Looks like somebody's got a great Work Table Wednesday going on!
Well, it was a little more than that.
When our friend and polymer clay artist, Paula Gaskill, passed away suddenly just a couple of weeks ago....she left a very important job unfinished. A big wedding was coming up in the family! Paula had promised to make the hair ornaments and the bride's jewelry, as well as other things. Only part of the job was done. The items on the table above are the beautiful roses and leaves that Paula had made to finish the work.
After getting over the initial shock of losing her, one of the first things that some of Paula's creative friends asked was how would the wedding jewelry get finished? Only a few weeks remained, and there really was no one in the family to do it.
Terrie Taylor was the first to contact to me and ask if she might tackle the work. She had been a florist for quite a number of years, a trained florist. I thought, who but a florist to handle Paula's roses? So I put her in touch with Paula's daughter in law Ashley, and Ashley agreed that it was a great idea to have Terrie do the job. Everything was quickly packed up and over-nighted from Virginia, where Paula lived.... to California, where Terrie lives.
Apparently, Paula's first intention was to put the necklace on wire:
This was as far as she got. It was going to be beautiful!
Yet Terrie felt a little tentative about continuing this way, afraid there might be errant wire which would make the piece uncomfortable to wear. There would be no time for a re-do or any adjustments. Everything had to be perfect when it was returned to Ashley. Time was of the essence!
So, Terrie did what came naturally. She made a floral arrangement!
When you think of it, flower arranging is just another form of assemblage. So.... putting together a remarkable assemblage necklace just made sense.
Paula loved assemblage. She would have been over the moon to to see this end result!
And there's more to show you:
These are the hair ornaments for the bridesmaids and flower girls. And here are the bride's earrings:
Terrie Lohrey Taylor is a steampunk artist who loves to dress up and participate in steampunk conventions and events. I love this picture of her. You can bet she made that hat!
This beautiful lady has been with us at the B'sue Boutiques Creative Group for awhile now. She's has been very active with the group, and even took the leap and joined us last year for the May Workshop! Here are some of the things she had fun making:
Terrie often had admired Paula's gift for working with polymer clay, but their paths had never crossed. So sadly, Terrie never really knew Paula. Now, after working with the things Paula meticulously made with her own hands, I daresay she probably knows her in ways that many who DID know Paula personally, never will know.
At the B'sue Boutiques Creative Group at Facebook we will always be in awe of Paula's polymer clay skills, and we can never possibly forget her. She was a real character yet compassionate and very loving. Many of us own some of her flowers and we have all promised to use them and not hide them away in workshop drawers. But, we will use them only in the most worthy of projects.
The roses are all one of a kind, just as their maker was:
Thank you, Terrie, for stepping up to offer your time and talents. What you have done is bittersweet. Your gift to finish what Paula couldn't, was a gift of genuine friendship.
We hope the bride loves what you have done for her and for Paula's memory, as much as we all do. And, may she have the most beautiful of wedding days.
Terrie, what an absolute selfless gift you have given to Paula, her family, the Bride, and all of us here at the group. I had the privilege of meeting Paula in person. You have composed the most beautiful piece for the bride. I'm sure Paula is looking down from heaven and applauding what you have done to honor her memory. Thank you, Terrie, and thanks, Brenda, for sharing this wonderful story.
Posted by: Marcia Tuzzolino | April 16, 2017 at 11:24 PM
Bittersweet indeed! What a beautiful, loving and heartfelt gesture. I agree with you, Brenda...Paula would love the end result. Terrie is a treasure. How incredibly generous of her. When we are searching for the things that are still "right in this world," all we need to do is look within this group.
Posted by: Susan Bowerman | April 16, 2017 at 11:26 PM
Terrie, you did such a beautiful job! Paula would have loved it and I'm sure the bride will treasure what you have done.
Posted by: Deb Beechy | April 17, 2017 at 12:12 AM
I'm shocked and sad to learn that Paula has gone. This just happened to me. My husband of 30 years was gone in an instant with no warning. I've wanted to reach out to the group. And now I see this. Wow. Charlotte
Posted by: Charlotte | April 17, 2017 at 09:44 PM
Bless you, Terrie. You are very kind and selfless to take up this task.
You did an amazing job, and I'm sure her family was very touched and thankful for the beautiful job you did.
Well done Terrie!
Posted by: Chris Kemp | April 17, 2017 at 10:31 PM
You did a wonderful job, Terrie, and I know Paula would be very happy with the results! Thank you for doing this for Paula's family in her memory. <3
Posted by: Pamela & Toby, Novegatti Designs | April 18, 2017 at 01:52 PM
What beautiful pieces Terrie! Paula is smiling down on you for the love and devotion you gave her flowers and leaves to create a special memory for her daughter in law to be. So heartwarming!
Posted by: Ellen W Gonchar | April 21, 2017 at 12:39 AM