Nature Inspires Art

Altered Book by Alex

I have had this book on display for about a month in my high school library.  Some students are horrified at first that someone "damaged a book".   Other immediately start to talk about how cool this book is and ask who the artist is.

I tell the students that this is called an altered book. It is  a form of  artwork that changes a book from its original form into a different form, altering its appearance and meaning.  I point out that one of our seniors Alex took an old book and recycled it. He put cuts and created pop-ups of three-dimensional trees. He used multiple books in the creation of the finished piece of art. He did this in art class.   I am so happy that I have been able to display it this month.   It has inspired many conversations.  Thanks Alex for sharing your art and thank you Colleen for inspiring our students.

Nine Patch Quilt

I first learned about altered books from a mixed media artist Sandy who happens to be a member of my family.  I am always amazed by her work. This is a book that she created by taking some of her photography and transferring it onto cloth.  She then made  a "nine patch quilt" out of those pictures and created a cloth book.  When looking at the left side of her book, you can see nature was the inspiration.

Fit for a Queen

Lately, all things queen have been on my mind.  I am getting a number of "Remember You are a Queen" Cards with crown earrings ready for the Delaware by Hand Member's Show on May 28 at the Zwaanendael Museum Grounds from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Also, I am also very aware of the fact that Queen's Day, (koninginnedag) in the Netherlands is coming up at the end of the month.  This is celebrated each year with parties, street markets, concerts and special events for the Dutch royal family on April 30 or on April 29 if the 30th is a Sunday.  I am so aware of this because in my hometown of Lewes, Delaware, we  celebrate the Monarchy of The Nederlands at the Zwaanendael Museum.   The Zwaanendael Museum was modeled after the town hall in Hoorn, the Netherdlands, and it commemorates the founding of Delaware’s first European settlement by the Dutch in 1631.

My honeysuckle, rose, peach, and cream crocheted copper necklace was featured in this Etsy Treasury called " Fit for a Queen" .  I was honored by being selected this week for this treasury which was created by Laura Johnson. Laura is a self-taught photographer & artist based in Raleigh, NC.  Some of her work can be seen at her Etsy shop.  I love her photo series from India.

I have another Queen on my mind--Queen Elizabeth.  I wondering if I will catch a glimpse of her on my upcoming trip to Great Britain.  I am still waiting for my invitation to the royal wedding.  I am sure it has just been delayed.  I am glad I got my airline tickets awhile ago so I don't have to worry about getting there on time.