A first for me...

Here is something I have been wanting to make ever since my mom gave me this tattered antique blouse, it had lovely lace and I could just see myself making some beautiful piece of art with it.  So, here is the painting that did not look just right to me on it's own, decorated with the aforsaid lace, pretty little miniature bought at Ismailovski park market in Moscow, some P&P quotes and my daughter's favorite: a tiny letter with a real wax seal that took 6 tries to get perfect.  This was a really fun project to work on. 

Can there be too much of Northanger Abbey?

 Even though it has been a while since I read Northanger Abbey, a few months at least, I have been inspired by it a lot lately.  I have wanted to paint a completely black and white painting for a long time, because it is fun to show the transparency of fabric on black background, so Miss Morland's gown was born.  I do not know why in my mind Catherine always wears spotted muslin, but it seems that almost every paitning I have done of her, with an exception or two, has her in some sort of a spotted gown.  Just like Elizabeth Bennet in my mind always wears green or brown and gold, and Marianne Dashwood yellow with blue sprigs.  This particular gown has tiny gold dots I applied with an ink pen and a gold necklace to go with it as well.

The pink painting is just a confection in my mind, some sort of dress pastry.  I must have been craving an eclair while working.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84810397/catherine-reading-original-4x5-jane

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84726741/miss-morlands-gown-original-acrylic-8x10?ref=v1_other_2

Miniature Silver Ornaments

Here is the little conversation block I have been working on for the last week.  To be completely honest, it  did not turn out as cute as I thought it would, but I have three more laying in my craft closet, and I hope to get them done soon.  And a couple of miniatures, I came along those pretty little frames and could picture the project in my head right away, I hope someone will enjoy getting them for Christmas.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84418441/mrdarcy-and-elizabeth-bennet-miniature
http://www.etsy.com/listing/84429608/jane-austen-emma-conversation-block?ref=v1_other_1

A couple of new listings.

Today felt like miniature day.  Captain Wentworth ornament and Jane Eyre jewelery box.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84237482/jane-austen-persuasion-miniature-captain?ref=v1_other_1

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84239402/jane-eyre-charlotte-bronte-5x3x2-jewlery

I have been working on something different for the past few days, I hope to finish it tomorrow, so come back for a peek.

Christmas Cards

Following some good advice I have made my Christmas inspired pieces into a set of cards.  They are now available here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/83926889/set-of-4-jane-austen-christmas-cards

An interesting, if somewhat disturbing treasury.

Today a card from my shop got featured in this very unusual treasury on Etsy.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/OTE4NDg4M3w4Nzg0MDU5NDE/prideprejudice-and-zombies

"What are men to rocks and mountains?"

This little hand painted bookmark depicts Elizabeth Bennet, enjoying the sites of Derbyshire.

Henry and Catherine of Northanger Abbey, married and living at Woodston, are the inspiration for this watercolor.  Henry, in his shirt and waistcoat (unlike my other, more formally attired heroes) is reading one of Mrs.Radcliffe's horrid works over Catherine's shoulder.

 I had this tree hanging around my house for a year and did not know what to do with it.  J.A. quotes, decoupage, platimum paint, muslin ribbon, lace and some sequins made for a good way to spend an afternoon.  I love painting most, but working with other mediums is very satisfying as well.