Malachite necklace for new Baroness

Malachite and baroque pearl necklace made for the incoming Baroness.

Gift Box Largesse Necklace (White and Purple)

I am still working on jewellery for the Gift Box. This late period necklace has white and purple 4mm glass seed beads strung on tiger tail.

This style of necklace can be worn doubled over- under the gown for Tudor and over the top for sixteenth century Italian.




Anne Boleyn by an Artist of the English School
Image Source: http://www.arthistorynews.com/articles/894_Anne_Boleyn_regains_her_head

Seed bead necklace for Largesse (Blue and White)

Another necklace for the Gift Box. This one has pale blue and frosted white glass seed beads strung on tiger tail.

Renaissance Bling

An awesome gift from a very generous friend who knows how much I love Renaissance 'bling'!

Some beautiful paintings to inspire some summer sewing

Isn't it easy to get distracted when you should be doing something that you don't enjoy doing? It is the last month of the academic year where I am, and I have tons to do. But all I want to do is anything else! I am thinking about tourney dresses for next year. It gets so hot in the southern parts of Australia that a gown with removable sleeves is a very practical option.
Here are some lovely portraits for you to admire-



The Fruit Seller by Vincenzo Campi - from http://ghpoetryplace.blogspot.com.au

(I love this outfit; especially the partlet.)



Ghirlandaio's Portrait of a Girl - from wikipaintings.org

(A high neckline will reduce sunburn, and front opening is always very practical.)



Ghirlandaio's Portrait of a Woman - from wikipaintings.org

(Very similar to the portrait above. I really like the little caul that she is wearing.)



Portrait of Giovanna Tornabuoni by Ghialandaio - from en.wikipedia.org

(This ensemble is just gorgeous; love the sleeves, love the bodice, love it all! I wish I could do that hairstyle.)


Ghirlandaio's Portrait of a Woman - from artcyclopedia.com

(The partlet in this one is probably ideal for the Australian sun because the back of my neck always gets toasted.)


I am no closer to actually making a decision on what style to go with for a new tourney dress, but I have a lot of options to consider.

Another Jewelled Headband

Recently, I completed another jewelled billiment/headband for use with my Italian SCA clothes.
This was made in a similar way to the last one, except that I used grosgrain ribbon on the back rather than velvet ribbon. It will be interesting to see whether it holds onto the hair better. Also, I added tiny delica glass seed beads around the outside edges. These may catch in the hair, making placement and removal difficult. The 'jewels' are made from elements of a bracelet and some jewellery making findings that I got from Spotlight ornamented with glass seed beads.

Sewing the wig clip to the grosgrain ribbon before sewing the ribbon to the velvet

The finished band:

Portrait of Isotta Grumelli by Moroni
image from: http://www.gogmsite.net/the_middle_1500s_-_1550_to_/1550-1555-isotta-brembati-g.html


Portrait of a Lady by A Follower of Francesco Salviati del Rossi
image from: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Follower_of_Francesco_Salviati_del_Rossi_Portrait_of_a_Lady.jpg

Green and white necklace

Today's post is of a necklace that I made and really like. It is so simple, and very light, which makes it great for hot weather, or those days when you feel like wearing understated accessories with your garb. It is made from small crystal beads, and is a nice alternative to pearls.

Red 'coral' necklace

Here is another necklace that I made as a prize for the upcoming fighter auction tourney. The beads are called coral, but are a natural substitute for reef coral. The black beads are wood, and the pendant is made of sterling silver and enamel (purchased).

Pearl brooches

Here are two brooches I got in a junk shop recently for $6 and $4. I was delighted!