Abandoned Art!

I had made this project quite awhile ago for Graphic 45 and it was recently shared in my awesome farewell post.  I could not believe the outpouring of love and comments, it is something I will certainly treasure.  Anyhow, I decided that this project needed to be abandoned in the wild for someone else to enjoy! It always feels good to put a little love out into the world.

What started as a Facebook Group has evolved to an "art movement" with "art abandoneers" all across the world.  There is even a book that has been published! It is really fun to see the amazing things that people leave as a beautiful random act of kindness.

I had been carrying around my little house for several days with the intent to leave it somewhere, but I could not find the right spot.  My day job took me to Lansing for a meeting and I had the idea to see if I could drop it in a really urban location.  This interactive art piece was a perfect spot. There is a tag on the back of the project explaining that it is free art and contact information to report their experience if they choose.

Here are additional photos of my project.  I love the roof that I made with a die cut by Tim Holtz, it turned out so super cute.

There is lots of metal added to the front of this little fairy house.  I also used a lot of fussy cutting and flowers to add more texture and interest.  

I sure hope that someone out there is enjoying their little bit of abandoned art!

Cheers,

Rhea

Yes, this really is my Bead Soup post!

Well, first off I am so sorry to be late.  I almost did not post anything at all, due to a trip planned after I had signed up for this event.  I really enjoy doing this blog hop so I thought I could fit it all in, but alas I could not.  I have half of an amazing charm bracelet completed, but it just was not going to happen in time.  So this morning, I took the advice of my crafting pal Joanne Huffman and made a simple assemblage with my focal.

Here is what I was sent by my partner Tanya Wiles.  The piece that she made from what I sent her is really lovely, so please take the time to stop by and leave her some blog love!

As I said before, I started an intricate charm bracelet, but just could not finish it in time.  The amazing hand forged clasp was already attached and I had already used up all those yummy flower beads, so unfortunately they did not make it into my little assemblage where I used my focal.  I know this does not align with the expectations of the hop, but I conceded this morning that something was better than nothing!  I hope you all understand.  Lori, I am so sorry!  Please be sure to stop by Lori's blog here to see what she is up to and also gain access to the blog addresses of all the participants!

Now, I really can't take credit for this idea either.  The house here was made by a wonderful artist Nichola Battliana.  She generously sent me a bunch of goodies a while ago and I thought this was the perfect venue for my cute little fairy home.  The concept was totally hers as well! :)  Thanks for the inspiration Nichola!  She makes wonderful (and way more intricate) teacup dwellings and sells them on her etsy shop.  Please stop by her shop to see her wonderful whimsical work.

The teacup in my piece was actually picked up on my recent trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula.  I was on the hunt for them due to Nichola's inspiration.  In the north country we have garden gnomes or wee people who help animals.  This cup was found at the last rummage sale I hit on my way out of town.  I could not resist going to one more sale that I saw across the street from my favorite pasty shop, and it payed off.

During my time up north I visited lots of spots that were "Pure Michigan." (cue music...Michiganders, you know what I am talking about...)  I spent time in Crystal Falls and Copper Harbor, I visited the monks for thier sweets at the Jampot and dipped my toes in cool lakes.  I spent quality time with extended family at our camp, ate thimbleberries and raspberries right off the bush, combed beaches for agates, and read three books.  I took in local art, fresh local fish and farm fare, paid respects to my elders and drank strong coffee over rich conversations.

The statement is so true: "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you."


Cheers,

Rhea  

Playing in the mud

I have been having the most fun with clay of late.  My new obsession started a few weeks ago when a gal pal invited me to "Pizza and Mud" at a local studio called The Firehouse.  We had a lovely evening, making sunshine bird feeders.  I did not like the look of the open mouth, so I altered the plan and just made a simple sunshine.

If I had it my way, I would have worked on my facial features a lot more.  I had to just accept where I was at when time was up.  This was really hard for me!  I can really get lost in a project for hours. 

Another clay adventure I recently took, was following a tutorial from Pixie Hill.  You can see what I made the first time around here.  I really enjoy using the Paper clay.  I love this medium and I can see myself really getting lost in the possibilities of what can be made.  When one of the owners of the Rusty Rabbit saw my teeny, tiny houses and mushrooms she asked me to make some larger ones. 

I happy complied and used up the rest of the package of Paper clay.

These little decorations are going to be added to small eclectic succulent gardens for a special touch of garden whimsy.  How fun is that!

Thanks for stopping by to share a moment of inspiration with me.  I hope your summer season is off to a lovely start!

Cheers,

Rhea

A visit to Pixie Hill

One of the best benefits about being involved in online crafty communities is the ability to connect with others and share inspiration.  I learn so much from my fellow bloggers and artists.  Being a part of Alpha Stamps Yahoo group, provides tons of benefits.  There are secret sales, great swaps, challenges and a wealth of inspiration being shared among very talented artists.  Once of them is Nichola Battilana, of Pixie Hill.  Her work is stunning. She creates teeny tiny bits of assemblage that will attract fairy folk from near and far.  Nichola generously shared with the Alpha Stamps Yahoo group how she makes these lovely treasures and I wanted to share what I was able to make.

I made a ton of items to use in my domes.  Unfortunately, many of them were too large to squeeze inside these tiny Domed Apothecary Bottles from Alpha Stamps.  I know I will find a use for them though.  Nichola's must be even tinier.  She has some houses and mushrooms inside the same tiny space!  Mine are a bit crowded, but I love them anyway.  

I borrowed a nest from one of my birds to make a quick little fairy town to show of  the rest of the elements I made.  I could have made mushrooms for days.   

I adore the red mushrooms.  My polka dots are wonky and not the same consistent size, but oh well.  Embrace imperfection!  I also should have done two coats of red paint.  I am really impatient for an assemblage artist.  

Pretty darn cute in my humble opinion!  Thank you so much to Nichola for sharing her expertise.  The Yahoo group is open to anyone, so feel free to stop by and join us for some inspiration, great swaps and great product.  

Cheers, 

Rhea