Monday, June 21, 2010

The Museum of Forgotten Things part 1

Here it is! Part 1 of my final posting for Alicia Caudle's book "The Museum of Forgotten Things." I enjoyed getting it out of it's box today and seeing all the fabrics and beads again. It was like meeting up with a friend after a long time away...which is what it was if I consider the 'friend' to be my artist self, the 'friend' whose company has been sorely missed!
Things are still not improving for my son but I have decided that I really need to start reclaiming some of my art time back! It's not a lack of time that's prevented me, we've been home a lot, it's been the lack of head space. It's all doctors, sickness and housework lately. I realised today (while doing housework...) that I've been reluctant to sit myself in a corner and get into 'that space' because I know it won't be long until I get pulled back out of it again. I don't want to just visit 'that space' I really need to become lost in it. No interuptions, no distractions, nothing but creative flow and discovery! I also realised that if I wait for that time to come I am likely to be waiting a while...so tomorrow short of someone being hospitalised or a natural disaster I will find 'that space' and create something. I've no idea what yet but it's exciting to know the time is near!

Alicia's book is a mysterious story of love, secrecy, betrayal and passion so five hearts and better than one!I can't take the credit for this one, I found it at the second hand shop and repurposed it for the book. It's wonderfully old and just perfect for the pocket I made for Hester. I think it used to be a scent pillow that was hung in a cupboard to ward off the smell of moth balls once apon a time!
I made this heart and the one similar from a product like fimo. You may remeber the post although it was months ago!This one sits on the 'blue page' as a weight holding the pocket flap down.The heart below is similar to the heart above, both are made from recycled fabric and thread. The one above sits above Hester's pocket and the one below is from the 'imperfect patch' she made for Charlotte.
This heart and the one below are made from recycled fabrics and thread.They're fiddly but enjoyable to make so I think I will be making more of these!
The heart below is on the 'imperfect patch' Hester made for Charlotte.




























Charlotte's pages are the 'blue pages.' I am not sure why I chose blue but I was really pleased I did when my son bought home the fabulous blue hair clip he found at school. It was just what my page needed!




For the life of me I can't get these photos to display in the correct order! I had great ideas about displaying these as the page opens but blogger has other ideas... this photo should be below the photo that has the cross.As this photo shows the cross on the pocket lifts up to reveal the crushed velvet bag containing treasures from Hester's past (military buttons left behind by a secret lover, dolphin teeth...) It is impossible for this pocket to sit flat and it distorts the material a bit. None of the 'pulpers' seem to be able to work flat!

The pocket seen in the first photo is also a door which lifts up to reveal Charlotte's face and the 2nd door/pocket with the heart to weight it down. That pocket holds Charlotte's diary notes.









The last photo shows Charlotte's blue page with both the upper and lower doors (with pockets) folded back to reveal  that  fabulous hairclip my son found at school. It's perfect for Charlotte!
Blogger gremlins certainly has been having a field day with this post so I hope your able to make sense of it. My next post will be the back of the 'blue page' and the second piece I did for Alicia's book, the piece I originally thought was going to be a diary is now something much different!

13 comments:

Heavens2Betsy said...

I am new to your blog and find it a wonderful place to be. Your work is very beautiful. Penny

Jasmine said...

Your work is beautiful. Sorry to hear that your son is so ill. Sometimes when other commitments and priorities take us away from that which we love it is good to remember how much stress and worry sheds from us and lightens our load when we have a few stolen momnets to create. I hope you find time soon xxJ

Caterina Giglio said...

well, all blogger issues aside (and we have our share!!) your work is spectacular as always and that blue hair clip is PERFECT!! awesome work!
so sorry to hear that your son is not improving, sending the best wishes and heartfelt thoughts of hope to you... xx's

Irene said...

I hope your son improves soon, Lisa, and that you will find all the time in the world to concentrate on your wonderful work. That book is turning into a great treasure. You can be very proud of yourself.

Unknown said...

I know how difficult it is to carve out time when health issues rear up, but even a few minutes can make a huge difference in how you care for yourself when things are falling apart. Your work is lovely. Best to you and your family.

Deborah said...

Your work is gorgeous, as always. Hope your son is better soon.

The Weaver of Grass said...

So many interesting things to look at Lisa - I really enjoyed it.

Anonymous said...

imagine my surprise when i posted a comment on your LAST entry thinking it was the newest, and then finding THIS post. i will go check the pulp site too -- i haven't done that yet (or checked mail in two days).

i am so very sorry to hear of your son. there is nothing worst than an unwell child. has he had any relief as of yet? is the GF thing working (worked for me so i will cross my fingers for that sweet boy!).

i am loving all that you're doing in my book! this is so fun and fantastic -- i love all of the colors and layers and bits of lace and of course the beads you made (i remember the post).

love and hugs to you and your sweet one(s)!

Anonymous said...

oooh, and blogger sucks (that's why i don't use it for anything other than our pulp stuff). this is my long-winded "fix" if you don't want to cut and paste the photos to a new spot:

when i'm prepping my photos for a pulp post, i number them 01 to 20 or whatever and then while in blogger i upload them in reverse order, 20, 19, etc., five at a time. then, i add my text after, but everything in is perfect order. i got tired of having to move them around so just do things that way to avoid the headache.

Debrina said...

Yes, I agree with Alicia - blogger hasd a long way to go to get things "right" but still, it's free and that's what counts! Plus I just love their new look designs; the only problem with them is that they seem to push your header to one side and I still haven't worked out how to fix that!
Anyway - now onto your genius contribution to Alica's book. I just love this layered style you have developed - almost like reverse applique and patchwork combined. I think you have summed up Charlotte perfectly.

Debrina said...

PS. Have you taken a look at my finished pages? I posted them a wee while ago but I'm afraid you must have been away with your sick boy at the hospital. I'd love to know what you think before Ic
send your book off to Lisa J.

Mick said...

Judging from this lovely post, you've blazed a trail to that creative space that you need for yourself. Each time you determine to go there, it will be easier and faster to attain. You GO! Girl! :)

Lisa said...

I never get tired of hearts.. just love all the styles you've used! The funny thing is I have one that is very similar to the one you made for Alicia's book...we seem to be on similar wavelengths with our art!

Love your artistry in this book...what a lovely addition you've created to Alicia's story. I'm looking forward to experiencing it first hand when it comes my way!

I hope your son is at least improving if not better by now. What a horrific situation for all of you...it's got to be hard to think about art when your son is not well.