Mandala CCXIV

(Above:  Mandala CCXIV. Custom framed: 20" x 20". Found Objects hand-stitched to the backside of a vintage quilt.  Objects include: A tan, crochet-edged doily; a pair of old Wiss shears; two, gold metal pieces that might have come from a curtain stay with were fitted with antique button centers; an escutcheon; a piece of decorative metal; black toy car wheels; large, metal washers; natural wood toy car wheels; two, two-part buckles; assorted beads and buttons. Click on any image to enlarge.)

This particular mandala started as a way to use the pieces of a damaged frame.  One corner was badly chipped.  So, I started with the knowledge that the frame included black sides and a silver top.  The backside of an old quilt seemed perfect.  Then, I pulled out the old pair of Wiss shears that I recently found for a dollar at the Pickens County flea market.  The design flowed easily from there.  Everything seemed close at hand.  Most of the hand-stitching happened on Saturday while I watched one football conference championship game after another.  Later, however, I got curious about this brand name on the shears:  Wiss.

 

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CCXIV.)

A quick Google search was enlightening.  I'd heard of Fiskars and Gingher scissors.  They're sold at big box fabric stores.  I've seen Scotch and KitchenAid scissors at Target.  I knew that Singer made scissors too.  Personally, I own a pair of handmade scissors like those in this Made By British Hands video. (I love and protect them! LOL!)  Yet, I'd never heard of Wiss Shears and Scissors.  Why?  I have no idea.  

Founded in 1848 by Swiss immigrant Jacob Wiss, the company became the globe's largest producer by 1914 and later expanded to meet the growing needs of the medical and military industries.  From the start, Wiss replaced broken products regardless of the reason for the damage.  To this day, Wiss is the undisputed market leader of aviation snips. The brand is still being made and is part of Apex Tool Group.  On line, I found a PDF from the late 1950s showing all sorts of household items ... including tweezers, pruning clippers, cuticle snips, and fingernail files!  Who knew?!!!  There's a good chance I've seen and probably used a Wiss item but just didn't recognize it!