Last Minute Holiday Projects

I haven't made this in years and it takes me all day (and then some) but it is always worth it in the end.   I hosted the cookie swap with my lady friends this year and  I knew they would appreciate the effort!

This little ornament was made so easily with a small vintage Christmas tree cake tin and an old vintage holiday corsage.  Punch a small hole in the top with a metal punch tool and thread some beads on a wire.  Use a pretty ribbon to hang.  I used E-6000 glue to secure the corsage to the inside of the tin.  I was going to glitter the edges but decided to keep it simple.  These little tins are usually fairly easy to find at yard sales and thrift shops.   Look for them!

Peace on Earth

Coming to America

I have created two sweet ornaments with tiny hand sculpted "Maminka's" of papier mache.  They were hand painted, situated in their little boxes with a background cut of vintage postcards.  The boxes are then covered in vintage papers, sealed with beveled glass and soldered.  They feature a curly hook soldered on and a rayon ribbon.  Dangling from the hook are vintage charms.   I think they make a unique tiny work of art that you can hang on your tree or leave hanging year round!

The only problem is trying to get a good photo of them.  The beveled glass and reflection is a real challenge.

These are both available in my etsy shop!

"Coming to America"

"Village Babushka"

Holiday Lights

My holiday light boxes are lighting up the gallery.   I am in love with the one with the little deer.  I may have to go and take that one for myself!

Thankful

A bit late but I have been out of town visiting with my family.  I did not have Thanksgiving at my home this year due to my mom's illness.  I had set up the decorations in hopes that she could visit but it was not to be.  Even so,  I am thankful that me and both my children got down to Florida to see her along with both sisters and various cousins.  My very favorite holiday reminds me once again to be thankful for what we have in life and try to remember it each day.

Snow Queens

The Walpole Artisan Tour is coming November 23-25th in Walpole, NH.   Here are some new snow queens waiting to meet you!

New Work

Here is my newest work:  a bracelet using my soldering skills and vintage lace.  This was my first foray into etching metal.  It was fun although I may try it with etching solution next time in hopes of a deeper etch.  I used what I had on hand: muriatic acid and hydrogen peroxide.   I like the way this turned out.  When you are wearing it you think it is a watch but get fooled when you try and tell the time!

This is a little charm that I soldered with some snippets of lace and a vintage millinery flower.  It is wired onto etched metal and adorned with hematite beads.

A change of pace and back to soft fiber after working with metal for the last couple of months.  These are made from old felted sweater sleeves, lace and real pumpkin stems.

I couldn't resist making an aqua pumpkin!

Hoot!

We are having an owl themed artist challenge at the Walpole Artisans gallery next month and this is my first owl offering.  I will be making some other "owly" things too.  Stay tuned.

New Jewelry

I have been busy making pendants and fashioning them into unique necklaces.  This is Mr. Blackbird cut from an old engraving in an old book.  I like the look of the black and white engraving with my soldered work that has a heavy patina.  This one is sold.

Another one with botanical engraving.  I made the chain for this necklace from wire and freshwater pearls.  Available at the Walpole Artisans Cooperative.  The reverse side is below.

My newest necklace "The Woodcutter" which features a black and white woodcut type illustration on the front.  The chain is silver chain, vintage beads and embroidered silk and ribbon with old pearl button accents.

The reverse side.  This necklace is available for $85.00. I will put in my shop when I return from vacation but if you are interested, let me know.

Summer Days

I have not been doing too much posting.  This heat really saps me of all motivation.  I thought I would share some pictures of the craft show I did at the Florediem Flower Farm.  It was a beautiful sunny day and HOT just as the daylilies like it!  It has been a while since I have done a show like this and I had forgotten how much work it is to set up, take down etc... But it is also a lot of fun and it was great to spend the day with my fellow Walpole Artisans.

My tent all set up... what a lovely setting!

The dayliles (over 400 varieties!) were at peak bloom.  We spent the evening before deadheading all the plants so that there were no faded blooms at all.  It was amazing the previous evening to see no blooms and then like magic the next morning to see all of this!

These were "the facilities" for the day and this was the sweetest cleanest outhouse I have ever seen!

I made this flower corsage for Leslie Honey who hosted the event.  It is made from hand dyed cheese cloth which I then hand painted to get more variation.  It was supposed to be a daylily but turned out more like a poinsettia!  She wore it proudly all day.  I wish I had gotten a photo of her and her helpers.  They worked like dogs digging daylilies all day long for their customers.   All in all a very wonderful day and we hope to make it an annual event.

Puppy Shower

My good friend Sharyn recently had a new addition to her family and I felt it warranted a party...why not!  It was a beautiful afternoon for a puppy shower.  We had cake and lemonade and Sharyn received little gifts for the guest of honor:  a sweet little girl named Lyla.

Of course my Luna had to check out the gifts.  Goldens always think they are the guest of honor!

Lyla was very well behaved and was totally passed out by the end of her first party.

The humans enjoyed my lemon pound cake and the canines snacked on doggie treats.  A good time was had by all.

Meet Flossie and Grace

It has been a long time since I've posted.  I've been busy getting my Etsy shop back up and running.  Here are a couple of new dolls that I made for actual playing.  Do little girls (or boys) actually play with dolls anymore?  I hope so.  I remember spending the whole day "setting up" all my dolls and accessories on the lawn.  Then my best friend Diane and I would play taking our dolls for walks and  dressing them in little outfits.  I have wonderful memories of our doll playing days.

These dolls are simple with simple removable clothes.  They are made in linen and durable cottons with embroidered faces so they are safe for young children although I think ages 3 and up would be appropriate.  I love their soft hair made from a felted woolen sweater and stitched on by hand.

Grace

Flossie

Now go play with dolls!

Celebrating Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day and a special exhibit at the Walpole Artisans Gallery I have created two one-of-a-kind journals made from recycled fused plastic bags and brown paper bags for the insides.  This is such a fun craft and the fused plastic is very strong!  These would be great to take on vacation or to camp because they can stand a little dampness.

This one reminds me of African mud cloth but it is actually a Target bag layered over a tan shopping bag with stars.

Got carried away and made this little tote to hold them both.

Here is the ad for our Earth Day show.  We have unveiled our new logo which was designed by me!  

Happy Earth Day....Love your Mother!

What did I make today?

Here is my latest soldered piece.  "Birthday Girl" pendant where I used an old image from a vintage cookbook and silk ribbons and beads to enhance the chain.

Spring Dance Pendant

Here is my latest soldering piece made from a vintage chandelier crystal.  This is a learning piece since I am  just a beginner in soldering and have no idea what I am doing with wire wrapping.  Totally learning from books on that one and if anyone could watch me who did know what they are doing, it would be hysterically painful!  I am all thumbs with my pliers but am trying!  I do like the way it turned out even if my loops are a little wonky.

The flip side features old sheet music and german glass glitter.  I used an old rosary for the necklace.  I love those old rosaries.

Homage to Joseph Cornell

I have long been a fan of Joseph Cornell, the self taught assemblage artist and sculptor from the mid twentieth century famous for his "cabinet of curiosities".  My recent foray into soldering has opened up all sorts of possibilities into shadowbox and assemblage art.  Here is my animal friendly "taxidermy" done in an old book that has been hollowed out.  The scene was carefully constructed from paper, wire, wood and stone and then set under glass and soldered.   I really love the effect.