What Do Cobwebs, Birdcages, and Beehives Have in Common?

They are all names of a particular love token of the 1800s. Often called cobweb, birdcage, or beehive valentines, these delicate tokens of love were popular during the early to mid 19th century. Most featured a watercolor or lithographed image on the front, then opened to another work of art (or a poem) on the inside. This work of art was cut in intricate detail and had a string attached to the center. When the string was carefully lifted, the artwork magically spiraled open to reveal a third image underneath.

(Above photo sources unknown. These were in my antique valentines folder, many of which were sent to me from people who knew I was interested in researching them.)

When I first started making them a few years ago, I learned by looking at antiques in reference books and by trial and error. Today when I was searching for photos of antiques online, I ran across several tutorials. Hmmm, those sure would have come in handy back then!

The cobweb valentines that I make are influenced by the antiques, but have my own style and color preferences.

I listed several on my website, Honeysuckle Lane, tonight as well as a few more puzzle purse valentines.

And again, I am inspired by the antiques, but try to add my own style to them.

I also made one more framed love token which sold first thing (thank you P :) !).

I had been saving this Victorian red velvet frame for some time, just waiting for an idea of how to incorporate it with the things I make.

I thought the heart in hand would look pretty in the oval shape.

And I really liked the worn areas on the frame ~ perfectly aged and worn!

I added a touch of aqua to the piece, used coordinating ribbon and it was complete! I wish I could find more old velvet frames like this one, but so far I have not found any.

 This finishes my Valentines updates this year... in a way. I will be making more love token paperweights to list in my Simple Joys Paperie etsy shop, as love is never out of season.

In between working on orders, I will be designing some new things for spring, which isn't that far away, you know! :)

Thanks so much for hanging around and reading all my ramblings.

I'll be back in just a few more days.

Take Care & God Bless,

Lana

~*~