Winterdragons...

[merimask]

The bead shipment came in two days early...yay!   That means I was able to finish my dragons.

kls_eloise's Mistletoe Dragon.

The pearl berries are SO cute.  I think I was very clever constructing them; they're on twisted wire that's looped at one end.  Over the loop I wrapped cemented suede, then glued the suede tabs to the plaque.  Very sturdy &...just pretty darn fun to make!  Never done twisted wire before...it's a technique I need to use some more.

All around the edge, Kris wanted oak leaves, 'cause oak & English mistletoe apparently often grow near each other.  The mistletoe leaves are kinda small and narrow  and shiny, while oak is more veiny & detailed.  I think the contrast looks awesome.

The dragon's eyes are pearls too.


The other winter dragon is a holly dragon.  I think it looks more "wintery"...but also a little "christmas-y".

The berries are carnelian beads.  I used larger beads, 'cause I made larger leaves, 'cause I did a TON of mistletoe leaves & I was sick of making tiny leaves.  I think the large holly makes a bold crisp pattern though...I like it.  Happy accident born of achey hands.


So yeah...THOSE are done now.  *sigh of relief*  On to more stuff.  One more plaque to finish up (wolves this time...it's nearly done), and then I still have a week left to finish my New Orleans order.  WonderTwin powers activate.  Shape of: a leather artist.   Like I was sayin' to John, I need a space monkey as a sidekick & then life would be grand.

Char leaves today for a week-long cruise to the Bahamas.   Going with her Dad.  *shudder*  Considering how things went the last time she got together with his side of the family for a reunion (that was the infamous "let's give all the kids wine coolers!" incident), I'm more than a little worried.  Same rich uncle is sponsoring this trip.  I've put out the word, imposed a curfew (sp??), done what I can to let all the "responsible" people know what I expect.  Rich uncle is actually a pretty decent guy (he was NOT giving his kids alcohol last time, btw), so I hope everything will be ok.   I can't deny Char the opportunity to go on this trip...I've always wished for a cruise to the Bahamas myself!  I just hope she'll be safe.  *worried*

Talked with brother John yesterday.  His life is going SO well...I'm really proud & happy for him.  :-)  He just bought a baby grand piano for Casa De Awesome (John plays a hell of a mean piano); something he's always wanted.  His "Cool Breeze" cartoon commercial is making waves...I guess Skechers boys' shoes sales are up 96% over last year.   They're manufacturing Cool Breeze toys and there's even a dude doing promotions in a full-sized Cool Breeze costume.  It's so surreal; when he was a little kid he was forever drawing cartoons & stapling together makeshift comic books...and now he has his OWN comic book character.   How strange & wonderful is that? 

Well, back to work, kids.  I'm coasting on three hours of sleep.  Hooray for Magic Chinese tea. 

  

Comments

[smillaraaq.livejournal.com]

Oh my...stunning as usual. (Have you ever read any of the classic Dorothy Sayers mysteries? All the pearls on that first one are reminding me of the one where a priceless pearl necklace is stolen at a Christmas party, and hidden in plain sight by being unstrung and pinned up amongst the mistletoe.)

[merimask.livejournal.com]

Thank you dear. :-) And no, I've never read that writer but I think that's an awesome way to hide pearls because mistletoe berries are almost like pearls for real. I used ivory ones because the off-white was just perfect.