Art for Animals, pt. 1

I recently made this Starling Fascinator as a donation for an event called “Art for Animals”, a fundraiser for the Pennsylvania SPCA.  It’s a “silent auction of art, design, and offerings from leading cultural institutions (like Diamond Tooth!)”.  It’s tomorrow night and if you’ve got some shekels burning a hole in your Birkin, by all means stop by and place a bid!  The proceeds shall go to the Pennsylvania SPCA in partnership with Michael Garden of CITYSPACE Real Estate.

It might seem odd that a taxidermist would be asked to donate a piece to an SPCA event, but I hope my participation in such things drives home the point that I (like most in my field) have a deep and profound love for animals.   Why not invest the time, blood, sweat and tears into preserving something so beautiful, and celebrating it?

No matter, if you’re reading this I’m most likely preaching to the choir so I’ll just tell you about my piece.  I toned it down a bit (read: no heads or feet) and used several pairs of Starling wings on a vintage fascinator base.

Here is the 3/4 front view:

And turning towards the back:

 

I embellished it with a chunk of antique bracelet from Wilbur Vintage.

The back.  Along with the bracelet I added chains from another antique necklace.  They are attached on either end but can swing a bit with the wearer’s head movements.  Perfect for haughty walking, which is my favorite kind.

 

The back right side. Chains are attached to the bracelet link, which is layered atop a patch of starling feathers.

And here is the right front view.  Pretty nifty, huh?  I think whomever bids on this piece and wins is an individual possessing impeccable taste.  Could it be you?

 

I plan on taking a break from all my Craft Bazaar prep  and stepping out for a bit tomorrow night at this auction.  I’ll post part two on Thursday with some photos from the event as well as what you’ll all be dying to know which is WHO walked away wearing the most stunning head-gear (next to me, of course) of the night.

Until then, xoxoB

Giddyup!

Incase you didn’t know, we’re in the middle of a ridiculous heat wave, and while I tend to prefer warmer climes, today I’ve given up on trying to get anything done.  Unfortunately the first thing to go when I overheat is my vocabulary, so I’ll make this brief.  Here are some photos from last Sunday’s Chasin’ for Chalfin fundraising polo match, which was a blast.  The sun became a bit oppressive for us delicate flowers at one point but fortunately some seasoned tailgaters absorbed us into their party.  Behold the pros:

Much better visual coverage can be found on Susan Scovell’s site: Susan Scovill on the Mainline.  That’s where I found this lovely group shot of Meredith, myself and our hosts.  I made a new hat specifically for the day, and I’m quite pleased with it.  Better pictures to follow.

Voila!  The front of our tailgate, an antique Rolls Royce.  Looks pretty glamorous, no?

Wait until you see the back!

That would be our hosts, pulling the custom-fitted wooden folding table out of the trunk.  Upon it was placed a heaping amount of finger sammies, meats, cheeses, and a dubious mixture in a plastic bottle with the words “polo punch” scribbled on it.  It tasted like citronella, perhaps an acquired taste?  (Give me a break, I’m still learning the ways of the tailgate!)  Regardless, it was a divine picnic.

In the event you were wondering, it’s never the wrong time to whip out your Hooters coozy.  Never.

This is what I love about polo.  Everyone is there to have fun, and it’s all-inclusive.  Just.  Have.  Fun.

And try not to step in any horse shit during the half time divot stomp! (I did, this time.  I guess I was overdue)

We were treated to a show of this horse-pulled carriage toting around two elegant gentleman and several gorgeous ladies., who dismounted and served us all champagne.  Delovely!

“yes, that’s the right shade of yellow.  Perfect, darling, please proceed.”

Oh, right, there was an antique car show!  Pretty nifty one here.

Believe it or not, there was an entire polo match that day!  There will be another one this Sunday, with cocktails, an after party and music!  Oh!  And a hat contest to be judged by yours truly.  Won’t you come?  I’d love to see you, darling.

Tickets start at ten bucks!  I highly recommend you treat yourself to some VIP action though, check it out.

Click here for tickets: BRANDYWINE POLO CUP

Until then, the caravan of fab has left the building.

See you Sunday!