Wednesday, July 9, 2014

The Making Of (Part 1)

A few weeks ago I was invited to conspire on a special gift for a special person. The idea was to create a unique piece from my bears&boxes series that would celebrate a special occasion. All in all – a very exciting endeavor. I do love a good conspiracy!

When given free reign, this type of project is exciting to work on because it usually requires research. And I do like to poke around and learn something new. While I am not going to take up dancing as a new hobby, I did come to appreciate group dancing as well as a variety of other things.

I took lots of photos of this piece while it was underway, tried a few new techniques and revisited some older ones. Today, I will show you the finish of the outside of the box. In a later post, I will show the inside.

I began with a cigar box – they usually yield an amazing transformation. I separated the lid from the box to make it easier to work with.

Then I gessoed the surface to seal it and prepare it for what was to come.

I decided that a special texture was the way I wanted to go so I began by applying it in sections

– to the front

and the back

and everywhere else.

This is a close-up of the texture. Some folks might prefer pulling weeds in a garden to this, but I love this sort of thing. I guess it’s whatever floats your boat!

Next I began painting using the color scheme I had chosen. The accuracy of these photos leaves something to be desired. The color in real life is a rich purple.

Here’s a snapshot of the front with the frame in place – a tricky situation because the frame needed to be painted at the same time but then I needed to be able to insert the art I was using behind it. It’s called Ginger’s special technique for undoing and redoing. Very. Very. Carefully.

This is the front pretty much completely done. I say pretty much because I can’t remember if I did some tweaking after this photo was taken or not.

So there you have it: The Making Of. I do love to being part of a plot, a plan! Next time, I will share the making of the inside of this piece.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

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10 comments:

  1. ya me encanta el exterior de la caja , estoy deseando ver que haces en el interior

    besitos

    Mari

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mari,

      I'm happy that you like what I have shown so far. Stay tuned. The inside is next.

      Thanks!
      ~ginger

      Delete
  2. I do love seeing your works in progress and can't wait to see the finished product. You never disappoint!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jeanie,

      You are so kind. Thank you! I enjoy showing from start to finish if I can just remember to take photos along the way!

      ~ginger

      Delete
  3. I can't wait to see more, I'm also wondering if something I acquired for you might of been an addition to this box?! Time will tell.......

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Elanor,

      You must be picking up on a few clues from the front of the box! And you'd be right!

      hugs,
      ~ginger

      Delete
  4. Tee Hee,
    As the other half of the conspiracy - nay, the instigator, I know what's coming and how beautiful the whole thing is.
    Hugs,

    Alan - with help from Jock, Zeke, Tom and Ruby

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Alan and assistants,

      It was a great pleasure being part of the grand plan. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity!

      hugs,
      ~ginger

      Delete
  5. 'Twas a very cunning plan indeed!

    Hugs

    Jack, Boo & The Clan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jack, Boo & The Clan,

      'Twas, wasn't it?! A mighty genetic code you've inherited for sure!

      hugs,
      ~ginger

      Delete

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