Mandala CCLXX, Stay Trippy Little Hippie

 

(Above:  Mandala CCLXX. Nickname: Stay Trippy Little Hippie. Custom framed: 20" x 20".  Found objects hand-stitched to a section of a vintage quilt. Objects include:  Metal sign; assorted rubber duckies; porcelain handled drawer pulls; Tinker Toy connectors; VMI brass buttons; insulin lancets; Mardi Gras doubloons; beer caps; Ford hub cap centers; assorted buttons and beads. Click on either image to enlarge.)

I am writing this blog post in advance ... scheduling it for the day during which Steve and I head to Easton, Maryland in order to deliver artwork to Spiralis Gallery.  I'm pretty sure this piece will be with us!  The gallerist has requested "rubber duckies".  That's one of the joys of blogging and sharing artwork on social media!  Gallerists are among the people who see the artwork even before it is finished!

 

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CCLXX.)

I posted an "in progress" image on Instagram.  It was just a "story" ... the sort of interaction that only stays available for twenty-four hours ... but the gallerist saw it!  Steve laughed.  Why?  Well ... he didn't think I should buy the little metal "Stay Trippy Little Hippie" sign when I spotted it at the Pickens County flea market.  I insisted despite the fact that at the time I had no idea how to use it!  Of course, Steve was the one who spotted the porcelain handled drawer pulls.  I missed them!  Together we are a good team.  Together ... we are taking this mandala to Maryland!

Button Tidal Waves on Dusty Rose

 

(Above:  Button Tidal Wave on Dusty Rose I and II. Custom framed: 25 1/2" x 26".  Click on any image to enlarge.)

I'm into tidal waves!  My plan is to include the many fiber tidal waves I've stitched in my upcoming dual show with Susan Perry at the Pickens County Museum of Art and History.  It opens in May.  The title of the show is Cascade ... hence ... lots of water inspired pieces. Yet, I didn't think I would be stitching these two button tidal waves when I bought the two, gorgeous frames at a local thrift store.

(Above:  Button Tidal Waves I and II at an angle.)

For the most part, Steve builds all the frames for my artwork.  Yet, we also visit plenty of thrift shops and antique malls ... searching for objects for my Found Object Mandalas.  Recently, we went to one in nearby Central, South Carolina and saw these two frames.  In them were cheap, faded prints.  Because of this, they were downright cheap.  Please know that Steve and I know picture frame moulding.  We instantly recognized the frames as expensive.  In our frame shop, we once sold this moulding.  Yet, we purchased them because they looked to be perfect squares ... ideal for two Found Object Mandalas.  Later, we measured.  They were a half-inch off of square.  No worries!  They became tidal waves instead.  The background is a lovely, Victorian inspired dusty rose curtain that was donated to my stash.  I quilted around the design after stitching hundreds of white buttons into the wave formation.
 

Tidal Wave VII, The Second Victrola Spring

 

(Above:  Tidal Wave VII, The Second Victrola Spring. Custom framed: 38" x 38".  Antique Victrola spring hand-stitched to a section of a vintage, tied quilt with assorted buttons. Click on any image to enlarge.)

By the time I finished Tidal Wave VI featuring the first of two, giant Victrola springs, I was already hunting for another quilt to use for the second spring.  Like the first substrata, I used a tied quilt ... not one hand-stitched in rows but periodically knotted ... front to back ... at the corners of various blocks. Like the first one, I needed to do a lot of stitching to unite the tulle/netting I put over the surface before the first stitch was plied.  I didn't like the idea of only stitching the ties into miniature star-burst.  Why?  Well this quilt was much more symmetrical, regular squares of fabric in neat rows.  The star-burst on the first quilt were randomly placed.  So ... I hand quilted the entire surface instead.  When I stood back from it, I realized that the intersections would look okay with the star-burst stitching too.  So, I kept stitching.  It took days and days but I'm glad I did it!

 

(Above:  Detail of Tidal Wave VIII.)

This tidal wave is a little bigger than the first one.  Therefore, I spread the spring out to better resemble the meteorological symbol of a tropical storm ... with the end of the spring showing the direction in which the cyclone was traveling.  

 

(Above:  Tidal Wave VII at an angle.)

I'm really pleased with both of the Victrola spring Tidal Waves ... especially since I'm now using the brick side of my church/studio/home for photography needs.  This wall is north facing.  It is always in the shadow of the structure but the yard is so big that the entire area gets plenty of ambient light!  Perfect!

Tidal Wave VI, The First Victrola Spring

 

(Above:  Tidal Wave VI, The First Victrola Spring. Custom framed: 36 1/2" x 36 1/2". Found Victrola spring hand-stitched to a section of a vintage quilt with assorted buttons.  Click on any image to enlarge.)

Sometime in early 2012, I bought a broken Victrola at Bill Mishoe's auction.  I knew what I wanted it for ... for a pedestal.  For years, my Book of the Dead was displayed atop the Victrola.  The interior shelves were used for more artist books. I still have it.  Several of my altered Victorian photo albums ... artist books ... are inside.  The Book of the Dead is still on top of it.  It now resides in the loft of my sanctuary studio.  But ... back in 2012 ... in order to alter it for this new display use ... I removed the actual device used to play ancient records.  Most of these mechanical things were unceremoniously thrown into the trash can.  But, I kept the two, giant springs.  I had no vision for them; I just thought that "one day" I'd come up with a good use.

 

(Above: Detail of Tidal Wave VI.)

The two springs were moved from Columbia to my new church/home/studio and were put on top of a high shelving unit.  Somehow or the other, I knew exactly where they were when the "one day" struck me as if a lightening bolt of inspiration.  That happened a couple weeks ago after I'd already stitched the button outline of a tidal wave onto the section of the old, tied quilt.  I thought this new tidal wave would become another one filled with "found objects" ... except ... that was the "one day" when the Victrola springs came to mind.

 

(Above: Detail of Tidal Wave VI.)

As soon as I auditioned the spring on the tidal wave's button outline, I knew it was perfect.  Steve happened to walk through the studio at just that moment.  "I love it!" he said.  There was no doubt, just amazement that the springs waited for about fifteen years to find their new purpose!

 

(Above: Tidal Wave VI at an angle, hanging on the side of my home/studio/church.)

Like my Found Object Mandalas, the old quilt used as a substrata is fragile and often threadbare.  I cover the surface with tulle/netting before the first stitch is plied.  This works well to protect the fragile surface ... but with a tidal wave ... there are too many square inches where the tulle/netting isn't well integrated with the underlying quilt. Therefore, I hand-stitched star burst around every tie.  By the time all the ties were embellished, one could barely see that this was two layers instead of just one!  I was thrilled with the results ... and quickly starting another tidal wave for the second Victrola spring!

Mandala CCLXIX, Neon Green Duckies

 

(Above:  Mandala CCLXIX, Nickname: Neon Green Duckies. Custom framed:  17 3/8" x 17 3/8".  Found objects hand stitched to a section of a vintage quilt.  Objects include: Beer caps embedded in resin inside a lid; a souvenir plate; neon green rubber duckies; part of four pairs of neon green plastic sunglasses; blue casino chips; Starbucks coffee stirrers; external tooth lock washers; four, copper coasters; four binder clips; assorted buttons and beads. Click on any image to enlarge.)

I wasn't going to use the neon green duckies.  Their color was too "loud", too shockingly neon green to consider.  But, I found the four pairs of equally obnoxious, neon green sunglasses in my stash and challenged myself to make something using these vivid items.

 

  (Above:  Detail of Mandala CCLXIX.)

Although I do not consult a color wheel (and don't even own one!), I do know that the compliment to green is red.  Using the two together creates increased vibrancy and a remarkable energy.  Since the duckies were already so intensely outrageous, I figured I needed plenty of red and red infused colors to offset them.  Looking at the orange-red bills on these duckies convinced me to seek out more of this hue.  I sorted through my stash and found the perfect centerpiece!  No ... I didn't pour the resin over the beer caps.  I found the filled lid at the Pickens County flea market for a dollar.  Amazingly, I had no problem drilling holes in this unique item.  From there, I introduced more red in the heart-shaped buttons.

 

(Above: Detail of Mandala CCLXIX.)

Green and red evoke Christmas ... of course!  This isn't a holiday inspired mandala.  So, I knew to also include the two other primary colors:  Blue and Yellow.  It didn't take long to find plenty of blue and yellow accents.  This piece ... while still quite "in-your-face" color-wise ... met my challenge!  I'm happy that I was able to pull it together!

Mandala CCLXVIII, Pink and Pale Green

 

(Above:  Mandala CCLXVIII. Nickname: Pink and Pale Green. Custom framed: 17 1/2" x 17 1/2".  Found objects hand-stitched to a scrap of antique, dusty rose curtains. Objects include: Pink glass medallion; plastic cocktail forks; jade handled cocktail forks; beer caps; copper colored can pull tabs; copper colored paperclips; pale green game pieces; green toddle snack tops; flat silver metal embellishments; assorted buttons and beads. $300. Click on images to enlarge.)

This little Found Object Mandala was entirely inspired by the pink glass piece in the center.  I don't know what it once was.  Possibly, it was part of a lamp or wall sconce.  Perhaps it once was the back plate for a fancy knob.  I found it at the Pickens County flea market on the same day that I bought the set of jade handled cocktail forks.

(Detail of Mandala CLXVIII.)

Almost everything else came to my stash as a donation!  Thank you to all those who keep my supply so nicely varied!  It makes the design process so much fun!

Two, new skinny In Box Series pieces

(Above:  In Box CDLXXI on left; framed: 21" x 9"; $195; In Box CDLXX on right; framed: 17 1/4" x 8 1/4"; $165.  Click on either image to enlarge.)

I almost forgot these two, skinny pieces.  They were actually the last two finished in 2025 but the photos weren't taken until earlier this month.  Hence ... almost forgotten!  Each one is the result of polyester stretch velvet shapes fused to synthetic white felt with lots of hand stitching in 100% cotton embroidery floss.  I've made several similar skinny pieces but this is the first time I've actually soldered holes through the synthetic layers.

 

(Above:  Detail of In Box CDLXXI.)

For the most part, soldering holes in these hand-stitched pieces is tricky because the embroidery floss goes all over the reverse side.  I had to pay careful attention to where I allowed the return threads to lay!  I think it worked out very well!

Mandala CCLXVI, The Miniature Duckies

 

(Above:  Mandala CCLXVI, Nicknamed: The Miniature Duckies.  Custom framed: 17 1/2" x 17 1/2".  Found objects hand-stitched to a section of a vintage quilt.  Objects include: Eight miniature rubber duckies and one normal-sized one; a souvenir plate; rabies pet tags; beer bottle caps; yellow telephone plugs; belt buckles; copper U-clamps; yellow Tiddlywinks; assorted buttons and beads. Click on any image to enlarge.)

When designing Mandala CCLXV, (Nicknamed the Ultimate Rubber Duckies), I auditioned these eight miniature ones in various placements.  Nothing worked.  I gave up.  Yet, the eight duckies just sat on my table as if staring at me with disappointment.  

 

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CCLXVI.)

I couldn't help myself. I sort of promised them that they would get their own mandala. Okay ... I admit it!  I do talk to my materials ... not out loud ... because I'm well aware that they won't answer ... but in my mind there's a conversation.  A promise was made and another foundation was put together for these otherwise lonely duckies!

 

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CCLXVI.)

Because this piece is small, it didn't take long to make the duckies happy!  In the process, I was happy too!

Mandala CCLXVI, The Ultimate Rubber Duckies

 

(Above:  Mandala CCLXVI, Nicknamed: The Ultimate Rubber Duckies.  Custom framed: 20" x 20".  Found objects hand-stitched to a section of a vintage quilt.  Objects include:  Rubber duckies; duck profiles cut from a set of shower curtain hooks; wooden honey tasters; copper-colored aluminum can pulls; brass hinges; four antique cardboard lids of chocolate milk jars; a miniature doily; assorted buttons and beads.  Click on any image to enlarge.)

While I was enjoying an amazing art residency in Montana, Steve went weekly to the Pickens County flea market.  Some weeks, he found nothing.  One week, however, he scored big!  He bought a big tub of assorted rubber duckies.  The seller assured him that there were over three hundred.  I was thrilled.  It took a full day to sort them, trying to find ones that could work together for a found object mandala.

 

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CCLXVI.)

Oddly enough, there weren't many that truly resembled the rubber duckie featured on Sesame Street.  You know the type!  Simple yellow ducks with orange bills ... like those on this mandala!  This didn't matter to me!  After all, an assortment of 151 were absolutely ideal for Tidal Wave V.  Ones with black hair or hats worked well on Mandala CCLXV.  A variety went on Mandala CCLXIV  Duckies carrying tiny surfboards looked great with the Bullwinkle plate, Mandala CCLXIII.  But I did manage to find eight "traditional" duckies that were the same size and one that was a little bigger for the center.

 

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CCLXVI.)

 After looking at this group, I knew I wanted to make a small mandala to feature them.  I already had the ducks cut from shower curtain hooks.  It was just a matter of finding a few other things to compliment the arrangement.  I'm happy with how this piece turned out ... the ultimate rubber duckie mandala!

Mandala CCLXV, Wired Face

 

(Above:  Mandala CCLXV, (Nickname: Wired Face). Custom framed:  27" x 27".  Found objects hand stitched to a section of a vintage quilt.  Objects include:  A decorative wired face on a souvenir pewter plate which is on a decorative trivet; dominoes; toddler snack tops; car fresheners; Colorado buttons; assorted plastic lids; rubber duckies with black hair/hats; assorted buttons and beads.  Click on any image to enlarge.)

This is another Found Object Mandala that was finished during the second half of December but not photographed until the light was better in my studio.  At some point, I really ought to invest in high quality lights.  Maybe that should be my New Year's resolution!  

 

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CCLXV.)

I could probably rationalize the expense.  After all, the Ohio State Buckeyes lost their quarter-final playoff game.  Steve and I will not be going to Hilton Head to watch the semi-finals.  That might save enough for professional lights! LOL!  (It might not though!  I have no idea how much they cost!)

 

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CCLXV.)

This piece was created on a quilt top that I backed with batting and a section of a damask tablecloth.  I quilted it before adding the found objects.  The car fresheners were purchased at the Pickens County flea market several months ago.  My studio smelled of pine scent for weeks and weeks.  Thankfully, enough time has gone by that only a pleasant aroma remains!

 

(Above:  Mandala CCLXV at an angle.)

Despite not having professional lights for my photographic needs, I do have lots of natural lighting in my sanctuary/studio.  I use a few sections of my ProPanel booth ... in the middle of the giant space ... often angling these walks so that I seem to have rather even light from both sides.  So far, it's been working but I think I could do even better.