ULLABENULLA

Creating Fashion With Meaning...

I posted about installation artist and fashion designer J. Morgan Puett early this year HERE. After closing her Wooster Street store in 1997, and archiving all of its contents, (some in beeswax!) Puett has focused her artistic practice on large-scale collaborative projects that mine her interest in the role of fashion and garments on culture, both historical and contemporary, in efforts that honor labor and “missing links to history.” These photos are from her "Broom Street Store Interiors" and fashions created there. Lovely...!

Deconstructed and Reconstructed Fashions

I find the couture fashions of Marc Le Bihan facinating... They remind me a little of what it might be like to dress in the dark within a rather well stocked large closet. It feels right, but at first glance may not look quite right. But then you look again, and you smile... Wonderful!!!

More Old Pretenders!

I am always excited when I get mail from David and Paul about their Old Pretenders! Attention to detail and shear perfection are the highlights of these wonderful dolls. A exquisite collection of antique white laces and trims were used on this first 14" wooden doll. Notice especially the delicate cut-work on the organdy! She has human hair, and lovely soulful enameled eyes... The 2nd doll has a breathtakingly beautiful dress created of 18th and 19th century fabrics found in England. I especially love the robin's egg blue print with floral brocade... Notice the attention to detail on the stomacher and sleeve trim! David and Paul leave nothing untouched. I find it facinating to see their dolls un-clothed! Each doll is individually hand carved, and the heads finely plastered and painted! Truly Delightful!!!!

Reliquary Class At The Castle!

I spent the weekend teaching soldered Reliquaries at the Castle! Occassionally I have a class that really pushes forward skill-wise, propelling each other on and keeping me on my toes with questions and ideas. This was such a class! A wonderful group of 9 women created wonderful pieces, larger than usual (I added a dime to most of the photos so you can get a sense of scale!). Some experimented with moving parts, others with shelves and layers. It was an intensive weekend and All did fabulous work!!!

Mandrake, Hermonie, Pip and Ulla!

As a mother of a 12 year old I have been very busy the last few days with 'Middle School' orientation, shopping and Volunteering there of, so I apologize for my scant postings!

Thankfully I was able to fit in a get-together and tea with the very talented Trish of Sweet Nellie and my dear friend and neighborLucille!!! I discovered Trish recently on Etsy, and fell totally in love with her dolls! And then when I bought one, we realized that we live in the same city! Of course, a tea-date was in order! Trish lovingly creates her dolls one at a time, and then gives each of them a special name and personality! I adore the birds myself, but her other animals are just as whimsical and charming! Hermione was first to join Mandrake (created by my daughter a few years ago) in the grand bird-cage. Trish brought little Pip over to keep Hermonie company. A few days later Ulla was created, (how could I possibly resist a name-sake???) and just had to join the others in a lifestyle of bliss and pleasure! Thus, another collection grows... Please go have a look at the other charming animals that Trish creates, perhaps you will find yourself in love too!!!

Its Really Hard To Be a Princess...

Upon hearing about the royal adventures of neighbor dog Nikki, little Sadie thought it might be fun to try on a Donna Crown too! "My oh my, how do you get these head-thingies to stay in place?" she wondered? "And why do I even have to wear one???" After what seemed like an hour (in dogs time) Sadie's only response was, "Can I take a nap now???" It is indeed difficult to be a real princess... even of the doggie kind - unless of course you are Nikki!!!

Kimberlee's Golden Goose!

Truly, I know no one better at finding fabulous antiques than Kimberlee Edgar!!! Just look at this Golden Goose!!! So imagine my surprise when I received a giant box filled with vintage paper goodies, all individually wrapped in black and white paper! Oh my, I am telling you, the Golden Goose lays 'Black and White' eggs, no lie, and they found their way to my doorstep in all their glory! THANK YOU KIMBERLEE!!!

The ABC's Of Altered Books At The Castle!

Another fabulous weekend teaching at the Castle! This time we did the 'ABC's of Altered Books', a fast paced class, where you learn from 3 to 6 techniques per letter in 2 days! A wonderful group of 6 women cut, glued, taped, and hammered all weekend with me, ending up with delightful personal 'reference books' of 'altered art'! Lots of ideas here, and wonderful alphabetical inspirations!!! ENJOY!