Constructed Heart #26

More packing tape and metallic paint. Wanted something different than a hanging heart, so covered the lid of a plain heart box.

I've had some fun this week, foraging for fabric. (I've been debating over whether it was "hunting" or "gathering." I've decided that foraging is a better term.) I love to hit the thrift shops to find stuff for my art. This week one store had bins and racks of fabric that were just 49¢ each. I got some great wool (including red and deep purple) and some awesome buttons. Yesterday I got another vintage scarf - with cafe chairs all over it. I also got a suede jacket to cut up - after just reading an article on making metallic painted baby moccasins. Another 49¢ find was a gold silk pants/shirt set. Can't wait to play with dyes and make a scarf. Do you forage, too?

Constructed Heart #25

Just days before Christmas the sister of one of my students had an accident on an icy road and died. Any death is difficult, but a 24 year old young lady just days before a holiday is particularly difficult for family and friends. My heart and prayers have been focused on the family. This heart is dedicated to my student and her family.

The dark colors and words common in tragic situations reflect the "darkness" that we feel during such times. The dry brushed silver paint makes the blue/black look like cold, hard metal. Yet in tragedy there is hope and time heals all hearts. Metallic teal and words of hope and love are spreading up from the bottom of the heart. I pray the family will feel the healing presence of God and that rays of love will help heal their pain. We never forget a loss, but we go on with the strength of our loved ones.

Constructed Heart #8

This isn't a happy heart, but it has hope. It is dedicated to my neighbor, Haley, as she recovers. Monday she was hit by a vehicle and the officers told me it appears her husband ran her over after a fight. I can only imagine. My heart and prayers are with her.

When I began hunting for inspiration for constructing a heart tonight, this was not my initial choice. I soon realized that my first idea would take hours longer than I had or was willing to invest tonight. I'll save that for the weekend. So, I looked high and low at my treasure trove of "stuff" and settled on this... packing tape (the old fashioned paper kind).

I bent some wire, scrunched paper around it and held it in place temporarily with blue painter's tape. I covered the whole thing paper mache style with strips of tape. (I bought a bunch of it at a rummage sale for a quarter - I read an article on how to make a dress form using this stiff tape and I can't wait to make one!) Some strips were cut in half lengthwise to fit the contours more easily.

A coat of red paint to start, then dry-brushed white in a criss-cross pattern reminiscent of gauze bandages. Highlights of gold speak of hope.