Artistic Inspirations, a homework assignment ;-)

I haven't had the chance to participate in the course yet, although I've been reading Le Professeur's blog for a long while, in part because of the chronic fatigue I'm still dealing with. But this month there was a happy coincidence and I finally get to play! Although they were not made just for this challenge, so I hope my instructor will be lenient ;-)

Recently I found a stash of polymer clay "art pieces" that I made waaaay back for Salon Con. And then misplaced. But they're back now, just in time for the Steampunk World's Faire. I had planned to make more of them, and now I don't have to, which is a bit of a relief.

Before I closely studied this art period, my knowledge of 19th Century art was Mucha and Pre-Raphaelite paintings. Which are wonderful! But something about the stark black and white drawings of Beardsley just made them so dramatic and refreshing. I made a project of incorporating some of his work, and that of other illustrators, into my own work as I got more interested in Victorian aesthetics.

First, The Black Cape by Aubrey Beardsley [for sale here on Etsy]

This elegant pendant is printed with Aubrey Beardsley's drawing The Black Cape, on polymer clay. It's layered with a variety of finishes and glazes for an antique metal look, but is much lighter than metal or glass. Swarovski crystals dangle from the bottom of the frame, and the pendant hangs from a vintage chain of acrylic amber beads.

I wanted to balance out the simple, stark drama of the illustration itself with an extremely gaudy frame. I think it works :-)


Next, Lady Godiva by William Holdman Hunt [for sale here on Etsy]

This necklace showcases a picture of an illustration by William Holdman Hunt for Tennyson's poem "Godiva" printed on polymer clay. Lady Godiva prepares to disrobe herself in a frame of gold and silver.

I have a bunch more, but these were the only two that already had Etsy listings before the interregnum. Except for this piece, which was slightly damaged so I may keep it for myself afterall:

The Stomach Dance by Aubrey Beardsley, from "Salome."

Polymer clay with glaze and metallic finishes, Swarovsky crystal, and vintage chain with acrylic amber beads.

This one was my absolute favorite, but now there's a bit of blue ink on the black and white picture, leaked from goodness knows where. So... mine now!

Also, I just recently became reacquainted with this music video, and noticed some very clear artistic influences ;-)




This last piece was the only one to find a happy new home at Salon Con, not so ironically as a gift for the editor of Goblin Fruit Magazine ;-) (Free online poetry magazine! Go look!)

Buy from Us with a Golden Curl, one of Dante Gabriel Rossetti's illustrations for Christina Rossetti's poem "Goblin Market."

Polymer clay, a variety of glazes and finishes, and Swarovski crystals. Includes vintage chain with acrylic amber beads.

Go forth, worship the shinies :-)

Queen of the Cat People, class with a cult following.

Star of the Evening - Blue Goldstone Necklace

I've all but stopped purchasing new blue goldstone because it turned out to be really hard to sell. Online or in person. Photos can't quite capture the glitter, and neither can the lighting at cons, clubs, or craft fairs. I do like the subtlety, but subtle doesn't always come across well. Like the piece Pearl Wings [on Etsy!] which I still can't quite *get* in photos.

Of course I still use it in my own jewelry ;-)

Blue goldstone, beads and a carved rose. So sparkly! Not directly inspired by Kushiel's Dart, but when I had both book and necklace completed they were a clear match :-)

This stone is man made, technically a sort of art glass. But glass is useful in amulets and talismans depending on its colors and shapes.

Queen of the Cat People, Class with a cult following.

Quartz and Fluorite Necklace

Unfortunately, I've hit a bit of a creative/energy block for the last few weeks, and have run out of new jewelry to post. I way over-scheduled myself with other activities from January through March, and was sick for most of April, and am slowly starting to bounce back. This happens, especially when you have multiple hobbies and creative outlets on top of a 9-5 job. On top of that, I'm starting to work on updating the photos on my gallery website.

So to tide my fans over until I get over work, allergy season and hibernation, I'll be posting photos of some of my personal not-for-sale jewelry items :-)



To start, this is a necklace I made to test out the wire wrapping techniques that eventually made my House Dayne [on Etsy] and Tranquility [on Etsy] necklaces:

Instead of amethysts, I used fluorite and clear quartz. Fluorite is one of my favorite stones :-) Good for balancing heart and mind, helps with inspiration, ideas, and balance. And quartz makes a good battery. Hopefully my own batteries will recharge themselves soon.

Queen of the Cat People, class with a cult following.