Rescued Charlottes

Well as many of you already know, I've recently been quite compelled to create with my new found stash of Frozen Charlottes. I wrote up a little something to give people when they buy one of my Rescued Charlotte pieces, but it's probably a bit too long, so I've decided to post it here!

Mis Queridos or “My Beloveds”
It’s no wonder with my love for tiny objects, dioramas, lockets and little things to put things in that I should be so attracted to these little dolls. After all, one does need little things to place in the little spaces she creates doesn’t she?
Manufactured in Germany from about 1850 to the early 1900s, these intriguing bisque/china/porcelain dolls were originally produced as Victorian Bathing Dolls called “Frozen Charlottes”; so named from an early American folk song by William Carter. Carter tells a sad story of a piercingly cold night, with the lovely Charlotte being picked up in a sleigh by her beau ready to attend the village ball. Looking lovely, young Charlotte dressed in her finery, vainly wanted to be seen and admired along the way, and did not heed her mother’s good advice to cover herself with a blanket, refusing to wear even her wrap. By the time she and her beau arrived at the ball, Charlotte had frozen to death. ( I know it's a wee bit dark but that's the story) :)
On a lighter note, in early Victorian days these sweet little dolls were also baked into children’s birthday cakes, or Christmas pudding to be found by the young guest as they bit into their piece of cake. Nothing like pies and cakes to lighten the mood!And...Quite a little party favor!

Today these rare little collectables are used in all sorts of mixed media art, but the tiny ones are among the most coveted. Remember they’re over 100 years old! Here I have assembled some of my smallest most treasured Charlottes into a series of collage pendants, charms and pins called Mis Queridos or “My Beloveds”. Each small vignette tells a story of her own for the holder to discover. Using vintage findings and found objects gives each piece an innate sense of history. Some pieces contain words or symbols, but all carry with her a unique charism. My hope is that you enjoy your rescued Charlotte creation as much as I enjoyed making it for you
Enjoy!

Update on the Wishing Tree...

While I certainly don't go out there and just "sit" nearly as much as I dreamed of, our "Wishing Tree" remains a relaxing and beautiful destination in the yard for myself and my family. Each member has added a little something of their own and I've even received a few things from far,far away. My Mom found this wonderful beaded mobile this summer in a fantastic little gallery in Big Sur. The one with the people nests lined with sari-like quilts and colorful pillows.I meant to write a post just about these nests but didn't, so here's a couple of photos so you know what I mean. I loved these things!Another wish was sent in a jar with sand and seashells from my sweet Annie's, Atlantic coast.
This past weekend I did the Irvine Fine Arts Holiday Faire and met some of the coolest ladies. As I spoke to them about my work and my current obsession with my tiny frozen Charlotte's (which I will write about next) I found myself going back to our tree.I described how it's become a sort of wishing/prayer/reflection/art spot for us and of my desire to make this a sort of visual symbol that reminds us of things to pray or wish for. I only wish I would have asked them to send a wish...anyhow, it's late and I'm not completely sure I'm making sense, I just wanted to say a little something so you know I didn't forget...

Oh! And for those of you I haven't told, myself and a few other gals are doing a little Holiday Boutique this Friday the 13th right in my neighborhood. I posted it as an event on my Bella Luna Arts Facebook page but here's a few particulars as well. It's at 539 S. Orange Ave. Brea from 6:00-9:00pm.We'll have wine,hors d'oeuvres LOTs of festive twinkling lights and shopping what could be better! Stop by if you get a chance, it should be fun. Ciao for now!

Glitterfest was Grand!!!

As usual the Glitterfest Girls of Whimzy!did a bang up job with their fantastic show this past Sat. It’s always such an honor to be in the company of such wildly creative people. They made us these adorable pins and artists tags, had a yummy lunch ready for us and helpers posted at the start and finish to get us back and forth with all our goods and display paraphernalia! Those gals sure know how to put on a show!

I was tickled to be stationed right across Susie Scott from SusieScottStudios and couldn't help but snag a few of her sweet faced goodies. She adorns each piece with such a sweet face! They're all so unique and filled with personality.You've got to check out her stuff !



Another beautifully artful soul I was lucky enough to connect with, was Lisa Loria of vintagebling.She had some very, very cool work, but her beautiful Dia De Los Muertos Cross just had to come home with me. Doesn’t it look like it’s always been there? It’s just perfect in my little sacred space. I just love it! Thank you Lisa for parting with it…


It’s always so hard to get around to see everyone goodies but my Vintage Joy girl Lisa &I always have such a good time together, it’s amazing we ever get any “work” done at all! Well I better get back to “working” since I’ve got three shows coming up in November! Check them out if you get a chance, and thanks for stopping by! Love & peace, Bridgette

Glitterfest is nearly here!!!

In addition to my new Steampunk creations, I've started scuplting these little skulls for my next Milagra gourd doll phase, just in time for Glitterfest Fall and Dia de Los Muertos ! They're a lot of fun and now I want to do more faces. However I can't deny how intimidating sculpting little faces are...

Here's a few pictures of new goodies I've been making for Glitterfest this Saturday Oct. 10th. I've been going a bit crazy with kids school stuff, some home stuff , our new pooch Oliver, and even some creative stuff like my newest aquistition of the tiny frozen Charlottes.

I just love these little dolls and have been so very inspired by them! I certainly have more than I should I suppose, so I might bring a few to share at Glitterfest.

What do you think?

Here's a few little things I just had to put together with my new finds. Check out the beautiful art glass below as well. I had purchased some just like it a long long time ago at a show I was in and hadn't been able to find it since. A few months ago I discovered some art pins on the cover of an old Expressions craft magazine and there it was the beautiful glass I'd been searching for! I contacted Alicia G. Glass (who was a doll on the phone!) and low and behold she sent me a stash! I'm now back to making some fun Halloween pins and will be incorporating the glass into my steampunk line as well. Ciao for now!

My Addiction...

I recently found myself outside a small motel room, waiting for a guy to come out of the room. He had called me earlier in the week and told me he was going to be in town and asked if I needed anything? Of course I didn’t, I never “need” it, I just want it. So I said “sure I could probably use a little.” He gave me the address of the motel where he was staying. We scheduled to meet a few days later. When I found the place and his room, I was thankful the door was open. I was afraid I’d have to knock. He poked his head out of the door and I recognized his familiar face. He asked what I was looking for, I told him that I might as well just see it all. We carefully unloaded each little tray of treasures stacked high in the back of his pick-up. When I finally decided how much I wanted, he took out the tiny scale…after weighing it all I realized that once again here I was, doing exactly what I said I wouldn’t. I was really going to try and be good this summer, not fall back into my old habits. At least it was under a kilo this time. But of course I’d still bought way more than I should. I had to. He showed me things I’d never seen before, beautiful things. My mind and my heart raced with ideas. I knew I’d enjoy it so much…how could I not? Isn’t it pretty?

By the shore...

My last post dealt with the space beneath my feet, as does this one.
We’ve recently taken a few camping trips to some fairly local state beaches; such beautiful places. I love all that the ocean is and am continually thankful I live relatively close to it. I’m astounded by the sounds, smell and feel of water. It’s inspiration at it purest for me. I love it all and I can always find a sense of peace there.