Monday, August 30, 2010

THE "FRIDA" BRACELET, OR...

IT TOOK ON A LIFE OF IT'S OWN, PART DEUX...
After a small surgical procedure last week (small, but with stitches that left my daughter telling me I looked like Jeff Goldblum in The Fly, darling that she is), I found my "Brundlefly" self locked out of sight in my house, taking it easy in the evenings, and finishing up my very first attempt at a bead embroidered cuff bracelet.  Same (only) daughter told me it had a "Frida-esque" feel to it, once done.
Sitting on the back of a tiny little Colima dog, of Mexican folk art/lore, this one is FILLED...once again, it kept growing and growing 'til it was what it is - extravagantly full and heavy!  A 1940's celluloid face button was my starting point, surrounded by precious Bakelite, cut-steel, rhinestones, and various antique buttons.  New beads, freshwater pearls, turquoise and coral were thrown in for good measure.
Above the head, to the left, is the tiniest (a mere 3/8" across) little gold and "pearl" encrusted pin - the number 27...my birth date and the number I always use for luck (recently, it has popped up more and more in my life - the day I finished this was actually Friday, the 27th - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MOM, ON THE 28th).  Wish I knew the story behind this little treasure - it came to me in a "lot" of buttons - someones class pin from 1927, perhaps?
It was my daughter that suggested the red beads for the edging, as well as the Ultrasuede lining...she said if I had come that far, it needed to be finished boldly, so bold it is!  I do imagine that Frida might just have sported this herself.

6 comments:

oldgreymare said...

Looks gorgeous, amazing AND heavy. Be sure and switch arms or one will stretch longer than the other! hehe

Love the way you displayed for photos.

No point in going outside in this heat anyway. Will it EVER end?
xxx
z

Jackie said...

Oh My!! That is lovely!! I can't wait to finish my mermaid cuff!! I can only hope it is 1/4th as gorgeous as this cuff is! That would be spectacular! Can't wait to see you wearing it, another great job!

Ahl Cooped Up said...

I'm always so fascinated by your jewelry creations. My Daughter, Kate loves them too.
I do have a fondness for red.

The Primitive Bucket said...

Great, Awesome and Jaci was right about the bold ending...you both did good!!!! Love it and YOU!!!

Colleen Mcgraw said...

A++ from the "boss" LOVE IT!!

Pat K said...

Tanya your cuff is so whimsical. I wish my mind would work creatively as yours. And I also love the way you display your subjects, no matter what they may be, and then give a little the history or the creative idea behind it.