Taking a Breather....

I started designing some new ornaments last night and failed to download some pictures so I'm just going to talk a little about what inspires me in my work.

Actually anything can inspire me but I love anything from the Victorian era.  The time that was taken to create something out of love has always amazed me.  I mean it was de rigeur that a young lady in those days have a thorough knowledge and aptitude for sewing, embroidery, musicianship, writing, drawing/painting and more.  A girl was not considered accomplished until she mastered the feminine arts.  It didn't matter if she didn't know how to cook or clean a house or take care of baby - there were servants for that.  Yes, arts and crafts in the old days were a hobby of the rich but a means of employment for the poor.

What I love about items that have survived from the Victorian era is their "look".  They can be perfectly preserved or in an aged condition but all have an appeal that cannot be denied.  Maybe it did take Rachel Ashwell to promote the fact that old and fragile equated to Shabby Chic but in my minds eye it's been the faded, slightly darkened by age patina that has always caught my attention.  It is, simply put, beautiful!

Since my accident in 2022, I haven't touched any of my crafts.  It took almost a year for me to recover and to be honest, right now I have taxes to complete (yes, I am always late in doing them) so will wait a little longer to clear my work table and start crafting all over again.  One thing is for certain, every day I say a little prayer about how thankful I am for the Internet and all the wonderful craftspeople that sell on it - their work continues to influence me every time I turn the computer on.  I can't stay away from Pinterest and I can't stay away from links.  While one thing might work for me in one way, maybe something else won't.  Or maybe a combination of the items will prompt something new from my hands.  I never know.  

 

 

Till next time.....