day by grace: Happy Name Day

Today is my Aunt Gloria's birthday, so... Happy Birthday!

She moved to France to go to art school when she was like, 18 or 20 and eventually settled in London. She is endlessly creative and resourceful; and can make something beautiful and unique out of basically anything.

Installation: plaster, steel rod, bitumen

Gloria Carlos skulls on display at Knebworth House.
Skulls are carved and individually adorned with recycled antique
brass, tin and iron objectswith hand-forged stands.

Some time back, she starting making jewelry. Really unique jewelry that contrasted forged iron and precious metals.

A ring she made me when I started college that I've worn basically every day since...
and a pair of earrings that I receive compliments on every. time. I wear them.
**Not a professional or remotely competent earring model**

And at some point a friend of hers was working as a costumer for a TV show and buying pieces to use in dressing one of the characters. You might have heard of the show; it's called Game of Thrones.

What? Oh yeah, that's just Daenerys Targaryen wearing a one-of-a-kind ring and bracelet made by Gloria Carlos.

So with Comic Con closing yesterday, Game of Thrones being more popular than ever (I am SO bummed that the line to "Survive the Realm" stretched almost around the entire block because I was actually considering getting a House Baratheon tattoo --- I'm House Stark, but I love the antlers); it's perfectly fitting that there's now an opportunity for fans and admirers to get a custom-made replica of the Khaleesi ring or bangle.

Like, not a cheap knock-off, but a limited-time, made-to-order piece of jewelry ("jewellery" as I guess they say across the pond?) made with the same attention and method as the original.

It's a pretty cool thing and awesome for her. I hope anyone reading this will also take a look at her other work --- aren't those adorned skulls amazing! You can find her website and social media below. She has an amazing perspective and eye for the beautiful and unique.