Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Love Lasts.

At last. A new piece for my bears&boxes series.

This is the front. I always hope that these things will have a little bit of a surprise. The front is meant to be the beginning of a phrase, which ends when you open the box. The painting process always makes my heart race even though I know I can start over again. Thankfully, this evolved without having to do that.

This piece is called “Love lasts.” It was inspired by a framed poster I have hanging in my foyer. It’s been with me since just before we got married. It has a photo of an old bear with that caption. Maybe it’s kind of silly but I do love it.

Now a close-up of the left side. Some of the detail which may not be so apparent in this photo is the depth that I tried to incorporate. The scalloped border at the top is raised and the letters at the bottom are set at an angle. Both of them cast a shadow which I think is rather nice. The clothesline displays a poem on fabric which supports the theme and the hanging bottles, though a bit quirky, have hearts and a key inside.

 

And here’s a close-up of the right side. You see here the loved and worn teddy bear friend sitting on the table. Above his head in brass letters: “OLD FRIEND”. It looks so obvious now that it’s finished but when I was working on it, I contemplated decisions like “Does it need words?” “What words?” “Do I have the right letters to spell out my choice?” “Should they swing freely below or be attached to the crosspiece?” If I wasn’t already nutty, it would be crazy making!

Here’s the little fellow all on his own. I love this little guy.
He turned out just like I wanted.

Now for a few close-ups of the details. This shows the left edge of the box with a glimpse of the transfer of one of my favorite quotes. I do like adding words to the edges of the boxes – it’s just plain ol’ fun to do.

These are the bottles that dangle from the clothesline. What?! Don’t you hang bottles from your clothesline? One day maybe I’ll do this in my back yard and call it yard art.

Oh look! The tiny window makes another appearance. All in the name of continuity – and fun!

Remember the paper maché box and bottle of glitter? They made a fine pedestal table and the wine corks made some lovely stools with fabric seats.

The hearts hanging in the table’s pedestal echo the hanging bottles across the way. It’s these features that are both fun and maddening that make these boxes a challenge to create.

Now I’ve come to the end and I am contemplating an idea for my next one. I have a few things that I need to be doing at the same time. What’s that thing they have in the Harry Potter books? A time-turner? That’s what I need!

28 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness, I an so suprised by the amount of detail that you have put into that box and now you are going to sell it!!! I could not do it. I especially love the little stools and the little hearts hanging inside the bottle holding up the table. I just wish I had 1/2 the amount of imagination that you have. You are amazing. I hope both yourself and Sebastian are well. Jo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jo,

      Thank you for your observation! I think it's the little things that make it fun. And you are so kind to say such nice things. Thank you so much!

      ~ginger

      Delete
  2. ohhhhh just love it .. thought at first Sebastian had been in the wars .... then realised it was a new old bear ...lol the colours are soo pretty and romantic but "old fashioned" ...love the wee seats and the details in the bottles too . in fact just love it ..lol love mouse xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mouse,

      Ha ha! Sebastian in the wars! Funny! Gave me a good giggle. Thank you for your comments. So sweet of you.

      ~ginger

      Delete
  3. Wow! I am absolutely gob smacked at how you have made this simply gorgeous keepsake. How clever you are - I love the little stools made from the corks & the window! Little bear looks truly at home! It must be so exciting to see everything come together into such a lovely filled box of treasures. Sorry I think I am rambling but I just love it! ;0)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Stitching Noni,

      What a nice comment - love that word: gob smacked! I think it could be the first time someone has used it for something I've done (in a good way!) not an embarrassing way! It is a really fun thing to sit back when it's truly complete and enjoy it for a bit.

      ~ginger

      Delete
  4. Oh it's absolutely gorgeous, love the whole set up, and all the teeny details. Of course I had to hurry Jack away from the screen as he'd started to wonder aloud why HE didn't have a posh house like that...

    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Katy,

      Thanks so much! Yeah, I know. I'm not sure Sebastian should get too close - sibling rivalry and all that!

      ~ginger

      Delete
  5. Cuteness!!

    It was nice to hear you talk about when you contemplated your decisions, because I do that all the time. Sometimes I become overwhelmed with the possiblities and what idea would be "the best". It's reassuring to know that I'm not the only one.

    Your little bear is super cute, I can see his personality from here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Bonnie,

      I'm glad you mentioned the decision making because while necessary, it can also wear a person out. As in my brain gets tired! You'd think it would be coming up with one good idea but a lot of the time, it's trying to toss out the ideas and keep the one that suits best. Thanks so much!

      ~ginger

      Delete
  6. Hi Ginger,

    Stunning. I love the detail. Just beautiful.

    Hugs ♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi The Bear's Blog,

      Thanks so much! You're a dear!

      ~ginger

      Delete
  7. This is just beautiful... truly truly beautiful. I love the little bear that goes inside too, with his little stitches and patches of worn fur... he's wonderful.

    I've said it before, but one of my favorite bits on your blog is to watch these boxes come together.
    They're always magical.

    Very lovely work, again, as always!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Heather,

      Oh my - ain't you sweet?! Thanks so much! I'm glad you like the bear too. I always like the before and after - I guess next time I should have side by side photos of the box before and after.

      Take good care,
      ~ginger

      Delete
  8. How do you say 'perfect' in bear speak? LOVE this box Ginger, all the details are so wonderful, you've outdone yourself I believe, bravo!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ani,

      Thanks so much. I'm glad you like it. It makes it worthwhile when someone else enjoys it too.

      ~ginger

      Delete
  9. Wow, there are so many little details! It looks great. :) And the bear is adorable - he just "goes" with the box!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kay Joy,

      Thank you to you as well! I'm glad you think the bears 'goes' because that was my whole intention.

      ~ginger

      Delete
  10. What detail, I love all of it. The perfect home for such a sweet little bear.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Joanne,

      Such a lovely comment from someone as talented as you with teds!

      I appreciate it!

      ~ginger

      Delete
  11. I love these! Another beautiful example.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Maravillosamente fantásticooooooooooo :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wow! It is gorgeous! Such detail to perfection. Thanks ever so much for sharing. Cheers SpecialK XoXo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Special 'K',

      It's so kind of you to leave such a nice comment. Thank you! I so appreciate it.

      ~ginger

      Delete
  14. Absolutely AMAZING... I LOVE all the details and of course the SWEETEST little guy...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Ece,

      Thanks so very much for your comment - so sweet of YOU!

      ~ginger

      Delete

We appreciate your comments so much and love reading them! Thank you for visiting bearbits!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...