Dandelion Blu’s Lace Collar Series

Sherry Insley of Dandelion Blu’s got a knack for divining the special qualities in everyday things and then turning them into precious adornments for your neck. Look out for her “Lace Collar” series at the Crafty Bastards festival this month! She’s added new colors since the last showing.

1. Is there a specific product that you will be selling at the fair that you would like to talk about?

I am re-introducing my “Lace Collar” series in different colors at Crafty D.C. I had a few at the Silver Spring show in light pink and light blue. I added white, black and a lovely light violet. They are enamel on copper with either silver or gun metal chains.

2. Does this product have an origin story? Did the idea come to you in a dream or through a portal or other strange way?

I have been working with lace but in a different application. Previously, I was using pieces of lace to screen the powdered glass through, resulting in a flat image of lace. One day while working in my studio I thought “why not try using the lace as a stencil, cut the copper out by hand and then enamel it- That won’t be time consuming!” I was picturing those crazy lace collars that ladies (and gents) wore in the Renaissance- with a modern twist. After several tries, a trip to the Dr. for a tetanus shot, and many misses, I got the right shape.

3. What famous personality (alive or dead, real or imagined) would most likely be found wearing/holding/admiring this product? Why?

Hmmmm, someone sort of girly but likes an edge, since it’s glass on metal. Maybe someone historical since the lace I used as the template was vintage. Marie Antoinette? She definitely was girly and liked her jewelry.

4. Convince me that this piece should be one of only 3 things I could take with me to a deserted island!

Well, you want to look good for your rescue, no? And if all else fails you could probably use the reflective qualities to start a small fire with, or signal passing planes. Bartering with natives????