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"