Monday, December 28, 2009

femme noir art show Jan 9th













































Please join me on Saturday, January 9th from 6-10pm for the first show of the new year at the Toothless Cat Gallery in Philly. 'femme noir' is a four person show, composed of 2 male and 2 female artists. The ladies are painting with a macabre palate and the gentlemen are painting the women darkly. A real battle royale of the sexes seen through a dark tinted lens.

SHARE:

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas!

I want to wish everyone a very awesome and Merry Christmas! I'm looking forward to spending time with family today and tomorrow night spending it with our good friends and Danzig in NJ; it will be the best show along with Gorgeous Frankenstein!

Happy Holidays to all friends!
SHARE:

Friday, December 18, 2009

NEW ARRIVALS!!!

You've all must of thought I've dropped off the face of the earth, well I was just in hiding busy with orders and custom pieces and painting, not only my house but new faces. I'm really looking forward to the week after Christmas when I have off for a whole week; I will sit in my robe and wander in my own thoughts, make new jewelry and complete twin portrait paintings, oh it will be glorious. I will also be on a man hunt for odd frames and things to showcase some paintings. In the meantime, I've been busy with some new arrivals this week and hope you enjoy!
























~ 1) Tragic Romance Dagger Earrings: an ode to a tragic death; much of my work is often drawn from tragic love stories, such as R&J and Venus & Adonis. These daggers are a weapon of choice and feature lovely red crystals, perhaps blood from a love lost.

~ 2) Fools In Love Heart and Key Necklace: a nostalgic necklace as a reminder of past loves and future souls as one, features a small key and rhinestone heart pendant on two stranded chain.

~ 3) Majestic Memories Locket Necklace: a romantic arrangement for a nostalgic memory, whether be a friendly face or small memento of hair.

~ 4) Tiffany Sweetheart Pearl Drop Earrings: classic pearls in white are matched with the modern Tiffany blues, a perfect combination for any gala or wedding.

~ 5) Chain Gang Necklace: a chunky chain piece of hardware meant to make a bold statement! I have two more of these badass beauties so stay tuned for a similar necklace with ribbon laced throughout the chain.

~ 6) Bella Rose Mesh Necklace: a beautiful mesh rose to adorn your heart, made of tight mesh metal.

SNEAK PEAK: Soon to be returning to my shop, Black Lust earrings and Black Thorn earrings!


SHARE:

Deck the Halls: Holiday Decorating Inspiration

The holiday festivities are truly right around the corner, but I am not ready, we have our tree and lights up, we've got firewood, but what dinner. I still haven't decorated the dinning room, yikes! Today my husband and his buddy are completing the new painted dinning room after a month literally, anywhooo, the room was originally was a horrible salmon color mixed with tan trim. I'm truly excited for the new color palette of moss green walls with bright white trim and I'm looking forward to decorating the room this weekend. I'm thinking long white curtains for the bay window and not sure what I'm doing to spice it up for the Christmas, but I've been searching for some DIY ideas and thought I'd share!























~ I'm thinking of decorating the room in all white with touches of green accents with a couple of red punches, I really love this photo from Martha Stewart, it is so enchanting and I love how the green anchors the doorway. I have some left over branches from the tree so I could add some on the table or over the windows.























~ You can spice up your kitchen or even bathroom with small accents of green brush or how about some small shimmering ornaments in a apothecary jar. 
















~ I recently found this stunning image from Nettleton Hollow, a leading provider of high-quality decorative branches and other lasting botanical material. I love the branches with these hanging clear glass lantern balls, the flameless candles are a brilliant way to add candlelight without the flame; a similar idea would be to hang ornaments from a chandelier.























~ Vintage accents are a huge part of my decor, I've seem to have raided my grandmother's attic a while back and have all sorts of odds & ends. I love this revamped fawn, I've even seen these fuzzy guys at flea markets and such, I love the idea of making them new. 























~ The holidays isn't all about red, green and white! I'm in love with this arrangement from Angela's Accents, baby doll pink and I even see pink feathers, how magnificent! Some of my other favs are royal blue and tiffany blue.
SHARE:

Friday, December 11, 2009

Vanitas Inspiration

I'm currently working on a new painting inspired by vanitas themes, meaning “emptiness”, “foolish pride” and “vanity” in latin, the vanitas theme were common in medieval funerary art and during the 15th century these became morbid and explicit, showcasing an increased obsession with death and the over tone of Memeto Mori. These paintings were often a reminder of the transience of life, the futility of pleasure and a certainty of death. Vanitas paintings along with some of my Skeleton Krew paintings try to remind the viewer of how temporary human life really is.

The vanitas work of art was especially associated with Northern European still life painting in Flanders, Holland and the Netherlands during the 16th and 17th centuries.

COMMON SYMBOLS include:
~ skulls: certainty of death
~ rotten fruit: decay and aging
~ bubbles: sudden death, brief death
~ smoke, watches, hourglasses: short life
~ musical instruments: short lived, lasting only one day
~ fruit, flowers, butterflies can be interpreted the same way


The current painting in progress features a young woman in mask and white dress, she is revealing her bones and is holding a skull and is pinned with drooping roses. Behind her is an hour glass already empty, she is of course already dead hence a part of the Skeleton Krew. I'm looking forward to share this collection and my newest paintings in my art show come January. 

Top image: Vanitas Still Life, 1603. Jaques de Gheyn the Elder (Dutch, 1565-1629) Oil on wood; 32 1/2 x 21 1/4 in. The Meropolitan Museum of Art New York, Vanitas Still Life

Bottom image: Adriaen Pietersz. van de Venne, Ex minimis patest ipse Dues (God is revealed in the smallest work of his creation), from Zeeusche nachtegael (Middleburgh, 1623), National Gallery of Art, Washington, Library
SHARE:

Thursday, December 10, 2009

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things…

I can't believe it is the end of the year already and gosh do I want so many things I cannot have, well, shouldn't buy is the right answer, ha. One day perhaps after the holidays. I'm hoping to make a treasury this afternoon, showcasing some these curious beauties.



















~ SECOND EDITION - What are you afraid of Sculpture: I personally love this piece because for one it reminds me of my childhood, yet the mask is a shield to what fears and worries I never knew now that I am an adult. I love how innocence has met it's companion of darkness and fear; such radiance.

~ A Life Entwined Print 2: This photography by Light Leaks is quite mysterious, it is almost as if the lady is lost and has been drawn into the forrest by the trees whispering in her ear. I'm in love with this shop, much of the photography from is truly haunting and often very conceptual with settings that tell a story.





















~ Victoire Knotted Copper Muti-chain Necklace: There is something so elegant and refined about White Owl, many of the pieces from this shop are like pieces of art to adore your neck or ears. I just adore the use of materials and stunning presentation.



~ Black and Bronze Metallic Evening Purse/Clutch: I'm always a fan of black, but I love this whimsical pattern design, sort of reminds me of the infinity of the universe. This bag is totally sheek and universal from party to wedding.
SHARE:

Monday, December 7, 2009

NEW ARRIVALS with love from RH13

Well hello, it's been a while, hope you are all doing well!!!! I'm finally getting settled and things are looking up. I've been busy as always but was able to sit down last week in my new blush pink studio, to create some new jewelry. The next few weeks I will be busy with preparing my Skeleton Krew paintings for my art show come Jan 9th at the Toothless Cat Gallery at the Piazza at Schmidts (more details to come soon). 

S H O P   A N N O U N C E M E N T:
Free Shipping all through December and enjoy reduced jewelry for our end of year RED SALE.























~ The Resting Bird Relic Necklace: an ossuary of the once living, is truly tragic and quite fantastical! Miniature baby bird bones are now a specimen of interest, as they now rest inside glass and are matched with a vintage magnifying glass.























~ The Haunted Stanley Hotel Necklace ii: Check into the Stanley hotel and unlock the door to hidden spirits and eerie sounds…a vintage skeleton key and silver number plate are companions, knotted brass chain carry these dark mementos of the past.























~ Flourish Sacred Heart Necklace: truly immaculate; this necklace is a bold statement of love and devotion. Let this flaming heart shine with divine light.























~ In the Name of the Father Talisman Necklace: a companion made of authentic monastery keys and religious medals that hang in solitude. Truly meant for the traveler, it is a strong talisman into worlds unknown, let these relics be a protector of your soul.























~ Black Thorn Earrings: with but a prick of a thorn, these darling black matte earrings give a mysterious look and super lightweight, you won't even know your wearing them.
SHARE:

Saturday, November 28, 2009

HOLIDAY SALE & FREE SHIPPING!





Please enjoy DISCOUNTED ITEMS and FREE SHIPPING at Red Heart 13 for our Holiday Sale. You can find 19 jewelry items under the Holiday Sale section, everything from necklaces to earrings. Sale ends Tuesday, December 1st.


SHARE:

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

NEW ARRIVALS: Beauty & Black

HELLO EVERYONE! I'm still in the works of unpacking and getting organized, I'm still in the process of painting my studio pale pink, hopefully it will be done by the end of this week and I'm also hoping I will have more new arrivals come next week, I many new vintage pieces to share with you all. In the meantime, please check out some new arrivals from last week, hopefully soon I will have some pics of the new studio in process.























~ 1) Van Helsing Talisman iii: A silver bullet pendant is a legend in itself, telling the tale of doctor Van Helsing in his slaying adventures with monsters. Silver pewter bullet is matched with a vintage rhinestone crown.

~ 2) The White Rabbit Necklace: Be reminded of the childhood fables you fell in love with with this white enamel albino bunny pendant.

~ 3) Eternal Shield Earrings: A knight in battle, knowing he will either concur the damned or be blessed for eternity. Vintage copper shield hang in solitude from think copper chain.

~ 4) The Mystery Necklace: Once a hidden treasure in the ground, this lace metal pendant now has a new life and hangs with chain and black glass beads.























~ 5) Dogwood Morning Earrings: Both romantic and feminine, these earrings bring nature to your little lobes and would make a perfect gift for the special someone.

~ 6) Blackberry Earrings: A delicious hint of mystery; textured round beads radiate a sheen of color wile adding sweetness to your day.

~ 7) Blackest Night Lantern Earrings: Rustic black beads matched with black chain tell a tale of a lonely soul longing for eternity.

~ 8) Lemon Chiffon Earrings: A beautiful arrangement to suit the sweet side of you; all made with vintage!

EXTRA NEW ARRIVALS ~ New pieces that are not featured above!
SHARE:

Monday, November 23, 2009

Robert the Haunted Doll

During my travels and collecting odds & ends, I often wonder if there is a story behind them and could they we cursed with spirit or bad omen from it's previous home. I believe in possession and cursed objects, sometimes I find myself thinking twice about certain objects like dolls, portraits or objects from funerals, but sometimes the beauty and mystic of them come first. 

Today I found this interesting story of Robert the Haunted Doll, he sits at about 3ft tall and is said to be cursed by black magic and made with human hair that has turned white from age. The dark story began near the turn of the 20th century, over the years he has tormented many and to this day he sits at the Martello Museum in Key West, surrounded by letters of people asking to take the curse off. 

Stop by the Gothic Tea Society to read about his story; it gave me chills.
SHARE:

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Welcome, HOME!
















So it has been a long and stressful few months waiting and searching for the right house. Its come down to the wire and it's the night before closing. My husband and I looked at over 50 houses during our house hunting adventures and just when we were about to give up hope, we found the one. Things have gone smoothly overall, with just a little rocks in the road along the way, and of course the emergency phone calls. But tomorrow is the day we close on the house and get handed the keys. We are looking forward to the big move and though I'd share some photos and welcome you into our soon to be new home.

~ You can see more photos at my FLICKR!
SHARE:

Thursday, November 12, 2009

NEW ARRIVALS!

Many new arrivals this week, I thought I'd feature just a couple, but please be sure to stop by Red Heart 13 to see all 12 new designs. Also, I wanted to remind everyone about requesting custom orders this holiday season or anytime of year, I am always up for an adventure and fully enjoy creating one-of-a-kind pieces. Currently I'm working on a third custom design for the Tin Man's Heart and also a recreation of the Bible Study Necklace which recently just sold.























~ 1) Through the Looking Glass Necklace: a beloved magnifying glass for viewing your most cherished photographs or book of paintings from your most valued collection. The magnifying glass is strung on a gold chain with two leaf pendants and chandelier prism.























~ 2) White Raspberry Peeps: these sweet little toofs are back and filled with a yummy filling.























~ 3) Anchor of Hope Talisman Necklace: a guiding talisman with religious relics of strength and hope featuring a religious skeleton key and anchor charm on rosary links and chain.
SHARE:

An Odd & Marvelous Home

















It's official I'm saying goodbye to renting and welcoming of owning our first home. With only 8 days until settlement, I thought I'd take a breather and welcome you in to view our Nexus of Time, or what I like to call our 150 year old brick townhouse filled with obsessions and collections. I'm sad to see us leave and now it looks of shambles and a mess, it was a world filled with creaking rocking chairs and enchanting immaculate faces amongst the darker side of things.

We live in a flood zone, inside a brick townhouse that is connected to five other ones, our house is quite interesting, I've never gotten the full story but I've heard that it used to be an old train station. The odd thing that makes ours a little more special, is that there are engravings of names on the front wall. About thirty signatures and writings line the brick, one including a signature from 1938, one that reads worst house and even a signature from when hurricane Floyd came through. Coming upon the front porch you are welcomed by my rocking chair collection and whimsical flea market finds all that have stories to tell. One rocking chain in particular is from the Hale Byrnes House that was built in 1750, which happens to be right down the street. I snagged it one night after they put it out for trash pick up, a little hammering and it's brand new.

Inside, it is quite comfy and each piece is placed with thought. Don't be frightened by the vintage horror posters of the Texas Chain Massacre and Michael Myers staring you down. It is a world filled with different styles that mix together, ranging from comic villains to religious saints and heros. Bruce is an advocate collector anything monster related and I am an advocate collector of religious antiques; mind you, our collections have taken over the house. My obsession and superstitions include having a crucifix in every room and all my water fonts line the wall of the staircase. I am still afraid to take some of them down by the doors until we moving day. The dining room is where my cabinet of curiosity stands tall like a miniature museum. Originally a bookcase, it now features handmade relics in apothecary bottles and frozen memories all nestled together; one including a small dried flower from my grandmother's casket. There is a glass eye that looks up at you as you investigate tiny faces and my antiquarian anatomy book collection. Ahhh, a safe home filled with tragedy and romance.

The dining room, also features religious portraits with the sacred and immaculate hearts, our Jim Shore collection and this one haunting portrait in particular. As a wedding present, our good friend Gene gave us this interesting painting of a little girl in her first communion dress. Some may ask why so creepy? Whatever you do don't take the portrait out of the frame or she will come to haunt you! I know, so lame but I was really freaked out after Gene told us that fib. For a while I had thought our house was haunted and weird things were happening and then the painting came along and I was seeing her in corners at night, so freaked out, but now I'm ok with her but I will think twice about breaking that glass.



Upstairs features my studio, where many of my antique religious statues are kept and also vintage cabinet cards of infants, I adore them so and admire them as little angels watching over me while I work. The top floor is quite strange and badass all in one, you can admire a huge statue of Bela Lugosi's head as Dracula and also be reminded of childhood with a Skeletor statue. There is also a weird tiny room with a built in seat and window, very odd. One of my favorite rooms in the house is the bathroom, it is small yes but features my favorite portrait of a young woman holding cherry blossoms. I am just amazed at her beauty and she almost looks as if she is in a deep sleep. I've always thought of getting her tattooed on my body, but I know it will never looks as immaculate, so I will keep her frozen in time.

I find it very funny how Bruce and I's styles meet, I still haven't quite figured out all the styles he hates, but I did just find out that he hates brown other than wood. It was def fun when we visited the furniture store the other day, he has lovely taste and am looking forward to our new home together and making it our own.

You can view more images of my home at MY FLICKR, stay tuned for an upcoming blog that will feature pictures of our new house.
SHARE:

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Pictorial Websters

Really amazing video, I love the dedication and also seeing how it is bound from start to finish.

Pictorial Webster's: Inspiration to Completion from John Carrera on Vimeo.

SHARE:

Monday, November 9, 2009

Shhhweeet Supplies: 2























Ahhh…finally rest and time to create. A little calm before the storm I suppose, the big move hopefully is happening in eleven days. I got my butt in gear yesterday and I spent a lovely day at my pop's  house while creating new pieces after a long couple of weeks. I also have been ordering some new supplies and thought I'd share a little treat as to what will be coming in the next month or so, along with unpacking.

EXCUSE ME PLEASE, SHOP ANNOUNCEMENT
10 NEW ARRIVALS coming later this evening:
7 pairs of earrings
3 necklaces: one including a vintage magnifying glass and also one with an antique key escutcheon

Supplies Left to Right: Petite Keyholes, red bubbly beads that remind me of a mad scientist, genuine Indian coins, brass double sided arrow heads, 2 glass vials ready for relics, vintage russian escutcheon, delicious beads in blackberry and also raspberry, a variety of ink nibs and dead sea bubbly beads.
SHARE:
Blog Design Created by pipdig