My friend, Judy Wilkenfeld has a terrific article in Stampington's new issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry (summer 2009). It's titled "Casting Call" and it's about metal casting. Judy has an Etsy store, chock full of incredible found objects, charms and cast metal pieces, perfect for use in jewelry making and mixed media. She had the genius idea to cast a perfect, antique, bisque frozen Charlotte doll (take a look at this post for the story on frozen Charlottes) in pewter and this article describes that process and gives some inspiration as to just exactly how these heavy metal babies could be put into use. Judy chose several artist friends to help her with this and I was honored to be one of them.
"Caged Charlotte" (sold)
For one of my pieces, I decided to enclose Charlotte in a little, wire birdcage. I added some of my "signature" vines and leaves and a flower with a garnet center. Charlotte wears a crown of vintage brass.
I hung Charlotte from an array of luscious stones and goodies...
...chunky faceted garnet stones, a glowing freshwater pearl, a carved jasper cross...
...a velvet wire-wrapped link with vintage crystal button dangle, a gorgeous filigree brass bead...
...vintage rosary beads in crystal and garnet glass...
...a sweet, vintage rosary connector with silk ribbon...
...vintage brass chain, and some incredible, faceted red tiger eye.
Not to let the front out-do the back...I used a large vintage ring and handmade clasp...
...then created a long dangle from more faceted garnet and a beautiful vintage religious key medal.
Judy's metal Charlottes are so much fun to work with, I made a second piece:
"Sweet Charlotte" (sold)
This little darling is the focal of a three strand bracelet.
She's wearing a green silk sash and is connected on either side by sterling and rhinestone connectors.
I used lots of pearls, some vintage rosary chain and a length of lovely vintage tatting for the body of the bracelet.
I finished it with a handmade sterling clasp and a faceted jasper drop in the perfect shade of green.
If you've never seen Judy's work, you're missing something special. Every piece that Judy creates is infused with insight and soul. She's extremely talented and full of original ideas and inspirations...like little metal Charlotte! When she came up with the idea to cast these dolls, she invited several of us to use them in our jewelry creations. I was in the good company of fellow artists, Diana Frey, Ro Bruhn, Jen Crossley and Kecia Deveney. All huge talents, so you can imagine how fabulous the pieces are. We've waited a long time to see this article and Stampington did a truly wonderful job with the photography. Make sure you pick up a copy of BAJ and take a look!
Omgoodness, your caged charlotte necklace is freakin' amazing!! Sorry for the slang, but I'm outta words here! Wow. All of your pieces are so exquisite. The details so perfect. I'm in complete awe. Your jewelry needs to be in a museum. That red tigers eye alone is such a show stopper but combined with the vines, the velvet, just the right amount of brass...unbelievable. Sorry, again, to gush. I've been a way a while and you totally knocked me out!
Posted by: debra cooper | Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 09:58 AM
Deryn,
I sit here in awe over your pieces. You truly are an amazing and talented artist. I look forward to purchasing this magazine. Great job!!!
xo
Nellie
Posted by: Nellie | Wednesday, June 03, 2009 at 01:07 PM
I love what you did with both, but especially love the "caged" Charlotte. She is just darling, the cage is fitting the little resin leaves are darling above her. Nicely done!
Posted by: Riki Schumacher | Tuesday, June 02, 2009 at 01:03 AM
Deryn
These pieces are just incredible. I kept scrolling down the post & gasped at each picture. You not only made one amazing piece with a charlotte, but TWO! I'm so in love with your work :)
Congrats on the publication. I can't wait to see the magazine.
Nerissa
Posted by: Nerissa Alford | Monday, June 01, 2009 at 03:05 PM
I just bought this issue and I fell in love with your pieces. They're gorgeous, congrats!
Posted by: Sandra | Monday, June 01, 2009 at 01:04 AM
These are soooooo cool! I love the juxtaposition of glam meets vintage especially as paired up with the funkiness of the Charlottes. Really nice work.
Posted by: Mary Beth Shaw | Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Deryn...I so enjoyed your post and to see the beautiful details of your Caged Charlotte.....fit for a queen. Congratulations on yet another publication. Thank you for sharing your authentic, artistic self!
Hugs
Diana
Posted by: Diana Frey | Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Wonderful inspiring stuff! Thank you....
Posted by: Chrisy | Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 05:07 AM
OoH, La, La, Deryn! These pieces are stunning!
Posted by: nelda ream | Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 08:27 PM
Yours look great, I can't wait to get the magazine, I thoroughly enjoyed the process.
Posted by: ro bruhn | Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 06:57 AM
Top drawer!!!
Posted by: ~*Amber Dawn*~ | Friday, May 29, 2009 at 08:46 PM
Your Caged Charlotte is so darling. Stampington did a beautiful layout on the pieces.
Congratulations Deryn =)
Posted by: diane cook | Friday, May 29, 2009 at 08:44 PM
Just fabulous! I can't wait to see the article! Thanks for sharing, Deryn! ~Christine
Posted by: Christine | Friday, May 29, 2009 at 05:11 PM
You certainly did an amazing job showing off my babies- lol. So much time and care taken with the other objects that blend beautifully with the metal charlotte.
I love the title of the post too.
Thanks once again.
xo
Posted by: judy wilkenfeld | Friday, May 29, 2009 at 01:23 PM
love, Love, LOVE! it all!!!! But I really like the bracelet - the greens are lovely and the pearls and fabric just add that perfect touch to the Charlotte! I bet there are people just watching your etsy store it hopes it arrives there! lol It brings to mind your Marie A. piece you did. Can't wait to see what you make next!
Posted by: Michelle | Friday, May 29, 2009 at 12:59 PM
You continue to amaze and inspire me! Absolutely wonderful!!!
Posted by: Renate | Friday, May 29, 2009 at 11:00 AM
Hi Deryn
Wow...I'm in awe. I missed your post yesterday and a friend emailed to say, did you see that "Something Divine" updated her blog?!!! That was just a mis-type but she sure is correct in saying so. I didn't realize the latest issue of BA was out! Your frozen charlotte piece is incredible...I love all of the detail. I can't wait to go back and look at the links and the artist you shared! :-)
Posted by: Cindy | Friday, May 29, 2009 at 06:22 AM
Can't wait to pick up the new BA-- I just love the bracelet with Charlotte and the precious little tatting! Thanks for all the neat links!
Posted by: Christine Damm | Friday, May 29, 2009 at 05:38 AM
Just when I think you've topped yourself, you do it again!! Awesome, brilliant, gorgeous art! I will run to my local bookshop tomorrow and pick up my copy.
Also, I figured out how to enable comments, so you comment away on my blog!
Keep the beauty flowing!
Sharon
Posted by: SharonP | Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 09:45 PM
Deryn, This is such a beauty! I am in AWE! Beautiful!!! :) Stephani
Posted by: Stephani Gorman | Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 09:14 PM
Oh Deryn Your piece is just sensational your are just amazing
Jen
Posted by: Jen Crossley | Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 07:29 PM
Deryn
I've been looking forward to seeing what you would create since you showed the FCs in your posting!! It was worth the wait!! I'm especially taken with the baby in the bird cage!! What an amazing job with the bird cage!!:)
Now if I may I have an "ask a Artist" question :) what are you using to drill a hole in the FCs with?? Are you just using a drill with a small bit, a special type of bit, or a dremel tool?? I have been really hesitant to try for fear of shattering FC's head all over the room :( The two that I used I used E6000 to glue a jump ring to their heads.
I'm hoping the patron saint of expat artists will help in getting the new BAJ here next week!! :) I'm anxious to see all the created pieces and read the article!
Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mx.
Posted by: Pattie | Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 06:52 PM
Absolutely breathtaking!
I am RUNNING out to buy BAJ just to read this article. So glad to have found your blog.
Posted by: What Happens Next | Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 02:17 PM
the cage is fantastic !!!!
Posted by: Marie-Aimée | Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 01:13 PM
Oh. My. Goodness. I actually had a few spare moments last night and picked up my recently received copy of BAJ and mysteriously the pages flopped open to your pieces. I did a double take but knew immediately that they were yours! So I quickly devoured the wonderful article (those BAJ writers and photographers are the best)...my very favorite Aunt was Charlotte and that is my daughter's middle name! I love them all, but yours are truly tantalizing. I appreciate being able to see the full piece. It is even better with your full explanation. Such wonderful finds! And you are certainly deserving of the honor of that company of friends. Powerful artists all.
Enjoy the day!
Erin
Posted by: Erin Prais-Hintz | Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 11:46 AM
I want that! *wipes drool off table* This is just -gorgeous- Deryn, both bracelet and necklace. I was just putting my vintage beads out on the table and trying to think of what to do with them, and then I see this! I have Ideas now. Well, they'll have to wait till after the festival but I'm ITCHING to do something special with them now!
Posted by: Shuku | Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 11:38 AM
Your creativity never ceases to amaze!
Posted by: Kay Mallery | Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 11:13 AM
Deryn, every post of yours is something to look forward to! Your creations become more eloquent with every one if that is possible. Thank you for sharing your friends and their talents, I will read and learn about them. The caged charlotte is so regal and divine, stunning, but I absolutely adore the bracelet, soft , pretty, muted, and special....not to mention green....ahhhhh!!
Posted by: sharon | Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 11:01 AM
First of all, I love the title!! :) Secondly, I love how creative you were with these Charlotte's...two completely different pieces yet both are amazingly beautiful. Can't wait to see the issue!!
Posted by: sherry | Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 10:19 AM