A Haunting Collaboration

I have met some lovely friends through etsy, alot of them through creating custom banners for their shops, it is always surprising how work turns into friendship even though it is only through internet communication. One darling doll is Jess L. Schnabel, an illustrator and jewelry revampress from Blood Milk Jewelry. 

Over the past few months, I have gotten to know her through etsy convos. She recently asked me to do a collaboration painting with her based on my Skeleton Krew™ Collection. Finally searching around I found this lovely portrait for the base of the painting, I shall call her Emily for now, until she get a formal name. She is quite impressive, this antique portrait is from the early 1900s; as is the oval wooden plaster frame with antique glass. There are lovely clouds in the background with her stringy hair floating in the air. 

Nevertheless, she has turned into a creepy little lady with a skeleton face and and buldging blue eyes, she is soon to be met with the lovely Jess. I will be traveling up to Philly this weekend, with my side kick Alison from Spool Design. I am going to hand off the painting to Jess, who will then finish the painting for her art show at the topsitch gallery/boutique on the Feb 6th, the first friday of the month.

I am in awe of Jess' unique style and look forward to seeing what brilliance she adds to the painting. In celebration of her art show, she will be our featured artist for RHC Findings for the whole month of February. 

From the Heart: a first look at new arrivals

Here is a first hand look at our latest reliquary from the Red Heart Cult. My Secret Lovers Reliquary necklace is gorgeous revamped necklace that has a heart breaking love story (in) itself. A twisted love triangle between a plain jane and two brothers. A secret love affair with the handsome millionaire and the other brother, a loyal soul mate who is off to war. Who will she choose? Riches or a dedicated man who pours his heart into a single love letter that comes once a month; but will he return to her? 

This relic necklace is one of a kind and is a revamped from timeless artifacts. A vintage black enameled pendant opens to reveal an assemblage of love's past. An antique oval cabinet card of two brothers and on the bottom a piece of a vintage letter that reads "Oh Dearest", a miniature key with blue rhinestone and a piece of baby's breath. On the brass chain holds a strand of five antique chandelier crystals, smaller glass beads, two links of leaf chain and a beautiful pink pendant detailing in gold.

Stop by Red Heart 13 to check out some of our other new arrivals:

~ These Bubbly Rose Darlings are a perfect romantic statement, made with white/light pink pearls and a brass rose bead cap.

~ This Pink Posies necklace is a revolution for any doll who loves pink.

 

The Skeleton Krew is Back!

SK no.0017, antique cabinet card painted with gouache and signed / numbered on the back.

We have two new unveilings from my Skeleton Krew Collection: The Backbone to the Dead. These macabre family portraits are finally back!

Skeleton Krew portrait no.0017 is surely sweet with a twist of madness. What is behind this child's eyes? This lovely little girl stares at the viewer, and is painted with black gouache. There are no markings on the back of this photo but I believe it is circa early 1900s. You can purchase this portrait at Red Heart 13. Take home a part of this collection!

This lonely boy reminded me of Damien from the Omen, so innocent yet there is evil behind those eyes, or was his soul lost in a tragic accident. Stare into his piercing eyes and imagine how he lived in the 1800s. Did he have a brother or maybe a twin? SK no.0018 will be arriving in my shop in a week or so, I am in search of a odd frame to put him in. If you would like to reserve this portrait, please feel free to contact me and I can put him on hold. 

Skeleton Krew portrait no.0018, antique photo 3.5" w x 5" h, gouache paint.

I love doing these portraits, and often never want to let them go. I wonder how these people once lived, are they still living or have they passed on to another dimension in which they try to connect with us by these little pieces of evidence from their lives. If you would like to see more from the Skeleton Krew Collection please click here!