ADG Blog – The Research & Writings of ALISON D. GILBERT

FOOD, The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog, Traditional Food

FOOD: My Cultural Heritage

December 30, 2024 No Comments

a menorah — A menorah is the symbol of Hannukah and was found on Google

The writing of this blog post about food: my cultural heritage coincides with and is in honor of Hannukah which happens to be this week December 25, 2024-January 1, 2025. This is where potato latke and donuts come into the picture. But more to come later about the former food cooked in oil as part of the symbolism of this holiday.
 
Mushroom barley soup made with beef short ribs and blue oyster mushrooms ©2024 Alison D. Gilbert
Over the last 50 years until now, a return to my cultural heritage has not been how I would choose to eat. 
HOW I ATE

This is in spite of the fact that ever since I was in my 20s, I have had an interest in my diet for nutritional purposes. In fact, I continue to make changes in my diet more times than I can remember. And now I am feeling a need to change how I eat once again. 
In fact, during the five decades between my twenties and now, my eating habits have done this:

• embraced the season

• adopted the latest ideas for health

• eaten a rotation diet

• included a boiled grain at every meal

• applied the yin and yang tenets of macrobiotics

• juggled the three doshas of Ayurveda

• practiced vegetarianism

• eaten according to my blood type

• and tried many other options. 
TOO MANY CHOICES

Unfortunately, I am one of the people who always has too many choices living in an industrialized country. Often they are not healthy and I suffer the consequences. Or there are just too many choices and I did not know what to do.
Arrowhead Mills Organic pearled barley, Photo ©2024 ADG
Growing up in the United States, I got far away from the food of my culture, my cultural heritage of Eastern Europe. Then again, I rarely had the opportunity to eat that way any way or even knew what that was. 
ASHKENAZI FOOD

It was only on occasion at home or on a trip to my grandparents in Boston that I even would have exposure to Ashkenazi food. How I wish now that I had learned to cook from my Ashkenazi grandmother, Rose Rudnick Gilbert. 
Potato Latke She made the best potato latkes in the world. Mine are tolerable. (For all my fellow Jews, Trader Joes comes in at a far second when all else fails). But I am not even sure of the names or ingredients of the other traditional foods she would make.
Trader Joes Potato Pancakes
And now that I am at the other end of those fifty years that I mentioned, I am needing and wanting to once again introduce a new diet into my eating regimen. For no other reason than it popped into my head after binging on endless, streaming episodes of the Anthony Bordain series, 'No Reservations', I have decided to give tradition and a return to my cultural heritage a try.
Anthony Bordain in a clip from Wikipedia about 'No Reservations' my non-stop, Prime channel streaming inspiration as of late
TRADITION

What is that tradition? Of course, a deeper introduction to my Ashkenazi roots is necessary. For example, I have vague memories of eating foods that were cooked in one pot with lots of water to bring dried grain to life. Also, these are foods that needed lots of time so the meat will fall off the bone or fall apart demonstrating it is ready to eat.
Bones Yes, bones are indeed preferable if not mandatory. These include chicken bones, turkey bones, beef short ribs, and especially marrow bones. In addition, I am reintroducing meats that I partner with hardy vegetables and a delicious, healthy grain. 
Barley Strangely enough my grain of choice is one that I never cared about but love to eat now. That happens to be barley. Made with broth, it is especially delicious with just the right amount of chewiness. Besides barley, I go for the occasional soba noodles or even semolina noodles. But here is one exception. That is, when I make chicken soup, it must have matzoh balls. At first I was shy about what I though would take major effort. But I quickly found out that they are not difficult to make and well worth the effort.
My Heritage, My Food

I know that I am doing something right. Because my stomach has a history of reminding me it exists by being painfully awake now at times experiences sleep, quietly filled with satisfaction. Therefore my return to tradition or the introduction of Ashkenazi food into my almost daily life is proving to be the right thing to do.

Home made corned beef and cabbage served in broth with barley, Photo ©2024 ADG

SOURCES & RESOURCES

Anthony Bordain: No Reservations

Trader Joes Potato Pancake Review

Rose Rudnick Gilbert

Eating According to Your Blood Type

Macrobiotics

The Five Elements Diet

The Ayurvedic Diet

Bulk Pearl Barley

Ashkenazi Food Unrecognized Diversity

Source of short ribs as a source-not necessarily a recommendation

Golds horseradish

Ashkenazi Cholent: Shabbat Overnight Stew

Floater Matzoh Balls

Accessories, Fashion, The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog

The Vintage Flower Pins Identification System

December 28, 2024 No Comments

The Vintage Costume Flower Pins Identification System is composed of five components: A. pin(s) to be identified B. official identification chart (or table), C. flower pin glossaries (one for Division One and another for Division Two pins) D. blank pin identification tags E. boxes or containers for sales and personal inventory tags


THIS ORIGINAL SYSTEM

This original system was designed by me to identify and categorize vintage 'flower power pins' and 'flower pins'. It is intended for use by anyone to identify and categorize these types of pins, specifically. Actually as vintage jewelry, they were all manufactured in approximately the second half of the 20th century.
The Vintage Costume Flower Pin Chart ©2024 designed by Alison D. Gilbert and Illustrated by Phil Jacobs
B. The pin identification system chart sets up the structure for the system providing a visual description. This blog post also includes definitions, descriptions, explanations, and photos (when available). 
C1. GLOSSARY OF FLOWER POWER PINS ©2024

1. ORIGINAL/CLASSIC

2. DERIVATIVE

3. EMBELLISHED

4. POP ART

5. 3D/GLOBAL

6. MULTI-FLOWER
IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM: DIVISION ONE

Early #1 original one daisy petal layer flower pins

Two examples of #2 Derivative pins
THE PURPOSE OF THE CHART AND GLOSSARY

This chart and glossary clearly provide a universal language for anyone interested in identifying and categorizing 'flower power pins' and 'flower pins'. 
This includes pins designed in roughly the second half of the 20th century. One simply needs to look at the above chart and glossary to identify a flower power pin. This is indeed extraordinary and long over due.
A collection of six #3 embellished flower power pins
NO PREVIOUS DOCUMENTATION

Previously there was no existing, consistent written documentation until now for the entire genre of these wonderful collectibles (flower power pins). 
As a result for the first time in history, this system can at long last provide a universal language for just about every (vintage costume jewelry) 'flower pin' ever made. I hope that this is a great relief and huge help to those who love these pins as much as I do. 
CONSISTENT FORM OF IDENTIFICATION

In providing this system for admirers, collectors, and sellers alike, a consistent form of identifying flower pins for the entire genre of vintage costume flower pins is now available. 
In other words, the results of my extensive research has resulted in a system to identify and classify (just about any) vintage costume flower pin made around the second half of the 20th century. This is how my system works.
 
A #5 3D pin from Southwest Picks from ebay
HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS

First of all, the structure of this system consists of two divisions. Then there are Subdivisions A through Z under the DIVISION TWO pins. Then there are also six categories in DIVISION TWO. 
To summarize in verbal terms, there are two divisions of vintage costume flower pins created primarily around the second half of the 20th century, i.e. DIVISION ONE (anonymous) and DIVISION TWO (identified). Within the Division One subdivision, there are six categories. Refer to the chart at the top of this post for clarification.
A #6 lavender multi flower pin available on etsy
MOVING ON

The two divisions provide a contextual umbrella for the entire genre of 'flower power pins' and 'flower pins' that were manufactured during approximately the second half of the 20th century. Although no one has yet been able to identify where Division One pins came from or who made the, there is much more information about the Division Two Pins.

So after a brief introduction, we will now delve into Division Two Pins. 
 
DIVISION TWO FLOWER PINS

Within the Division Two categories, there are so many possibilities. In fact, they actually fit into a total of 26 subdivisions of A through Z, each one for the possible name of a designer and/or company).
C2.GLOSSARY OF FLOWER PINS ©2024

1. OTHER MATERIAL

2. DERIVATIVE

3. EMBELLISHED

4. POP ART

5. 3D/GLOBAL

6. MULTI-FLOWER
CATEGORIES

After alphabetizing, similar categories to DIVISION ONE can then be applied that further identify the DIVISION TWO pins as well. The only exception is Category #1. That is because it differs in each division. 
Specifically, in DIVISION ONE, #1 represents the original basic single layer daisy petal pin. In DIVISION TWO, #1 represents other material besides metal as the flower base like the Hattie Carnegie Dynel pins.
Dynel is a synthetic material that had a brief life used for a number of items some wearable and some not. But for some reason, Hattie decided to use this material in her pin designs. They must have been very popular because the ones that survive today command a fortune for costume jewelry.
 
Magnificent identified Lis Palacios embellished flower pin.
DIVISION TWO EXAMPLE

Keep in mind that any pin that can be identified by a brand, symbol, initials, or other means of signature belongs in DIVISION TWO. Here is an example of such a pin and the coding that identifies it. D2/Palacios/#1, #3-Gold/brown
In other words, it is a D2 or Division Two, the designer is Liz Palacios, the categories from the Division Two glossary are #1 other material(s), and #3 embellished. Lastly the pin is gold and brown.
JEWELRY IDENTIFICATION MARKS

Finally here are some marks that actually identify the pins right on the back of them. Therefore they are all Division Two. 
A Liz Palacios of San Francisco mark that might appear on a  brooch like the one above.

A variety of Hattie Carnegie marks which identify her as the manufacturer and may also date the jewelry
 
 
 
 
 
The pin identification tag for all your pin information ©2024
 D. THE PIN IDENTIFICATION TAG Here is something special to help keep track of all your pin inventory. 
It is a pin identification tag that I am including as part of this system to add extra help in the organizational process. 
In fact, the pin identification tag provides a handy way to keep track of all the necessary information either for sale purposes or your own collection inventory. You can 'screen grab' it, download, and print it out.
 
 
a suggested pin tag box available on Amazon
 E. A PIN IDENTIFICATION BOX For keeping track of sales and inventory, I would organize pin identification tags like cards in a recipe box. This idea comes from my days as a cook. 
Actually, it was a great way to organize and keep track of recipes. In this case, I would use separate boxes for each purpose. 
Specifically for you own inventory, I would have UP TO 26 dividers (one for each letter of the alphabet). For keeping track of sales, I hope you can be more creative than I can think of to organize the tags how they work best for you. 
Either way, this is an integral part of the system. Wishing you the best with this novel system. Let me know if you have any questions or comments. Happy collecting!
CREDIT FOR MATERIALSMaterials that I have created are available for use by everyone. Please include the copyright information when printing, i.e. ©2024 designed by Alison D. Gilbert and Illustrated by Phil Jacobs
SOURCES & RESOURCES

Liz Palacios Vintage Costume Jewelry

Vintage Costume Jewelry Designer Marks Examples

Collecting Hattie Carnegie and examples of signature

A box to store and organize pin identification tags

The Use of Dynel

Dynel flower pins



			
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				Hattie Carnegie Dynel Flower Pins
			

							
					December 25, 2024
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1960s HATTIE CARNEGIE Dynel Blue Green Enamel Flower Brooch, Courtesy of "Caressa's Vintage Treasures", eBay ID "vintagetreasures"
Hattie Carnegie Dynel flower pins and earring sets rank amongst the most unique and expensive 'flower pin' costume jewelry in existence.
Although the vast majority of her jewelry is made from metal and even semi-precious stones, the limited Dynel pieces are particularly fascinating and desirable to me. 
Therefore this blog post focuses on the Dynel pieces exclusively. Blog posts featuring her metal and stone jewelry are separate and written at another time.
Why Hattie Used Dynel So far, I have not found any documentation explaining why her company introduced this particular material. No other jewelry company did to my knowledge. In addition, there is no other accessories company that used Dynel in their jewelry designs. But it was used for other purposes explained below.
WHAT IS DYNEL?

"Dynel is a trademarked synthetic fiber made from vinyl chloride and acrylonitrile. 
Properties: "Dynel is known for being resistant to burning, abrasion, and chemicals. It's also strong, dries quickly, and is easily dyed.

Uses: "Dynel was used in many applications, which are listed below.

Textiles: "Dynel was used to make knitted and woven fabrics for clothing and home furnishings.

Wigs and fake fur: "Dynel was used to make wigs, doll hair, and fake fur.

Marine applications: "Dynel was used in fiber reinforced plastic composite materials, especially for marine applications.
HISTORY OF DYNEL

"Dynel was first introduced in 1951 by the Union Carbide corporation. Its production has since been discontinued." Google
Hattie Carnegie's history is fascinating. First of all, she was born Henrietta Kanengeiser in Austria. After she arrived in the United States, she went into business in her 20s. She consequently adopted the name Carnegie as a homage to the wealthiest man in the US. The name 'Hattie' stuck as her nickname when she worked in the hat department at Macy's. Eventually the young Henrietta Kanengeiser who emigrated to the United States around 1900 became the very successful business woman, Hattie Carnegie some decades later.
SOURCES AND RESOURCES

This link, Hattie Carnegie History, connects to Exquisite Vintage Jewels. Her biography can be found there. The foundation of this post can be found on this Google link. More about Dynel can be found on this Wikipedia link. 
			


			
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				An Elvis Presley Psychological Profile
			

							
					November 29, 2024
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				Return of the King, The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley, a Netflix documentary.
Why would anyone be curious about an Elvis Presley psychological profile? He was without a doubt one of the most talented singers of our time (with a voice compared to Mario Lanza) as well as a phenomenal performer both on screen and in person. Also, let's not forget his 'god-like' appearance as one fan remembers.

Elvis Presley's PINK CADILLAC Parked in front of GRACELAND Photo from studio 784 on etsy
In addition, he earned more money than the greatest movie stars of our time including actors like Steve McQueen, Gregory Peck and even Cary Grant. 
On the surface, he seemed to have everything. His posthumous wealth was staggering, said to be in the hundreds of millions.
Elvis in light blue costume with a gold lined cape, photo on Pinterest
 
But scratch the glittering surfaces of those pink and purple Cadillacs just the slightest bit to reveal a very different persona. In fact this other part of Elvis comes bursting out at times like a volcano. Besides that, even he admitted to being two entities. One was the public/performer and the other was the real life private person.
For this reason, an Elvis Presley psychological profile begs to be drawn even if informally after watching the following films and documentaries:
• Return of the King, The Fall and Rise of Elvis (a documentary) 2024

• Loving Elvis (a documentary) 2023

• The Evils Surrounding Elvis (2023) FULL DOCUMENTARY

• Elvis Presley (a movie starring Austin Butler as Elvis and Tom Hanks as Colonel Parker) 2022
Loving Elvis, a Prime video 2023
A Lay Person's Diagnosis My unofficial diagnosis leads to shocking profile results. In fact, he appears to have exhibited classic bipolar (or manic depressive) behavior with following components:

• extreme sexual and hyper physical activity

• excessive spending

• drugs and alcohol abuse

• bouts of depression and loneliness

• sudden bursts of anger, even fits of violence
What should have been or could have been a dream life, becomes a nightmare. It included so many issues, both mental and physical as detailed in this documentary.

These included his need to control the women in his life as well as having more than one woman at a time in his life. He could not be monogamous with any woman, not even his wife, he admitted.

Also in later years, he could not be left alone. Someone always was supposed to be awake to watch over him when he was supposed to be asleep. Ultimately the schedule of everyone who worked for him revolved around his. This meant sleeping when he slept, awake when he was awake and ready to work any time day or night that he chose. 
Those closest to him had to deal with his overdoses and numerous serious increasing health problems. All in all, his story's conclusion was not a happy one. As one historian said, if only his life could have ended on a happy note like how Elvis felt at the end of the 1968 TV Comeback  Special. His performance was magnificent. In addition, he was truly himself and he really felt free. 
But unfortunately, this euphoria did not last. He continued to suffer under the manipulative thumb of Colonel Parker. Specifically Parker demanding Elvis perform live endlessly for five years in Las Vegas. Some of his close friends known as the Memphis Mafia believed he could over come negative affects from the demanding schedule imposed by his manager. 
But some knew that this was killing him. Actually, Elvis did die on August 16, 1977 at only 42 years old. In spite of what some wished, his physicality was not immortal. But his memory truly does live on.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES AND RESOURCES

Elvis Presley's Granddaughter, Riley Keough Confirms The Shocking Truth

Elvis’ Last Love Ginger Alden Shares Memories Of The King Of Rock ‘n’ Roll | Loose Women

Never Seen Before Footage Of Elvis Presley! (On his last days alive)


			

			
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				Miriam Haskell Jewellery
			

							
					November 21, 2024
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Miriam Haskell photo from Morning Glory

"Miriam Haskell jewellery is some of the most prized and beautiful costume jewellery from the 20th century.  
"The intricate designs coupled with their novel colours and materials have made Haskell jewellery hugely coveted by collectors, with the most elaborate pieces fetching many hundreds of pounds". 
This would be dollars on the US market where her jewelry did and does sell today.
 
Geometry This very unique multi color glass geometric shaped brooch below is one of my favorites. So much of Miriam Hess jewelry was floral in nature. 
It is refreshing to see a geometric shaped piece for a change. This multi color glass brooch is very hard to find. 
Multi color glass flowers/leaves brooch

HISTORY

"Miriam began her fashion career in New York city working as a milliner but pivoted to jewellery in 1926 when she opened her first shop, named Le Bijou de l'Heure. 
"Haskell was a very private lady and not a lot of information is known about her personal life, however she was recognized as an elegantly dressed lady with style and a keen business sense.  
"Her eponymous jewellery line swiftly gained recognition for its handmade, top-quality pieces.  The scrupulous attention to detail and beauty of the jewellery quickly won fans among Hollywood stars and the most stylish ladies of the era."  
MIRIAM HASKELL'S ROLE IN THE COMPANY

"It isn’t known if Miriam herself ever designed any of the pieces sold by the Haskell company.  Although she was very involved in the day to day operations of her business, one of her most crucial decisions was to have hired a jewellery designer, former Macy’s window dresser, Frank Hess.  Frank was with the company for decades and helped to develop the Haskell signature style.
Miriam Haskell glass flower beads/leaves brooch
"Over the 1930s the Haskell business was expanded until it occupied multiple shops and had headquarters on the famed Fifth Avenue.  Haskell jewellery was also sold in the most exclusive department stores in America with pieces available in Europe at top end shops like Harvey Nichols in London, UK.
"Sadly, Miriam became ill in the 1940s and eventually sold her company to her brother in 1951, although Frank Hess stayed on and held a central role for many years.  Miriam eventually passed away in 1981."[1]
 
Longevity Miriam Haskell Jewellery preceded, coexisted with, and continued after flower power brooches were all the rage. Although in a higher price range, they are equal to the glamorous flower power pins and flower pins.
MIRIAM HASKELL Hess natural & dyed wooden acorn beads pin
 MIRIAM HASKELL Hess natural and dyed wooden beads and florets pin in red, green and blue, 3". 
It has wood grained acorns topped by woven multi-colored bead caps and stars on the pin top, wonderful workmanship and a great combination for this brooch. 
A Frank Hess for Miriam Haskell piece of jewelry, it is unsigned as was typical for this era, circa 1940, and in excellent condition. 
Miriam Haskell Designers[2]

Frank Hess (1926 - 1960):

When collectors think of Miriam Haskell they immediately think of Frank Hess.  He was with Haskell virtually from the beginning and stayed until 1960.  He was responsible for the Signature Look which involved heavily beaded, intricate designs.  He loved to layer pieces and didn’t leave any visible metal structure.  His pieces were often asymmetric.
Robert Clark (1958-1968):

Robert was an artist prior to being employed by Frank Hess and worked as his assistant until becoming head designer when Frank left the company.  Robert favoured three-dimension structured pieces which tended toward symmetry.  He liked using large bold beads and would bend wires and filigrees to add height.  He often employed solder rather than the sole use of wires as had been done previously.  Robert left Miriam Haskell in the late 1960s to form the de Lillo company with William de Lillo.
Peter Raines (1968 - 1970):

Peter Raines was head designer between Robert Clark and Lawrence Vrba. He preferred a simpler, less intricate style.
Larry Vrba (1970 – 1978):

Larry Vrba became head designer in 1970 and stayed until 1978.  Vrba greatly admired the Haskell pieces of the past and used them for inspiration in his new designs, but he also had to keep up with changing times.  He is therefore responsible for the introduction of designs which wouldn’t readily be identified as Haskell, such as all metal pieces.  His most famous line and some of Haskell’s most collectible pieces, come from his Egyptian line which is packed with highly stylized jewellery in blues, reds and golds.
Camille Petronzio (1980 -):

Petronzio was head designer for about twenty years.  She kept an eye on the past and liked to remake archival Haskell pieces with a modern twist.
Vintage Miriam Haskell Necklace & Earrings Set~ Wood/Glass Beads/Gold Tone
This necklace and earring set made of Wood/Glass Beads/Gold Tone is available for sale today on the ebay store Timeless Treasures Vintage Jewelry for $3,500.
 
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION The Miriam Haskell Book


SOURCES AND RESOURCES

[1][2]Miriam Haskell, the jewelry company and the woman

Morning Glory article about Miriam Haskell 1930s-40s

Miriam Haskell Vintage Jewelry

Miriam Haskell Jewelry by Cathy Gordon, etc. on Amazon

Miriam Haskell Jewelry by Cathy Gordon, Sheila Pamfiloff on Google Books

Miriam Haskell Jewelry on Pinterest

Miriam Haskell on commonsearches
			


			
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				VINTAGE COSTUME FLOWER PINS
			

							
					November 20, 2024
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My purpose in writing this flower pins blog post is to introduce my system of documentation and identification to everyone interested in flower pins. In table format below, this charting is called VINTAGE COSTUME FLOWER PINS. 

The Vintage Costume Flower Pin Chart ©2024 designed by Alison D. Gilbert and Illustrated by Phil Jacobs
NO PREVIOUS DOCUMENTATION

Previously there was no existing, consistent written documentation until now for the entire genre of these wonderful collectibles (flower power pins). As a result for the first time in history, this system can at long last provide a universal language for just about every (vintage costume jewelry) 'flower pin' ever made.
CONSISTENT FORM OF IDENTIFICATION

In providing this system for admirers, collectors, and sellers alike, a consistent form of identifying flower pins for the entire genre of vintage costume flower pins is now available. 
In other words, the results of my extensive research has resulted in a system to identify and classify (just about every) vintage costume flower pin ever made. This following explains how my system works.
HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS

The structure of this system consists of two divisions, as well as 6 + 4 (and more) categories. In addition this post includes definitions, descriptions, and photos where available. The table above charts the structure of this system to provide a visual description.
BRIEF SYSTEM SUMMARY

To summarize in verbal terms, there are two divisions of vintage costume flower pins created primarily around the second half of the 20th century, i.e. DIVISION ONE (anonymous) and DIVISION TWO (identified). Within the Division One categories, there are six categories and many more possibilities within the Division Two categories. 
DIVISIONS

Two divisions provide a contextual umbrella for the entire topic of 'flower pins'. But only DIVISION ONE pins make up the SIX CATEGORIES of anonymous 'flower power pins'. They are:

from Southwest Picks on ebay
A. FLOWER POWER PINS-The six categories of 'flower power pins' defined and categorized below.
FLOWER POWER PINS Anonymous flower pins made of molded metal decorated in bright enamel colors made primarily in the 1960s and 1970s.

1. Original/classic

2. Derivative/

3. Embellished

4. POP Art

5. 3D/global

6. Multi-flower
DESCRIPTIONS AND PHOTOS OF EACH CATEGORY
1. Original/classic-one and two layer daisy flower petals pins with same material center with or without stem


2. Derivatives-amorphous metal petal/layers pins

Single layer derivative flower pins

A collection of six polka dot derivative pins
3. Embellished-several metal daisy layer pins with another shape layer and a center of another material or color

A collection of 6 embellished flower  pins

4. POP Art-amorphous shape pins

No samples available at this time.
5. 3D Three Dimensional/Global

This is a 3 dimensional Orange Flower Brooch pin

6. Multi-flower Flower pin

A multi flower power pin available on etsy

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
B. FLOWER PINS OR BROOCHES-Identified/signed flower pins made primarily of metal, enamel paint, rhinestones or Swarovski crystals, and synthetic fiber. 
1. Samples from the Collections of Lenora Dame.

A collection of early Lenora Dame flower pins.

Flower Pins or Brooches-Identified/designer flower pins made of metal, enamel paint, and rhinestone or Swarofski crystals stones. 
2. Samples from the Collections of Liz Palacios

A group of three magnificent Liz Palacios brooches.

More Flower Pins or Brooches-Identified/designer flower pins made of metal, wood, or Dynel (a synthetic material), enamel paint or dye, and even rhinestone.
3. Miriam Haskell
MIRIAM HASKELL Hess natural & dyed wooden bead acorns pin.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
4. Hattie Carnegie (Examples are not available at this time).
5. Many Other Jewelers
TO SUM THINGS UP

There are two major divisions of flower pins. Division One include six flower power pin categories listed immediately below.

A. Anonymous-flower power pins

1. Original/classic

2. Derivative

3. Embellished

4. POP Art

5. 3D

6. Multi-flower 
There is an limitless number of flower pins/jewelers who are listed below that.
B. Identified/signed-flower pins or brooches

1. Lenora Dame

2. Liz Palacios

3. Miriam Haskell

4. Many Other Jewelers
SOURCES AND RESOURCES

Not A Flower Power Pin

Swarovski Crystals

Flower Pin Creation

Hattie Carnegie Pins


			


			
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				Beyond Flower Power Pins
			

							
					November 12, 2024
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This Lenora Dame brooch and the Liz Palacios brooch look a lot like each other. Owned by author.

At this point, we can only go forward beyond flower power pins. If a pin design is marked and identifiable, it qualifies as beyond a flower power pin. Past blog posts have identified them. For example the Lenora Dame Studio, early brooch qualifies as such. 

And now I have discovered Liz Palacios of San Francisco and pins that also qualify. They are below.
This is a sample of a Liz Palacios pin. It looks very similar to both a Flower Power Pin and the Lenora Dame pin below. Owned by author.
This is the first pin by Liz Palacios I found that is similar to a flower power pin. In fact, it does look very much like an early Lenora Dame brooch.
Similarities and Differences These two magnificent brooches have both strong similarities and some differences. Both are similar to flower power pins with their daisy pattern. They are decorated in lustrous bright colors with a jewel center.
The former has three layers of petals. The latter has two. There are no holes in the Palacios petals. But there are in the Lenora Dame first layer of petals. In fact these two magnificent brooches are similar enough to be mistaken as designed by the same artist. But they are not!
More Identified Flower Pins Here are some additional flower pins by each designer. Actually they are not as similar as the two above. But they are still noteworthy. First is a group of early Lenora Dame pins when they were available on etsy.com are below.

Another rare example of Liz Palacios pins that I found on Jewellery Kaleidoscsope is below. It is probably the most outstanding of all the post flower power pins. It is absolutely magnificent.

A Liz Palacios floral brooch found on Poshmark
A Reminder to Collectors These flower pins are some of the most magnificent I've ever seen. But remember, they are not flower power pins. By definition these brooches have much more latitude in design and construction. This does not mean that there are not flower power pins that are also quite attractive. But they are by definition limited in what they can include.
Sources and Resources

Flower Power Descendants

Lenora Dame Studio

Lenora Dame Studio Website

Lenora Dame Designer Spotlight

Liz Palacios on Hispanic Executive

Liz Palacios on Regencies

Liz Palacios Turquoise Brooch

Liz Palacios Brown and Gold Brooch
			

			
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				Exploring POP Art Flower Power Pins: A Unique Trend
			

							
					November 3, 2024
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There is a unique trend in decorative pins known as POP Art Flower Power Pins. Not only are these rarities far from the original petal layer flower power pin in design and structure. But they are also for the most part priced way beyond any of the Division One flower power pins for casual collectors. I have encountered this type of pin only online and at ten to twenty times the price of most affordable collector flower power pins.

Since these unique pins have only a vague resemblance to their predecessors, they are clearly not close relatives to the original flower power pins. But as a fascinated collector such as myself, I can not exclude them from the mysterious history of flower power pins. In fact they have what seems to be their own name as well as description, POP Art Flower Power Pins.
To me these pins are impressions or expressions of actual flower power pins. In other words, they suggest their predecessors. There are others that do this as well. Here are another two below.
It appears that a second mystery is created here. The fist mystery is the history of the original flower power pins. And now, these avante garde expressions of the original pins are as much of a mystery as their ancestors. Specifically, they are without designer identification, country of origin, or place of manufacture. Actually this does not come as a great surprise since their manufacture date is the 1960s as well.
But I love them and wish their was a way that I could come to possess one of these unique POP art flower pins
Although not the most expensive of these rare treasures, the tuxedo pin is stunning. It is appropriately called 'tuxedo' because it has the glamour and sophistication of a tuxedo outfit. I would gladly accept this pin for this category of POP Art flower power pin.
The only thing is that one can only wonder what merits the extraordinary price of most POP Art Flower Power pins. This brings to mind the following questions. 
Are they in any museums? Not to my knowledge. Are they made of precious metal or semi-precious stones. Again, not to me knowledge. 
Since they are not made of any precious metals or stones, what makes these so costly? I believe that it is their uniqueness and the outright outrageousness of their designs. In other words, it is their POP Art interpretation of a flower power pin that does it.
SOURCES & RESOURCES

Division One Flower Power Pins

			


			
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						Accessories, Fashion, The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog					
				
			
			
				Flower Pin Creation: Structure and Decoration
			

							
					October 5, 2024
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A black and yellow flower pin composed of two petal layers with polka dots on the black petals.
There are two components in flower pin creation. They are, in fact, the flower pin structure itself and then the flower pin decoration afterwards. 
For the purposes of defining the first aspect of flower pins, in other words the structure, there are one layer, two layer first, then three, four, and five petal layers next. The top three are usually embellishment layers without any structural function.

A further refinement of the decoration process is one or a combination of enamel spray, paint brush, polka dots, and embellishment layers. Descriptions of both components, structure and decoration are in this post.
The basic flower power pin found on ebay and etsy is a one petal layer flower with petal spray in one color and the center in another color spray. Then the stem is green and tends to rub off over the years.
STRUCTURE
Primarily the pins are molded steel, not your typical metal for jewelry making. Molded steel is inexpensive and easy to use. During the time period that the pin creation is voluminous and very inexpensive, the molded steel pins are easily cranked out with a simple spray application of enamel paint consisting of one or at most two colors. The giant daisy pins are an outstanding example of this.
Two layer complimenting petal colors of the very popular, giant daisy pin found on ebay
DECORATION
The earliest pins are simple sprayed enamel. But as time goes on and the pins become more decorative and less socio-political, both the structure and decoration become both more complicated and more expensive. In addition there are more layers or the two layers have decoration. 
Polka Dots In fact, polka dots liberally come in to play in flower pin creation. WOW, how popular polka dots are. Actually, polka dots play a major design role in all kinds of fashions.
 A collection of six polka dot decorated pins
Embellishment Layers To top this off, the extra embellishment layers create quite stunning pins. These usually third, fourth, and fifth layers are embellishment layers with no structural purpose at all but plenty of decorative appeal. The addition to base enamel spray are possible wisps of brush strokes, more layers of petals, hole punches in the outer layer and other adornment at the center to finish it off.
 A collection of six, three and four layer embellished flower pins
CONCLUSION
The flower power pin is still both abundant and very popular today. Unfortunately, the major difference is the price. They are no longer socio-political hand outs but pricey collectibles. In fact, I gingerly collect them as I have to save up to purchase them. 
Lenore Dame Metal Flower Brooch in Gold & Violet – One-of-a-Kind
And my newest purchase is what I believe to be a relative to the embellished flower power pin. It is in fact this three layer magnificent pin. You can learn more about these magnificent brooches at these links.


The Lenora Dame Jewelry Studio
Early Lenora Dame Brooches May Be Flower Power Pin Direct Descendants 
 
 


			


			
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						Accessories, Fashion, The ALISON D. GILBERT Blog					
				
			
			
				My Next Flower Pin Purchase
			

							
					October 2, 2024
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An original one layer petal flower power pin
My next flower pin purchase requires that I have a plan to help me decide what I choose before I take any further action related to flower power pins or other similar jewelry. In fact, the best way for me to do this is to take an inventory of my current collection including others pins that I would like in my collection.

In order to do this I am using a system like the Dewey Decimal System. It will allow me to organize both sets of pins. Since there are so many of them in existence, there is no way I could accomplish this task without it. Therefore it can include pins I have and pins I would like to have.
1A. Original one layer flower power earrings without stems and three pins with stems
 Earrings without stems and three one layer original pins with stems 
1B. Diversified one layer flower power pins with stems
The above FPP styles all found on ebay are what I consider diversified not classic FPP.
Actually some of these unusual styles are my favorites. In order to learn more about them, go to this link, Flower Power Jewelry Rocks
2A. Original colorful giant two layer pins with and without stem 
 A collection of two layer giant daisy pins with and without stem from ebay
2B. Diversified two layer pins
Two layer diversified pin with and without stem
3A. Embellished three and four layer flower pins
 Three  and four layer embellished flower power pins
4A. Signed pieces as a transition from three and four layer embellished flower power pins
These three sets of pins transcend flower power pins primarily because they are signed and not anonymous.
5A. More About my possible next flower pin purchase

It takes no more than a quick glance at all the pins above to know which ones I would like to get. Because they have become rather expensive compared to their original prices, I do not know how long it will take to get my next flower pin purchase. None the less these are the ones I would choose:

1B. middle pin

2B. left pin

3A. all three

4A. right pin or another early Lenora Dame Studio pin

5A. two right pins
What will it be? A One-of-a-Kind Lenore Dame Metal Flower Brooch in Gold & Violet


I made my decision and I am counting the days until my pin arrives. It is an early Lenora Dame Studio brooch. In fact, the colors are magnificent. Because of this I wanted it from the very first time I saw a picture of it. At first I thought I had found a very special flower power pin. But I realized it was not because I recognized certain details that are different from the flower power pin. To learn more, go to flower power pins.


			


			
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