Thursday, May 5, 2011

Memory Sealed in Wax

Since doing a beeswax collage workshop with the lovely Claudine Hellmuth a few months ago (click HERE for those details) I've been meaning to try another one at home.  But you know how that goes.  Other projects, deadlines, and that pesky thing called life got in the way.  The other day I glanced at the calendar and thought, "holy crap, it's almost Mother's Day!"

What to send to mom this year?  It was just her birthday a while ago and the big box of Godiva dark chocolates were a hit, but too soon to send another.  How about making something?  What a radical idea.  I make things almost every day.  Why don't I send something to her that came from my hands as well as my heart?  DUH!  Well, that thought collided with the beeswax thought, and this little 5x7 canvas was the result:


The photo is of my parents, taken shortly after they married.  The gorgeous frame was cut with a nestabilities die from Tim's new glasseine paper.  The canvas itself was first sprayed with colorwash and perfect pearls mists, then I just started adding stenciling with paints, bits of paper, including color saturated paper towels, and more layers of spraying.

It was at that point that I began adding the beeswax, which is all I used to attach the photo, the frame, the papers, the flower, ticket and butterfly.   And I was happy to discover that even rub-ons can be adhered to a waxy surface and then covered with more wax without any damage to the rub-on.

Maybe not quite as good as a box of Godiva, but I think mom will like it.

23 comments:

teri said...

I keep meaning to do some more wax work after our class. Thanks for the idea about using sprays first -- I can't wait to try that!

Nancy Lynn said...

It is absolutely beautiful and, I know, she will treasure this a lot. She will have the memories of her and your dad and of you who took the time to do this for her.

Tammy D said...

It's absolutely beautiful Eileen!

goodling4 said...

Better than a box of chocolates, because you made this for her!
Lovely gift!

Jason said...

This is better than a box of candy! Very nice!
~Jason

Kathy Eddy said...

She's going to love it! it's gorgeous.

Alicia B said...

Beautiful Eileen! She will surely treasure it! *Hugs*

Maxine said...

So beautiful. Also I simply love that video of stand by me! awesome

Elena said...

She will love it Eileen!!! It's gorgeous!! What a great thing for her to have.

Patzee said...

This is beautiful. The colors are great. And the beeswax is all you need to keep it all together? Looks like I gotta stop making excuses and pull out my beeswax. Thanks for the reminder and inspiration. Your mom will be very happy with your wonderful gift.

Mary said...

Absolutely lovely. Need to psych myself up to try beeswax.

Helen said...

It looks stunning! I really must have a go at this technique!

Marjie Kemper said...

Gorgeous colors and textures!

Chris said...

Lovely. Makes me want to get my supplies out and play. She should love it!

Bethan said...

Gorgeous Eileen.

Unknown said...

Lucky Mum!
Lee

Kerry said...

Eileen, it is really very pretty! I love the colors! Thanks for sharing with us.

Dorothy said...

Oh My that is gorgeous!!!

Diann said...

Its just stunning and I know your Mom will be thrilled with this memory! I've never done a wax job but you have me wishing I knew how to do this. Lovely ART! Diann

Candy C said...

Beautiful!! Love the kraft glassine frame and the beautiful color washed background! <3 Candy

Sherry Goodloe said...

this is simply gorgeous eileen - i know your mom is going to love it! i TOO like the glassine frame. xo

Lori said...

This is awesome, love that background. It's gorgeous! Amazing that a paper towel can add so much texture!

Sue Young said...

Beautiful!