I have just listed my 'Chinoiserie Fabric Fish' brooch as a PDF on my Etsy. This is the perfect project to use those tiny little bits of precious fabrics you have been saving for something special! Inspired by a Chinese Baby Hat in my collection, Fish are symbolic for 'Abundance', 'Plenty' and 'Surplus' in China. Wear one of these pins, or place it in your home, and you will surely attract thse traits!
To buy, use Etsy side bar to the right on this blog or Go Here!
There are still a couple of spots left in this class if you are tempted! I'd love to see you!!!
This fanciful fish of layered and embellished brocade was inspired by the traditional Chinese baby hats that Ulla collects, which were worn to ward off evil spirits. Ulla will bring in her extensive collection of beautiful fabrics for you to use. She’ll show you techniques for stiffening the fabrics and for shaping them into a three-dimensional piece. She’ll also teach you some simple yet effective ways of embellishing your auspicious carp in the style of ancient China. Your finished creation can be worn as a brooch or used to adorn a hat, purse, or a pillow.
Fee: $115; includes materials, but feel free to bring your own favorite fabrics, trims, and buttons to use. Please bring a pair of fabric scissors.
Limit: 8 students.
Saturday, August 21, 10:30am–4:30pmPlease call Castle In The Air, at (510) 204-9801 to reserve your spot!
If you are a regular at the Castle, you know John McRae! His talents know no bounds! Although he has not taken my Reliquary class, he decided to create his own version in memoriam to someone very special. The result, above, is truly exceptional!
This summers Reliquary class at the Castle, was a HUGE Success! I just love all of the results. Most of these are large pieces (from 3 to 5 inches) and all of them are Wonderful! BRAVO!!!
Last weeks 'Summer Blooms Class' at the Castle was a huge success! Eight wonderful women joined me in creating a garden full of lovely accessories! Necklaces, hairbands, hat ornaments and brooches all took shape in this day of 'Blooming' creativity. BRAVO!!!
These days it seems everyone is doing multi-media collage jewelry, and I don't often see pieces that I really like. But this piece strikes a chord with me. Perhaps its the roughness of the shells and little doll that speak to me? Or the wonderfully handwoven cord that reminds me of a deep sea creature...? Regardless, I love this necklace and wish it were mine... Available from Needlewoven Studio on Etsy.
The art and jewelry by Japanese born Shinji Nakaba makes me weep with its pure perfection... Using a variety of materials including classic gold, silver and gemstones but also beer cans and plastic water bottles, Shinji's pieces appear to be plucked from an otherworldly garden of delights! Pure Perfection and Total Wonder!!! Be sure and check out his Blog HERE for more wonderful images of his work, his inspiration and his process.
Chateau Sonoma is my absolute favorite shop North of the Bay Area! So I am thrilled to be offering it as a new teaching venue. This past Sunday 8 wonderful women joined me in a 'Reliquary Class' held at the home of Sarah Anderson, owner of Chateau Sonoma. We felt as if we had been transported to Provence, nestled in the dining room of her truly stunning home! Surrounded by French antiques, beautiful views and good company, amazing art was created by all!
Sarah is in the process of creating a 'classroom' at her shop, where I hope to offer many more classes in the near future. Stay tuned for more wonderful classes to take place at Chateau Sonoma HERE! as well as on the sidebar of my blog.
Four Lovely Women joined me on Tuesday to create 'Fairy Chatelaine's'! Little treasures were encased in clay, glittered, shaped and formed into enchanting charms any fairy would be proud to wear! The first one below, was created by one of the students for "a friend who just lost her Mother", filled with personal symbols and meaning... Truly Wonderful Day!!!
Isn't this acorn necklace by Sarah Hood delightful? The perfect thing to wear to a forest ball! Sarah's line uses both organic materials and metals to create master pieces of woodland treasures...
Link via Fold and Fairy!
Has anyone else noticed how wonderful the Jewelry Vera Wang is creating these days? The Queen of wedding dresses has a sure eye for details and romance! I adore her use of tulle, silk and old rhinestones, perfectly designed in classic colors... so inspiring!!!
THANK YOU Marilyn!
'Lovers
Eye' Brooch Workshop
Georgian
‘Lovers Eye’ brooches were created as a way to keep one’s lovers identity a
secret by not revealing the whole face.
In this half day class you will create your own version of these rare
and very sought after pieces of jewelry.
Ulla will introduce a ‘faux soldering’ technique that uses a combination
of beveled watchmakers glass; silvered foil; Apoxy clay; beads and pearls; and
a photo of an eye.
Half
day. 1:00 to 5:00 Limit to 12 students
Tuesday, February 10th
$85.00
Please call the Castle at 510-204-9801
This should be a Fabulously Fun class, hope to see you there!!!
~Virginia Woolf~
"The Victorians kept lockets of hair and miniature portraits painted with ground hair and pigment to secure the memory of a lost love. In much the same way, I secure my memories through photographic images rendered in lines of my own hair, the physical remnants. I do not reproduce events, but quiet minutes, the mundane, the domestic, the ordinary moments."
