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.

Bunnies are Multiplying

I have the most wonderful stack of vintage satin blanket binding in those dusty fifties colors.  I made lots of little bows.

And made little bunny bow ties!  These cards are in the local gallery but if you would like to purchase one let me know.

Spring Fling

Spring is approaching and the clocks have changed.  Another visit to the Smith College Flower Show.  This year's theme was Blue Delft and I really enjoyed the palette and use of fabrics paired with the gorgeous spring blooms.

This was my favorite bloom of the show and I never remember to write these names down but I just love the delicate shape of it.

Now I was inspired to create a Spring Fling garland to celebrate the green season.

The middle section is made from cupcake liners.  Can you believe how many pretty cupcake liners there are to choose from these days?  I don't make cupcakes very often but I confess to collecting colorful cupcake papers whenever I see them!

Happy Spring to You from Loribeth at Maminka Girl Studio!

What did I make today? Tiny Dancers

I am working small.  I always seem to work small when I have stress in my life.  

These little ladies are inspired by Kaari Meng's book Treasure Notions.  

I used bits of vintage lingerie lace and hand dyed crepe paper to create this little dancer.

Just got back from the Caribbean which inspired this little "Island Girl".  Her hat used to be an old vintage earring.  I have been saving for just the right project.

A little princess with a big crown.

Sewing for Myself

I have not done any sewing for myself in ages.   I needed a new dress and this polka-dot fabric was on sale at JoAnn's for cheap so I whipped up a dress and this belt made from scraps of vintage fabrics from the forties and fifties.  I picked up the buckle at the Brimfield Fair last fall.

 

Someone gave me these scraps that had been carefully cut into squares and saved in individual envelopes perhaps for a quilt that never got made?  They are very retro and remind me of necktie fabric.   Very fun to work with.

Pickity Place

I had a delightful day with girl friends at a favorite lunch spot called Pickity Place.  Located in Mason, New Hampshire, this quaint little restaurant is surrounded by beautiful herb gardens now quietly sleeping under a thin snow cover.  Each month the restaurant features a different menu with five courses revolving around locally grown herbs.  I used to live just few miles from this restaurant and would go frequently but had not been in several years.  I was glad to see few changes and the food was as wonderful as ever.  If you ever have the chance to get there, don't miss it.  Especially when the gardens are in bloom.

The house dates back to the 1700's and was used as inspiration for Elizabeth Orton Jones' illustrations of Little Red Riding Hood.  Part of the house is set up with lots of Red Riding Hood memorabilia and of course the Big Bad Wolf disguised as grandmother.  My kids were always fascinated and slightly freaked out by this.  The restaurant has a special lunch served in a picnic basket for little ones.

I've had a mind to make a Red Riding Hood doll ever since one of my fellow artisans brought in a scary wolf sculpture to the gallery.  I had lots of inspiration here.  There are so many versions of the fairy tale.

These guys know where to hang out on a cold winter's day-  right over the radiator!

This is my favorite part of the grounds.  I love this cozy little herb drying shed. 

 

Dessert was especially delicious this month:  White chocolate mousse in a chocolate tart cup with raspberries and kiwi puree.  Yummy!