Friday 26 April 2013

Wearing Literature on Your Sleeve


I'm very much a person who likes to wear my passions on my sleeve. Or collar. So it was pretty exciting to treat myself to this little beauty from Etsy recently, having had it sitting in my favourites list for quite some time. It's made by a lady called Rio, of LiteraryEmporioum

These also accidentally fell into my virtual basket...


Well this one was for my mum, so I had the perfect excuse! 



For me this is all about using beautiful handmade items to express something I'm really passionate about. And I'm not alone. I got in touch with Cory of Coryograpies and asked her why she chose books as the main theme for her gorgeous handmade jewellery.


"I've always been a big reader, a geeky nerd who likes non-fiction, but I stumbled on making book themed jewellery quite by accident.  I had been making little pieces of sushi out of Fimo for jewellery, and bought some little pieces of wood so I could make a bento box.  I was thinking about what other things I could make out of wood and a bookshelf came to mind!  I ended up finding a niche in the market, as there was no other seller that made necklaces that looked like bookshelves.  Out of their popularity I expanded into books made of Fimo for earrings, rings, etc.  They've always been my most popular items, and I meet so many interesting librarians, authors and bookworms who want to wear something that shows off how important books and reading is to them."




Etsy is full of amazing literary-themed items, and a few more of my favourites are below.

Got Books Book Charm Bracelet Literary Themed Bookish Jewelry
From here
Literary Origami Rose Flower Post Earrings
From here

The Great Gatsby Jewelry, Literary Cuff Bracelet, Great Gatsby Quote, F. Scott Fitzgerald
From here

Thomas Jefferson Quote on Colonial Style Literary Art Print in China Blue - "I cannot live without books"
From here
Literary Hair Pins - Pride and Prejudice, Mr Darcy and Elizabeth
From here
How about you, do you like to wear your interests on your sleeve?




35 comments:

  1. I love this jewellery. Isn't it such an original idea? And I'm quite envious of your penguin badge. i must pop over there and have a look now.
    Rosie xx

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    1. In the world of handmade goods original ideas are precious - these are so clever, I think. x

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  2. These are beautiful. I once got a miniature teacup bracelet in filigree, from Le Chou Chou. ou can see it here.Y Quite Alice in Wonderland.
    Now I want all kinds of book-related accesories. Ohhh.
    And I love that quote from C.S. Lewis. One of my favorite authors too.

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    1. Oh, that teacup is gorgeous! CS Lewis was a wise man, despite his often over-zealous religious diatribes! Any good friend of Tolkien's has good judgement in my book :) x

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  3. So pleased you like the items :) Thank you for featuring Literary Emporium on your lovely blog!

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  4. I really like the insane quote, mine would read 'more than a little bit'! :) x

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    1. The handwritten note inside did read, 'from your ever so slightly more insane daughter.'! x

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  5. Fantastic! What great finds - I also like this necklace bu the finest imaginary:

    http://www.finestimaginary.com/book-necklace.html

    Claire x

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    1. Such a sweet necklace; I like wooden jewellery. x

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  6. My friend has an Etsy shop that you'd love. It's called the Forgotten Library

    http://www.etsy.com/shop/theforgottenlibrary?ref=search_shop_redirect

    She makes all kind of things out of old books clocks (including Beatrix Potter ones), hair slides, magnets, all kinds of things. She does craft fairs too and her stall always looks amazing. :-)

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    1. I think I've seen some of your friend's lovely makes - but have now added her shop straight to my favourites, thank you for sharing! x

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  7. Beautiful jewellery! What a lovely idea.
    Claire x
    www.daydreamsinthegarden.blogspot.co.uk

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  8. So many beautiful things! I would love that penguin broach, their old books are so lovely, I found a classic orange and white copy of Orwell's 1984 in a charity shop and it has become one of my favourite books I own. I will have a look at the etsy shop, its just so lovely!
    Carrie xxx
    Carrie:Brighton

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    1. I've been talking about 1984 with a colleague lately, she was going to be tested on her knowledge of Orwell as part of a pub quiz so we were swotting up! Your copy sounds beautiful. x

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  9. Brilliant idea. I really love the little flowers made from pages.

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  10. That penguin brooch is fantastic, and I LOVE the bookcase pendants- what a genius idea!! xx

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    1. Each one is individually handmade with a great deal of love and attention! x

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  11. Oh my, what beautiful items! Your brooch is lovely - I feel a lot of things are about to be added to my favourites on Etsy xx

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  12. First off, I think my favorite of these would have to be the charm bracelet! Whoever made that got so creative, they're brilliant.

    Also, to answer your question, yes. In fact, in some cases, I literally wear my interests on my sleeve. I have 6 tattoos - all on my arms. You seem to often quote C.S. Lewis: I have a lamp tattooed on the inside of my left arm with the personal 'mantra' of sorts, "To Guard and To Guide" scripted on the ribbons beneath. The lamp is loosely based on the street-lamp in Narnia.

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    1. Oooh, your tattoos sound amazing! PLEASE can we see photos sometime? Always interested in how people come to choose their tattoo designs. x

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    2. Certainly, I may do a new blog post on them at some point -- complete with photos. I've got a couple which weren't included in my last blog about my tattoos. :)

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    3. Laura and LaLau from Google are the same person -- I keep forgetting to switch it up in the reply as menu...

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  13. oh, such wonderfulness! I particularly love the puffin brooch and book shelf necklace...I feel as though I've found a kindred spirit here reading your blog.someone who is as passionate about wonderful books and craft as I am!!

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    1. Oh boy, am I passionate about books! So lovely to have you here, Mezz :) x

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  14. Just wanted to let you know that I've nominated you for a Versatile Blogger Award over on my blog: thedustyatticblog.blogspot.co.uk
    Anna x

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  15. So many gorgeous items, and I'm so happy some of mine could be featured with them! Thanks for all the lovely finds Anna :)

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    1. Thank you for sharing your words and beautiful items with us! x

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  16. love that J.D Salinger quote xoxo

    http://thepersephonecomplex.blogspot.co.uk/

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  17. I just came across this post, and I love it! Thank you for including my little origami rose earrings! :)

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