Thursday 2 April 2009

My First Shadowbox

I have been wanting to create with a Shadowbox for a while now but knowing it would be a big project I kept putting it off as I just wasn't finding the time. However, about a week ago I found myself with a whole Sunday to "play" in my studio, so out came the plain shadowbox... a blank canvas for me to work on, and my imagination took over.
The centre piece for my collage had to be a fairy of course and I had just the right little lady for the job. My hubby had brought me some collage sheets from Paper Whimsy, so I dug them out and chose the gorgeous little lady on the swing for my centre piece. Of course she needed a pair of my acetate wings to finish her off, but I wanted to alter her further, so I decided to make her a paper skirt from vintage book pages that I tore, shaped and set with diamond glaze.
I covered the whole of the shadowbox with vintage papers, scraps of music scores and a wonderful vintage article entitled "Game of the Fairies". As a volunteer at Oxfam I am very lucky to come across some amazing old magazines and books which are occasionally donated, as a volunteer I get first pickings as they come in, and at fantastic prices too, so alot of my art contains vintage papers from these books and mags and this piece is no exception.



I enjoyed creating this so much that I can't wait to work on some more. I have three more blank shadowboxes in my studio just waiting to come to life and I've already ideas buzzing around for these, I'm thinking of a vintage circus trapeze theme for the next one, so watch this space!

28 comments:

Miss Matilda said...

This is such a lovely piece x

mIzZ (hONeY) bEe aka Marlene said...

I do love your piece..the colors are soft and the wee little one is to cute for words - I adore her skirt...can't wait to see the other that you create...have a honey of a day! Marlene :O)

Sarah said...

This is such a beautiful shadowbox with so much feeling and movement to it. I can almost feel the breeze as she swings. Quite a creative skirt, too!

Ingrid Mida said...

It is stunning. I cannot believe that it is your first one.

Ann said...

Your first......? NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's lovely. I love the image of the little girl on the swing,you did a fabulous job with her. It really speaks to me...I can feel the breeze and I do believe I can hear her "ahhs" of delight as she enjoys herself.

Tumbleweed Trails said...

Your shadowbox is beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Love it, love it love it, so glad I found your blog!!

Barb said...

OMG, your shadow box is amazing - love it!

Unknown said...

Okay, wait...your husband bought you a collage sheet? I am so crushing on him right now! :-)

Anyway Amanda, these are amazing! So beautiful!

Robin said...

This is just fabulous! Love your fairy centerpiece!!

Unknown said...

Oh, I just love it! You did a beautiful job on this. I think I am headed this direction with my paper dolls. (tee hee ;)

Sending you fairy magic for a creative day.

~Kitty Kellie

Karen Valentine said...

I'm a new visitor to your page. It's stunning and your fairies are absolutely magical. I can't wait to see what comes next!!

carylsrealm said...

Absolutely gorgeous!

Unknown said...

Oh Mandy as always just Beautiful. I love the blues and the music especially on her skirt.
I do hope you have a magical weekend.
XXXX
Becky

Hibiscus Moon said...

I can't wait to see the others as this one is so gorgeous. You are a true talent. This is so amazing!

nikki said...

for your first shadow box you did an amazing job!!! i love the image you used....and the layers are fantastic!

Unknown said...

How amazing! I just love this magical Faerie piece! Fantasic job!

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

She's quite wonderful, and I especially love that skirt!

Karen ~ Cider Antiques said...

Lovely work ~ a shadowbox is the perfect way to display mixed media art! Love it.

~ Karen

gayle said...

Fantastic! This is so beautiful

said...

What beautiful work you do! I found you via MMCA. :o)

Just Jules said...

My friend, Magnificientdeb would love these! They are so lovely.... love the skirt. Sneaking in through the side door... thanks

Geralyn Gray said...

I love your shadowbox and your altered boxes--the twin one especially.

Theresa said...

Your altered shadow box turned out lovely! I can imagine her getting off the swing and sprinkling faerie dust every where since she is full of joy.

Sarah said...

Mandy i just love your stunning shadow box and that lil whimsy is so precious as a fairy. Stunning

My Journey to Hope said...

I love your shadow box, especially the little girl on the swing. Her skirt is fabulous! Great job!

-Michelle

Viola said...

Just gorgeous!! :o)

Anonymous said...

WOW....this is your FIRST shadowbox? LOVELY...and a PW image! That's where I "hang out" alot so it was fun to see you using something in your art! Your blog is wonderful (and congrats on being a mom of twins!). I'll be back often. AND, thanks for coming over to see me! I do appreciate it so much!
Jan
janellabellablogspot.com