Finding My Holy Grail

I am always on the lookout for unique materials and tools that I can use to make equally unique pieces of jewelry.

I want materials that no one else has so that I can make jewelry that no one else is making, and I want those curious, somewhat hard-to-find tools that will help make it possible.

 

I've had an idea that's been percolating in my brain for years, and it requires old piano keys.

For over five years, I've been searching for vintage piano keys and they are not easy to find.

I began to feel like I was searching for my own peculiar holy grail and that I would probably continue searching even after forgetting why I had begun the quest.

 

But then I hit the jackpot.

 

Over the weekend, I entered 'vintage piano keys' on craigslist like I often do, and....

THERE IT WAS!

Someone had a listing for the full set of keys from a 100+ year old piano.

They lived somewhat close by.

They were asking $20.00.

 

The quest was over.

I confirmed that the keys were still available and arranged to meet the seller at 12:30.

I drove over with that quasi-fearful feeling of going to a strange man's house, found on craigslist, but I was determined to have those piano keys.

 

Craigslist guy was perfectly nice, and I now own a set of grungy, vintage piano keys.

They are so dirty and grimy that I can believe they are over 100 years old.

They also have that wonderful patina that can only be earned with age.

Some gentle but vigorous cleaning removes the dirt quite nicely.

 

The project?

I need to do some experimenting and hope that I'll have finished pieces after the holidays.

 

With that search over, I have to focus on my other holy grail quest...

 an anvil.