For the last few days, I've been working on lighting the chandelier in the upper left corner of my Breakfast at Tiffany's piece. I had to remove the basting stitches, find all the sparklies and bead, bead, bead...
I was saving it for later because I knew it would be a treat to stitch and it was. It still needs a chain and a few yellow lightbulbs (I was all out of those)...but it really added a lot of POW! to the piece.
I also removed that little silver flower that was over on the left hand side. When I finished planning the rest of the design, I realized it was out of place and "stuck" there for no reason. So it came out.
And the hair!
I want to send a big shout out to Charles Batte and all the folks who urged me to spray Audrey's hair. I followed your advice, made a beeline for the Walgreens to get AquaNet, covered the piece in plastic wrap, the tiara with tape, and gave her head a good spritz. Honestly, I couldn't sleep until I did it...I was convinced the entire hairdo would come undone by morning! It worked marvelously so THANK YOU!!
Audrey is a believer and is now ready to be a spokesperson for AquaNet...
Many of you have asked what I will be doing with this piece??
I suppose my answer to that is...I'm already doing it.
It's purpose is to re-tell a story that had meaning to me -- to spread joy and beauty and delight to those who view it.
She has a story which I'll share with you one day next week when she's ready.
I think she's a friend that I will keep close.
And ultimately, one day it might hang on the wall in my nursing home room when I'm too old to see and to stitch...
And it will give pause to those who care for me...
And provide a hint of who I once was.
Have a beauty-filled weekend everyone.
Have you considered "clear" light bulbs for the chandelier? It's your call...but I can't picture adding anything yellow to that lovely overall silvery look you definitely have going. This is JMHO, based solely on internet pictures, without seeing the square "in real life."
ReplyDeleteSometimes when I'm creating & I'm out of something, I take it as a sign that I shouldn't have used it in the first place, LOL! At least that's what I try to convince myself of when I'm too lazy to go shopping...
Besides the fact that your work is so stunning and your sharing of the story wonderful, I love that you have a sense of humor. I just chuckled out loud when you said that Audrey was now a spokesperson for AquaNet!!! Happy Friday to you, Susan.
ReplyDeleteThis has been such a fun journey to watch - as are all your journeys! I can't wait to hear more of this story!
ReplyDeletei am thoroughly enjoying the process of this piece! it is quite beautiful, and all the little details are amazing! you have WAYYYYY more patience then i could ever have :) Love the chandelier by the way! keep sharing your story with us....i am enthralled!
ReplyDeleteI am excited, wonderful as always
ReplyDeleteWow, wow, wow! I have no words to describe this lovely piece of artwork.
ReplyDeleteThe aquanet story is funny.
Thank you for sharing this with us.
How large is it? It is a real joy to follow along with this creative project of yours. Your work always inspires me.
I also look forward to hearing more of this story.
Hugs ~ FlowerLady
The chandalier is just fabulous. Glad her hair is there it stay now.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing. Maybe some day we will share a room in the old folks home and I will see it then and know the many details you put into the piece.
Teresa's Heartfelt Stitches
Audrey is looking wonderful, and her chandelier is an absolute cracker - it looks just like the one in the hotel ballroom where I had my first ever dancing class!
ReplyDeleteWonderful! i am so enjoying the journey of "Breakfast at Tiffany's"!
ReplyDeleteYour work is awe inspiring and a joy to see. Thank you so much for sharing. Your last line really touched me. My mommy is an artist. She is 87, blind and lost within herself. I miss her so much. But I have some lovely pieces she has done, and I cherish each one. I love the memories they share with me. Your work is so full of life and humor, a wonderful legacy. Suzie in Idaho
ReplyDeletecoooooooooooo that chandelier is absolutely fab :) adore it and just love the hair spray bit ...lol and I think its a fab idea to have it at your nursing home when you eventually get there (in lots of years away).... thanks for sharing your journey with us :) love mouse xxxx
ReplyDeleteoh susan...sad i became reading your 'who i was' line...that happened to my mom with her dementia. she wasn't my mom anymore and it was the hardest thing to go through.
ReplyDeleteabsolutely gorgeous! I have really enjoyed watching your journey through the creating and bringing to life this block....so much inspiration and fun has been had through the making of this block.....thank you so much....
ReplyDeleteYou my dear friend, are sounding more and more like me about a year ago. Leaving a legacy is a very important thing. A footprint to last forever.
ReplyDeleteYour chandelier was well worth the wait. Now, we all absolutely can not WAIT to her "the rest of the story".
xx, Carol
I've been fascinated watching this piece come to life -- you are so talented!
ReplyDeleteThat is one of my favourite movies, and seeing it brought to life in fabric is stunning!
Glad you succumbed to the Aquanet fix! This block is just wonderful, Susan, a real treasure. You work magic with that needle of yours!
ReplyDeleteYour post really touched my heart about people seeing a bit of your history. I have never in my entire life ever seen such a lovely chandelier made of beads. You are truly a master stitcher. May you have a wonderful first weekend of Autumn...
ReplyDeleteVery nice idea of decorating with pieces of jewels like pearls and diamond...the total effect is lovely...love the work displayed here.
ReplyDeleteThat chandelier is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteYou are a wise woman, weigting pro and cons, an d finally spraying her hair. I like the way you work.
Have a good weekend too, you already made mine bright
I do enjoy each and every stage of this beautiful piece. I have shared it with women that are special to me. You are so talented and giving to share this with all of us!
ReplyDeleteOh wow. I was looking for a chandelier for my newly decorated landing a few weeks ago. We could not find a suitable one and went in the end with a Tiffany Shade :-)
ReplyDeleteYour chandelier is bedazzeling :-)
Oh My GOSH...once again I am in awe of your work. Your work is amazing...and inspiring too! Beautiful, just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI just love the chandelier! You rendered it beautifully....
ReplyDeleteYou cease to amaze me - time and time again your creations blow me away.
ReplyDeleteMy father owned an Antique Shop for many years - his specialty was restoring vintage chandeliers. I have to say yours is up there with the most beautiful I've seen.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Dear Susan,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you are going to keep this piece for yourself. But thank you for sharing the story and your journey with us. It will be such a treat to see the entire work when you are ready.
Best wishes!
This piece is extraordinary.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen anything like this before.
Thank you for sharing.
Marjolein.
I love the way this block is shaping up - really enjoying watching it
ReplyDeleteI saw the feature on CraftGossip and had to visit! This is a stunning creation - a very special one!
ReplyDeleteThe chandelier and the jewels are amazing!!! I have to repeatedly tell myself that this is all being done on an 8x8 inch piece!! stunning!!! I love your answer about What you will do with this piece!! Fabulous!!!
ReplyDeleteI am in awe. This is such a beautiful, delightful creation. I can't wait to see the next installment and hear the story behind it.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I love the idea of hanging it in the nursing home...brilliant.
I think this a beautiful piece and what you said about why you made it said it all. I think all the things I have made. One day I or someone else will look at and say that is who she once was, and how she expressed herself.
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ReplyDeleteOnce again stunning work Susan! Did you know that Audrey Hepburn lived here in Holland in Arnhem, my town of birth, about 5 miles from where I live now?
ReplyDeleteHugs from Holland, WILMA
It's such a delight to view your work and I leave with a feeling of contentment and the urge to re-visit at the first opportunity.
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