Frozen Charlottes

I have been intrigued with "frozen Charlottes" for quite some time. 

These historical dolls date back from 1860-1900, ranging from an inch in size up to 18 inches.  Many of these cuties were rescued from a dig at the doll factory yard in Thuringia, Germany. The arms and legs do not move or are "frozen." Children used to play with these bisque dolls, and even made clothes for them. Sometimes called bathing dolls (backside unglazed, therefore allowing them to float in the tub), and were even used to decorate or were baked into cakes.

Why "Frozen Charlotte?"   During the mid 1800's there was a story printed that later turned into an American poem about Fair Charlotte. This tale spoke of a vain Charlotte who refused to bundle up on her way to the ball. She froze in her carriage and her beau is said to have died of a broken heart. This story was told to remind children to bundle up when going outside.

Etsy:  Okiedokieartichoky

Etsy:  EKSupplies

Etsy:  OscarCrow

One of above 1 inch babies is on it's way to me....my very own Charlotte.  Now...I'm thinking a pendant of some sort?  Of course my "sensible" husband questioned:  "Please tell me you don't plan on wearing that creation?  Never mind...I know you will...if it causes a second glance, you're all over it!  Only you would wear a 100 year old, dug from the ground and broken doll and think it was mainstream."  I love him!  He knows me too well!

Steampunk'd

Who could ask for a better trend? Steampunk style is screaming up the tracks right now. It's fun, quirky and has loads of historical flavor and personality. In years to come we'll look back over our shoulder and think of this defining time in our lives as Steampunk. Well, what's it about?  Science fiction, gears, a bridge between two worlds, if you will.

Here are a few of my recent works:

Brass key embellished with watch gears, polymer clay flowers and wings that haphazardly wrap around the key.

Polymer clay keyhole & antiqued wings.  Brass rivets & key complete the pendant.

Polymer clay keyholes burnished with brass rivots accent these earwires.

Brass butterfly ring base is the backdrop for yellow and teal polymer flower accents.  Brass watch gears embellishments.

Brass ring base with polymer clay flowers and watch gears...then antiqued.

Brass filigree ovals with a brilliant white polymer background and tropical punch flowers.  Gears and crystals accents.

Polymer clay tussie mussie with polymer clay seashell, flowers, and reeds.  Feathers and burlap complete the whimsy.

Polymer clay masquerade...with patina brass mask, brass rivets & feathers.

Sweet polymer clay ladybug pendant.  Gears and "stitching"

Queen Bee polymer pendant with "stitching", gears and raw brass crown of course!

Sun dial clay pendant.  Brass watch gears/parts.

Clay, brass, gear pendant with stitching and a little "shaking" going on!

If you could see inside my heart clay pendant.  Gears, ladybug charm & stitching.