Friday, March 27, 2015

Reflections

I would love it if you would stop by my FACEBOOK art page and LIKE it.


"Reflections"
Several months ago, I came across this wonderful vintage mirror, The mirror appeared to be handmade by someone many years ago, lovingly sculpted out of a piece of fur, or possibly pine.  A heart shape design cut-out was fitted with a 1/4" thick mirror.  The fine sanded wood frame was painted silver.  Truthfully, the piece was beautiful as I found it.

But, alas, I had to bling it up.  A thin layer of tissue was first, (you can see it in this closeup photo).

 Then I began adding the hardware. Mostly silvery bits, and baubles and bling. 
I have included several photos which will hopefully provide you an opportunity to take a closer look at the many pieces included on this memory mirror.

Mirror Top

Bottom half of mirror


Lower left hand corner
The finished size is 16"x16".  And I think it turned out spectacular.  

I finished the piece a week before Valentine's Day, and although I felt I was a bit late for the holiday of hearts, the piece was sold a few days after that.
***
The sweet couple, Tom and Carol, who took "Reflecitons" home with them, sent me a lovely email telling me how much they are enjoying the piece. The also included a photo of the piece in their home.
How cool is that?

Monday, March 9, 2015

Knowledge and Power




 "Knowledge and Power"
The U.S Bureau of Engraving and Printing is the only agency authorized to develop and produce United States currency notes.  The BEP prints billions of dollars each year for delivery to the Federal Reserve System.  
When currency becomes badly soiled, dirty, defaced, disintegrated, limp, torn, or worn, they may be exchanged for new notes, through your local bank.  These damaged, no longer useful notes are removed from circulation, and returned to BEP who will shred the bills. Believe it or not, these shredded bits of US currency can be purchased directly from BEP . . .

I, however, found this bag of shredded money at a local garage sale recently.

 

 I called the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to inquire about this, as I was worried that there maybe be legal considerations for the use of this product.  I was told it was ok to use this bag of shredded money in what ever way I wanted.  Yey! Art materials!
***
A mannequin head wearing rim-less eye glasses, is covered in bits of shredded currency, and sits atop several CDs and a 1945 Standard American Encyclopedia Volume 1 A - Art.  
A small glass bottle is also mounted on the book, filled to overflowing with money. Two vintage brass drawer pulls anchor the piece.  Note the feet under the book . . . are vintage brass toilet seat hinges.