Objet d'Art

“I was a queen, and you took away my crown; a wife, and you killed my husband; a mother, and you deprived me of my children. My blood alone remains: take it, but do not make me suffer long.” ~Marie Antoinette

The short life of Marie Antoinette was most certainly wrought with sadness and tragedy. She reigned as Queen of France during the French Revolution and was beheaded at the age of 38. She was interested in science, nature, and history, and had a very strong personality.

Through all the death, accusations, and scandal that surrounded her, she continued to have an air of dignity. The stories of Marie's excesses are vastly overstated, in fact, in the midst of France's growing financial crisis, she and her husband attempted to make drastic reforms and changes to aid France's people.

This interesting creation features a lovely picture of Marie nestled in the body of a vintage women's watch. A lovely, antique, white washed key and a vintage silver heart hang below. The necklace features mother of pearl and beautiful brown pearls, all wrapped in a darkly oxidized sterling silver. And what piece honoring Marie would be complete without ribbons?

Exploration

There is nothing comparable to being in the woods on a beautiful spring day in Michigan. I cannot even begin to describe the strength and energy I absorb while being surrounded by our Great Mother.

It is my sanity.

Nature

O Nature! I do not aspire
To be the highest in thy choir, -
To be a meteor in thy sky,
Or comet that may range on high;
Only a zephyr that may blow
Among the reeds by the river low;
Give me thy most privy place
Where to run my airy race.

In some withdrawn, unpublic mead
Let me sigh upon a reed,
Or in the woods, with leafy din,
Whisper the still evening in:
Some still work give me to do, -
Only - be it near to you!

For I'd rather be thy child
And pupil, in the forest wild,
Than be the king of men elsewhere,
And most sovereign slave of care;
To have one moment of thy dawn,
Than share the city's year forlorn.

Henry David Thoreau


I am lucky enough to be surrounded by woods like these in my beautiful state. I took this photos just the other day while out with my little ones exploring. Please feel free to click on the photo to see all the amazing details up close. We need to take care of this great planet of ours, I fear areas like this may not be around for our grandchildren.

Copper Pendants and Some Vintage Love...

Things have been quite hectic for me lately. My daughter has been on spring break, I've been painting our porch (which has turned into a much larger project than originally anticipated...and is still not finished), and we spent a few days at my parents' house. There has not been much jewelry making going on this week.


This weekend we went to an absolutely HUGE rummage sale at an area high school. This was my 5th year in a row going to scour for bargains. I remember going with my mom when I was quite young. My husband is as much of a treasure hunter as I am, and we have so much fun picking through the goodies together. This year, we bought new directors chairs for my jewelry booth at local art shows. We also found some great wood plantation shutters that will be cut apart and made into barrette and brooch displays for my booth. I'm thinking that project may be a future "how-to" blog post.


Well, I did manage to whip off a few things this week...






This last one is a keeper. The vintage skeleton key says Germany along the bottom of it, so, being as I was born in Germany, I simply had to keep it. Not to mention that amazing shimmery crystal. The ring that they are suspended from is the result of an afternoon spent with my trusty torch. I also made a ring for my lovely friend Mermaiden and considered posting a picture of that as well, but thought leaving it a secret would be much better!

April Showers Bring FAE Flowers

It is time, once again, for the Fantasy Artists of Etsy to show off their new exhibit! The theme this time around? "April Showers bring FAE Flowers". Be sure to visit the shops of these lovely artists to find some truly amazing, fantasy inspired creations. Here is just a small sample...

"Quite Contrary"

by Gypsy Moon Art Studio

Tirra Lirra Circlet Fairy Bride Crown
by Mermaiden Creations

The Gift of Evoline's Garden

by SplendidFish

Strawberry- Fairy Art Bookmark

by Aquariann

To see all of the great exhibit entries visit the FAEteam website. Happy Spring!!