Absolutely Austen Lockets

This will be a swap for a Jane Austen-style locket that we will either make or can buy. I'm making mine. We will be making or purchasing a locket and it must be ready-to-wear (on a chain or a pin or can be a bracelet or a charm on a bracelet). You can send vintage or thrifted as long as it looks good. The value of the item if you were to sell it at a craft fair should be at least $10.

It should look like something Jane might wear if she could shop today. Not too modern, though it can have a touch of irony about it, as we know Jane was frequently ironic.

Also, we are going to be placing a picture of one of Jane Austen's characters inside it. This can be a miniature you draw or paint, or it can be an image cut out from a book or magazine that you say looks like the character. The image should definitely look period, not a modern person. Should not be a photo. It can be a portrait of Jane if you want. You can sometimes put two of them in a locket, if you like. Don't glue it in too hard because your partner will probably admire it, and then may decide to replace it with her own beau.

It is sender's choice. If you have an allergy to any metals I suggest you pass this one up because lockets in this price range are going to probably be costume-grade jewelry. That being said, make something pretty that you'd like to get and wear yourself, of course. Of course no flaking..no late sending. Do not join if you feel you cannot accomplish in the time frame. I can tell you my Michaels' has beautiful period-looking lockets for a couple of bucks. And postage shouldn't be too bad, either.

Include a short or long letter on nice stationery from the character to their love interest with the package, something along the lines of what they would say if they gave them the locket. So for instance, it might be a locket with a picture of Mr. Darby with a letter to Elizabeth explaining his fond affections etc!

When we are rating, we are not to be overly critical about "this isn't the correct period from that novel" or that type of thing. Just try to ensure it looks vintagey/old-timey. It should be fun and everyone should get an attractive piece of wearable jewelry and a letter. We aren't all antique experts, so let's keep our expectations of our partner's efforts at a reasonable level. But don't send junk.

Doesn't it sound like fun? Let me know if you have any questions or need help with how to do this!