August 31, 2016

Ex Voto Shrine

I can't believe it is my final week as a guest designer for Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts. It has been an honor and I could never thank Gina enough for this opportunity!

For my final project I chose this House Shrine Box. It was calling for me to make it into a grand exhibit. I have always loved Ex Votos and have a beautiful collection of several vintage ones. An ex-voto is a votive offering to a saint or to a divinity. I was thrilled when Relics & Artifacts began to sell several blank designs. I decorated several and have been trying to think of a way to display them. This was the perfect display for not one, but two of my designs. 



I found this beautiful piece of jeweled fabric that I decided to use as my for background.


After tracing, I roughly cut out the design. I knew I didn't want the fabric to fit over the joints, so I trimmed it to fit just inside.



Before attaching the fabric I gave the edges a good coat of Viva Decor Inka Gold - Gold. That way my edges would blend together.



I then added more to inside parts of the shrine. 



Next, I began to assemble my shrine, starting with the side pieces and a touch of glue. 


I aloud the glue to dry for a few minutes before moving forward with my assembly. I added the lower piece as well as the front part of the shrine, again with a tad of glue and dry time.



The next part I attached was the roof. But first I wanted to cover it with a paper that reminded me of an old, weathered roof. 


I think this one did the trick.



I liked the combination of this hat fabric with my background fabric, so I chose it for the back of my shrine. I was still undecided on which of my Ex Votos I was going to use, but since they were all done in rich colors it didn't matter. 


For the lower back area I decided to use more of the Viva Decor Inka Gold - Gold  Then I would chose some trim to neaten it up.

I tend to be a spur of the moment artist sometimes, decide as I get to the part that is current. That posed a problem for the front of my shrine. I decided I wanted to cover it with one piece of designed paper, so I had to get creative to cover the piece and trim out the center opening. Hmmmmm, What to do, what to do?


I decided to trace the piece onto the paper of my choosing and knew I had a new, sharp, exact o blade for trimming.



Some extra trimming, a bit of filing, and some touching up with more gold. Perfect!


I wanted the Ex Voto to be "protected" so I decided to use this Wrought Iron Set to really embellish several areas. You can see below how many pieces come with the set. Don't be afraid to trim parts off that you like. It makes it your own and adds such creativity. 


Now that my shrine is all built, it is time to decorate!!


I added a touch of Distress Stain in Vintage Photo as well as some Distress Paint in Cracked Pistachio, to give the "metal" an aged look.





Not only did I put an Ex Voto on the inside, I also attached one to the back. They are covered with several vintage jewelry pieces.


Gold Dresden is always a wonderful addition to any piece, especially when you want it to look luxurious. 


I added Garnet Cabochons to the top on both the front and back to give it a royal look. Large Red Glass Window Beads were used on the legs. 






I hope you have all enjoyed my Guest Design Team work and that I have inspired you to create something of your own. Many thanks to Gina of Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts for this amazing opportunity. I have loved every moment and have so much more I want to do. You MUST check out the web site. I guarantee you will find excitement to create and loads of inspiration. 

Special thanks also to everyone at Alpha Stamps for many years of growth as an artist and joy in creating.  I so love my "job" with this team! 

xoxo
Rhonda...

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1 comment:

Kim Collister Studio said...

Just beautiful !!!!! Great post!!
XO