Lost Artisan

Sweden

2017-10-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

Sweden
Images: Uppsala, silver & pewter for sale at an antique shop, vintage 1940s snakeskin platform pumps in my size, an armful of vintage embroidered hand towels, Birgitta’s enviable Upsala Ekeby collection, the oldest cottage in the village, our breakfast table, a monogramed pillowcase on a bed in my favorite seaside cottage, dishtowels that look more like a work of art, traditional Swedish folk costume jacket and ribbon repurposed for modern wear, the hand lettered sign of a charming antique shop in the countryside.

Rings

2017-10-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

Rings
Images: The smokey Georgian diamonds I wear every day, what was once a plate in an antique children's tea set that is now my catch all jewelry dish.

Worlds End

2017-10-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

World's End Farm
Images: Sarah and Eric’s Greek Revival farm house, Poochi, my bouquet, Sarah and Nicolette with their finished sample bouquets, my bouquet again, leftovers, a few friendly and ornery hens, flowers supplied for, then devoured by eager learners.

swedish tablescapes

2013-06-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

swedish tablescapes
from the week I spent with friends searching the swedish countryside for antique treasures

a study of heirloom roses

2013-06-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

a study of heirloom roses with little flower school at garden valley ranch in petaluma, california.
images: my finished arrangement, working away, stunning demonstration arrangement.

Late last month I spent an entire day learning to arrange flowers with Nicolette Owen of Nicolette Camille, and Sarah Ryhanen of Saipua - collectively the Little Flower School. Student's learned to how to make attractive arrangements using a variety of stunning blooms, including, fresh cut heirloom roses from the garden.

I chose deep burgundy reds and pale dusty yellows for my arrangement - featuring Peter B. and Black Baccara roses, orchids, smoke bush foliage and ranunculus.

Nicolette transforming a tulip by gently bending it's petals back, creating an entirely new shape to work with.

Sarah showing off a selection of poppies.

Sarah and Nicolette simultaneously building the foundation of an arrangement.

Our work space at Garden Valley Ranch.

blacksmithing

2013-04-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

details from my adventure in metal manipulation at the crucible forge in oakland california.
images: my anvil and tools, the forge studio, punching a hole, tool collection, tapering the rod, the results.

ambrotype

2013-04-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

8x10" ambrotype self portrait
2008

french jewelry caskets

2013-03-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

antique french gilt ormolu beveled glass jewelry caskets

where to look: i often find these boxes at genuine antique markets, shops and fairs. seek dealers or shops that specialize in pre 1900 antiques. i also spot them frequently on etsy and ebay - use the description above in your search.

collectors tip: modern imitations and replicas exist - examine the piece carefully for the character and patina of age. the metal should show some tarnish, the glass will appear imperfect or flawed and the interior fabric, commonly silk, should show some wear.

making sandals

2013-03-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

details from my adventure in bespoke sandal making with rachel corry of rachel sees snail shoes in san francisco, ca.
images: sample sandals, patterns, tracing pattern, adjusting back strap, fitting sandals, gluing pieces, the finished product.

(special thanks to gravel and gold for hosting the workshop)

daguerreotype

2013-02-25T08:30:00.000-08:00

antique french daguerreotype in a paper mâché case with mother of pearl inlay

honey harvesting

2013-01-31T12:40:00.000-08:00

details from my adventure in honey harvesting and bee wrangling with golden harvest beekeeping in redwood city california.
images: examining the hive, firing up the smoker, subduing the hive, returning the comb, bees going about their business, fresh honey.

hinged orb locket

2013-01-23T13:07:00.000-08:00

antique five frame hinged orb locket with buckle detail

the manor - 1772

2013-01-15T12:36:00.000-08:00

the manor - 1772

victorian

2012-12-20T13:33:00.000-08:00

victorian
mouse: victoria - ring: victorian citrine and seed pearl

wet and dry plate collodion

2012-11-05T17:30:00.000-08:00

details from my adventure in wet and dry plate collodion negative making at the scully and osterman sylight studio in rochester, ny.
images: glass plate retouching apparatus, plate rack, choosing an aperture, pouring a plate, salt print portrait with original collodion negative.

hints of the daguerreotype

2012-10-22T16:47:00.000-07:00

hints of the daguerreotype - 1853
the most recent addition to my 19th century photography manual collection

crystal wax seal fob

2012-10-10T08:17:00.000-07:00

victorian crystal wax seal fob
with engraved detail of an evergreen tree, framed by the words, rien ne me change - french for - nothing changes me.

fighting the morning chill

2012-06-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

fighting the morning chill

antique bookends

2012-05-01T16:05:00.000-07:00

antique bookends

2012-01-04T23:40:00.000-08:00

the best way to find direction is to lose your way
antique compass encased in the seed of a tropical bat pollinated mucuna flower

2011-12-14T11:55:00.000-08:00

antique french mustard pot - 1855

2011-12-02T18:46:00.000-08:00

my 1911 white rotary meets linen
tank pattern: wikstenmade - necklace: antique compass

wearing the night sky

2011-11-11T23:00:00.000-08:00

wearing the night sky - midnight blue, moonlight white

vintage dress: lawrence - ring: victorian opal & seed pearl

welcome

2011-11-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

welcome!
this blog has been created to share my interest in lost & dying arts,
collecting antiques, fine art photography & my artistic visions

expect infrequency & intrigue

image details: 4x5" polaroid self portrait