Day 83-Jayne, The Bonsai Priestess

As some of you may have known, I am a big fan of Jayne's (Tallulah Belle) cherry blossom bonsai, so much so I nicknamed her the Bonsai Priestess in one of my write-up about her work. Jayne has mentioned in a February post on her blog about how her 1st cherry bonsai was her favourite piece and that making it was hell. Of course, I had to torture her after that and when she accepted my commissions, one of the bonsai and the other, the national flower of India, I was thrilled.

On 27/5/09, she finished my sacred lotus pond and posted it on her blog. I left a comment claiming my piece and demanding that it be signed off a certain way and my dear Jayne did exactly that.

On 6/7/09, happiness arrived in a box, not only of the pieces I commissioned but so many other wonderful creations as well as a souvenir from one of Jayne's trips and even chocolates.

Everyone who follows Jayne's work will know how incredibly difficult it is to find any more new adjectives to praise her littlest creations. I am in a double fix because Jayne is also a professional photographer, or she might as well be with her talent. I also don't have a palace yet (oh, you mean you didn't know that?). So I decided to showcase the beauty of her work in the only way I know how. Trompe l' oeil photography, a fusion of Roman mural art technique, Indian architecture and artistry and Singaporean art of cheating. This is partly inspired by Rosanna's La Casa Rossa which probably will be built sooner than mine and she's only started documenting it, 7 months after I have started this blog.

The 2 books I am using for this endeavour:

And so, without further ado, I present Palace Blooms from Tallulah Belle as recorded in the pages of history:

CHERRY BLOSSOMS BONSAI (LARGE)
each flower measures about 1mm in diameter, height of plant (fully extended 2 1/2", pot- 1 3/4")

CHERRY BLOSSOMS BONSAI (TINY)
no ruler small enough to measure flowers, pot is 1/4" height of plant 1/2"

THE BONSAI SISTERS

SACRED LOTUS POND
each flower measures about 1 cm, leaf slightly smaller, pond is 4" long and 1 1/2" at widest

HOT PINK DAISIES (she named it, not me)
flower 5mm, pot 1/2" wide height of plant including pot 1"

RED GERANIUMS

flower 6-7mm, pot is 3/8" wide, height of plant 1 1/4"

SILVER FRUIT BASKET
1/2 " at its widest and 1/2" high

Kokopelli Wind Chime

life size, "a little bit of America", says Jayne

This note came with the gift : Who was Kokopelli?

Known as a fertility god,prankster, healer and story teller, Kokopelli has been a source of wonder throughout the country for centuries. Kokopelli embodies the true American Southwest and daes back over 3000 years ago when the first petroglypohs were carved.

There are many myths of the famous Kokopelli. One of which is that he travelled from village to village bringing the changing of winter to spring; melting the snow and bringing about rain for a successful harvest. It is also said that the hunch on his back hold the sacks of seeds and songs he brought. Legend also has it that everyone in the village would sing and dance throughout the night when they heard Kokopelli plays the flute. The next morning, every maiden in the village would be with child.

Whatever the true meaning of Kokopelli is, he has been a source of music making and dancing and is always welcome in our homes.

and last but not least,

I laughed when I read the tag line on the box "Handcrafted in Small Batches". She is truly a perfectionist. Even my chocolates are crafted by hand.

I am deeply indebted, my dear friend and will treasure your gifts. Even the chocolates will be eaten only to celebrate, maybe the completion of my next project!