The Art Elements theme this month, as issued by Susan Kennedy, is Forest. What a wide-open theme! It took me a little time to decide whether or not to participate. And, the moment I did, I was right in the thick of it. As Susan suggested, the theme could go in any direction - trees, moss, fairies, woodland creatures, and just about anything that can be found in the woods.
I've been wanting to use up some of the treasures I've collected over the years and decided to turn to this small Altoids tin for the challenge.
I started by sanding off the label, but since the word "smalls" was raised, it had to be hammered down before I finished sanding it.
I didn't remove all of the design from it as I knew I was considering painting over the top.
From there, I had to figure out what to fill it with. I thought about a layered paper design of just trees. Fairy huts also came to mind. However, I just couldn't decide. Since I'm lucky enough to have my own small forest on our property to inspire me, I decided to take a walk.
I love the shady seclusion of the woods and all the natural treasures that can be found there. As such, I began gathering beautiful discoveries from the forest floor.
I found bark, limbs, pine cones, acorn tops, dried flowers, skeleton leaves, and other lovely elements to incorporate.
However, since everything green eventually turns brown, there wasn't much natural I could add to get that pop of color. I needed to add my own touch of green to give my piece some life.
First, I punched two holes in the top of the tin. Then, several shades of green Vintaj Patinas were used to color the inside.
For the outside, I mixed brown and black Patina. A skeleton leaf was adhered to the top with the Vintaj sealer.
A green border was added for a touch of color and a hint at what you could find inside.
It took some tinkering to get the natural elements displayed inside the tin just right.
I wanted to include as many of the forest floor elements as I could. E6000 glue was used to secure the pieces.
To complete the necklace, I used headpins to make loops on the outside of the tin. Brass chain was connected to the loops.
A few stacks of wood beads were added along the chain to make sure there were natural elements there too.
I love that this pendant really is reminiscent of the forest in that from the outside, it doesn't look like much. However, when you enter it, it's a whole other world of magic.
I really enjoyed this prompt as it not only allowed me to create something surprising, but it prompted me to go out to explore and find the unexpected.
Big thanks goes out to Sue and the Art Elements team for the opportunity to participate. Please make sure to hop around to the other participants and see just how they interpreted the Forest too. I can't wait!
What for a wonderful idea! I am such a fan of mixed media work and I love how you put the small tin and the necklace together! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful and whimsical pendant diorama piece and how fab to have your own woodland forest on your property!
ReplyDeleteI love how you took the time to go outside and just look at nature and gather elements to tie into your piece. I love the step by step process of how you created your little forest oasis in the tin. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun challenge! I love the nature vibe and how that leaf came out on the lid. It must be so wonderful to have your own private woods. My parents have woods in the back that I loved growing up. However I have not had woods since moving out on my own.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this idea Hope! I have a huge collection of various things I have found in the woods. This would be a great way to create a little vignette to 'house' all my treasures. I love that you made a necklace-it's a beautiful way to carry your treasures around with you.
ReplyDeleteCathy, Thank you! I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one who collects from the forest floor. It was actually a few acorn caps sitting on my desk (collected long ago) that inspired me to go outside and look for the elements to fill a tin. And, I felt the need to make something wearable so the tin quickly became a pendant. I'm pleased how it fell together and ever more happy that you like it. :)
DeleteI'm so glad you joined in and enjoyed the challenge! What a great idea to use the tin! And the skeleton leaf - another great idea! Thanks so much for joining in and embracing the forest!
ReplyDeleteForest in a box - love that idea. But I beg to differ, the box looks really gorgeous on the outside and it does represent a forest in every which way.
ReplyDeleteFascinating pendant! It is quite unique. I’m intrigued by the wide range of talent here in the Art Element theme. Very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, Thanks so much. I love this challenge for the variety of talents you find in the group. It really spans so many mediums and is always fun to be a part of it.
DeleteInnovative, Unusual & Impressive are three adjectives that come to mind! I think I've mentioned that I love your choice of beads and stringing abilities. How nice to have a small forest just on one's property.
ReplyDeleteAlysen, Thanks so much! You are too sweet. We love having our own little forest. It's one of the main reasons we picked this property. The back 2+ acres of our five acres is wooded. It's not a huge area, but enough for me to have some trails for circular walks!
DeleteWhat a fabulous and original idea - I love it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant idea. I love every last detail. It's perfectly put together and a very thoughtful interpretation.
ReplyDeleteTammy, Aw, thanks! It was a lot of fun gathering for this piece as well as pulling it all together. I'm so glad I really went for it with this one. I'm so happy you like it too.
DeleteLove your design, it's a wonderful keepsake of a beautiful place. I'd love to be lucky enough to have my own forest!
ReplyDeleteCaroline, thank you! We count ourselves very lucky for having found our property. It took months and months of searching and widening our wants to finally find just what we wanted. It's our own little paradise. I'm so glad you like my forest necklace too! :)
DeleteIt's a magical creation, Hope! Love the mini-forest and the leaf skeleton on top of the lid! Very inspirational!
ReplyDelete