Today’s chat includes some reproduction bog oak bracelets and my current mini-project: toilet cushions.
The maker of my bracelets and broaches is Victorian Hair Workers International over on Ebay. Please go take a look at their work. The seller is very helpful in answering questions. I prefer the matte finish of the bog oak line over the Whitby jet line. I find the feel of the bog oak bracelets quite lovely on my wrists. I have yet to hold their other finishes in hand.
I feel I can not mention one artisan I am currently fond of and purchasing from, without mentioning another. (I did say I love this type of jewelry.) Please take a look at the work of Beth Miller Hall, who offers her work on Etsy. Beth shares her research and work processes on her Facebook page.
I do not know if another artisan I have pieces from is currently producing or not. I will check in and let you know if this is the case.
I finished up the blue on blue stripe cushion using the alternate method. While I am satisfied enough, I did find the corners did not fill out quite as well. I also found this method resulted in more puckering along the side. This puckering will be covered in trim, yet to be determined. I am hoping to find a pink or berry in my stash to ruche for the blue. I will make a button or rosette for the center of the blue as the in perfection of that 8 piece point in the center is emphasized when the cushion is filled.
Knowing the connection people had with the velvet strawberries a few years back, I am drawn to the desire of recreating that. The small, textured strawberries with up-close details don’t fit in the unique interpretive needs of this season. This year calls for finding items that can not only be seen, but can also spark a connection from a distance. Knowing no single item will spark the connection a strawberry did, I picture a variety of items. Preliminarily, this list of display items includes:
Starting with the pincushion and toilet cushion, This could be one of the segmented cushions I made up in velvet this past summer. The segmented cushion is a curious looking style that is easy to see. This style opens a connection with other segmented cushions including the pillow pin-ball and the more commonly known puzzle ball, which many people may recall as it became a child’s toy in the latter 20th century. I would need to make a puzzle ball and tighten up the research as it is sprawling. Another connection would be comparing a toilet cushion to a sewing pincushion. This could lead to a visual comparison of size and types of pins, and lead to a discussion of how each was used.
The gift of a pen-wiper can be a role player in an interpretive vignette of gifts for a writer: pen, inkwell, paper, and pen wiper. Standing alone, many penwipers can easily be thought a pincushion. In the company of its fellow writing implements, the pen-wiper prompts question and discussion. The simple pinked circle version happens to be an easy demonstration project that families with children could replicate at home.
A purse and a wallet are a natural pair (though, a purse and a workbag are a tempting pairing as well.) Both are words that we can relate to now, with specific purposes. We can tangibly imagine what goes into each.When the nineteenth century versions present themselves, the question of “what goes inside” can be a fun one.
Slippers seem to come up frequently as recommended gifts, while illustrations for making them abound in the century. This season, slippers may be one of those conduits for connecting where guests are standing to what I am wearing, and…. Cold. While I can not have guests touch this year, I can have them look at where they sre standing: a bare wood floor, and ask how that compares to what their floor looks like at home. I am picturing a discussion on how to keep the feet warm and comfortable.
If I Had My Own Blue Box: 
