ACC: Flag Fan

I am so annoyed!  I very carefully worked up a pattern so I could make a "proto flag fan," only to find out that neither my printer nor my Dad's has ink!  Argh!  Well, I've gotta do something, so I'll post my little pattern and the extant fan I based it on:

Now I just need to get some ink for my printer!  :)

ACC: Bracelets

Earlier today I was looking at the bracelets in my inspiration portrait:

 They are heavy chain, which looks like the "Half Persian" technique of making chain mail:

 Today I found another portrait with this type of bracelet and, even better, it shows the clasp!  Joy!  Very rarely can you see how bracelets and necklaces are clasped.

ACC: Verre Eglomise Pendant

I'm hoping that my wonderful and talented sister, Valerie aka Beth-a-Val, will help me with this project.  She is just amazing when it comes to painting miniatures!  Verre églomisé (gilded glass) refers to a technique where a subject is painted onto the back of a clear cabochon (glass or rock crystal), then the whole back of the cabochon is gilded.  The trickiness becomes apparent immediately: unlike most paintings, where you paint the background, then block out the main areas, then add detail, in verre églomisé you have to do everything in reverse!  I'm going to have to choose a very simple subject if I'm going to do this project, since I have very little experience with painting in general.

Early 1600s; Italy, poss Spain; V&A

 An extant example of a pendant using this technique.  The cabochon in the center of the pendant features a man riding a horse, with Latin script all around the edges.  Needless to say, I don't think I'm going to attempt anything this elaborate!

1570s; Portrait of a Woman with a Fan; Giovanni Batista Moroni

 

This portrait shows a pendant very similar in style to the extant one.  I think I'll put mine on a ribbon too, though probably not a pink one.  ;)

One of 6 glass cabochons that I had kicking around in my stash.  I'm glad there's more than one, just in case I totally mess up!

ACC: Rings

I'm finally HOME!  I've been out of town so much this month (I've only been home 5 days total!) that I haven't been able to get any ACC stuff done.  Well, as a token effort before I drag my sleep hiney to bed, here are some pics of the bits I just bought to make rings:

No, the navette aka marquise cut of stone isn't period, but I loves me these settings!  Ideally, I'd like to find ring blanks with square settings, but until then, these rather awesome settings make me happy!  :)

I may or may not use these.  Probably will though, since emeralds were commonly used in period...and 'cause I love green!  :)

I'd originally wanted a dark red because rubies were one of the most used stones in period and because my girdle belt (which is finally in progress!) has red Swarovski crystals, but these hyacinth-red navettes caught my eye...

Interesting Sofonisba Anguissola painting

1559; Bernardino Campi Painting Sofonisba Anguissola; Sofonisba Anguissola; Pinacoteca Nazionale, Siena

This is a self portrait of Sofonisba.  She's painting Campi painting her...could that be why she seems to have TWO left hands?  She seems to be painting herself through him.

ACC: Kirtle bodice patterning done!

Sorry people, no pics this time, just a little ACC update.  Can I just say that I am so grateful that I have the help of the fabulous Noelle for the patterning of my bodice?  Anyone who has ever tried to pattern for themselves knows that it's a painful, inaccurate experience that usually ends up wasting time and materials, so it is costuming GOLD to find a friend who knows how to whip up a pattern!  I can't start on the gown for a little while, but it's a relief knowing that the bodice pattern is waiting for me when I'm ready!  :)

ACC: Blueberry Buttons!

Noelle and I were discussing what I want to do for my ACC project.  Many aspects were discussed, as well as what I thought I needed to start with: patterning the kirtle.  Makes sense, right?  So what did I end up doing first?  Buttons!  Noelle was kind enough to show me how to make the awesome little fringed buttons for the zimarra, which turned out looking like little blueberries!  Love!