Grey Goddess

Here's a detail shot of my latest sewing success! I'm wearing it to a wedding this weekend. This is one of those projects where I really wish I had remembered to take a before photo. This dress started as a voluminously large skirt from the local thrift (less than $1) that I chopped up and concocted, using every last scrap. As per my impulsively creative norm, I busted straight in to trial-and-error sewing, though that error was seemingly non-existent as this project was the most delightfully smooth, seam ripper-less sewing endeavour I have ever experienced. I just kept stitching along, chunk by chunk, and everything worked. The fabric was a dream to sew--it is the softest, flowiest, rayon-like cotton. I love the subtle sheen of the pattern over it. Creating that quilted bust panel, the puff sleeves, and the satin-meets-silk convertible sash were the highlights. In my mind I was imagining '30s/'40s glam meets Classical statue, and voilà, that's how it's sewn up.

Classical Swag

This is likely a McCoy or Bauer vase from the 1930s. I love the elegant Classical shape with swag details.

Piano Makeover: After

Ta-da, the Baldwin is now white! Compared to the dark wooden before, I particularly love how the columns and pilasters are all the more Classical in its fresh new finish. For 118 years old, this piano is looking pretty spiffy!

In the words of interior decorator Elsie de Wolfe (1859-1950) "I believe in plenty of optimism and white paint!" 

Black and Gold Greek Urn

Time for another Classical accessory! I found this little Greek vase at Value Village for $5. I love its shape, black and gold sleekness, and band of toga-wearing people.

Statue or Bust

I have been drooling over the prospect of having a Classical statue as a decor item, and, joy of joys, I found this bust from Homesense for $25. It can be used just as an accessory, or for displaying jewellery or hats. 

Best of all, it's more than just a pretty face--it has a depression in the top of the head that can serve as a container for a plant, markers, or what have you. I am thrilled!

Apollo Art History

 This pretty art history book from 1924 only set me back a few cents at a book sale.

I love the classical appearance created by the olive green, gold text, and gold seal.

It covers the origins of art to the art of the 19th Century. 

Sidenote: something I love about old books is the potential for unexpected bookmarks. This recipe for "Dandy Candy"(on a strawberry card no less!) fell out of the index and made me chuckle.

Flower Crown Bust Vase

I love the elegance of classical busts so I made one out of clay, except this bust is also a vase. 

After I hollowed out the head I added braids with strategically placed holes. Flower stems can be slipped in the holes to make it look like the bust is wearing a flower crown...to take it from elegant to whimsical.

I glazed the inside of the fired bust with clear glaze and the outside with snow white glaze.

Once it was fired again I filled it with flowers for an unexpectedly pretty display!