Two commissioned Found Object Mandalas

 (Above:  Stitching one of the two wedding mandalas in my new, sanctuary-sized studio.  Click on any image to enlarge.)

For more than a year, I've known about the possibility of a commission that would incorporate a nice lady's forty-three year old wedding gown, the garland she wore in her head, several cordial stems, and lots of costume jewelry.  She and I corresponded a bit.  She assured me that she was still collecting items to be incorporated.  Then, I announced the opportunity to showcase The Lace Forest and other work at Featherstone Gallery on Martha's Vineyard.  Guess what?  She has a house on Martha's Vineyard!

 

(Above:  In progress image showing one commission mounted and the other ready to be stapled to its stretcher bar.  This is one of several photos taken during the process which were turned into a PDF for the client.)

We met in the Featherstone parking lot.  In the back of my cargo van, we pulled out the lacy, Gunnie Sac styled wedding dress.  It instantly reminded me of the dress I wore to my senior prom. I loved that dress!  As we talked, we realized we were both married within a month of one another and even have the same birthday.  We also talked about our sons.  We both have two.  At that point, we decided that instead of one, big Found Object Wedding Mandala, two smaller ones would be better!  

 

(Above:  Mandala CXC.  Custom framed: 19 1/4" x 19 1/4".  Found objects hand-stitched to a a section of the lacy wedding gown over the back of a vintage quilt.  Objects include:  Rhinestone pendants; a small porcelain dish; a garland of ribbon and artificial white flowers; sea shells; watches; dogwood styled units from a bracelet; round, chandelier crystals; sequins; assorted buttons and beads.)

Because the gown was lacy (and the white slip worn underneath was large enough), I used the backside of an antique, double wedding ring quilt ... a perfect pattern whether showing or not!  Most of the items were the client's ... even most of the beads!

 

(Above: Mandala CXCI.  Custom framed: 19 1/4" x 19 1/4".  Found objects hand-stitched to a a section of the lacy wedding gown over the back of a vintage quilt.  Objects include:  Rhinestone pendants; a small porcelain dish; cordial stems (without their glass inserts ... obviously!); sea shells; keys; binder rings; heart-shaped charms; round chandelier crystals; assorted buttons and beads.)

 As I type this blog post, the two are on their way back to Martha's Vineyard.  It was my honor to transform these very special keepsakes into future family heirlooms!