Embellish, embellish, embellish

Way back in late September, I stumbled across a new web site announcing a new PBS show called Make it Artsy.  I was surprised and thrilled to see one of the guests on the show was none other than Seth Apter.  Sadly, my PBS station doesn't carry the show, but I was able to see the first segment Seth was in as part of their promo.  So you can only imagine how long I've been planning this.

But first, I had to gather lots of materials and scrounge others.  On my work table are various pieces like the rusty metal from a hanging file folder, paint brushes, dead felt tipped pens, and wooden pieces I found in my stash.  At the back of the table are ribbons, fibers, and wires that were originally part of an old electrical cord.

I began as Seth did by gathering a few of the pieces into a cohesive unit.

Seth suggested using wire that could be cut with scissors, I'm guessing around 28 gage.  I didn't have anything that small.  The first wrap is for stability, not beauty.  This is for function only.

I hadn't realized how hard it would be to wrap these disparate pieces and turn them into a cohesive unit.  Be sure you have wrapped this first layer tightly, or you'll be unwrapping and rewrapping.  No need to ask how I know.  I suggest much thinner wire than I used.

What actually saved me was the wooden "stick" that had notches

I could use for stability.

Once the first functional layer was in place, I added some colored wire that was thinner.

Somehow I envisioned that wire would show, but once I started layering fibers and ribbons,

I realized only the ribbons and fibers would show.

Seth went on to add more wire

and held the wire in place with torn strips of fabric.  I chose to omit that step because I believe this technique should be a guide, not an exact replica of Seth's lovely stand alone assemblage.  I, on the other hand, plan to embellish this with glam tomorrow and use it in other art.

I want to end by saying how glad I am that many of you have dropped by in the past few days, and may not have heard back from me.  I'm super busy for two more days, but after that I'll definitely be by to catch up on your blog and your life.

Today is Day 19 of AEDM.  As always, I am most grateful for your visit.  Please visit Seth's post here and Make it Artsy here.