Three Muses Challenge ~~EGGS~~

One of my favorite things to create with, eggs, birds, etc. This is for the Three Muses Challenge which I have never participated in,  but I've been meaning to get back into art challenges! 

~~Allow Me To Introduce To You An Amazing Lace Artist~

First I would like to introduce you to Jennie of JenniesHeirlooms at Etsy. I don't even remember how I stumbled upon her shop but as soon as I did I knew immediately I had to have some of her amazing wearable art. As she states in her profile "I am passionate about all things Victorian and am inspired by all things French". Her ability to custom dye and design lace for clothing and lingerie has earned her spots in several well known fashion magazines. All of her creations are hand dyed as well as hand stiched in such a random pattern, every piece has a truly one of a kind, romantic vintage look to it.  One item which really spoke out to me was a vintage inspired hand dyed lace yoke and I thought how perfect it would be to wear this item at workshops and shows that I do. I had to have it.  When it arrived all the way from her homeland of Australia,  it was even better than I had anticipated.  I laid it out on my table for a few days just to look at, and now I have it hanging in my bedroom because I couldn't bear to tuck it away until the day I wear it. I wanted to share her creations and talent with everyone and "spoke" to Jennie about her life, her shop, her talent and I hope after seeing these photos and reading her story, you are inclined to visit her shop. 

Jennie could you please tell us a little about yourself, your personal life, interests, etc?


I am a Mother of 3 grown children and Nana to 2 grown Grandsons. My work takes up a lot of my time but if I have a spare moment I like to potter in my garden and am an avid reader.

When did you begin creating these outstanding pieces of lace art, where did you get the inspiration, and how do you find all the intricately detailed elements that go into each piece?

Both my Irish Grandmothers were influential in my love of handcraft but my lace work just evolved when I was quite young. My Mother is a dressmaker and I would gather her scraps and stitch them together to make dresses for my dolls.


My inspiration comes from my love of period costumes and romantic old movies.


I have a huge stash of fabric, lace and trims and am always on the lookout at markets for interesting old pieces. I cut and dye a lot to suit what I am making at the time.

You have a truly vintage romantic style. How does that carry into your personal interests?

My house reflects the romantic style and I am always browsing for more old pieces to add and of course have a lot of my work hanging on the walls, hall stand, dressing table etc.


I have always felt I was born in the wrong era.

~~Me too Jennie!!  But I am at least glad to have artists like you to supply me with creations from the past~~

Old Clock Cases and My Unusually Good Fortune~!~

It's not often I stumble across an absolute steal, but this time I did and it has made my day! Err I mean month! Old worn clock cases, in rich beautiful patina just screaming to be created with and put on display as a piece of art, rather than something functional as in it's former life. My mind is racing..... I hope I can latch on to some of these ideas and put them out there before they scatter!

~~New Old Frozen Charlotte's in Store~~

I recently acquired many many frozen Charlotte dolls, and have them in my supplies shop at Etsy, ranging anywhere from 1 inch to 4 inches tall.  I've decided to put them in many various lots..... assorted lots, matching size lots,  etc.  I have heads and I have bodies, too!  Take a look if you are as fascinated with these little charmers as I am.  Of course if you have certain needs for custom listings, I am always more than happy to set them up for you.

~~Halloween Treasure Boxes~~

Yes I realize we are only halfway to Halloween, but when the mood strikes, I seize the moment!  That, and I was running out of room in my storage area and had to get these painted black wall shelves out of there!  I will be saving these for a show I do in August but may do a few more for my Etsy shop, IF I can find more shelves like this.  For now, these consist of altered cabinet cards, old black lace and fabric with beads, rusted tins, vintage bottles and labels,  skeletons,   skeleton keys to the dungeon, attached to hang tags, feathers, potions and chants. 

~Poor Charlotte~

I am so intrigued by Frozen Charlotte dolls, and many others must be, too.  I sell them like hotcakes in my supplies shop (WhatRemains) at Etsy. From the tiniest one no larger than a baby's finger, all the way to the chunky larger ones.  I've recently begun collecting the Frozen Charlotte pets, too.  Incorporated into work is even more fun than selling them! 

~~Welcome Spring~~

Living in Michigan,  we never know when to expect Spring.  Oh, it might show that Spring is here on the calendar, but it isn't unusual for us to have snow in April!  For now it's here, however.  And I was inspired the other day to make this little shadowbox hanging out of an old book cover, nest, eggs and lace.  Available in my Etsy shop!~~  Happy Spring!