Winter Accessories




As the nights are drawing in, the weather turns miserable and cold, I thought a few winter accessories were in order.  A deep cherry - red silk cloche hat decorated with a silk apple, leaves and a feather and a leather handbag.  

The handbag is rather special, as it is finished with real snakeskin!  I have a very old crocodile handbag that I found at a fleamarket, that has lovely snakeskin edging ...  but it is too old and fragile to use, and recently started to have a faint 'musty' smell....  so I am using up the leather in projects.  I am an animal lover, and would never advocate using exotic animal skins for luxury goods, but as this handbag was at least third-hand, I don't feel too guilty.  Besides, I think the snake is going to be greatly appreciated in it's new form!


On another note, I am starting to tackle the roof of Daviot House, experimenting with various finishes.  No photos yet, but I did find a fantastic link to a site about model-making finishing techniques.  A long, academic read with great photos, and best of all, a section on suppliers!  Have a look ... http://davidneat.wordpress.com



And coming soon, a new stumpwork update!


Jonquil


Comments

  1. Good morning Jonquille! Your handbag and hat are beautiful. I love the wonderful color of the hat and its decorations too.
    Thank you for the link, I'll go and see. I am curious to your new stumpwork update!
    Have a great weekend and take care with working on the roof ;)!
    Amicalement, Ilona

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    1. Hi Ilona - don't worry, it will take me a LONG TIME to tackle the roof!

      I'll be posting a stumpwork update this week to cure your curiosity!

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  2. Wow, il link che ci hai gentilmente sottolineato è davvero super, Jonquil, grazie bella!!! Le ultime cose che hai fatto sono una più bella dell'altra. Sarò sempre una tua ammiratrice!

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    1. grazie bella-Vorrei che il cappello possa essere utile a Blanche, ma ho paura che sia troppo moderno!

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  3. Hello Jonquil! I love the color and the style of the hat and your lovely handbag! Great repurposing of the snakeskin! You are working on the roof of your house? If you are thinking of slate tiles at all, have a look at the ones done on MINWORKS blogspot. Bruce and Janine have made over 1500 of them out of heavy cardstock, spakling compound and acrylic paint and the effect is Authentic and Beautiful. I think that David Neat's blog is a treasure trove of great tips and tricks and now I too am a Big Fan! :))
    I am looking forward to seeing your progress on the stumpwork. It is such pretty and unique stichery and you do it so well!

    elizabeth

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    1. Hi Elizabeth, you know, I did read Minworks post on slate rooves, and it is such a good idea... but I going to be using pantiles, which is what they used on a house like mine... but all will be explained in a roofing post...

      I seriously had to concentrate on David's blog...it is quite specialist and academic -I wonder if he has any idea that the miniature enthusiasts of the world also read his blog!

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  4. Hi Jonquil, the handbag and hat are wonderful! I agree with you that reusing old materials is OK. It would be wasteful to throw such beautiful leather away.
    I know David Neat's tutorials, they're really good! I get them sent to my email address and glance through them when I get them, but as they are very lengthy, I have never taken the time to properly read them through. Some very interesting topics are explained by him though!
    I look forward to your next post on the mirror!
    Have a lovely weekend! ~Josje~

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    1. Thank you Josje...I think the snake will forgive me, but I am always a bit nervous using a material that I have a moral problem with... but the original bag must be over forty years old, so I agree, it would be wasteful.

      I seriously needed a gallon of coffee to get through David's blog... I don't think I will use much of his advice right now, but it is great that the resource is there for the day, finally that I have enough free time to indulge!

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  5. Beautiful work! I love that you have reused the leather and snakeskin.

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    1. Thank you Isabelle, it certainly agrees with my reuse, recycle philosophy. I hope the snake had a happy life!

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  6. I really like the handbag.
    Greetings, Faby

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  7. Hi Jonquil! Your accessories are Gorgeous!!! I know how you feel with the weather going dark and cold... all I want is fur hoods and cocoa!!! LOL! I admire the handbag... and I think it is great to re-use the old items... they would only be put in the landfill to rot! This way they are Immortalized in your mini house! I look forward to seeing more of your Fantastic stitchery!!!

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    1. Thank you - sadly I can't claim to be as glamorous in the Winter - two jumpers and thick ski socks are not very elegant!

      More stitchery coming up very, very soon!

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  8. Me encanta es precioso.
    Un abrazo.
    Yolanda

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  9. El bolso ha quedado muy elegante.
    Gracias por el enlace, es muy interesante.

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    1. Muchas gracias! Y si, es muy interesante, pero necesitas mucho tiempo para leerlo ...!

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  10. Hi Jonquil, The hat is beautiful and such a stunning colour. The bag is very elegant and I agree with Josje, I think miniatures are the perfect way to reuse items that would otherwise be wasting away, don't worry about the snake skin.

    xx

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    1. Hi Fi,

      I am not a 'red' fan, but there is something really comforting about ruby red in Winter... it feels very snug!

      I won't feel bad about the snake, he will be much appreciated in the house!

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  11. Hi Jonquil, such a pretty hat and handbag! I find most of my leather in charity shops, although good ones have become quite scarce. I've just spent and hour or so going through just a few posts of David Neat's tutorials. There is so much there, but as Josje said very lengthy. Some great things about mouldmaking though!

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    1. It is such a great resource, but true, very long. Unless I can do something in about 15 miniutes in the kitchen, it generally doesn't get done, unless it is sewing... The mould making is fantastic, but quite complicated!

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  12. Hello Jonquil,
    Thank you so much for the amazing link. It has great information. If I were the snake I would be honored to be that purse. it is amazing!
    Big hug,
    Giac

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    1. Hi mon bel ami,

      Thank you so much... I hope the snake does feel honoured, wherever its poor soul ended up! I have to say the scales are so perfect and tiny, it seemed just right for the bag.... and this way it will last a long, long time!

      Bisous,

      Jonquil

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