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!

I've Led A Sheltered Life

I realized some time ago, that I've never worked with lampwork beads...well other than the mass produced "generic" versions at the beginning of my beading journey...and they proved to be not so fun to work with.  I know, I know, I've committed a cardinal sin in the bead realm!

Since, I've drooled for hours at the gorgeous artisan glass, but never bit the bullet...nor could I even begin to make a decision on which to try out...until last night.  There are SO many talented "torchers" out there, that I really had no clue where to even start...so I let my eyes make the decision for me.

Here's my small purchase that I can't wait to receive:

Are these not amazing??  They remind me of wintry tutus.  Can't wait!

Snatched up these as well...I mean, how could I not?

Both were purchased from Modern Trails on Etsy.  Beautiful!!!  I left plenty of her mesmerizing work for everyone else...although I was tempted!  Now, I'll be watching the darn mailbox and stalking the mailman til they arrive...I have a one track mind like that!

Bead Soup Partner

This year I'm participating in Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Party Blog Hop.  I'm excited, to say the least.  I received my "bead partner" via email, and about broke my neck to check out her blog.  Enter apprehension...



Tari of Creative Impressions in Clay is more than accomplished!!  Her work is full of color and whimsical!  Just take a look:

Told ya!  You can browse her funky selection HERE.

I finally got Tari's soup out in the mail yesterday.  I made my mix weeks ago, but due to an unforeseen road block with the school system (that's a whole other blog post) I had my plate quite full!!

Anyway....here's "the goods!!!"

 

It's Bead Soup Time!!!!

The Bead Soup Blog Party sign-ups start today,

for three days only.

If you want to take part, then pop over to Lori's blog, click open the registration form and sign-up, there were over 200 participants in the February bead soup, but I feel this one will be even bigger!

 I can't wait!!!  This will be my first ever bead soup participation...which I need to get my butt into gear, and back into the studio instead of hanging out with my kids! :)

Already 217 participants...and it's only the first day!!!!!!!!!!!

Hiatus

I've been on a hiatus the past week.  We finally got our pool up and ready for swimming (blame the delay on a broken pump and slow shipping), and I've been relaxing for a few days.

I've still been playing though...mainly wire work, and my newest obsession - liver of sulfur!!  In desperate need of a tumbler...soon!

I'll get around to taking and uploading pics soon....website work is next on my list!! 

I'll be back soon!!

Jumping In With Both Feet

^  I'm famous for this!  Even as a child, I was always doing something with reckless abandon!  Sometimes the results are a stroke of genius, and other times I fall flat on my bootie!

Since the kids were gone this weekend, I had lots of time to play.  I torched (and didn't even catch anything on fire), soldered...which I learned has a HUGE learning curve *read - I suck at it*, and even managed to solder the roll of solder to the iron, yes, the entire roll.  Maybe the key is practice, practice, practice?  Either that or I can add it to the long list of things I just wasn't born to do!

I also played around with copper wire, earrings for the most part.  I'm beginning to lean towards making every component for whatever piece I'm working on (I do, obviously, use purchased gemstone beads.)  My sweet husband thinks I'm taking the whole concept of being "handmade" to an unrealistic, gruelling level.  He's all about creating a great product with "items of convenience", hence cutting down production time.  Maybe he has a point, but my mind just doesn't work that way!

Said husband also thinks our new neighbors don't speak to us because they "probably think I'm a witch."  In the literal sense.  Between poking around in the foliage picking leaves for imprints, playing mad scientist on the back deck mixing patina solutions, breaking out the torch, and hammering metal, I can see how they might be a little put off.

Biggest accomplishment for the weekend was getting a website set up....jumping in, with what else?  Both feet!!  It's not fancy (web master, I am not) and it's going to take me a long time to add everything I want to...but it's a start, right?

If you have time, please stop by and check it out!

Torch Day!

Clay is my "go to" artistically speaking, but lately I've had more funks than brilliant ideas.  I thought maybe I'd branch out just a little....still incorporating clay because I can't see myself giving it up for any length of time.  So today I went out and got a soldering torch & iron.  I have tons of gifted copper wire in an array of gauges, so I'll practice with that first... and I'll be soldering everything in sight, I'm sure!

I also received my Lori Anderson give away package....actually it came Tuesday or Wednesday & my darling husband "forgot" to give it to me!  He thought I'd ordered something online again and was holding it hostage! :)  Silly man...I never order anything!!! 

I"ll be back to post my prize from the generous Lori this evening...off to NOT burn down the house with my torch!