Sunday, September 20, 2009

MMM: Metal

MMM: 8 X 8 Hardware "Chandelier"

Detail of Underside


Detail of Top

In Room

Home Depot Field Trip

This week's Mixed Media Monday prompt, "Metal / Metallics" proved to be a real challenge for me. My first instinct was to create something using metallic paint on canvas. But really, that would have been a crutch. I love metallic paint and use it so often that I decided this time, I would force myself to try something new. So, with no idea in mind, I headed to Home Depot for inspiration. After searching isle after isle (copper piping, duct work, drywall repair patches and tiny screws were cool) I finally decided upon a long link of chain and a two bags of nuts and washers. I left with the idea of creating a chandelier for Kendra's room, but I had absolutely no clue how I would make it happen.
After struggling with the logistics of creating a chandelier out of a few washers and chain (oh, and make it pretty!), I decided to start with the base, and choose a 8 X 8 chipboard book cover. I covered it in fabric and painted it using a Tim Holtz mask and watered-down acrylic. I then painted the belly (had to look good from underneath too) and punched holes around the entire perimeter. From there, I used a combination of the Home Depot nuts and washers (painted in soft colors to match her room), discarded chandelier crystals, pretty little baubles I had lying around my craft room and Swarovski crystals and beads, all hung from invisible stretchy cord. I ended up using the chain for hanging which was also embellished with paint and crystals. With any luck, it should sparkle up a storm in the afternoon light.
This is where I must mention how lucky I feel to have found Mixed Media Monday: I would have never done this without the prompt. And I have learned so much this week because of it: mostly, not to give up! I had to restrain myself throwing the thing across the room several times, but I stuck with it and look: a chandelier for my "baby's" room! Who said there was no magic in art?
For more pieces on "Metal", check out www.MixedMediaMonday.Wordpress.com.

19 comments:

Willy said...

What a very special and great piece!

Lori Saul said...

Wonderful! What a creative and lovely mobile- beautifully done!

Claudette said...

how clever and different....love it

Yvonne said...

Very creative!

Cheryl said...

That is super cute, what a fun idea!

Limarea said...

This is so fun and creative, and very pretty! :)

My Creative House said...

What a fantastic and fun piece so well done.

vintage wil said...

Beautiful piece!!!

AliMayes said...

Great idea! I bet Kendra loves it.
Ali xx

K J D said...

Wow! So pretty!

Karen

Yvonne said...

very creative and special piece.

WrightStuff said...

It's great! Like you, I find these prompts lead me to create and use techniques that I never would normally. I bet it really sparkles in the sunlight

DMG said...

You, dear girl, are an artist in the truest sense of the word. This is awesome! I was so fascinated reading how you created your chandelier, and I can just picture you trolling the aisles at Home Depot looking for your muse. I'm glad you dsicovered MMM too.

Anneke said...

very creative and gorgeous work

Anonymous said...

This is just wonderful. I can't imagine the daydreams and stories it will inspire for your children.

LivArtNow said...

How fun and creative!!! Brilliant work!!!

Linda

Ozstuff said...

Wow! You have blown us all away with your most beautiful, creative and completely unique metal mobile for your baby's room. No doubt it will become a family heirloom because it is made to last.
A standing ovation from me for your most beautiful work of art.

*jean* said...

sooo clever!!!

Nicola said...

Wow you are so creative and very clever wonderful work!!!