Working Through The Pile of Unfinished Projects - 2

Last year, I finished this piece of art but was never quite happy with how it was "framed".  

After taking this pic, I decided to weave a band with beads interlaced for that point of difference.  In the gluing process, I'd slipped and made a mess on one of the corners.  And me being me, I couldn't leave it that way.

So after much pondering, and whilst cutting up our kindling recently, I thought about incorporating naturally fallen branches to show the beauty within.  I cut up a tonne of tree limb discs and laid out a design.  Initially, it was going to be a simple square frame but whilst Heath played about, he added an abstract twist and I loved it!

Each disc has been baked to sanitise the wood and are now to be individually sanded to smooth out the rough spots.  I'm more a rustic kinda gal so am not planning to go so far as to remove the wood's character through the sanding process.  Each disc will then be varnished and am currently running a test on whether to use varnish or wax.  Cannot wait to pick up some lighter-weighted MDF and more sandpaper so I can play some more!  

Will share a pic once it's hanging on our wall so stay tuned :)

New Piece from the "Elements: Water" Series - Sea and Sand Treasures

I am part of a wonderful Facebook group run by this amazing lady who makes the most awesome lampwork beads, art and metalwork.  Late last year, she launched an "Uglipeep Snowball" gift swap which didn't have a deadline and was all about sharing the love for no reason amongst her wonderful Uglipeep community.  I was so lucky to receive some amazing gifts, one of which by the lovely Karin.

On the left is the gift bag made from a wonderful batik-styled fabric; in the middle are Karin's hand stitched beaded barrels and on the right is a ceramic pendant from Jubilee.

My instant reaction when I held the ceramic pendant was it took me to a sea cave where stories had been ground into the walls as reminders that many walked the Earth before us.  The texture of the pendant and its crumbled edge reminded me so much of compressed wet sand with its visible speckles of nature.  I knew this piece would fall within the Water element and I couldn't wait to get started.

In July, I drew out my concept drawing including the meaning for each part and set it aside.  Sometimes, I pull the beads and create immediately; others, it takes awhile.  And now, as of today, the piece I've nicknamed Sea and Sand Treasures is complete:

I used the Jubilee pendant and Karin's beaded barrels as part of the pendant, only adding Green Aventurine (to represent embracing the change of evolution - from cave dwellers to where we are today) and Indopacific glass.  My handmade wire sea pods represent the seaweed pods you find washed ashore, their kelp cages protecting the seeds of life within.  The Picture Jasper nugget and Fossilised Coral Agate for the imprints of life found embedded in rock walls that for many moons have been bashed by the sea, yet remain intact.  The Rock Hound pebble connectors for the preciously smooth gifts you find when beach combing.  I used the gorgeous batik-styled fabric when making my handmade fabric rounds as the print reminded me so much of water and sunshine.  Sprinkled with bone and brass spacers, ceramic, Czech glass and wire, I am overjoyed with how this piece turned out!  

Enjoy your week!

Making a Connection

I'm not sure why, or if others experience this, but whenever I move houses, it takes an awfully long time for me to connect with my new art space.  It's especially frustrating and quite laughable as I skirt around the perimeters of the room but avoid going in as if I'm about to go on a first date.  I'm so nervous, I hate it.  I can't help it. And I laugh at myself for doing it.  I don't know why it happens but when the time is right, we connect and it's wonderful!  

So after two months since I've set up my space, I took a deep breath and finally took the plunge.  I pumped the music, danced about for a bit, removed the curtain to let more light in as crappy weather continues then sat down at my table to stare out the window for about 20 minutes hahaha. And this is my view ...

Keeping in mind my recently finished concept piece I loved doing, I thought I'd start working on the planned A3 size.    And after a few nights, I completed it.  I have grave difficulty naming any of my pieces so I've arrived at the aptly named "Eucalyptus - Leaves and Gumnuts" as being my source of inspiration.  And also why I can now I feel connected and can comfortably work in my space :)

Here it is:

Enjoy the rest of your week!