Thursday, October 9, 2014

Just For The Birds. . . .

"Just for the Birds"
Altered Matchboxes 

"Deep inside her heart, I was feeling my home like a hay made nest."
-- M. F.  Moonzajer


I've always loved birds. Pretty little bluebirds especially, but birds and nests in general always make me swoon. So much so, that I find myself drawn to anything sweet with a bird on it: sugar bowls, jewelry holders and even Christmas ornaments have made it home with me, but delicate as they are, they don't always stay pristine. Or, um, intact. 

So, over the years I've grown quite a collection of broken birds, broken wings and, naturally, other bits and baubles. I've always wanted to do something with them, but it wasn't until I saw some large & small matchboxes in a dollar store that it occurred to me: they needed a home! And these little would-be cottages seemed like the perfect solution. . . .



Wanna know how I got there? (I took a ton of process shots just in case):

I first applied several coats of gesso before playing with the composition

Fiber paste mixed with white acrylic created this push-and-pull texture

I then applied several washes of pastel paints, splattered grey acrylic, sepia and charcoal

(Weighing their options) 

Playing with the bits, baubles and plenty of things that sparkle

And securing the drawer "pulls" with wire

And the results? Tiny little altered homes. Just for the birds. . . .






Thanks for taking a peep! I'll see you around the Party!

To Love & Art,
Kristin xo



34 comments:

Ritu Dua said...

Absolutely gorgeous and superbly creative :)

I love to collect match boxes and have been doing so since my childhood!!http://beneathmyheartart.blogspot.ae/2014/10/turning-pointe.html

Ritu Dua said...

http://beneathmyheartart.blogspot.ae/2014/10/turning-pointe.html

itsamistry said...

these are stunning love the colour and texture. Fabulous way to display the birds

BrownPaperBunny said...

Oh my gosh, could they be any cuter. Absolutely love them!

froebelsternchen said...

This is amazing- just lovely and artsy !
Happy PPF!
xoxoxo
Susi

Valerie-Jael said...

Very sweet! Hugs, Valerie

Virginia said...

Oh they are fab

BLOGitse said...

How cute!
And lot of work...
Your photos are beautiful too!
Happy PPF!

Carmen said...

This post made me smile this morning. I'm so glad your feathered friends found such gorgeous homes.

Giggles said...

This is so delicate and beautiful! I love how you took something broken and made it new! That is a true gift and a great metaphor!

Hugs Giggles

Šolanje na domu-Waldorf said...

Love it! Great texture! :)

Faye said...

Your little boxes are so pretty!

Anonymous said...

I love this, beautifully creative,

Linda Kunsman said...

perfectly magical little homes for your birds-love these Kristin!!

massofhair said...

Fantastic way of re homing your delicate and injured birds, they look very happy now they have their own nests :-) xxx

sharon said...

These are ay too beautiful, wonderful!

K J D said...

|Absolutely precious.... aren't they going to be happy in their new homes :)

Karen x

K J D said...

|Absolutely precious.... aren't they going to be happy in their new homes :)

Karen x

Neesie said...

Upcycling for sure Kristin ;D
Beautifully created.
Happy PPF to you
xoxo

Christine said...

lovely keepsakes!

Unknown said...

Oh my word! Fabulous!!! I could get lost for days doing something like this.
xo

My name is Erika. said...

What a fantastic little 'nest' for your cute bird pieces. You did a beautiful job.

Tracey FK said...

fabulous... and love each stage... but you know what i love even more... I love seeing magazine after magazine come up down the side where your wonderful work is being published... that is very cool...xx

Joanna said...

Absolutely adorable little birdie boxes - I'm so happy you saved the broken bits of birdie and have used them in such a lovely way.

xxx

Jo said...

So delicate and very creative. Not sure I would have the patience to work that small. Simply wonderful.

Bronson Hill Arts said...

How precious! And original!

-Barb

Sharon Fritchman said...

Oh my goodness, Kirsten! Your little altered homes for these beautiful birds are absolutely amazing. I love how you created the texture, and all of your touches make their homes all the more special and gorgeous.

Mary Ann Potter said...

Oh, I love these boxes!!! I'm always inspired when I see your work. Great process shots. I'm going to try a couple of these. Yes, I'll post them!

Beth Niquette said...

What a lovely idea--I love birds too--I've been collecting them for years. The idea of a box filled with birdie "stuff" is charming. I LOVE your work.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

What a fabulous way to use these birds that have lost their ability to be showcase avian. Great way to use up old bits and bobs, while giving these birds a permanent home. It was also a great way to think outside the box (pun not intended).

Unknown said...

these are spectacular, i tried to make my own boxes and failed, im off to get some tomorrow! thanks for the inspiration!

Terri Corona said...

Oh my gosh, how precious they are! And it's always so satisfying to give something broken and forgotten a starring role again isn't it?

denthe said...

oooh, so cute! And each with their own little house .... I love it how you keep them even though they are broken ... I always wonder whether I'm the only one keeping favorite stuff that's broken. Guess I'm not ;-)

Little Artbee said...

Lovely small artworks with something to look on it and something to look inside it. Very creative!
Dear Greetings
Sabine