Mandala CLVIII

(Above:  Mandala CLVIII.  Framed: 21 1/2" x 21 1/2".  Found objects hand-stitched to a block of an antique quilt.  Found objects include:  An antique ambrotype of an anonymous lady; chess pieces; old fashioned, wooden clothespins; brass paper binders; blue poker chips; beer caps; eye glasses; felt covered piano hammers; fountain pen nibs; four wrist watches; plastic sewing machine bobbins; buttons and beads. Click on any image to enlarge.)

The antique quilt block was once poorly framed and on a table lot at Bill Mishoe's Tuesday night, walk-around auction of used household items.  I wish I had the entire quilt.  The fabric used on the reverse side was as lovely as the front.  Sure, both sides were well worn.  A layer of sheer bridal tulle went over the front of the block before I stitched down any of the objects.  But, once in its frame, the back will not be seen until someone opens the framing and un-stitches the artwork from the acid-free foam-centered board to which it is mounted.  Seems a shame ... but I think the mandala turned out really well.  

(Above:  Detail of the antique ambrotype photo in its Victorian era casing).

The ambrotype's casing needed a little work and was missing its outer cover, but I never wanted the cover!  The chess set was missing a pawn but I didn't need all eight pawns anyway.  The eyeglasses are all different but also all vintage.  Eight, oval-shaped jet buttons also found places on this piece.  There's a decidedly nostalgic feel to this mandala.  As a result, I decided not to present the work in a floater frame but to use a beautiful wood with an ornate but distressed gold lip.  I'm really pleased how it turned out.

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CLVIII.)