Mandala CCXVII

(Above:  Mandala CCXVII.  Custom framed:  20 1/4" x 20 1/4". Found objects hand-stitched to a section of vintage curtains layered on felt and linen.  Objects include: A star-shaped cookie cutter; lids from toddler food pouches; caps from small bottles of pinot grigio Barefoot wine; blue, daisy-shaped and red, heart-shaped, out-of-date rabies pet tags; pale orange Gatorade lids; round, unmarked vintage poker chips; black, plastic devices of unknown function; and assorted buttons and beads. $395 plus tax and shipping. Click on any image to enlarge.)  

A friend recently sent me the curtains that once hung in her grandmother's house.  They were old and dated but also sentimental and evocative of luxury and a certain sophistication that was once the staple of yesteryear's American dream. How could I not use them?  Yet, this posed a slight problem. I generally use quilts that need a "second life."  I need a certain thickness as a substrata.  Finally, it dawned on me that I have plenty of other vintage fabric that could be placed under the beautiful rose brocade curtain fabric.  I decided to try it and I'm glad I did!  It worked very well.

 

(Above:  Mandala CCXVII as seen at an angle.)

Soon enough, I found all sorts of objects that worked well with this background.  Some of these things were also recently donated to my stash!

 

(Above:  Detail of Mandala CCXVII.)

The little pinot grigio Barefoot wine caps came from one nice person.  The expired rabies tags came from another nice person. I'm so lucky to have such wonderful and generous friends!  THANK YOU!  If anyone else wants to ship multiples of strange/interesting/unique things to me, my address is 320 North Church Street, Central, SC 29630.