Farewell Esther was created using several estate sale finds--all are "ancient" except for the flowers she wears. I found the base for this at an estate sale. It was already well aged and made the perfect base for the vintage photo I used to create Esther. I secured the photo underneath a vintage magnifying dome and soldered it down. I added a 14k gold necklace, a string of amethyst beads, and this vintage chandelier crystal. A bit of old and worn hand-crocheted lace adds to the charm of this piece. I have used Golden fabric-stiffening medium and Golden Titanium White paint to make the flowers look more like porcelain.

I enjoy using antique photos--images of people who are long gone, who have been put into a box and forgotten. A sort of revival of the spirit!