They thought it was fit for a couple of princes, I had to gently remind them it was made for a queen.
Okay, now seriously... now that Monica has posted about the crown (among other treasures) on her blog , I thought I'd add some thoughts and a couple of other photos of the crown for our Pink Artist doll - Love Squared.
I've been thinking about this crown for a good while now and stared working on it about 2 weeks ago. I did not have a plan other than the shape of it... I dug through my vintage sew-ons knowing there were some in there that looked like jewels. Then just started adding the jewels, crystals and beads.
As I started taking pictures of it - it dawned on me that, not only could it serve as a crown for the doll, it just might make a neat cuff for the lucky winner - I couldn't finish it fast enough. I was unsure how I might finish the edges and attach the ultra suede backing with all those dips and points around the top. But I was determined! Thankfully this is the second cuff I made and since the first was not all that long ago - I remembered some good lessons that helped me tremendously.
Here's a shot of the beginning... originally I added the cuff just as a size reference. It was at that point I began to think it just might make a fun cuff as well as a crown.
After I finished the beading, I attached it to the cuff with a little bit of glue (E-6000). While it was drying, I cut a strip of ultra suede that would be the backing. I used a tiny bit of glue to hold the ultra suede in place and beaded a whip stitch around the bottom and up one side.
At that point I was satisfied I could now cut out the dips in the ultrasuede without worrying about it coming up too short. It was challenging, but I successful in the end (big sigh of relief!). I really wanted it to be perfect for our doll.
Here's a shot of the crown just before I finished the beading.
Included on the crown are vintage sew-ons; fresh water pearls, vintage nailheads; Swarovski lochrosen around the sew-ons and Swarovski margarita beads (volcano in color) at the top of the crown. The majority of the seed beads used are Japanese size 15/0. I used a brass 1/2 inch cuff blank.
Now I don't wear 'big' jewelry, but thought I'd include a shot so you can see what it looks like on.
20 comments:
Absolutely stunning. Truly the "crowning glory" for this incredible project.
Fabulous idea and job, Grace! The end result shows no signs of intimidation in working it out -- you did exceedingly well on this project . . .
Kathy V in NM (who likes those kitties, too)
For someone who works as hard as you do doing things for others, I find it only justified that you have received so many cool gifts just recently.
That cuff is truly the crowning glory for our beautiful lady. Way to go.
Arline
hi grace
love the kitties :)
and that cuff is just stunning!!
you blow my socks off yet again
have a great weekend
tammy
Amazing Grace how sweeeeet the crown...
YES! the cat is out of the bag (thank you kitties for sharing the creation, I know it was hard to part with).
You know I've been gushing over this, ANTICIPATING its reveal!!! -can the smile on my face get any bigger???
I'm updating the post to include your link here.
Thanks so much friend for your generous contribution. I'm certainly going to try it on and perhaps wear it until it officially goes on our dolls head. ;)
Shine on you crazee diamond, Monica
Wow, it's fabulous !
Grace, I was just at Monica's checking on "our girl" and saw the crown. OMG!! It is stunning and you have given this girl the crowning glory she deserves. You are incredible and your talent is exceptional!!!
Oh Grace, this is so beautiful. This is the crowning touch! Couldn't help myself. I just came over from the box of butterfly wings and it's all just too much to contain without tears or gleeful mirth. You did a super job. I can't wait to see how the doll finishes up.
Your kitties looked great in it too.
Oh my goodness Grace this is STUNNING! And your kitties have modelled itr beautifully! What a perfect crowning glory for the doll.
Everything you make is exquisite!
P.S The lovely Jackie from Beading Gram is going to send me some ultra suede to play with. The beautiful pin she made me was backed with it and I told her I couldn't stop touching it! So she kindly offered to send me some (bless her).
Wow Grace, fantastic beadwork you do. I love beads! I tried beading for awhile but I don't seem to have the patience for it. I want everything done NOW! I do have one of Robin Atkins books tho, and I keep thinking I'll try again. Are you going to do beadwork for your Healing and Inspiration cards? That will be interesting. Do you know an artist in your area named Gwen Gutwein? She isn't a beader, but paints murals, etc. I'm acquainted with her and she comes to this area occasionally. I'll be back!
Grace, you are such an amazing beader and a generous giving person. Blessings you give to others and blessings you receive!!!
This doll is going to be a knock out!!
Thanks for sharing...and love the models you used to show off the crown....hehehe!
Hugs,
Noel
I should have known you and Monica were in cahoots!
What a spectacular crown/
cuff for the doll!(AND the cat needs it, too!)Many thanks Grace...this will add lotsa $$$ for the Pink Artist Doll...
AMAZING GRACE...what a BEAUTIFUL cuff and crown in all its GLORY! What a wonderful idea for Love Squared, a crown for the Queen, and a beautiful gift for the recipient too! Your work is always gracefully exquisite! Your kitties did a wonderful job modeling too...they are totally in fashion! :o)
This has to be the crowning glory for this project. What a wonderful piece of work.
Beautiful. She will wear it with great pride
Completely BEAUTIFUL, Grace!
Absolutely breathtaking.
Connie
This one is really a terrific bracelet , you've done such a beautiful work, .Congratulations, this is a masterpiece and I do love it a lot.
Bernadette from France
Wow... thanks so much to everyone for stopping by to check out the making of the crown.
Judie - I hope you are inspired at some point to try beading again. I just finished my second card for the deck and they are both beaded. I have not heard of Gwen, but will do an online search and see what I find, thanks for letting me know about her.
Many thanks to everyone for your kind words.
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