Hydrangea JITB's

Large green petal Hydrangea is nestled in a bed of wood shavings (excelsior). Measures 9 1/2"h open and 5 1/4"h x 4 3/4"w closed. Made using my usual materials including paper green petals, velvet leaf, metal filigree stamping, ribbons and blue seal wax. - $95

Small green petal Hydrangea is nestled in a bed of wood shavings. Measures 7"h open and 4 1/4"h x 3 1/4"w closed. Made using my usual materials including paper green petals, velvet leaves, gold glitter, ribbons, vintage stamen notions and metal embellishment. - $70 SOLD

History of Jack-in-the-boxes

One of my favorite toys as a little girl was the Clown Jack-in-the-box that sat on the shelf in my room. Being that I only have fond memories of this classic toy, I wasn't too pleased when I read the history of it. Nonetheless, here is what Wikipedia says about it: "A theory as to the origin of the jack-in-the-box is that it comes from the 13th century English prelate Sir John Schorne who is often pictured holding a boot with a devil in it. It is believed in folklore that he once cast the devil into a boot to protect the village of North Marston in Buckinghamshire. If it's true, it would explain why in French, a jack-in-the-box is called a "diable en boîte" (literally "boxed devil")."

Although I think Jack-in-the-boxes are a part of innocent child's play, they have repeatedly been portrayed in movies and cartoons as sinister little things. But I'd be lying if I didn't admit that they are a mischievous toy. This cartoon expresses how some might view JITB's as disturbing toys. This clip from the movie "Elf" cracks me up. It reminds me of when I present my Jack-in-the-boxes (as such) and people still jump up in surprise! (click on the play button twice)

Paper Dolls

Paper dolls have been around for centuries. And they have been inexpensive children's toys for almost two hundred years, being first manufactured in 1810. "In France in the mid-1700s, "pantins" were all the rage in high society and royal courts. This jointed jumping-jack figure, a cross between puppet and paper doll, was made to satirize nobility. (Pantin is the French word for a Dancing-Jack Puppet.)" Today, many artists are turning
paper dolls into an art form.
- Visit http://www.opdag.com/History.html for more on the History of Paper Dolls.

Here are a couple of paper dolls I've created over the years made using my own design. They are made using collaged papers, funky fibers and other embellishments. The limbs are attached with eyelets allowing them to be poseable.
(Here they are in athletic poses because they are determined to work off that morning donut. The one on the bottom is a little sleepy and has decided to make up for the donut by having a salad for lunch.)

White Flower JITB

I apologize to those of you who have been waiting so long for this new JITB. Although I try to finish and post at least one piece a week, I realize it is impossible to put a deadline on creativity. I can't get through an art project without first being completely satisfied with the next step. Sometimes I'll just sit and stare at the piece deciding what will make it just right. This JITB was no exception (it took about two months from start to finish!). I am at last thrilled to share with you the results of this charming White Flower JITB.

The box measures approximately 4 3/4" squared (closed) and 10 1/2" tall (open). Materials include a papermache box, acrylic paints, distress inks, vintage flowers, trims and sheet music, ribbons, a metal stamping, a letter M wax seal, beeswax coatings, a spring, mulberry paper, vintage velvet leaves, bells, stamped image for face, vintage white muslin flower petals, metal hinges & clasp and a music box mechanism that plays "Memories". - $115