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Thursday, December 1, 2011

Third time must be the charm!







That is what the very talented and charming Theresa of




I was commissioned by Theresa to paint an Armorial Plate for her.






This is the picture Theresa sent of her family crest.





This is my first drawing.

Theresa apologized for the complexity of the design and added that I could simplify it.  She did mention that I should include the "Lions because they would symbolize Firenze to me as well as me being a Leo".







This is the first plate I painted,  ready for the first firing.  Theresa also asked for diagonal stripes, three dots (for Medici Family) a checkerboard and family initial to be drawn within the shield.







 After gold was applied and plate was fired for the second time I noticed quite a few pin marks at the margin of the plate.  The glaze and the clay were not compatible.






Second Plate.  See the pink shadow at the bottom of the crest?  It appeared after the second firing.  It takes too long to tell you what actually happened. Suffice is to say I learned a valuable lesson.







So I added (only as an experiment) gold lines over the pink shadow to see what would happen. Into the kiln for the third time. Interesting, but no. 






 Third Plate.  All is well.  This is it!  Theresa's Armorial Plate. 

Have a great remainder of the week my dear Blogging Friends.

Gina








Sunday, November 27, 2011

Now comes the long Winter




The last of the fruit has been harvested.





Only a little color left.





Still growing along a protected wall.





A few Anemones and a few frozen Interlaken grapes.





There will be cozy evenings by the warm fire.





Soon our Pond will be frozen over.





Our Fields will be covered with a thick blanket of snow.

And yes, there will be Picnics at the end of our cross-country ski trail.

Happy Snow Days.

Gina



Friday, November 25, 2011

The Silent Stalker


Can you see him?





Our Lucy can!





Can you see him now?





There he is, looking for his next meal.

We're having leftovers.


Have a great weekend my dear Blogging Friends.

Gina






Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving


Happy Thanksgiving my dear Blogging Friends
Partial re-post




My friends have accused me of celebrating my birthday months before and still, a month after my birthday.  I'm guilty.
A few people (not my friends) have asked if my birthday  ALWAYS  falls on Thanksgiving.  No, Thanksgiving is always on a Thursday.


Have a very special Thanksgiving with Family and Friends.


Gina

Friday, November 18, 2011

Irresistible, No?






Available for only a Song.






Little Cotton Draw String Bags to hold presents and treasures.






So perfect for the Holiday Season.






Available in my Etsy shop


Gina




Monday, November 14, 2011

European Fashions are sporting a new Color






A very lively red with a hint of orange.






The beautiful red Jacket in the window of the fancy Italian Shop had a fur collar.  No, can't do.






With a clear conscience I purchased this red belt.






The Nasturtiums in my Greenhouse are the same color as my new belt; My belt is the same lively red as the beautiful fashions featured in European shop windows right now. 

Would you wear this pretty red?

Gina



Today I'm joining   http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com
Today I'm also joining  http://frenchcupboard.blogspot.com/