This small Found Object Mandala was the result of several decisions. First, I received a wonderful donation to my stash from a nice man living in New Jersey. He sent the most amazing collection of glass and stone beads. It was itching to use some of them, especially the brown, glass, elongated diamond ones. They went perfectly with the eight, wooden-handled appetizer/cocktail forks that I've had for over a year! I just hadn't found anything I really liked with them ... until these beads arrived. Amazingly, he also sent the pretty orange beads too.
Second, I wanted to see if I could drill holes in the poker chips that would allow me to use shank buttons. It worked ... but I really didn't like doing it! Carefully, I started with my 1/16th-inch drill bit to make the small hole in the center. Then, I enlarged the holes with the 1/8th-inch drill bit ... and then a bit larger ... and larger ... and larger ... until I had a hole big enough for the shank to fit comfortably inside. It took "forever" and I broke at least two poker chips in the process. Although finally successful, I doubt that I'll be doing this again. Some experiments just aren't worth it!
Finally, I wanted to use some of the buttons that I have too few to outline the perimeter of a larger mandala. This worked. Plus, I wanted to see if I liked using a small, traditional frame. I did! Best of all, this approach is more affordable! I will likely stitch more this size because I have more blocks from this old, neglected quilt. Each one will be just $195 plus the pesky South Carolina sales tax (sadly required even on out-of-state transactions). I really like how this series is continuing to present new ideas and new ways to put together ordinary things in extraordinary new ways!
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