This Bottled Butterfly Heart was the first love inspired item I made this season, and I really cannot take too much credit for it because it was a special request, someone else's design that I simply brought to life. I was a bit disappointed with how this turned out, I originally wanted the heart to be more three dimensional, but I ended up sacrificing some of its shape, so the over-all size could be bigger. With the larger butterfly style wings, compared to my usually fairy wings, I had a lot more surface area to try to squeeze into a tiny bottle, and to help keep the heart an identifiable symbol, I had to shave it down a bit. I still think it turned out rather nice though, and I hope whoever receives it as a gift this year enjoys it as much as I do.
An item I actually did design for this holiday season is my new Heart Container Necklace. I had originally made it as a gift for my partner, but I just loved it so much, I felt bad keeping it to myself, and decided to make another one to list in my Etsy Shop. This is one of those items that look really simple, but was extremely difficult to get exactly right, the primary reason I am only making the one extra, and once it's gone, that's it. One of the many "one of a kind" items I've experimented with other the years. Getting the domed shape to the heart and keeping it super smooth, almost like glass, is just too time consuming to make on a regular basis.
I wish I could say the same for my every day love filled charms, which are of course my Friendship Paopu Fruit Necklaces. By far the most difficult regular in-stock item I make, but it's a design I am very proud of, and the compliments I get about it gives me the motivation to sculpt them every time. Another one of those charms that looks a bit plain, not very difficult, but sculpting star shapes is the bane of my existence! Luckily I can tweak them extensively in the final stages, otherwise they would be monstrous, lopsided fruit that no one would want to share with the one that they love. I really feel the passion with many of the orders I get for this pair of necklaces, I've had several requests to customize them with anniversary dates, or personal messages. It really takes me back to those infatuated days of young love I had so many years ago, and inspires me to keep that same intensity for love all these years later.I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day, because no matter your relationship status, everyone can appreciate the joys of heart shaped chocolate truffles! (even better when they're half-priced Feb. 15th!)
