Saturday, January 29, 2011

The next project for 12 costumes in 12 months

Looks like I will be attempting to create this dress:



I haven't decided on a color yet. Of course, I want to do it in burgundy and ivory, but a deep green would be wonderful, and I do have the sick urge to find the most eye-peeling shade of hot pink in existence. We'll see. I've ordered a bodice pattern from Truly Victorian for starters. There will be several muslin mockups, I'm sure.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Amethyst - February's Birthstone

OOAK Neo Victorian Faceted Amethyst Choker Hand Wrapped in Sterling



Amethyst is a variety of quartz, silicon dioxide. The purple comes from iron or manganese impurities. It is the traditional birthstone for the month of February.

Amethyst Necklace Hand Wrapped in Sterling Silver Wire




It is said to be a meditative and calming stone, helping increasing spirituality and psychic powers, as well as providing aid in dealing with addictions.


Amethyst Waterfall Choker on Sterling Wire and Chain




In ancient times it was believed to protect the wearer from poison.


Amethyst Y Necklace with Pewter Celtic Knot on Sterling Silver Chain




It is to this day worn by Catholics bishops, as it is supposed to bring the wearer wisdom.

Amethyst and Silver Heishe Dangle Earrings on Sterling Earwires

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

New category on Artfire

Of course, I haven't started listing these there yet, but here's a sneak preview of the new pendulums I've been making, that I will shortly be listing over at dbvictoria on Artfire:




Aventurine Pendulum w Fluorite by *dbvictoria on deviantART


Amber Pendulum by *dbvictoria on deviantART


Blue Glass Pendulum by *dbvictoria on deviantART

Friday, January 7, 2011

Potato soup's on!

We're looking at another cold snowy week ahead, definitely comfort food weather. So what better way to warm the insides than a pot of potato soup?

1/2 lb bacon
4-5 leeks
5 cups chicken or veggie broth
1 can corn, drained
1 boneless skinless chicken breast (optional)
1 cup heavy cream or milk
3 lbs yukon gold potatoes
1/2 cup shredded aged cheddar

Roast corn for 20 minutes at 400 degrees F
Cook bacon. Drain pan, reserve 1 tablespoon grease. Crumble bacon and set aside
Mince leeks, shading up to light green ends. Saute leeks in bacon grease till translucent.
Scrub potatoes, then dice, leaving skins on
Cook potatoes in broth till fork-tender, around 10 minutes after boil
Add leeks
Stir in cream, bring back to simmering

At this point, you can leave it chunky, or puree it in a food processor to make it creamy. I usually compromise, scooping out a couple ladlefuls of potatoes, then blending, and adding the chunks back in.

Dice chicken breast
Bring back to simmering, add in diced chicken
Bring back to simmering, let cook for ~another 10 minutes
Add roasted corn, add salt and pepper to taste


Serve with slabs of crusty bread, or in a bread bowl. Sprinkle shredded cheese and crumbled bacon liberally over the top. Nomnomnom.

Friday Favorites!

Zombie Contessa - Altered Antique Plate, by BeatUpCreations



Matrix inspired Brass Keychain, by CreativeEtching



Cute Genius - Periodic Table of Elements Necklace in Sterling Silver, by nikhajewelry



Mermaid Ring, by laurastamperdesigns:



Christ on a Cracker, by TheWorstShopEver:



Warrior Princess Nancy Aline, by SteamSmithWorks:



Ford Car Badge Necklace, No 2, by beadsme:



vintage slip dress- 1950's CHERRY BOMB, by PranceAndSwagger:

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

My own private ice world

The weather's been frightful, at least for our part of the country. Temperatures have been hovering in the lower 30s, and there's enough moisture around that ice is everywhere, and when you live in a very hilly neighborhood, trying to live life brings about more grey hairs. But there are some interesting results, as I noticed today when I ventured into the back yard. The constant freezing, melting, and refreezing of the ground has created an alien ice planet in the muddy stretch next to our back drive. The light wasn't very cooperative for getting pictures, but of the 50 or so I took, here's two that came out decently:


Ice garden by *dbvictoria on deviantART


Ice Garden 2 by *dbvictoria on deviantART