This is Carmen & Claudette

Carmen's body is one half of a vintage castanet. Her wings are vintage, black cut glass embellishments for jewelry or clothing. Carmen's head is a sterling silver pin with what looks like a celtic knot pattern. The pin is signed and if you are interested, I have a picture of the back of the pin, but it is very hard to make out the sig. Next to Carmen are some vintage and new Swarovski crystals and a sterling silver leaf. Carmen looks stunning on the lid of this vintage reproduction of a 17th century bed warmer! The bed warmer reproduction was made in the 1940's by Peerage of England. To me, Carmen represents women who are very sure of themselves and confident in their womanhood. They appreciate tradition and are grateful for the women who have gone before them and paved the way for independence. When you lift the lid, you'll find Claudette, a light and airy little angel made with vintage jewelry - a rhinestone pin for the body, rhinestone earrings for wings and the centerpiece of a broken, vintage necklace for her head. Claudette also has vintage and new Swarovski crystals beside her. Claudette represents women who look for the positive in every situation. These women are seldom depressed and believe that no matter how dark things become, light will soon find it's way in. Positioned as if she is dancing, celebrating life is Claudette's religion.

This piece is 20-1/4 inches from the tip of the handle to the bottom of the cannister. The cannister is 4-3/4 inches across and 2 inches deep. There is a hole at the top to hang it.

My sister and I came up with the idea of Piece Angels. Piece Angels are made from, well, just about anything that has everything to do with women ~ the tools and accoutrements that have kept women connected throughout cultures and centuries. There are the obvious things such as cooking utensils and hair clips and the not so obvious things like the hinges we women sometimes become to keep things together and to allow doors to open and close.

Piece Angels represent our mothers and teachers, sisters and friends, daughters and students, ancestors and decedents ~ all the women who are a part of us, who make us who we are because we carry a piece of them with us.

No two angels are alike. My sister and I collect the pieces for our angels from all over the country and our eyes are constantly scanning for new (and old) adornments for our angel friends wherever we go. Each one is special to us, too, because we are also a part of every Piece Angel we make.

We hope that you accept this Piece Angel into your home and that she helps you recognize all the ways you are connected to all women.

A copy of this will be included with every Piece Angel, making her a thoughtful gift for one of the angels in your life.