Love vintage-style jewelry but not a fan of mystery boxes? You're not alone—and we’ve got a better option. We created the new Ledbelly Luxe and Lore Vintage Style Jewelry Subscription. It’s an experience designed to bring beauty, choice, and intentionality back to how you shop for jewelry.

No surprises, no waste—just timeless, vintage-style handcrafted pieces you get to choose. There is no mystery in what you receive. You get to decide what you want each month. Spend your monthly budget or save it as store credit for later!

We’re absolutely over the moon to announce that Ledbelly Vintage is now open at the iconic Peanut Butter Warehouse!  Cue the confetti, the happy tears, and all the vintage vibes — this long-held dream of ours has officially come to life in the historic island of Galveston, Texas.
See our before-and-after transformation with more highlights below!

We’ve poured our hearts (and plenty of elbow grease) into bringing this space to life, and we couldn’t be more proud of the makeover. From bare bones to a dreamy destination for vintage lovers, the shop now hums with rustic and roaring twenties charm you’ve come to expect from Ledbelly.

Whether you’re a die-hard collector, a window shopper with a nostalgic soul, or just killing time before your cruise sets sail — Ledbelly Vintage is your must-stop shop. We offer a curated collection of authentic vintage goods, ranging from timeless fashion and accessories to home goods -- plucked from the past to place right into your hands.

And don’t miss our signature handcrafted jewelry — a collection of vintage-inspired pieces made with stained glass and resin, each one a tiny wearable work of art. They shimmer in the sunlight and make perfect keepsakes or gifts.

So with that, we can’t wait to see your faces and help you find something that makes your vintage-loving heart skip a beat.  Come visit, snap a selfie, and tag us @ledbellyvintage 

When you think of stained glass, your mind may conjure up images of grand cathedral windows glowing with sunlight or intricate home decor dangling from someone's kitchen window.  At Ledbelly, we have turned the ancient art of stained glass into delicate, wearable treasures with an all new modern, eco-conscious twist!  

Traditionally, stained glass artists have used lead-based solder to join pieces of glass together. While effective, lead-based solder poses health risks, especially when inhaled as fumes during the soldering process.  The concern is heightened in jewelry since it is often worn close to the skin, and prolonged exposure to lead could have detrimental effects.

Crafting stained glass jewelry with lead-free solder is a precise and skillful art.  Today, we’re excited to share a step-by-step guide to how Ledbelly transforms stained glass designs into safe and stunning creations:

 ​The first step in creating stained glass jewelry is selecting the glass. Jewelry pieces typically use small, colorful shards of glass, often in shapes like teardrops, ovals, or squares. The colors and textures of the glass are what make each piece unique.  At Ledbelly we choose glass with varying levels of opacity, from transparent to frosted to textured.

We use the copper foiling method for some our our pieces.  Each glass piece is meticulously wrapped with copper foil tape along its edges; a process that can leave us feeling cross-eyed at times due to the precision required.  However, copper foiling provides a surface for the solder to adhere to and creates a more delicate look. 

Once the glass pieces are arranged, we use a Weller soldering iron to melt lead-free solder. With the help of flux, the solder is carefully applied to the copper tape or glass edges, securing the pieces together. Soldering demands a steady hand and practice to ensure the solder is applied evenly and cleanly.  This is the most challenging step in the stained glass process and due to the intricate details, each piece is truly unique.  The solder will always have natural curves and or slight imperfections in the solder work adding to its character.  The end result is a piece that is not only sturdy but also gleaming, with the solder lines adding an element of texture and contrast.  

After soldering is complete, the stained glass is carefully cleaned to remove any excess flux or solder residue. It is then polished to enhance its natural shine and fitted with a jump ring for use as a pendant or earring hooks.  A final inspection ensures every detail is in perfect condition before the jewelry is deemed ready to wear.

​We exclusively use lead-free solder in our stained glass jewelry, allowing it to be worn with confidence, knowing it was crafted with care for both the environment and the wearer.  For those seeking a truly unique and meaningful accessory, stained glass jewelry made with lead-free solder is a stunning choice that reflects both creativity and conscience.  Each piece is designed with a modern vintage aesthetic, versatile enough to complement any outfit. Visit our shop on Etsy to explore more!

"Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?" The mirror, instead of complimenting my flawless beauty, simply blinked at me, its surface a confused blur. "Uh, mirror?" I squinted ever so closely, "You're supposed to tell me I'm the fairest!"  The mirror, seemingly fed up with my vanity spoke with a gruff baritone voice.  "Look, lady, I'm just a piece of glass made into a pendant but you have something in your teeth!"

​Introducing our stunning Mirror Necklace, a handcrafted piece that adds a touch of elegance and intrigue to any outfit. This necklace features a beautifully crafted mirror, set within a delicate frame. Whether you're dressing up for a special occasion or adding a unique touch to your everyday look, the Mirror Necklace is sure to make a statement.  And let's be honest, it's also a lifesaver for those quick checks to make sure you don't have any unwanted surprises on your teeth or anywhere around your face!

This delicate pendant features a unique glass mirror that reflects light beautifully, catching the eye with its shimmering surface. The mirror is suspended from a simple yet elegant chain, creating a minimalist yet striking look. The pendant's reflective quality adds a touch of intrigue and mystery, making it a captivating accessory.

The glass is designed using copper foil, soldered in place, and attached to a stainless steel chain. While most glass is soldered with 60% tin and 40% lead, this piece is made with a lead-free alloy. Overall, a beautiful necklace made with love by owner and operator of Ledbelly, Melinda Ledbetter.

The pendant measures 1" in diameter and the chain is 28" in length. The chain is attached to soldered jump rings and a lobster clasp.  And it is made long enough to take a quick look at yourself as needed.  Take a peek behind the scenes or visit us at Etsy to learn more about this versatile, vintage style necklace!

As some of you know, I have been repurposing vintage jewelry for several years but through practice, I found that some pieces are just too delicate or I felt they needed to keep their charm and originality. 

Taking all this into account, I have been spending countless hours, days, and nights thinking about how I could create strong and one of a kind vintage pieces.  If you have been following Ledbelly, you might have seen this deranged transition over time as I am constantly beating my head about what to do next and how.  ​

The love and support from my family and friends.  I am a full-time Director of Personal Finance and everyone's reaction toward working in finance vs. Ledbelly is pronounced.  Everyone knows that I find much joy in designing and making jewelry.  With your guidance, I will continue to take the time and opportunity to do exactly what I love.