My sister-in-law, Terry is a talented person who is happy to share her skills. When I was admiring her work on the dozen or so costumes that she had whipped up for the Grand Masked Ball that she hosted on Halloween, she offered to make cloaks for all of my girls.
At the holidays, when you know how swamped everyone is.
So, the big girls and I, plus Sugarwings and Dewdrop spent some time finding just the right fabrics. That led to nice days out together and good bonding time. I was slightly overwhelmed by the sheer volume and weight of the fabrics (7-1/2 yards each of exterior and lining!!) for the teenager's capes and couldn't imagine trying to make them myself. But Terry is a pro and spent many happy hours creating costumes for her kids' high school plays (all the parts, not just her own children) and is an expert in this type of sewing.
The cloaks arrived in time for Christmas and were as pretty as can be.
They were the hit of the night when the boxes were opened on Christmas Eve.
Plus, they are plain old, ideal for swirling and twirling in.
And when you put one on, you feel mysterious and beautiful.
But what could I do as a thank you? I decided to do a Sugarplum Fairy painting of a sprite in a cape, and use Terry's own granddaughter as a model. That little one has hauntingly beautiful eyes!
Terry is a major art collector, she owns paintings from artists who hang in the National Gallery.
Yes, intimidating!
So, I kept it simple and turned my whimsical, little piece into an ornament. I had a vintage picture with a domed glass and thought that would work well to turn into something to hang on a tree.
I did a small painting, cut it out, glued it onto chipboard covered in gold paper with a glittered snowflake added to the background for dimension. Then, I frosted the "fur" with mica flakes, and the wings with fine, crystal glitter. With the domed glass, I had space to add a nice, sparkling rhinestone to the magic wand.
The same gold paper is on the back, and the edges are glued shut and sealed with glitter velvet ribbon. The same ribbon is looped as a hanger and secured with a bit of flocked gold paper. (the glue is still wet and showing in this picture, oops!)
Before putting the original painting in the frame, I scanned it to make a few Christmas cards, and this piece for my own tree.
For now, it is tucked into a feather wreath that is hanging on the mirror.
I know that Christmas is over and I should be dismantling all of the decor…. but I'm just not ready to let go yet, are you?
Beauty abounds! Such a talented family!
It was fun to do it and I am glad the girls like them!
They are treasures, Terry!
Terry is pretty amazing, Jane!
How wonderful to have so many talented, artistic and creative people in your family. The cloaks are beautiful and fun. Karla, I love so many of your creations…but that sweet piece is absolutely gorgeous. The hair, the eyes, the lips….all of the lovely details. Lucky recipient!
May the New Year be a happy and healthy one for you and your family~! ✨✨✨
Lisa Showalter
The cloaks are stunning! Wow! And I love the sweet ornament you made, what a great and meaningful thank-you gift!
Thanks, Im always happy to have a reason to get out my paints. I dont paint nearly enough any more. And yes, those cloaks are just gorgeous!
Thank you, Lisa! And beyond Terry being so talented, it was a generous thing to do at this busy time of year. Whipping up four capes couldnt be quick!
Okay, now I want a cloak, too! And I’m with you — I can’t bear to put away my Christmas decor yet!