Thursday, July 15, 2010

Summer Cloche Party!

When Marty from ‘A Stroll Thru Life’ posted an invitation to her cloche party, I leaped right in and accepted! It did cross my mind that I have never done cloches, save for a terrarium in the seventies. No matter…I challenged myself to use one vessel in several different ways, and draw from only what I had on hand. Please let me know what you think….
.
.

The first thing I brought out was an owl my husband bought for me when we were first married over forty years ago. I'm ashamed to admit it's been closed up in a china cabinet since then, so it was well past liberation time ! Because it reminds me of Harry Potter's Hedwig, I have added a few old books and a ring of ancient keys to set it in times past.

.
.

.

This charming figurine cost me a dollar at the thrift store. She has a small hole the size of a nickel on her base, and slots in her dress. There are no other openings, so it’s not clear what purpose she originally served. I’ve placed her under glass to underline that women are often held up to a higher standard…are still compartmentalized and frequently experience exclusion.



.

As I was photographing the white lady, I glanced over at this trio of small pictures. I am very fond of each of them…it seemed a natural step to group them together. On the right is, of course Jan Vermeer’s ‘Girl With a Pearl Earring’. To the left is ‘Portrait of Harriet Maconochie’ by Scottish painter William Dyce. For the painting in the jar, I have only the name, ‘Fabiola’ written on the back. I have not been able to identify its painter and would love it if anyone has information to share with me.

The outdoors beckoned and since Marty had said birdcages would be perfectly lovely to use, I plopped a couple of my favourite birds into this vintage gem. I almost left this cage in the shop because they wanted five dollars for it years ago. So glad I got over that notion!













Naturally, the other birds wanted their share in the limelight so I put them under glass, (briefly) and they were quite happy to pose for me!



.
And finally, as I had just purchased a colourful candle and holder, I quickly inverted the jar onto a pretty saucer for the last shot of the afternoon.
.
.
.
I enjoyed this immensely, and may even have found a new hobby. I’m now eyeing everything in terms of how it would look under glass!

.
.
An especially big thank you goes to Marty for this brilliant event! She can take a cloche and turn it into a splendid work of art. Click on the link below and you’ll see for yourself! Have fun checking out all the partygoers…

http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/
.

32 comments:

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Amazing...and I am over there whining that I don't have any cloches...and look how creative you are! I am inspired. Tommorrow...I am going on the prowl. Yes I am! Thanks for showing me that I do NOT need to go shopping...I probably have something right here ...right out there in that garage full of "stuff"...
You're great!!
You did a great job!!
Mona

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Um...I meant "tomorrow". I KNOW there is not two "m's" in tomorrow. :)

Lynn said...

I think the owl looks spectacular-enjoy!

Olive said...

They are stunning. I really enjoyed the three portraits. I like your style and will follow starting now;) olive♦

xinex said...

I can tell you are very creative. I really everything you have displayed inside cloches and cages and I love your little chairs!..Christine

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

LOVE your cloche and how you did a sweet vignette each time.

Slice of Pie said...

Love your cloche post ... and I love the old shoes too! Your ceramic lady is a napkin holder! I only know that because I received one as a gift a few years ago. She came with beautiful paper napkins and you fold them and insert them in the slits in her skirt ... then she looks like she has a big full skirt on! I like her better without the napkins, though! Beautiful post.

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

You have such a unique and wonderful collection! I REALLY REALLY like the first one and that birdcage, WOW!

That is the second doll I've seen like that. I'll have to do some research and find out more but what instantly came to my mind was inserting a night light bulb in her dress . . .

Thank you so much for visiting me!!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh how pretty. This is just gorgeous. I love the tall one with the wood top and your vignettes are just wonderful. The tiered birdcage is so unusual. What a clever idea. Thanks so much for joining the party. Love it all. Hugs, Marty

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

You did a great job with your cloche designs! I like the vignettes you created with them! Very interesting items displayed!

Love those little shoes too!

Katherine

P.S. - Cloche designs can be addictive!! Right?

Ana said...

Hi Lynette,
Loved your cloche on the first three pictures. I have never seen anything like it...I love it! And the way you have displayed it turned out great...especially the one with the pretty figurine. Have a wonderful weekend.

Smiles,
♥Ana~A Petite Cottage

Lisa said...

These are wonderful :) My favorite is the one with the owl. I love the groupings of books with the keys. Antique things always arouse my curiosity, wondering the lives they've been through. Beautiful work xx

Glenda/MidSouth said...

So many pretty ideas - I really like the one with the owl, books and keys. You did good. :D

Sherrie said...

So pretty! Your figurine is a napkin doll. At $1.00 she was a real steal. If you see the name Kriess on the bottom she is worth even more. If you want to see one with napkins go to my blog on the header there is a napkin doll decked out. What an exciting find!

Sue said...

Lynette, Oh my, but you have created some lovelies here! I love how you grouped the trio of women and used keys and the owl as a reference to Hedwig. You were really thinking! The tall birdcage is just precious. I'm so glad that you dropped by for a visit. And thanks so much for taking my button and following!
:-) Sue

Char said...

Each cloche was sweeter than the first. What a complete surprise it was scrolling down from one picture to the next. I love the birds nests, so magical, Char

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

That's a napkin lady! I've looked for one of those forever, but they are always so pricey! i can't believe the deal you got on her. Napkins are folded to fit into the slots on her skirt, and the napkins become her skirt. Your cloche ideas are great, and I love the bird cage with different levels. I really enjoyed visiting your post. laurie

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

You are so creative! I really like the miniature paintings.

Mel said...

How beautiful. It's like you were able to capture a moment in time.

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I see someone else told you your doll is a napkin lady. Your cloches are lovely....and the owl and the books are perfect!

the cape on the corner said...

i LOVE your art set up and cloche! what a great idea!

thanks so much for stopping by the cape on the corner, and for kind words on my cloche (it's my first, too) and my home. also my first, lol.

Barbara Jean said...

Lynette,

Oh I love the idea of the old fashioned photos under the glass. Love the one you did here.
And you know I'm lovin' the bird and nest. So perfectly me!!

thanks for coming by to see my lantern.

blessings

barbara jean

Stacey said...

Hi Lynette. Your cloches are so pretty. I really like the way your grouped the girls. :) Just lovely.

Catherine said...

All your collections are very pretty but I especially like the bird ones ~ they inspire me to go out into my garden and re-arrange my garden collectables! Lovely!

Have a terrific Saturday!
xo Catherine

Rettabug said...

Magical, Marvelous Cloches, Lynette but its your writing style that inspires me even more! You ARE a writer, by virtue of your blog. Please keep it up?

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

I love all the unique ways you have used your cloches. That figurine with the slotted dress looks like a miniature santos doll replica.

Embellished Bayou said...

What lovely and unusual arrangements! Great job!

Requi Tablescaping Escapades said...

That's what I like about meme participation in bloggland; it helps us to use our treasures (like your owl from your hubby) which are sometimes hidden away out of sight. The cloche with the figurine is an expression of interesting symbolism. Thanks for visiting my blog. I am glad I stopped by yours.

All the Best,

Requi

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

I love everything that you showcased. And putting something under glass definitely showcases it. The birdcage is fabulous. Thanks for visiting my cloches & for leaving me a comment.

Diann said...

Everything just looks so pretty!

KimMalk said...

For not having any cloches you certainly did a wonderful job. I love the owl, but let me get this straight, he got his freedom in a smaller glass container!? :)

Nancy Rosalina said...

What beautiful cloche ideas! Wasn't this a fun party! Can't wait until the next one! I'm still visiting around...lol ;) Nancy