Perfection in Imperfection

I was discussing with a friend the dilemma I was having about using a vintage brooch that I loved and wanted to design with, but it had a few minor flaws to it that though apparent, really didn't detract from the beauty and individuality of the design. At least that is the way I thought of it.

Now I don't have a set formula for what I require in a brooch or beads or any other embellishments, it just has to strike an inner chord of mine that stirs my imagination. That could be the unique design, the color, the material it is made from, or some other interesting qualities, and in that moment I am careful to look for imperfections as well. However, I never discount a piece if I find one or two things wrong with it because I am not looking for perfection in a piece that is old and may have been a beloved piece of someone in the past and used often for that reason. Don't misunderstand, I have many brooches that are perfect and I love those as well, however, those that are flawed truly show me what women of the past used and cared about and that is what drives the decision to get it even when it has had a small mishap or two along the way. I repair what I can when it is possible without being obvious or if it's not too complicated, but even if the flaw remains, it is still endearing to me because I know that its history was remarkable in some way to someone. I can just imagine the stories these lovely pieces of jewelry could tell if they could only speak.

Even though they sit silently waiting for the next phase of their future, and no one really knows much of their past, they do talk to those that listen and let them know that like people, they can endure much and still manage to maintain a beauty all their own and hold secrets only to be imagined and never told.

Customizing Beads

On my next project, Oriental Expressions, I found some beads that I really thought would be perfect for the design and ordered them. When they arrived, the color was wrong. I had already looked at so many beads that had to be rejected for one reason or another and so was not sure if I could find substitutes for them. When that happens, I turn to my Martha Stewart All Purpose Acrylic Paints that can be used on glass, and therefore, on glass beads. I used the satin finish paint for these and I couldn't have been happier with the results. Since the beads I work with are relatively small, it can be messy, and usually takes several coats of paint to cover completely and some time for them to dry and cure, but the results are well worth it.

I don't like to employ this method except in rare instances when there is no other recourse, simply because I am a purist and prefer to use materials that are 100% of what they claim to be. That is one of the reasons why I would not use any type of glue unless as a last resort to fasten things in my work. And only then the very best of the best that has proven great ability to hold and last indefinitely. My track record in the past with most glues has been disappointing at best, so I avoid them as much as possible. Stitching items onto a base with fibers is my absolute favorite way to go because of its longevity and what I think is just a classier look.

I'm also including a picture of the brooch that is the centerpiece of the design. I love the colors and how unique the design is of this vintage brooch.

Will be updating the progress of Ladybug Lake next time, until then I leave you with this thought:
"Searching for possibilities outside your safety zone will plunge you into learning processes that never stop".
-Michael Fleishman