To Build a Head Dress

I just wanted to share a little of the process I use to build the Elf Queen Warrior, head dress. I use Silver Metal Clay and roll out snakes to create the shape. I create this shape flat.
This piece goes into the kiln at 1650 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 hours. When it comes out I carefully bend it into the head shape. And hammer a bit to work harden it.
Next I'll show you how I add the horns.

Marie's Shoes: little change

I've sent off my first pair of Marie's Shoes. And in getting them ready to go I discovered a little design flaw. The shoes wouldn't stay on the "feet" unless they were touching the ground. This really would have limited the posing that could have been used for the shoes. So I did a little redesign and added a strap across the back of the shoe. I really love how it looks.
The strap is satin with Freshwater pearl embellishment and button closure. I think it looks really cute and period accurate to boot.
I'm sure that if I had a doll I would have caught this problem a long time ago. But because I've never "played" with my shoes I didn't bump into this issue until I was photographing the shoes with the "feet" in them. So all I can say is; I obviously need a doll...Right?

Goes to Show, You Never Know

I love silver. Not as an alternative fine metal, but for itself, I love silver. So when I design I always gravitate towards silver. I made my original Elf Queen Antlers in, what else, silver. And I love them. But... someone ordered a set of antlers in bronze and when I got them from the casters I was shocked to find that I am torn between my beautiful silver pair and these new bronze ones.
The bronze is so beautiful. They look so natural and timeless. I really didn't think I would be so blown away, but I am. And it just goes to show you, you have to be open to new materials and techniques as an artist, or you could be missing out.

I'm actually a lot farther along on the bronze antler headpiece, but I wanted to share the pleasant shock and awe I experienced working with bronze. I'll share more pictures soon.

So Very Anthropologie

As you know I have a love, bordering on obsession, of Anthropologie. I refer to all Anthropologie stores as the "Mother Ship" that's how obsessed I am. That said, the story can begin...My honey (I mean very manly man) found a fire engine red dresser outside our house a few nights ago, brought it in the garage, and set to work. Finally he called me into the garage to ask what I thought and I was blown away.

How Anthropologie is this dresser?

We went to the 3rd Street Promenade "Mother Ship" and got two amazing knobs for it. Can you guess which ones they are? The rest of the knobs we got at Home Depot at a much more down to earth price.

I still smile every time I look at it. It's so wonderfully urban shabby.

Surprises From Across the Sea!

I got home this afternoon to the most exquisite surprise. A rather large box from Paris on my doorstep. What could it be? Well it was a box full of the loveliest Enchanted Doll Gifties I have ever seen, from Biscuitbear. This was a wonderful surprise to come home to, it's made my day. Thank you so much.

I've read my beautiful book three times.

I've decided my little acrylic Enchanted dolls are going on my tree this holiday season.

And I'm dreaming of ways to use my lovely Laduree box.

The only problem is, now I want a macaroon but I gave up sugar seven years ago, so no macaroon for me.