Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Cast Iron Insects

I started this collection over a year ago and have been slowly adding pieces.  I've been meaning to blog it for a while but the latest piece (longhorn beetle) was so cute it reminded me it was time.   The ant above is one of my favorites...I just love the ridges on it's little body and the body swivels around on top of the legs.

All of these piece have moving parts except the ladybug which was just too cute to resist.  The longhorn beetle is actually a boot jack and is double the size of the others.  You are supposed to place one foot on it's back and the other between the "horns" to help you pull your shoe off.  

What do I use these for you might ask?  I use them on the porch as weights for my tablecloths.  I do worry that they might leave rust stains so I usually put them on a coaster or tray.

OK, I know this isn't an insect, but I had to include it because it is part of the collection.  This was my very first piece.  I got this before I even started going to the flea markets.  I just love the expression on the face, the texture, and the Asian feel of it.  It is also a bell but the string broke.