Rose Chintz Box

"Rose Chintz Box"
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 Another decorative gift box using rose chintz as a theme. 

Blue Fish Box

Blue Fish Box. The fish on the lid are blue and white ceramic buttons.
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And yet another box! The box I repurposed for this project came from the Savannah Bee Company Honey Store on Broughton Street in Savannah, Georgia. It's very sturdy and has a hinged lid. It originally contained an equally well designed jar containing body butter made from honey. 

Simplicity

"Simplicity" - 8x10 - Mixed Media Collage

One of my fondest memories as a child is spending hours with my mother in JC Penney in the fabric department. Because I was short waisted, long-legged and super abnormally tall for my age, my mother had no choice but to make my clothes for me. She has always had a fine eye for design and color and I have to admit I was delighted in the clothes she made. I can still remember some of the first dresses she made me at the age of 5 and how I felt absolutely beautiful in them. One in particular was a black, sleeveless, summer dress with tiny bouquets of forget-me-nots strewn all over the fabric and shiny, faceted black buttons. I thought that dress was magical!

As I grew older and formed some of my own opinions, I had the best time choosing my own patterns and fabrics and with Mom's help, selecting the notions and/or accessories, such as zippers, belts, lace and buttons. Oh, but especially the buttons!

I gave it my best shot, but sewing has just never come easily for me; therefore, my mother continued to make my clothes for me clear through high school, even though by that time I could generally wear off-the-rack fashions. The dresses she made for me were always prettier than anything you could buy.

Given the opportunity, I just had to purchase used clothing patterns when I discovered, with the help of a friend, a supply of them at Goodwill when I was visiting my hometown recently. Oh the memories! So don't be surprised if this is not the only pattern piece I make.

The Mustachioed Button

"The Mustachioed Button" - 6x6- Mixed Media Collage

One never knows when they'll run across the most interesting art materials. The irridescent fibers in the blue button of this collage were found in a bait and tackle shop. They are intended to be used to make fishing lures.  Before anyone could get that far with them, they lured me in!

Below is the under painting for this piece.