Three recently finished Found Object Mandalas

(Above:  Mandala CLXXXI. Custom framed: 32" x 32".  Found objects hand-stitched to the back of an antique quilt.  Found objects include:  A copper pastry mold; poker chips; small lamp prisms; keys; wooden honey tasters; vintage, cardboard yogurt lids; clear plastic Christmas tree light additions; brass bamboo knives and iced tea spoons; four, antique key-hole covers; laminated Tampa Nugget cigar bands; copper-colored coffee pods; purple plastic lids; large screw eyes; clear, plastic comb clips; bread closure tabs; Delta faucet covers; pink, permanent hair curlers; a set of eight, vintage, pastel colored, aluminum beverage coasters; and assorted buttons. $900.  Click on any image to enlarge.)

During the past two or three weeks, I've been stitching on several Found Object Mandalas.  They all got framed on the same day.  Why?  Well ... since moving into the Cateechee mill village church, we lost the privilege of having framing supplies from our distributor delivered directly to us on a weekly basis.  Yet, we've made a nice relationship with a small framing shop in nearby Liberty, South Carolina.  We can now order supplies (including the thin stretcher bars on which I mount my mandalas) and have them delivered there.  

This mandala used the back of a beautiful double wedding ring quilt.  The quilt was once gorgeous, totally hand-stitched, and was absolutely loved.  It was used so much that most of the front was in dreadful shape.  Tattered.  Only the corners were in suitable shape.  Yet, the back was a lovely, soft yellow and perfect for this larger mandala.

(Mandala CLXXXII.  Custom framed:  21" x 21". Found objects hand-stitched to a corner of an antique double wedding ring quilt.  Found objects include:  A small piece of porcelain; gold spoons; paper binder rings; thimbles; wooden clothespins; poker chips; four, brass belt buckles; and assorted buttons. $425.)

One corner of this double wedding ring quilt was perfect for this small mandala.  I hope to use the other corners soon.  There are plenty of detail images of all three of these recently finished mandalas at the end of this post ... so ... keep on scrolling!

(Above:  Mandala CLXXXIII. Custom framed: 22" x 22". Found objects hand-stitched to a block of an antique quilt.  Found objects include:  A glass floral frog; small, wooden clothespins; glass lamp prisms; six, blue-and-white ceramic lamp parts; child-proof socket plugs; vintage, cardboard yogurt lids; keys; sewing machine needle cases; poker chips; Delta faucet covers; casino chips; and assorted buttons. $450.)

The quilt used for this mandala came from the same person as the double wedding ring quilt.  Both were beautifully made but in tattered condition.  Over the surface of each mandala ... before stitching anything on the quilt ... I've put a layer of bridal tulle/netting.  It isn't really obvious in these images and it isn't really obvious in person either!  It's just a nearly invisible layer that protects the fragile seams and threadbare fabric.  This layer allows me to use quilts that are well beyond their use as a bed covering.  It allows me to "give second life" to these handmade textiles while paying homage to their anonymous makers.

(Above:  Mandala CLXXXI as seen from an angle.)

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CLXXXI.)

(Above:  Mandala CLXXXII as seen from an angle.)

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CLXXXII.)

(Above:  Mandala CLXXXIII as seen from an angle.)

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CLXXXIII.)