Saturday, February 09, 2008

Ode to A Mermaid

Mermaid by definition:
(in folklore) a female marine creature,having the head,torso and arms of a woman and the tail of a fish.

I was recently asked if I'd be interested in participating in a Mermaid swap by Michelle at Hold Dear. I have never participated in one of these swap events, so I thought it would be fun to give it a try. I was assigned a swap partner, Heidi. You can visit Heidi and her wonderfully created treasures here at Fancies, Musings and Whimsies. The objective was to put together a package of mermaid and seaside inspired ephemera, and to also include a handmade item for exchange with your partner. Below are the items I created for Heidi's package:


3x5 acrylic block reverse painted and collage ephemera
and text transparency


cigar box painted with Golden Fluid and Heavy Body Acrylics
text transparencies and other collage emphemera


used piece of Abalone shell for clasp with pearl


inside box - a mermaid diorama- shells from my travels, sea moss,marbles, sea glass, sand and glitter awash with Golden titan buff.



I created the undulating sand with gel medium, beach sand and used dryer sheets. I did not initially intend to create what has become the mermaid's tail. I saw this once the bottom layer was completely dry and and realized all it needed was a head and torso. Viola!

Here are some snippets of the ephemera that were included in her package.



Have a swimmingly good day! Thanks for stopping.


My other blogspot:"ThE ArTful EyE"

7 comments:

Heidi said...

Hi Andrea - I just could not resist commenting! For anyone else reading this: I was the lucky recipient of Andrea's beautiful creations you have just viewed.

Your photo's are great Andrea but I just want everyone else to know that they don't even begin to capture the enchantment of these pieces - The box just begs to be opened and to gaze inside is to enter another world! A mini vacation I have taken frequently the last few days!
The Acrylic block sitting in my windo sill is like gaziing at a mini Cathedral window with a Mermaid instead of the MaDonna. Just lovely as the sun comes in the South Window!!

Thank you again Dear Andrea! I truly adore my new treasures!! :)
(Hugs) - Heidi :)

John M. Mora said...

This box looks so cool and well constructed. So much attention and care - impressive inside and out.

The mermaiod tail is sort of like that bird you found as you worked on Replenish - very open to the flow.

Althougth your photos are excellent, I am sure the box blows away this post's pics.

I borrowed the goodies pics - kollobo.ation fodder. My best.

Rima said...

I believe Heidi when she says that the pictures don't do your work justice - I think this would be even more amazing up close. I love the dryer sheet bit.

I have to admit, I am not a big fan of this genre - but this lovely little universe drew me in and made me smile (and gave me ideas!)

Anonymous said...

You did a knock out job on this one!!

Irene said...

I have to say that this is absolutely amazing and I can't believe what care and tenderness you put into making this, it is truly stunning and I am not exaggerating.

I think the outside of the box and the inside of the lid are so beautiful. They are real pieces of art. Imagine having that sitting on your bookshelf and taking it down and handling it every day to look at it.

I stand in awe, madam!

Corinne said...

I would love to be your swap partner!! Everything is so beautiful.

Joy Logan said...

Love the box wow really lovely!