­­­Note from Shelley: Molded glass flowers began as experimental elements in small factories of Czechoslovakia in the 1930s. Intervening war years either suspended or forever closed most producers of decorative glass arts. Then, after WWII, several workshops sputtered alive again, turning out beads and jewelry elements with artistic forms and finishes. Post war fashion took a dramatic turn from structured suits to light feminine silhouettes. Floral print silk dresses and jewelry were the rage. At the time, during the 1940s, my great Aunt Etta and her best friend Ann had a ready-to-wear "frock shop" in the Chicago Loop. Their tiny shop featured print silk dresses and floral jewelry to accessorize them. Decades later, she still had a few favorite "numbers" from the Annette dress shop, including glass tulip earrings which delighted the eyes of 8 year old me. It is from that inspiration that my contemporary tulip ensemble originated.