Monday, December 31, 2007

My New Heirloom Victorian Love Token Valentines............
As promised, I have some wonderful new pretties for 2008! Above is one of my 'new' heirloom valentines, or remembrals. It was a very popular past time in the early~mid 19th century to give tokens of affection to friends and loved ones that contained precious bits of hair, flowers and ribbons. These are my versions.
They are made to hang on the wall, and are very nice size at 6x9 inches, not including the hangers. this one has a beautiful reproduction of a Victorian sentiment, that I have hand painted with watercolors.
Inside, you will find 2 gentle hair mementos, one strawberry blonde, very delicate and braided, arranged into a bouquet of graceful loops, 3 for the trinity......this one held by a crimson wax seal, made from a c1820 antique letter seal. It shows a flower, and says 'Forget me Not'.... below it I have inked the name 'Jane'
This is a side view~ another black hair piece, along with some dainty dried straw flowers, and red silk ribbon are contained permanently inside a wonderful vintage thick papered box with window front. Each are one of a Kind, and this one can be found in my Mantua Maker's Mercantile Blogstore~( link is in the upper right hand corner)

6 comments:

Lana Manis said...

LOVE the love tokens Rach! I enjoy making love tokens each year... goodness...I'd better get busy!

Christine LeFever said...

Absolutely beautiful!
Christine

Unknown said...

Rachel, I cant wait to see what beautiful new dolls you create in 2008. Have a wonderful New Year!
April

Suzanne said...

It's lovely Rachael, beautiful work!

Wendy said...

Oooh Rachael...those are LOVELY! You did an awesome job! Your'e so talented!

Ulla said...

I LOVE this! The picture, the hair, the sentiment... beautiful! Thanks for your comment on my painting today. I've been using a combo of a calligraphy pen and a tiny brush - mostly the quill. Its so time consuming as I keep having to dip my pen in the paint. Any suggestions would be appreciated! It is amazing how few women do porcelain painting, especially as its so satisfying - perhaps we need to start a revival!!!