Projects on my Desk: Daemons of Khorne

Pandemic crafting has certainly taken me to new places. I've had the chance to continue working on my little army of daemons, this time one centered around everyone's favorite holiday, Valentine's Day! I entered these bloodthirsty creatures into a painting contest.

Now I do not profess to be a painter of any kind. Yet years of crafting and painting alongside projects has led to a particular set of skills, skills that put me at about an amateur level. Of course I have years of miniatures and dollhouses to help me put these together. And the dark sense of humor to enjoy creating little scenes of death and destruction...

I tried to make each a scene, almost like a vignette. The daemons have crashed a Valentine's Day celebration in various places: school, a restaurant, a date. Then, for the bigger pieces, I made it as if doves and cherubs were locked in a bloody battle to save humanity from the bloodthirsty bloodletters. A lot of the miniature pieces I made myself, specifically the tiny candy hearts that took FOREVER to mold. 

Then add a (liberal) splash of fake blood, and voila!

The battle is done!

In all honesty, I had a ton of fun putting these together. There's something satisfying about merging two of my hobbies together. And my fiance loves to see my creative side, even if it means my desk has fake blood all over it and my desk looks like a war zone. I've gotten glue all over my clothes but it was totally worth every second of it!

So please enjoy the fruits of my labor. I apologize that I don't have more photos to offer. I was in such a rush to paint that I didn't think about sharing. The photos I do have came from Golden Rhino Games, where I entered them for the contest. I have zero intention of winning, but 100% plan on making people slightly uncomfortable with the fake blood and insinuation of daemons on the loose. If they could be here in the flesh, I imagine they'd approve. So enjoy!

There's another painting contest planned for April, so we'll have to see how much I can get done by then. I'm not a particularly fast (or accurate or great) painter, but what I lack in actual skill I make up for with enthusiasm. And I'd like a full display case of these one day!

~Kristen

Punch Paper Love

I've always thought smaller holidays were really interesting. Valentine's Day is no exception to that, and I remember doing all sorts of fun things when I was in middle school; making cards, handing out candy, putting together a little card box, eating tons of candy, and etc. As I've gotten older that sentiment has turned into nice dinners and phone calls to family. It's odd celebrating love, but perhaps fitting that it is in the middle of a very cold February? 

I'm excited to see that Valentine's Day was totally a thing in the 19th century too. I've not only seen that in primary sources, but in some of my research and surviving originals. There were hearts and notes and all sorts of cute little things for people to give and receive. I've noticed that in my punch paper collection too; while all are definitely not valentines, the art of sentiment and love is hard to miss.

So please enjoy these pieces from my collection, and perhaps try your hand at one for yourself!

~Kristen

Living in the Text: Godey's 1860

Recently I was looking for a specific quote in Godey's Lady's Book. I know, living history problems, am I right!? I was struck by how many details I've missed or scrolled by because they were not necessarily what I needed at that moment. Upon further reflection, I decided to do a post about this dilemma.

Just like with my monthly reading, I'd like to do a monthly "Living in the text." What does that mean? Stuff that catches my eye, things that are interesting or different, snippets. Perhaps a question that I cannot answer now, but could link to another thing I've seen. I could almost see this as a sort of collage, especially if I wanted to print it all out and put it on a board. I would not call this an academic endeavor, more like me connecting with a primary resource. I've found that even a casual glance at something can have beautiful results.

So here are my little bites from Godey's Lady's Book, 1860. I hope something catches your eye or even inspires you to try a new project! At the very least, maybe you'll be entertained by my commentary.

Click HERE for the link to the text.

I'm in love with this floral wreath design with the bird in the center. 

Carrying a love note?

I don't crochet but it sort of reminds me of beadwork.

You mean all I have to do is just wrap some fabric around wire?

And that's the whole project?

*Smacks face on directions

I've seen molds like these at the antique store and think they're adorable!

Now will I make a jelly or pudding? Probably not.

But maybe to decorate my house?

A thaumatrope! I definitely have to try one of these.

19th century parenting advice...

and it's actually pretty good! Who knew that treating your kids well

would result in happier children?

I know this isn't EXACTLY the same, but it sort of reminds me

of that sheer dress Glenna has in her collection. And upon reading the description

it sounds even more similar!

This is a beadwork technique I've been itching to try. Also, flowers!

I LOVE when we get a sneak peek through the advertisement. By giving

a dollar amount and description, it helps us better understand how these

machines were viewed by people who advertised in 1860.

I have all the supplies to make this just sitting in my craft room.

I could literally go home today and just make one.

Is it lazy? Is it busy? Is it the fact that I can't see my desk 

because it is piled with tons of supplies and projects already?

You can decide, reader.

Hey there crocheting friends! Want to make me something? :)

3 cups of strong coffee AT EACH MEAL?

FOR THE CHILDREN?

I can barely drink one without shaking.

But I also wonder what a child with three cups of coffee looks like...

I wonder what this would look like on silk?

There it is! I've definitely used this shape to create little baskets.

They're fragile things, but I suppose perfect for cards.

When your flounce game is on point.

It never ceases to amaze me how this magazine tries to encompass every aspect

of 19th-century life. There's even an article in here entitled

"Draperies, Curtains, and Blinds." But it also reminds me of modern magazines,

so have things really changed at all?

I am so HERE for this design.

This reader wishes a receipt now too.

I'm thinking about reproducing this comb. I've done something similar,

and I think I have the supplies left over.

A doll pen wiper? A little creepy, mixed with practical. 

In all seriousness, I love the tiny little hat and ribbons flowing behind it.

I've seen a few bead work originals that look similar. 

It makes sense that they are made for the berries, especially when lined.

This reminds me of the teen magazines of today.

How to tell if he likes you? Yes or no?

But in a much more poetic way.

The Greek key pops up over and over again.

I saw this and just HAD to include it. This article discussed the

time differences between hand and machine sewing. What's really impressive

is how they estimated to the *minute, and this is me realizing that it took me

much longer than 10 hours and 23 minute to make a silk dress!

This would be a nice little spring project!

I actually own at least one of these in my collection. It's done with beads too, though I've seen a few complete on punch paper. As soon as one pops up again, I'll buy it!

This actually sounds pretty delicious, and not far from a modern recipe I've seen in the past.

I'm liking the motif and how it incorporates the initials. There are so many

designs for handkerchiefs that I enjoy but have zero intention

of ever making...

Fun fact: This is eerily similar to the watch-case published in January of 1860.

I suppose it's easier to just remake the design?

Or maybe this style was just really popular this year.

My friend Anna makes little pin cushion creatures.

They're lovely!

~Kristen