Mandala CXVI

(Mandala CXVI. 39" x 39" as a square; 55 1/2" x 55 1/2" as a diamond. Found objects hand-stitched to a section of a vintage quilt. Found objects include:  Yellow, plastic, circular knitting loom; sixteen children's toothbrushes with turtle handles; eight draw knob plates; Heineken beer caps; twelve, bright reddish-orange, plastic crabs (that squeak!); yellow, purple, white, and blue plastic bottle caps; brackets for a screen door; hinge pin door stops; neon green cocktail stirrers; white, circular pin savers; orange, plastic circles cut from a six-pack beer yokes; blue casino chips; purple, three-sided hair combs/picks; green, metallic Christmas light reflectors; buttons and beads.)

How could I possibly resist a box of brand new, bright reddish-orange plastic crabs that squeak?  They were in a box on a "table lot" at Bill Mishoe's auction.  I bid successfully ... which means I got everything on the "table lot" ... which meant "other things" in other boxes.  When I got home, I discovered the box of children's toothbrushes and the three-sided hair combs/picks too.  It was like hitting the jackpot ... which might account for the blue casino chips! LOL!

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CXVI.)

The drawer knob plates, the screen door brackets, and the hinge pin door stops came from the ReStore.  Other people donated the circular pin savers and most of the colorful bottle caps as well as the Christmas light reflectors.  I'm truly in debt to the generosity of other people.  Yet, I need some help too!  

(Above: Detail of Mandala CXVI.)

I'm supposed to teach two different workshops at QSDS in Columbus, Ohio. The first is a five day workshop (June 6 - 10) called "HOT".  This is the workshop that covers my In Box and Stained Glass melting techniques.  Every participant will go home with more than one finished piece.  One will even be in a provided frame.  There is no "supply list" ... other than a suggestion to bring one's own scissors because not all of mine are particularly sharp!  The other workshop is a two day experience called "One Woman's Trash is Another's Treasure" (June 11 and 12) .  This will be a fast and furious adventure covering all sorts of things ... from my fiber vessels, tagging keys, and how these Found Object Mandalas are made.  Again ... there is no supply list.  Yes!  I bring EVERYTHING for every participant.
 

(Above:  Mandala CXVI, hung as a diamond.)

One of the best things about QSDS is the fact that the studios are open 24/7.  I will be making work too ... lots of it.  Right now, there are only two people in the HOT workshop and four in the other one.  Basically ... this will mean plenty of one-on-one time in addition to the hours I plan on being available in the studio.  So ... if you've ever thought about an intense experience with me ... this is it.  If you know someone who would enjoy this, please spread the word!