Year

2011-02-04T10:24:00.000-08:00

The Year of the Tiger (my year) is officially over. It is now the Year of the Rabbit.
San Francisco will celebrate Chinese New Year with the annual Chinese New Year Parade on Saturday, February 19, 2011
5:30pm-8pm.

<----Yep, that's me in my tiger suit and Coach purse. I found the purse at Thrift Town for $5.99. Gotta love Thrift Town; two stories filled with first class second hand items; clothing, housewares,toys etc.

Circuit Board Tie Tack NEW

2011-02-01T17:26:00.000-08:00

This circuit board tie tack looks large in the picture; its just 1/2" square and mounted on a brass bezel. A preview of new jewelry for men I'll be adding to my Artfire shop this week!

Odd Blog Feature

2011-01-30T11:33:00.000-08:00

'Celebrate the Odd' is a blog that "wants to share all that is strange, weird, nerdy, naughty, gross, offensive and questionable that the handmade website has to offer" . The author contacted me at my Artfire shop to ask permission to post pictures of my work and do a little blurb about it. She is a fast worker and a few days later she let me know about the post. Her blog is a mix of short reviews on the work of Artfire and Etsy artisans. Check it out!

Jewelry Supply.com

2011-01-29T13:49:00.000-08:00

JewelrySupply.com is my 'go to' place when supplies are needed. I can count on them when I need fast service. They are California based and shipping is super fast. The on line catalog offers wonderful selections. The best part? No surprises.....I always get exactly what I ordered.....never any back order notices or wrong sizes or colors in my shipments. Looking for a new supplier? Check them out!

TechRepublic Geekend

2011-01-28T12:49:00.000-08:00

TechRepublic wants to know; What geeky items are on your 'bucket list'?.
For those Geekend TechRepublic readers who have bucket lists, this article by Nicole Bremer Nash offers some geeky suggestions to add to your life to-do list. Some items are fantastical dreams, while others are ideas that you want to do some day but haven’t made time to do. Check it out on TechRepublic and take your geekiness to the next level! See a TechRepublic article featuring Violets new Vintage here.

The Randall Museum-Cool Place for Kids

2011-01-27T12:35:00.000-08:00

An old picture of me when I worked at the Randall Museum as a Live Animal Exhibit Manager. The owl is a Saw Whet Owl and we had so many friendly arguments about his name, that I don't remember what we decided on! (Weecha?) The Randall Museum is a Natural History Museum located in San Francisco...(on Twin Peaks with a great view.) One of the best places in S.F. to take your kids for classes, theater, and to get up close and personal with some California native animals.

Circuit Board Money Clips back in stock

2011-01-26T14:29:00.000-08:00

Circuit Board Money Clips are back in stock. I have new money clips made and ready to ship out for the peeps who've been waiting. I have 7 in this wonderful and popular pattern. More new patterns will arrive in my Etsy and Artfire shops over the weekend! The cool thing about these clips is that you can engrave them if you choose.. Solid brass with a nice patina.

Bay Area Glass Institute

2011-01-25T11:18:00.000-08:00

My friend Mark Murai works at Bay Area Glass Institute. He created these purple pitchers. I have a fancy green pitcher he gave me, and I love it. Click the link above to visit and be sure to browse their photo albums.You will see amazing glass creations; including one a spectacular woven glass birds nest!
See more amazing glass work here.

Sid Vicious

2011-01-24T14:55:00.000-08:00

If you think this fluffy face is the Cats Meow, check out their Facebook page and give it a quick 'like'. He is the new poster boy for Tonis Kitty Rescue . His name is Sid and yes, it was Sid Vicious, now he's just Sid. He is still under his true fighting weight of 2 lbs. As soon as he is out of training you will find him at the SFSPCA looking for love. Go give them a thumbs up and a holler.

Made in Detroit

2011-01-23T13:27:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a great read check out 'Made in Detroit' by Paul Clemens. It's hard to put it down and begins with a gun toting car chase. Made in Detroit is Clemens first book. His new one is titled Punching Out.

Brave Owl, Scared Pooch

2011-01-22T21:20:00.000-08:00

This poor pooch was almost dinner! Chico, the unsuspecting chihuahua, was enjoying his evening walk. Suddenly, a Great Horned Owl swoops down and tries to fly off with him. The hungry owl just grabs the pooch and ignores the human.The dogs' owner, George Kalomiris, holds the leash tight and a struggle ensues. Read the entire story here on Michele Hills Eurodogtraining Blog

Also 'Dogs Jacket Saves Him'

Michael Moore has Gone Buggy

2011-01-21T10:48:00.000-08:00

I Found this while browsing Etsy. Michael Moore, the artist has a new shop on Etsy called MM STUDIOS . He says "My current obsession is the look and feel of smooth black ink pouring from a pen, forming crisp but flowing lines across paper.... Continue reading more about MM Studios HERE

Yes it is Shipped

2011-01-20T14:16:00.001-08:00

Yes, as of today all orders have been shipped. Check PayPal for your tracking number. Thanks!

I'M IN RAGS

2011-01-20T11:02:00.000-08:00

I'll soon be showing/selling my jewelry at RAG. (Residents Apparel Gallery), located in San Francisco. RAG has proudly showcased local artists and their work since December 6 2002. This record makes Residents Apparel Gallery one of San Francisco's oldest established clothing cooperative and gallery. Designers and artists are able to rent rack/shelf space, consign their wares and work at this space to test new designs, gain visibility (through hung biography and signage) and build a clientele. Can't wait to get started there in February!