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Cloisonne

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I received a miniature cloinsonne vase from one of my sweet sisters (I have 5 incredible sisters) and found the "happy" the perfect prompt to give us a tutorial on the medium.  Cloisonne is an artform that dates back to the the Yuan Dynasty (1271 to 1368) in China.  Although there were variations of this medium dating back to the 1800 B.C. in Egypt, the cloisonne we often see today is derived from the Chinese.  The smooth design is a result of a process of steps, both labor-intensive and tedious.  Interestly enough, "cloisonne" is a French word with its origins in the late 19th century.  It describes both the process, as well as the finished product, i.e. it is both an adjective and a noun. For example,

                            Q: How was that piece created? A: Cloisonne.  

                            Q: What style is that table? A: Cloisonne. 

The process begins with a copper base which is shaped into the appropriate form: a plate, vase, pot, or piece of jewelry.  The desired pattern is created by arranging thin copper wires which are glued to the copper base.  After the design is completed, the wires are "filled in" with enamel that is then fired in a kiln.  For particular results, the piece may be fired several times.  The finished product is smooth and stunning. 

I particularly like to mix cloisonne pieces amidst both traditional and modern furniture.  Cloisonne pieces are fabulous accents to furniture influenced by other periods and other cultures.  You certainly don't need a room full of Chinese period pieces to incorporate this beautiful motif into your own design! 

Step of Imprinting the Design - Cultural China

Yellow Vase - Linda Horn - 1st Dibs

Cloisonne Vases - Antiques Roadshow

 

Cloisonne Table - Linda Horn & 1st Dibs

Pair of Large Cloisonne Vases - Paul Marra Design & 1st Dibs

As you can see, cloisonne is sophisticated, and I find, very appealing.  The splashes of color and richness would be a welcome addition to any space.

The information in this post was derived from the following sources:

Cloisonne Process. Cultural China. Retrieved July 18, 2010. http://www.cultural-china.com

Cloisonne History. Travel Destinations. Retrieved July 18, 2010.  http://www.khulsey.com/travel/travel_home.html

Huxford, Sharon & Bob. 1997. Schroeder's Antiques Price Guide. Fifteenth Edition. Paducah, Kentucky. Schroeder Publishing Co., Inc.

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My Project Update

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Do you remember the typewriter from the Dan Butler post from May?  Well, the framing is in the works!  I found a great frameshop in College Park, Let Us Frame It, who graciously worked to make my expectations a reality.  You, of course, will see the big reveal.  It is going to be fabulous!  I can't wait to share it with you; the big reveal will come the first week of August.

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Shaping Up Your Tapers!

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I often don't discuss things practical in nature.  Or, if I do, it is the pratical way to approach one design issue or another.  But, today, I must discuss something extremely practical, but ever so handy.  I love taper candles--handdipped, beeswax--however they come.  But, I find that taper sizes and candlestick sizes are not universal.  To slim down the base of a taper I've melted, cut, and forced the taper into the candlestick.  No more.  CB2 carries a "taper it candle shaver" that evenly shaves down the base of a taper.  Genius and only $3.95!  You won't regret it.  Now, if they could just figure out how to add wax... .

Just to admire the beauty of tapers, I've included one of my favorite tablescapes below.  Eddie Ross' tablescape below has literally been talked about all over the web!  He bought the plates and some of the brass at GoodWill. Somehow I don't think my Goodwill is graced with such great finds.  Hope you are enjoying a calm weekend.

 Eddie Ross

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The American Woman

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Although I won't likely make it to Manhattan before this exhibition comes to a close, I have to buy the poster; it's fantastic.  The exhibition is the first of its kind with costumes from the newly opened  Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at the MET. It features the changing fashions of the American woman from 1890 to 1940.  The costumes are amazing; I've included some of my favorites below.

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Throw-Back to Vintage: Prada

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I had the delight of enjoying Harpar Bazaar's most recent issue with Katherine Heigl.  Though it is old news to be sure, my flight to Seattle gave me the opportunity to read, front to back, all about Fall Fashion Week in the four cities that boast the runways: New York, Paris, Milan, and London.

There was much to admire on the runway for fall, but one particular look, that which the Anne Monoky of Bazaar termed "nerd chic," invoked my attention.  "Nerd Chic," as she explained, was "played to the feminine mystique, complete with beehive hair, pointy glasses, and low-cut necklines... ."  I would like to think this is one look that encompasses my wardrobe for work.  The tailored, sophisticated, vintage lines of the 60's are flattering and easy to wear.  Prada's "nerd chic" Fall 2010 Line carried the flair of knits, patterns, patent leather, 60's beehives, and cat-eyed glasses. Next time your out, go for the structured lines and graceful bodices; you'll be right in step with all that is vintage and modern. 

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Back Home.

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I'm back home.  Its always so nice to come home from trip--from somewhere new and different.  Inevitably, I come home with a new idea or two, a perspective for things I hadn't  previously envisioned.  And, so it is I come back to you.  I hope you enjoyed your Tracy G. interview; isn't her stuff great?!  I'm so thankful for her generosity. 

So.  What do I have for you from my trip? Lots and lots.  For tonight, I will leave you with some block prints I purchased in Ballard--a hip neighborhood in northwest Seattle.  Oh, the beautiful city!  And, oh, the hipsters!  

Paul Kidder of Kidder Handmade Graphics makes hand carved blocks of landscapes, florals, faunas, and cityscapes--the ones above are scenes of Seattle.  Each card is original and signed.  In your hands, the originality is evidenced by the uneven paint and imperfect layers of color.  The block print medium reminds me of William Morris of the British Victorian era but with a fresh vintage.  There is a subtle repetition to the design, a sorta simplicity.  Goodnight.  More tomorrow.

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a fellow weekend designer...
Tracy G.

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You may remember in my first Color Boost, I featured a darling fabric wreath from Tied Up Memories.  Well,  I've since purchased that wreath and found myself watching all the beautiful designs created by Tracy G.   She was recently featured on the "Hand Picked Items" on Etsy. [Bella Blue Bracelet just below]   Quite the talent!  Tracy was ever so kind to humor my curiosities and provide us with a glimpse into what makes her tick creatively.  So, without further adeu, in her own words...

                                            
How did you get into jewelry making?  Did you always have an expressive creative side?   Do you have an art or design degree?

I started making jewelry about 3 years ago. I have a creative soul and tend to dabble into everything! I love to design. I worked at a store that had an "Anthroplogie" style setting and I was the visual merchandiser and created the store displays. I could create to my heart's content. That was my passion. I do not have a design or art degree, I  just have a talent to put things together and can come up with something unique and different. I have an eye for color and love to paint too!  Etsy is where my inspiration is now! I'm always inspired by all the awesome artists that I see.

How would you describe your aesthetic?

I love vintage anything! It is in my soul! I love the hunt for vintage jewelry finds and put them in my jewelry to create a piece that is beautiful and unique. 

How do you balance your work life with your family/personal life? Is it a juggle? 

I'm a wife and mother of 3 children and a puppy! I also believe my husband has inspired me with his French culture. He's from Normandy, France. I've been to France many times and it has a positive effect on my creativity. I'm a stay at home mom and make my jewelry in between all the mom and puppy stuff. It's what I love to do! You can see my work at my shop www.tiedupmemories.etsy.com and my blog too at  www.tiedupmemories.blogspot.com. [You'll love her French tunes!]