Gothic Valentine Treats

The holidays were a busy whirlwind this year I didn't get a chance to post this Christmas decoration I made. It's a very Poe Christmas.

Since it is nearly February I've been getting ready for the next holiday, Valentine's Day.  I made a few new pieces this year.

This is more an anti-valentine piece. I call it the death of love.

I used clay to make this anatomical heart with a key hole that I added to a heart box I painted and added trim to. Next to the heart is the skeleton key that matches it. 

I'm working on a new shadow box that features a doll I'm in the process of making. I sculpted a raven's head over a small porcelain doll to create Miss Ravensworth. Here's a sneak peek.  I'll be working on her clothes and home interior next.

 For my next doll project, I'm going to try making the entire doll. I have some ideas I've been wanting to try out.

I've been reveling in the rare occurrence of winter weather here in SoCal.  We even had a day of snow just ten minutes from the house.  It's about 80 today and I'm actually enjoying the warmth!  Of course in a couple of months I'll be my usual grumbly heat/sun hating self.   I did capture a gorgeous sunrise last month.

This month I've been busy working on some Gothic inspired Valentine treats.  Here's a few of the items I've completed for the shop.

This little plaque features a broken anatomical heart. with a quote from Oscar Wilde.  Sometimes the only thing that will do on Valentin's is an anti Valentine. 

My obsession with boxes is well documented.  I think I just like the idea of secret spaces to squirrel away tiny treasures and such.  I love this paper with tiny skulls because it kind of looks like black and white polk-a-dots until you get closer.  And the filigree skull is just so pretty I want to use them on every thing. 

This wall art is perfect for those who prefer hearts and skulls over hearts and flowers.  It's also a bit of a memento mori piece.  I've included lines from Dylan Thomas's poem "And Death Shall Have No Dominion"

Next week I'm starting work on a new jewelry box with a three dimensional skull on the lid.  It's a new process so I can't wait to try it out.  If it works I'll post the results. :)

I've been working on a couple of Gothic Valentine themed items for the shop.  Nothing says, "I love you" like a bleeding heart coffin or a black heart box celebrating immortal love! 

To continue the Gothic Valentine / Immortal love theme I also created this vampire fairy tale shadow box.  It's the tragic tale (aren't all good love stories?) of Gracen, an ancient vampire who falls for the beautiful but very human Lady Elizabeth.  It's a love story that ends and begins in death.