October 22, 2008

Altered Autumn Cigar Box & Artsy Mama's Gathering

Today is Artsy Mama's Autumn Gathering Party. I thought that I would share an altered autumn cigar box that I made this past weekend. Autumn is my favorite time of year, and I found that I really lost myself in creating this piece. Hope you enjoy and will also visit Artsy Mama to see her beautiful home and the links to visit many others.

I have been altering cigar boxes a lot lately. This is one that I have been dying to do something with. After many coats of gesso, and painting it with colors of autumn (which was the theme) I was ready to add lots of my favorite items.

I have always loved old watch parts and used several from my collection on this piece.


British robins are my favorite. I have several images that I have collected. I made copies of them, and attached them to the box using modge podge.





Autumn is my favorite time of the year. My family helped me to gather lots of items from our back yard, which has a wooded lot on it. I needed moss and also found pine cones, bark, sticks, acorns, leaves and some flowers that my husband had given to me.



"As Autumn Approaches, My Soul Awakens."
I also added more watch parts, vintage rhinestone jewelry and earrings for flowers, an old key and more.


I love this little girl and added some wings that I covered in mica flakes. She is standing in an egg, which had been hard boiled, cleaned, and I added dye to make it look like a bird's egg. The little girl is my soul, hatching because it is autumn.




I love these challenges on Etsy Cottage Style. It is the Mixed Media and Paper Arts group that does these challenges and I just love them. In fact, I love the whole web site. You really should check it out if you want to meet some wonderful artists and be inspired to grow as an artists yourself. I know I have. Thanks to Sherry and Carolyn for making this group so much fun!

Thank you also to Artsy Mama for having me to her gathering and for always inspiring me as well!

Hope you enjoyed my art! Have a great day!

Rhonda...

14 comments:

Sherry said...

What a beautiful interpretation of autumn Rhonda!!! A gorgeous keepsake of things you love!

Abbie said...

Hi Rhonda Dear,
:) Oh! I LOVE it! It is just gorgeous! The egg with your 'soul' coming from it is so nicely done.
What a fabulous keepsake for you!
xoxo~
Abbie

Tina Schiefer said...

Nice vintage creation. I love mixed media art.

My craft room is stuffed with bits and pieces too! Just wish I had more time to put it all together.

Wish you lived closer. Looks like we'd have fun treasure hunting and creating....

Tina

Kathryn Costa said...

Your vignette is adorable. I could look around at all of the details for hours. Cigar boxes are a great object for altering and your is so well done!

If you have a moment, swing by my harvest gathering. Don't forget to bring your pumpkin!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely piece of art work. I really like your contribution for the Autumn Gathering - thanks so much for having me. Happy Halloween !!!

Kristen Pare said...

That is gorgeous! LOVE!
Happy Autumn Gathering! Pleast stop by mine,
Kris

Elizabeth said...

Very lovely...splendid fall colors in your work!
Elizabeth

Kari said...

This is lovely. Thanks so much for sharing. Glad you joined in the party. Happy Autumn!!
Kari

Sherri said...

Love your altered boxes!! I also see you sell on Etsy..might have to make my way over there :)

HopHopJingleBoo said...

enchanting and magical...

Sweet Remembrance said...

absolutely stunning...
hey hop over to my blog!
I get to bestow the Marie Antoinette Award to some of my blogger friends, and of course you were the first person I thought of!
Priscilla
sweet remembrance

inge said...

nice box you made ! It's quite a BIG cigar box, but that created quite a lot of space to create a display in !

I like also the way you altered the egg ! It really looks like a birds egg !

greetings from Belgium
Inge

Carolyn said...

This is like a cigar box i have never seen ! The one i have found is small and just one opening !

It`s amazing Rhonda !! I can see why it took you so long to prepare then decorate - your details are fantastic ! Of course i love the robins too and as if you were popping out the egg - a real one too ! great idea ! i hope it doesn`t break !

An amazing autumn piece Rhonda - i know you`re proud of it !

xx

Jules of Whimsicalnotions blog said...

gorgeous i just love this,it has inspired me to finish a shadow box i started,
Hugs
Jules