The "beautiful balloon" project of delicate glass ornaments wasn't inspired solely by recycling efforts or the irresistable shape of the classic incandescant bulb (although a little Wizard of Oz was probably lurking somewhere in the idea) ...
... nor was it based on the lyrics of the melodious "My Beautiful Balloon" which is no doubt playing right this minute on a classic oldies station somewhere ...
Instead, the concept is largely inspired by Victorian blown-glass ornaments, turn-of-the-century treasures that still inspire modern collectors. These pieces were elegant, delicate, featuring diminutives baskets bearing a miniature paper Victorian Santa aloft in many cases, like the one picture belowed.
We've duplicated that design in part, with miniature paper-mache baskets and two-sided vintage reproduction paper figures straight from Victorian cards, letting them dangle below painted glass surfaces.
This particular design was inspired by vintage Shiny Brite ornaments, the soft colors and starry night design that decorates some of their most popular ornaments. The pink is a popular Shiny Brite color.
The "shiny brite" version, like the striped balloon below, is trimmed with Christmas tinsel, including the silver star motif that forms the top loop and winds its way around the balloon ...
... although the figure inside the one below is hardly as conventional as the cozy snowman couple joyriding above. What mischief could this wee witch be up to? Possibly a future appearance in the "Little Holiday Shop" for the Halloween line.
