Mandala CCLII

(Above:  Mandala CCXLVIII.  Custom framed: 16" x 16".  Found objects hand-stitched to an antique crazy quilt block.  Objects include: A ceramic dish; heart-shaped rabies pet tags; small bells; clothespins; toddler snack tops; laminated Palmetto State cigar bands; kitchen drain strainers; miniature crochet doilies marketed for scrap-booking; assorted beads and buttons.)

Before leaving last week, I managed to finish not one but four Found Object Mandalas.  Now, when I say "finished" ... well ... I don't really mean "totally finished".  I'm referring only to the attachment/stitching of the found objects to the quilt section.  There's plenty to do after this phase is done!  I've got to remove the staples that are attaching the project to a stretcher bar larger than the one to which I will later use.  Then, acid-free foam-centered board is glued to the surface of the smaller stretcher bar.  The piece is then stapled down and I stitch through both the piece and the acid-free foam-centered board.  This distributes the weight of the objects so that no section is supporting more than a few square inches.  Next, the piece is put into its frame and finally photographed.  So, despite "finishing" four mandalas, I returned to lots of waiting work.  This is just the first one!  More to come!