still inspired by PaperArtsy’s 2015 Topic 2: Shiny Things challenge (you know what they say about Magpies and shiny things!) I thought I would share a piece I created for an upcoming swap in our local Mixed Media Collaborative group…
***Spoiler Alert for art friends participating in the swap***
the initial inspiration for our exhange came from my collection of empty candy tins (ahem…if you’ve tried them you of course understand how they could become a collection)…you know how it is when a container is just too good to throw away…the see thru window in these makes them handy for storing beads and baubles and more…
the group of talented artists that I am lucky enough to hang out with each month immediately came up with the idea of altering the tins and swapping them randomly one for one at our February gathering… we decided on the theme of “Love”…
with ideas swirling in my head I came across a scrap of my wool needle felting to tuck inside the tin… some sari ribbon for a hanger and a lady stamped on a brass charm that has been around for years just waiting for attention (she was one of four ladies representing the seasons and I cannot put my hands on them at the moment..I got so excited that I forgot to snap a photo of her before she was stitched inside the tin)…
when I spied some turquoise netting I knew I wanted to incorporate it somehow so I stitched a piece and ruffled it…
going with the teal and gold theme I painted a piece of lace to add as a deco…
instead of using the layered gesso and paint tin that I started in the second photo I shared with you I decided to sand another tin and cut out the plastic window adding pieces of my favorite gold gauzy paper with matte gel medium coloring it with a wash of Waterfall Green Pearlescent acrylic ink…
I had to search for where the inspiring words I had jotted down for my altered tin originated…
turns out they are from a beautiful Elton John song…
May well be simple but they’re true
Until you give your love
There’s nothing more that we can do
Love is what we came here for
No one could offer you more
Do you know what I mean
Have your eyes really seen
To leave behind the life we knew
But there’s no other way
And now it’s really up to you
Truth is the flame we must burn
Freedom the lesson we must learn
Do you know what I mean
Have your eyes really seen
Love is what we came here for
No one could offer you more
Do you know what I mean
Have your eyes really seen…”
Magpie's Nest ~*~ Patty Szymkowicz 
Your altered tin is gorgeous, and I just love that song! Have a nice day, hugs, Valerie
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It is am amazing tin Patty, loved how you painted the lace piece, and your choice of lyrics is wonderful!
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What a gorgeous transformation Patty! And now I must try those candies! teehee
and as I read the words…the music came back to me and still could not place it- when I read it at the end- of course- although I have not listened to this album in years- lol- see I said album, for this is what I have it on!! xoxo
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Patty that tin is just scrumptious! Love the colours….and all the bits. Lucky recipient.
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The colours have a classical appearance to them yet at the same time there is something so fresh about the colours you used.
A beautiful alteration with such perfect words and of course, I love that piece of lace.
Wishes
Lynne
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Gorgeous creation, Patty. What a great way to upcycle a tin. I love the colour of that netting and how you painted the lace, and the sentiment being so organic to the piece is wonderful. I love also how you were inspired by a song. I often find a particular song or piece of music echoing in my mind as I create. I recall sharing a house when I was a student with a friend who had this album so it brings back memories for me too! xxx
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Espresso Pillows? Even the name sounds luscious!!!
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A beautiful transformation Patty! I recognize that little Artistic Stamper lady, one of my favourites. 🙂 xxx
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Beautiful! That is the prettiest transformation. Doesn’t even look like it was originally a candy tin. Blessings, Tammy
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such a great way for altering the tin! and the Color Combo of turquoise and Gold is unbeatable!
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Oh, it’s so unusual so see altering pieces from you. Such a gorgeous and inspired make, Patty!
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Your art and that song really touch my soul. I am sure the recipient will feel the same way! Have a wonderful weekend.
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It’s amazing!
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Fantastic. Love those turquoise colors. xox
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Love it Patty!! I’m definitely going to try those treats next time I go to TJ’s.
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Fantastic transformation from ordinary to arty piece. Love your central image and the shine… but also the way you painted that piece of lace. Gorgeous!
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I’ve never had espresso pillow but I know that could be dangerous to have in my home:):) Gorgeous altered tin Patty!!
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Beautiful, dear Patty,- the water colours are so wonderfully surrounding her, as if she is a mermaid princess, and the gold accents in the aqua, the sun playing in the sea, and the painted lace piese looks as if her tail hangs out from the deep !! Such a gorgeous piece, someone will be very happy , sweet Patty !
Hugs from Dorthe
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This is a beautiful creation Patti. I love the painted lace, the words and the lady looks so right peering out at us! Fabulous art!
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I think tins can be very difficult and you have mastered the miniature, the texture, the ethereal nature of it all. Lovely.
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This is such a nice heart warming object you created with the sweets box. The tulle behind and the lovely lace in frontof it gives it such a delicate airy appearance. The golden portrait inside makes three dimensional touch perfect. I really love it,could steel it. 😉 I love also the nice poem about Love.
Happy sunday to you both.
Sabine xox
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This is so exquisite, everything about it is special.
The turquoise netting, the gold rim, the marvellous lady inside, “a wash of Waterfall Green Pearlescent acrylic ink”, the fabric hanging loop, the painted lace, the heartfelt words – it’s all wonderful.
Maybe we just have to work in our own unique style?
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Fantastic creation, so beautiful colours. xx
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So beautiful! I love the colors! And those ARE great tins!!! I would be buying them, too!!!
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Ohhhh c’est trop beau ma chère Patty, merci d’en donner les détails, j’adore, le turquoise c’est ma couleur et la phrase et trop belle, j’aime beaucoup Elton.
Bizzzz
MAPY
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Wow gorgeous art, I love the painted lace and the rich colours. I hope you are enjoying the weekend, Shirleyxx
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I adore your ruffled tulle!! And the colors and images here are so uplifting…. I am glad to have discovered your blog through Brenda’s Visual Journey. Look forward to seeing/exploring more of your work. I am a newbie at all of this, and you obviously know what you are doing! Thanks for your visit to my blog and your positive comments – I appreciate your time and effort! xx Lynn
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I’d never have known that beautiful creation came from a mint tin. Just gorgeous!
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