Monday, March 23, 2009

Bluebird Poetry Dress

backyard wisteria

My backyard wisteria is almost in full bloom, the air is heavy with a sweet perfume. This mighty sight will only last about 3 weeks and happens only once a year but its a glorious reminder that spring has returned.

bluebird poetry dress

I stitched up some white wings last week and had the intention to create a angelic poetry dress but the fruition of this frock is still a little elusive to me. However once I pulled this blue fabric out of the dye bath a few days ago I had the full vision of this bluebird dress.
(I am now working on a Raven dress)

bluebird poetry dress

I spotted a free standing vintage child's dress forum that was not for sale at a antique shop. This really drove me crazy and lead me on a quest to somehow create my own. Once the box stands where created my poetry dresses have some how transformed into soft sculpture's

bluebird poetry dress

The crown is a wire nest that I fashioned out of steel wire.

bluebird poetry dress

snips and scraps from my cutting table along with three plump pearl eggs where stitched onto the wires

bluebird poetry dress

Reads:
"The bluebird carries the sky on his back"
~Henry David Thoreau

bluebird poetry dress

I made this little petticoat out of organza, netting and lace that I altered with heat to create a time worn effect.

bluebird poetry dress

hand details are only reviled after close inspection.

bluebird poetry dress (back)

The back of the Bluebird is some how more ornate then the front the wings read:
"if happy little bluebirds fly over the rainbow, why or why cant I?"

bluebird poetry dress (back)
the bottom back reads: Bluebird poetry dress by: Ruth Rae.
(This dress will be for sale at artfest next week. and you can view more details here)

Over the Rainbow:

Way up high,
There's a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby.

Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue,
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true.

Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far
Behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me.

Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly.
Birds fly over the rainbow.
Why then, oh why can't I?

If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?

music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg.


Share/Bookmark

19 comments:

Zita - Mlle Magpie said...

Gorgeous bluebird dress! And your wisteria are so beautiful too.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful dress. Did the Wisteria inspire you to it?
I gues for the next three weeks you'l be living under the Wisteria. I would.
XXXm

The Painted Nest said...

Your bluebird dress is BEAUTIFUL!!!IS it for sale~~~~I'm interested! Blessings, Deborah

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Bluebird is your most beautiful dress to date!

nina said...

oh, ruth, you really are amazing....lovely, lovely, lovely work - see you soon... nina

artandtea said...

Hi Ruth,
My friend, Judy, shared your blog with me and I am so happy that she did! I'm amazed and so inspired by your beautiful work. Gorgeous colors and the wisteria - what a gift to have that in your backyard! I'm glad to have found your blog. Thank you for sharing and so nice to meet you!
Karen (artandtea)

Anonymous said...

This dress makes me smile and want to cry. This was one of the songs at my husband's funeral in Dec. I can't wait until Art Fiber Fest, I am taking your pinafore class!!





calex22001@yahoo.com

Leslie said...

This is fantastic Ruth! I love bluebirds.

Tangled Stitch said...

The bluebird dress and the wisteria are absolutely beautiful. Thanks

KimberlyRies said...

I love wisteria - how beautiful!!

Brenda said...

I don't know which one is more beautiful!!! Mother Nature does an amazing job too, but you are a pretty close 2nd!

Anonymous said...

The wisteria is beautiful. The B & B in Orvieto has it as well and in the spring you hear the janitor sweeping up the fallen petals each morning. You'll have different treats for the eyes and nose on your trip in the fall - like ripe grapes warm in the sun, or chestnuts and the soup and other goodies made from them!

Gilding the Lily said...

Your wisteria is so beautiful, Ruth. My mother has a vine she has nurtured with success over the years and she is enjoying its blooms right now. And your song of choice...one of my all time favorites. I love the Harry Nilson version, so wistful...

H.D. Campbell said...

Wonderful! my favorite colours!

Anonymous said...

Lovely, lovely bluebird angel! How sweet this is, Ruth! Only you could think up such a wonder.

Jill said...

The wisteria---oh my and your dress--wonderful.

Anita said...

so inpsiring- pretty dress- great wisteria...longing for Spring here in Iowa...

india flint said...

love the crumpled blue..and 'over the rainbow' is a favourite wake-up tune to play on the sax...so many delicious variations to play about with...

Benefits of flaxseed oil said...

Your blue bird dress and wisteria are so so so beautiful. I'm so jealous :)