Crowning Glory

Had in the back of my mind a golden crown for the Queen Bee puppet to wear. Had loads of great crown reference images. But then I saw the crown that grows naturally on the top of my favorite food, pomegranates. I received a bunch of fresh poms off a local tree and one had a top that struck me like a perfect crown. I cut it off and stuck it in the freezer for several weeks to dry it out slowly. Then I painted it with frosty reds and golds, bejeweled it with real keshi pearl and gold spheres so tiny like could be pollen.

I left the sort of seedy bramble on the inside and painted each seed gold and added more tiny pearls.

The wonderful creature modelling the completed crown on the right is one of my most favorite possessions. It's a small sculpture by artist Jo-Ellen Trilling. A sensational creature, part bird, part lion, made of taffeta, painted fur, and feather, on its own upholstered plinth. I love him. And I'll love the new Queen Bee when she comes. I have her crown ready.