Lady Guinevere

Lady Guinevere Ornament

s I was considering different subjects that would capture the interests of little boys, I decided to research iconic medieval characters. Thus, I discovered the character richness of the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Certainly, these characters would, for sure, appeal to boys, and girls too. Indeed, an era where queens, princesses, kings, princes, and knights ruled the world was the perfect theme for my ornaments. Hence, I chose to embark on a special journey to the medieval ages. And so, this Lady Guinevere ornament came about. Therefore, much research went into the design of these ornaments. Consequently, I incorporated lots of details that make these ornaments extraordinarily memorable. Pair this collectible with its companion, the King Arthur ornament, for a perfect set.

Lady Guinevere Ornament Design Process

I designed the Lady Guinevere figurine on a color palette of antique rose, caramel, and golden tones. Queen Guinevere’s dress is rose with golden accents. I gave her long brunette braids with golden hair ties to frame her delicate face. And I added a golden tiara with a tear shaped gemstone that crowns her head. Next, I added a caramel-colored medallion hanging from her neck. Finally, I included a small dagger to complete her ensemble.

A New Technique

To finish her medieval outfit, she needed a cape. I selected multiple silk materials with embroidery and sequins for her cape. Like the velvet I used on King Arthur, working with silky material was another first one for me. So, when I tried regular fabric stiffeners on these materials, it discolored the fabric. Consequently, it completely changed the fabric’s shade of color. Therefore, I researched other fabric stiffening techniques. I ended up exploring gelatin as a fabric stiffener with great success. Starching the fabrics with gelatin gave me the stiffness I was looking for without discoloring the material.

The Meaning of the Rose of the Lady Guinevere Ornament

The final touch for the Lady Guinevere ornament is the red rose she is holding in her hands. According to the legend, when King Arthur first meets Lady Guinevere, he becomes smitten by her. As King Arthur lays wounded in the hermit’s cave, Lady Guinevere tends to his wounds with ointment and a leech to stop the bleeding. King Arthur never forgets this angel-like creature who had saved his life. Disguised as a gardener, King Arthur enters Lady Guinevere’s castle. For days, he tends her rose garden in a wishful attempt to catch any glimpse of her that he can. So that is the significance of the red rose.

Specifications

Year Designed

2018

Size

Actual size may vary, approximately 3.5” x 3.0” x 3.5”

Materials

Yarn, fabric, cardboard, ribbons, old jewelry, plastic flowers, beads, sequins, plastic gemstones, hair-ties, charms.

Note:  Given the handmade nature of the ornament, all ornaments are different.  The pictures depict just one sample of the ornament.