But first I needed to finish off so many projects, all in various stages of production. Today was the day!
My studio is an eclectic mixture of stuff. I have metal art pieces on the go, mixed media journals and wall art, encaustic wax panels and sewing. I began with the mini journals that have taken over the dining room table for the past 2 months.
Caterina Giglio is an amazingly talented mixed media artist I have been following for years. One of her posts from 3 years ago features Miniature Book Making and that’s where I started with these little journals.
I love the embellishment part of the book making process. I also am a “keeper” of things…so I have a good sized stash to play with when I need inspiration. These are what I finished today:
These little books are 2 1/2″ by 3″, and this one is covered in an eco printed cotton that I did with maple leaves a couple of years ago. The patterned paper is also an eco print, embellished with pen marks, created about the same time. If you’d like to see the eco printing process I used, view my post here.
The little brass bezel in the center was one I made about 6 years ago. The base is etched brass and the center is a copy of an old angel print that I encased in resin. It’s been waiting patiently in a drawer to find it’s forever home ♥
These books are all 2 1/2″ x 3 1/4″ high, with the signature pages finished with various paint techniques. This one has a reticulated, etched piece of brass on the cover that I did over 10 years ago…and another piece of that eco print, finished off with recycled Sari silk ties.
I happen to not only love feathers, but am fortunate we have wild pheasants here in our Valley. This is a donated one…
I adore the colours in this one and it’s extra special because that’s a photo of my Grandma in 1930…swimming at a local beach. It’s encased in resin in an etched brass bezel , and attached with tiny screws. The eco prints were made with local botanicals and the wrapping is a tea dyed cotton.
The final one I finished was another brass bezel, this one is a silver heart and a tiny garnet. It has a cloth cover and another tea dyed wrap.
I found the paper based covers were not standing up, so switched to fabric. I really like the rough cottons and just happened to have a stash of that as well…
Next was a cuff. I had part of it already formed, but it sat for about a year waiting for the right inspiration to finish it-another large Rhodonite cabochon seemed the perfect fit. I finished it with a second Sterling silver plate with a brushed finish and beaded wire trim around the cabochon.
I cut my cabs around the cracks or other imperfections of the slab, with nothing in particular in mind, other than creating something with interesting patterns, highlighting the various areas I find to be particularly interesting. It’s never quite what I envisioned when I’m done, usually much more exciting and impressive.
Today my work has evolved into less ornate designs and these are a few of the pieces the current session will focus on:
