Pretty Maids All In A Row

When I was a little girl, I love cutting out paper dolls and all their cloths.  Yes, guilty...I played with Barbie and loved it!  Today, I am having just as much fun with these pretty gowns.

They are custom made to match the bride's choice of color for her bridal party.  Each one is added to the card, which the bride invites her choice for Maid or Matron-of-Honor, Bridesmaids, Junior Bridesmaid and Flower Girls.

Doesn't matter what color, I try and come up with some unique gown pattern or design.

Some seem even more for formal than others.

Some seem romantic.

Next, I am designing a new style gown.  I'll show you when I get it done.

All my best,

Valerie 

Making Ribbon Flowers and Trimmings

I recently came across this wonderful book by Helen Gibb titled, "Ribbonwork, The Complete Guide."  It has been around a while, 2004, but has the detail and techniques for creating beautiful flowers that I want to learn for my art projects. 

The book is visually stunning and colorful.

The details of the techniques are graphically laid out well.

 At first, this book seemed intimidating, but after working with it for a while, it really is inspiring!  The price tag was a little shocking too, but this book is substantial in its construction and information.  Well worth the money.

Hopefully, my flower designs and trimmings will turn out as pretty as the ones in the pictures.

All my best,


Valerie

Using Antique and Vintage Jewelry In My Art Work

I have been collecting vintage and antique jewelry my whole life.  Each piece holds a fasination for me.  Who wore this?  Was it a gift from a loved one, or did they buy it for themselves?

The delicate nature of these pieces have lasted over time, and are still useful even in their worn state.   Re-purposing old jewelry into my art adds a vintage and antique deminsion to my work.

Did she feel like royality when she wore this crown pin?

This one is very worn and the patina is great.  The gold tone metal monogram is pitted and scratched.  The wood is still in good condition and adds to the weight of this piece.

This charm bracelet has a history to it.  The charms are delicate and meaningful to the previous owner.  A martini shaker, a chair, a bowling pin, random bits of someones life. 

Did the gentleman that owned this tie clasp use it regularly or just for special occassions?  Because of its petite size, did it belong to a woman?

Was this key representative of true love?  Did it promise that someone holds the key to their heart?

  These little treasures, from the past, will make a fine embellishment to my new art work. 

All my best,

Valerie