That Was Then And This Is Now

 At this time of year, 25+ years ago, I would have been frantically painting my little candlestick people for the annual holiday bazaars The Husband and I always participated in.  I would paint bowls and plates plus dozens of little people, lined up like soldiers, on TV trays next to my painting table.  There were other designs but the ones in this picture were handy.  But wait!  What is that standing in the middle of the little army of folk art??

 A while ago {quite a while ago!} I asked The Husband if he could take a stroll down memory lane and remember how to turn one for me, sans the candle hole in the top.  I used it to make this little talisman or Muse for my art room.  Oh yes, times change and so do tastes!

 She has bling around her middle and an assortment of charms dangling from her belt.  She has little tinkling bells for cheer, a crown because it is good to be queen, a bird for freedom, stars for dreams and glass and pearl beads because they are things I love.  My MIL, a talented fiber artist, always says her brains are in her hands.  I gave my Muse big hands.

 She is dressed in vintage lace, has a beehive hairdo decorated with old millinery flowers and flys with tarnished wings.  My Muse - a velveteen woman, indeed.