Wednesday 17 July 2013

The Roaring Twenties

For my Roaring 20's tag, I was inspired by Erté, the aristocratic Russian graphic artist, fashion designer, and stage designer who's individualistic style was extremely influential during the Art Deco style of the time.  His career blossomed during his years at Harper's Bazaar, where he once wrote a letter to the editor saying, "Being an ardent lover of beauty, I discover harmony of color in the very source of everlasting beauty - in Nature, who is my only teacher."  He believed all women could look beautiful if they selected "something suited" to them, "without adhering strictly to the mode."  He believed women could do the latter by selecting dresses that enhanced their beauty, hid "nature's defects," and took into consideration their individuality.  What do you think?


Anyway, I used Tim Holt'z Baroque and punch dies to cut my base out of a K&Company handmade print to get an Art Deco feel.  Then, I illustrated one of Erté's gowns using micron pens and watercolor brush pens on an ATC Bristol blank.  I distressed both pieces, and adhered the ATC to the base with gold photo corners.  Next, I made a dimensional flower using an eksuccess Dahlia punch and a Martha Stewart gemstone.  I also made a tassel, because Erté was known to use them, by rolling a strip of fringe and hand sewing it to a strip of gold lace.  I laced the tie through the bottom hole and glued the flower over it.  Finally, I added another strip of gold lace to the top.  I staged the photograph of my tag with various articles that may have been used at the time, such as a jar of Noxzema, a rouge compact, pearls, and a celluloid plastic hair pin.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2013
In closing, I leave you with a photograph of my maternal Grandparents' 1930 wedding photograph, which I digitally sketched on for another challenge last year.  I'm sure my Grandmother's dress was not by Erté, but you can certainly see his influence in the design.  Don't you agree?  Thank you for all your kind words regarding my tags last week.  Blessings!

19 comments:

  1. Erte is a great choice! And, yes, selecting the "right" clothes can really make a difference! Wonderful photo of your grandparents!!

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  2. This tag is just perfect! A beautiful and elegant capturing of the art deco style in all your WONDERFUL details! (The Noxema bottle is a great touch. I remember my Grandma's.) Thank you for sharing the elegant picture of your grandparents. (I love your sketching over the top!)

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  3. Beautiful post... Love your tag...Fantastic!! Gorgeous photo of your Grandparents..Hugs May x x x

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  4. Thank you so much for that interesting bio on Erte. I really learned something and your grandparents photograph is wonderful, what a beautiful bride she made! Lots of lovely detail on your tag. X

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  5. Beautiful work Arnoldo, and a wonderful photo of your grandparents! Valerie

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  6. Very beautiful tag and the addition of the tassle is brilliant.

    You have done a wonderful job on the wedding photo which is very special.

    Chrissie x

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  7. Wonderful tag - love the shape and the way you have staged the photograph. Always interesting! Carolyn xx

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  8. Beautifully done tag and it was really interesting reading about Erte. Your grandparents made a lovely couple.

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  9. Cor I wish Erte were alive today and help me pick out clothes. He sounds like the type of chap we could do with more of in todays fashion driven culture. Thank you for educating me about him s little.
    Your tag is fabulous Arnoldo! I never cease to be amazed at the amount of creativity you use in your tags week on week. And I have to say I adore that picture of your grandparents wedding with your added sketch. So very pretty! :0)

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  10. Wonderful Tag.
    Love your grandparent's photo.
    The wedding dress is divine!

    Happy Crafting
    Tracie

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  11. Gorgeous tag! I especially love the tassel and flower at the bottom.
    Amy The Crafty Book Nerd

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  12. Great tag, I'd look terrible in that dress. Lovely idea to give us a bit about him as well.

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  13. This tag is exceptional. It is one of my all time favorites!

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  14. Wonderful tag. I feel I need to write a great long essay to comment, but will be brief! Beautiful tag, interesting concept behind it, great staging and I loved reading about Erte. As for the wedding photo, it is lovely and your digital additions set it off perfectly.
    Jane x

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  15. I love your tag and Your parents wedding photo,both beautiful :)

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  16. Fabulous work! The tag s stunning and the photo beautifully enhanced.
    Sue xxx

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  17. Arnoldo, You captured the glamour and elegance of the period perfectly. I particualarly like the addition of the gold tassel a la Erte! Thanks for sharing your family history too.

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