Thursday, May 31, 2012

Challenge of Literature...Rosie's Headpiece


So, I signed up to participate in Erin Prais-Hintz's Challenge of Literature Blog Hop!  Then I promptly forgot about it, until a reminder email came into my mailbox!  Color me embarrassed!  So I frantically thought of all the books I have read lately....got a Kindle Fire for Christmas, so have read quite a lot!  Then, I  tried to take a short cut and look at pieces I already had started to see if anything hit me as a direct connection to the books swirling around in my head!

I was baffled and made a decision to just throw in the towel, when a component I made a few months ago, just waiting for embellishment jumped out and said, "Hey, what about me?!".

A work in progress, here is "Rosie's Headpiece" necklace. It started with a fan-shaped filigree stamping, that I embedded into solder-covered copper.  I punched three connector holes, as I always knew this would be a y-shaped necklace focal.  I added a beautiful faceted lavender jade (I think) briolette and went from there.  The piece will eventually be mixed metals, to enhance the fan focal, with a Czech glass dagger bead flower, some rose quartz nuggets, some gorgeous eggplant-hued Czech glass, a fine silver ring and sterling swan clasp...and lots more!  Just not totally sure, yet, but all befitting Rosie!  A big, beautiful, refined, and loving Polish lady!

Who is Rosie, you may ask?  An obstinate, misunderstood, abused circus elephant in Water for Elephants, written by Sara Gruen.  A wonderful, historical novel, set in Depression-era America, depicts a bit of the seedy side of the big-top circus.  I fell in love with the rich characters of Jacob and Marlena, and even though I read the book before seeing the not-so-great movie adaptation, I already knew Robert Pattinson was portraying Jacob and couldn't keep him out of my imagination!  Tip...always read the book before seeing the movie! Sometimes, it might make you mad at the producers and screenwriters who do the movie adaptation, but in my humble opinion, keeps your mind's eye true to the writer...you are free to imagine anyone and anything as you read the words on the page!



Long story short, and not to ruin the plot for those of you who haven't read or seen...Jacob and Marlena fall in love with the big Polish circus elephant, and Marlena creates a headpiece for Rosie to wear in their act.

Stay-tuned for the finished piece, and I do recommend the book!

In the meantime, go and see what the other participants created!  Thanks Erin for hosting!


The PlayersBelow is the first list of the 34 players.


16 comments:

  1. It's beautiful so far! I love the pale beads and that fabulous focal.

    I have not read the book or watched the move, but you have made me want to do both.

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  2. WOW - this post really made me smile!!!! IT IS PERFECT FOR ROSIE!!!! I loved that book, I loved Rosie, and I LOVE the headpiece!!! BRAVO!

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  3. What a great concept! Love the shapes, the odours, the texture and I'm sure Rosie would too!

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  4. Hi Melissa,
    I have not read or seen the movie, but I can totally see your piece on Rosie's head it is beautiful so far!
    Therese

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  5. I absolutely love this headpiece, it's a great book and a truly original idea. I'm sure Rosie would love it too! :)

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  6. Ah designing for an elephant, that's awesome!

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  7. Hi Melissa 0 I have to whole heartedly agree with your book comments. Its a captivating heartbreaking tale, who wouldn't fall in love with Rosie?! ( I avoided the movie...No thank you) The piece is elegant and lovely. I see the connection - the visual cues taken from a headpiece, and the dangle that would adorn her brow. You are adding more? I like it as is...

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  8. That was a good read and like your interpretation of the story details into your design.

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  9. I see that the last minute agrees with you too, Miss Melissa! Water for Elephants is one of my all-time favorite books. I have not ever seen the movie. Now I don't know if I want to! I love the idea of Rosie being the inspiration for your piece! She is a huge (no pun intended) character in the novel. I will look forward to seeing the finished project, I hope you will share! Thank you for playing with me in this Challenge! Enjoy the day. Erin

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  10. This is spectacular. I love everything about it.

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  11. Gorgeous focal piece!!! I can see that on Rosie's head - love the colors too!

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  12. I love the focal, the book is on my kindle but I haven't gotten to it yet. Can't wait to see it once it's finished :-)

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  13. Love the book, and the movie, and the necklace is perfect!

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  14. Anonymous8:21 PM

    Lovely necklace! I have not read the book, but could visualize this as a headpiece for an elephant. I joined your blog as well.

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  15. Anonymous5:57 AM

    That's a great necklace Melissa, and I can just see it as a circus elephant's adornment! I'll keep an eye out for the book, looks like a fun read.

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  16. Oh, I can totally see the headpiece! Loved that book, you nailed it! Can't wait to see it done!

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I love reading your comments!!!

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