A Renaissance

Last weekend my family and I attended a Renaissance Faire in San Jose.


Many faire-goers dressed in period costume as the downtown park was transformed into a 16th century English village.


Artisans spun yarn and formed pottery while selling their wares.


It was hard to resist the Marie Antoinette-style 'Hats of the Future', complete with little ships!


Even the eateries were decked out in olde world finery, with huge turkey drumsticks being the meal of choice for any red-blooded carnivore.


There were also lots of over-sized activities for children such as chess,


Jenga,


and a wooden horse, hand-powered by hard-working men!


The day's entertainment also included a concert Shakespeare himself would have enjoyed, and a classic puppet theatre.



Of course, my 6 month-old niece Tilly wasn't too impressed with these events.


And now for a bit of Renaissance of my own...


I've been working with more vintage images this week, and lots of rhinestones!


This necklace features an antique Georgian paste pendant which I backed with an old prayer card and red velvet, fit for Queen Elizabeth herself!



Sterling silver Art Nouveau goddesses...



This sweet glass locket from France is complemented by vintage rosaries and rhinestones.




A little Mary figurine double-wrap number...




rhinestone earrings that remind me of carnival glass...



and a southwestern-inspired statement with turquoise accents.




Oh, take me back to the glorious Renaissance! :)