Sunday, June 10, 2012

A New Challenge and A Sentimental Piece

Keeping my fingers crossed that google/blogger is finished messing with my photos.  I knew I enjoyed having a blog, but I had no idea how much it meant to me until I discovered all my photos gone and replaced with those hideous icons.  But enough about me and my technology woes.  This post is about a piece that means a lot to me.

Linda Ledbetter, the lovely lady behind the Compendium of Curiosities challenges directed us to page 35 of Tim's second book, and the pocket watch technique.  We did a pocket watch pendant on the last cruise, and I even taught a class on it last year.  I had several extra watches, and an idea I've had for some time.  After my mom moved back north to be closer to us, my brother and I went to her Florida condo to clear it out of personal stuff and ready it for rental or sale.  I wound up with lots and lots of photos and other memorabilia.  I've wanted to do a shrine project for the longest time, and with Father's Day approaching, decided to make my dad the focus.  He's been gone for going on 19 years, but hardly a day goes by that I'm not reminded of him by something I see or hear.



The shrine was created using pieces from two of Wendy Vecchi's art parts packs, artful shrines and scallop trim.  The pieces were colored with walnut stain distress stain, then covered with rock candy crackle paint.  Except for the scallop trim, which is barely visible.  That was covered with irregular dabs of old paper crackle paint. It's the second shelf that the hankerchief and belt buckle are resting on.  For the background I chose the vintage subway sign paper from one of Tim's paper stacks.  It has Brooklyn subway stops, and since my family is from Brooklyn I thought it appropriate. 


Inside the watch is a photo of my dad as a very happy 20-something.  In fact, the picture was taken on the Atlantic City boardwalk by my mom.  They were on their honeymoon, and the year was 1946. The ring inside is my dad's wedding ring.  Because the word 'memories' was raised up with foam, the ring is kind of trapped there and won't wander around the watch.  It's not glued down or altered in any way, and can easily be removed if I ever want to do that.  Beneath the watch is one of my dad's handkerchiefs.  I added the little car (a mini movers and shakers die) because I have fond memories of our early family cars.  The first I can recall was a Studebaker.  Am I dating myself or what?


Peeking behind the handkerchief is an Israeli coin.  I included it because that was a trip my parents very much enjoyed, and was probably the last big vacation they went on before my dad got too sick to stray very far from home.  The belt buckle with his initials was attached with a bit of wire, so it too was in no way damaged or altered.  The little NYS license plate is actually just paper, again from one of Tim's paper stacks.  It was covered with a bit of glossy accents and four tiny brads were added to look like the screws that attach plates to cars.

I attached Tim's easel die cut to the back so the piece would stand, but I was worried that because of the heaviness of some of the embellishements that it might tip over.  I thought about what I could add to the bottom of the easel to give it more stability, and came up with what I think is a pretty clever solution.



Can you guess what those two discs are?  Super strong (and weighty) magnets!  Their attraction to each other keeps them in place, and they really do a great job of preventing any toppling.  By the way, I cut the easel from very thick cardboard, reinforced all the folds with tape, then covered it all with gesso and then stain.  It was attached to the shrine with very strong adhesive, so I'm pretty confident about its durability.

If you're inclined to participate in this challenge, an extra bonus (besides just creating something) is that Simon Says Stamp will be given away a $25 gift certificate to a randomly chosen entrant.

Happy Father's Day, dad.  I miss you!

33 comments:

Helen said...

What a beautiful tribute to your Dad!

Neil said...

Beautiful and special! My father passed away a few years ago and like you, I still think of and miss him.

Susan ~ Killam Creative said...

This is quite special and lovely, Eileen. Thanks for shaing!

Cheers,
Susan

Dorothy said...

wow...that is great!!!

Unknown said...

Eileen, I always love your art, but I LOVE this art piece. What a special way to hold on to your memories.

Anonymous said...

Eileen this piece is GORGEOUS and what a TREASURE to have to reflect on often....you have done a phenominal job my friend!!!!

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

This shrine piece honoring your father is fabulous!!! Wow!

Tammy D said...

Eileen that is such a stunning memory stand! What a treasure!

Linda Coughlin, the funkie junkie said...

This is absolutely fabulous. What a wonderful way to honor your dad and to celebrate his life. You did a magnificent job in working in so many of his positions - really like the way you included the wedding ring. I love art with a meaning and this really hits the mark!

Anna said...

Absolutely Beautiful! What a wonderful tribute to your father!

Alicia B said...

What an amazing tribute to your dad! Wow, This is just beyond fabulous and what a piece of ART to treasure and relive many wonderful memories by! *Hugs*

Sue said...

Beautiful tribute to your dad, Eileen. He is smiling, I'm sure.

michelle said...

Ellen what a wonder piece and a great way to honor your father.

LOL the first car I remember our family having is a Studebaker.

Deb said...

What a lovely sweet tribute to your dad! Happy Fathers to all the dad's out there, those with us and those that are gone

Debby said...

This is beautiful and what a wonderful way to honor your dad!

Keren said...

This is so beautiful.

Patzee said...

What a magnificent tribute to your dad! How wonderful to incorporate the hankie and belt buckle. Your placement of his wedding ring is priceless. You now have so many of the things your dad touched everyday so close at hand. This is a powerful memento.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! I went through pictures and found some of my dad to use. I hope mine will turn out as great as yours.

Lesley said...

Such a beautiful and special piece.
A great way to honour your dad

Christina said...

Beautiful work!

Carol said...

Beautiful in creation & sentiment!

teri said...

This is such a beautiful tribute, and I love that each part has a special significance for you. It must have been a true pleasure for you to create.

Did you use an actual old pocket watch as the frame?

Lisa H said...

That is a wonderful project and so special. I love how all the different parts add to the significance and memories of the piece.

Shelann said...

Beautiful shrine and the story about each element you shared with us as well.

Nancy said...

Eileen, this is wonderful - I'm sure your dad would be so proud!

Carol's Crafts said...

Wonderful shrine to your father, Eileen. I lost my Dad last year in June, so I might just use your idea to make a shrine to my Dad.

EmeralDQueen said...

Very nice :)

Scrappin' Stacy said...

A truly inspiring piece and a great tribute to your Dad!

Unknown said...

I love this project! I lost both my parents by the time I was ten, a year apart from each other. Being the youngest of 5 (and so young), I barely got any of their personal items. This is an awesome piece that you put a lot of love & thought into, and something you can cherish and appreciate every day. Great job!

Lori said...

Wowzer, this is a loaded piece! Wonderful work, I LOVE it!

Marjie Kemper said...

What a stunning tribute to your father. I love all you've done here, and the magnets as base are remarkable!

Linda Ledbetter said...

Eileen, this is magnificent! Your love for your dad just shines through this piece-- it's a wonderful tribute and yet another testament to your exceptional creative talents. Thank you for sharing your memories and this sweet tribute.

Ruby Craft said...

Beautiful tribute to your Dad. So many wonderful memories.