Lancet Window CCXXXVIII and Mandala CCXXIII

(Above:  Detail of Lancet Window CCXXXVIII.  Click on any image to enlarge.)

The artwork for my Smithsonian Craft Show booth is coming along quite well.  Retirement time has everything to do with it!  I only wish I knew for which size booth I'm creating.  Booth assignments haven't been made yet.  Maybe tomorrow!

(Above:  Lancet Window CCXXXVIII.  Framed:  31 1/4" x 11 1/4".  Layers of polyester stretch velvet fused on recycled synthetic packaging felt, stitched with 100% black cotton thread, and exposed to melting techniques.)

For those unfamiliar with how high-end, interior shows are run ... well ... first an artist applies.  Each application has a $50 fee. If selected, an artist must confirm participation with a deposit.  In this case, it was $500.  Next comes a contract and choices for booth size and location.  There are several options.  These include 10' x 10' without a corner location; 10' x 10' corner; 10' x 15' without a corner; 10' x 15' corner.  The Smithsonian Craft Show has other interesting options too!  These are based on the layout of the Smithsonian Building Museum in which the show is held.  There's a giant fountain in the middle of the spacious ground level.  Booths around the fountain are highly visible and more expensive.  Also, the four corners of the floor end up being 10' x 20'.  These are odd spaces with only ten foot access.  I've been in a 10' x 15' corner (1st choice) and one of the 10' x 20' spaces (2nd choice).  I've applied for these same spaces again but don't know what I'll be assigned.  Obviously, I can't "pay in full" until I know what booth size I'll get!  Please know, the total will be more than $2200 one way or the other.  This is scary!

 

(Above:  Mandala CCXXIII. Custom framed:  12 3/4" x 12 3/4".  Found objects hand-stitched to a scrap of an antique coverlet.  Objects include:  A cheap, plastic belt buckle designed to resemble a silver dollar; expired pet rabies tags; model train women and men; keys; and assorted buttons and beads. $195.)

 

In order NOT to worry about the Smithsonian Craft Show, I'm still stitching Found Object Mandalas.  This one was specifically designed in order to use a scrap of the antique coverlet as well as leftover framing moulding.  I'm really pleased that these pieces didn't get thrown into the trash but got this second life as art!