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Creative Sanctuary

maximalism

Wearing Stories

June 17, 2018 By Allison

bangle bracelet collectionEvery day, I wear stories.  The stack of bracelets on my left arm reminds me of dear people, travels, and great deals scored in local antique shops.  Side-by-side, the bangles, beads, cuffs, metal, and leather hold meaningful moments that span decades—my visit to the Leather School in Florence, a sterling silver bangle that Dad brought back from Ireland, two sweet bracelets made of glass beads from Mali.

I mix color and texture, vintage and contemporary.  Bracelets offer too much possibility for a minimalist aesthetic, so I give into my maximalist tendencies.  More is more–shine, glimmer, clink and contrast!  We are ever-changing works of art, and our jewels reflect our evolution.  My arm decoration changes by day, marking moods, seasons, and the sweet passage of time.

Filed Under: Antiquing, Arts, Explore, Finds, Ideas, Improvise, Inspiration, Stories, Travel, Travels, Uncategorized, Vintage Tagged With: African beads, art, bangles, beads, bracelets, cuffs, diy, fashion, flea market finds, Florence, Ireland, jewels, Leather School, Mali, maximalism, trade beads, trend, vintage

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Thank you for dropping by Creative Sanctuary! I am a French professor in Kentucky, grew up in Iowa, and I often travel internationally. This blog gathers, documents, and connects my passions--travel, cooking, stories, France, and tea culture. Bonne lecture! --Allison Connolly

My Book, Published by Roman & Littlefield

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