Saturday, November 19, 2016

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.

16 thoughtful remarks:

Michele said...

oh this is magnificent! xo

Valerie-Jael said...

Glad you had fun making it, I am looking forward to seeing what it will turn out to be. Hugs, Valerie

Helen said...

been looking and lurking at your posts, but this needs a comment, this is a great interpretation of Seth's piece, which i saw via a link on facebook as obviously I don't get the show either!! have a great weekend.

chrissie said...

Can't wait to see how this turns our Elizabeth.

Have a great weekend

Love Chrissie xx

Annie said...

Love how you finished this off and I look forward to viewing how you use it too......intriguing!!!

TFS Annie x

Nancy said...

Oh my, this looks like great fun! Can't wait to see your next stages with it. Like you, I find wire wrapping harder than it looks. But at last, there's a reason for saving all that "stuff" we save.

Krisha said...

Very interesting, looking forward to the finished piece.

froebelsternchen said...

A cool creation --- great that you have a plan to use it in another project.. I saw an intro to a new workshop recently in which Seth creates cool thread animals ... must be fun to do as well.

Happy rest of the weekend busy Elizabeth!
Enjoy!
oxo Susi

My name is Erika. said...

Can't wait to se this once it is all glammed up. It looks pretty cool now, as is. Like you I need to do a bit of catching up. Happy Saturday. Hugs-Erika

Meggymay said...

Looks like you had some fun assembling this project. It looks quite glam now so I am looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Yvonne xx

NatureFootstep said...

lol, seems to be fun. And for some reason it reminded me of fishermens tools :)

Sandra Cox said...

What fun! I can't wait to see the glam!
Enjoy your weekend.

Gibby Frogett said...

This looks great fun Elizabeth - loving what I see and you've given me an idea for using fibers - thanks :).
I'm making some more decorations to add to my Steampunk themed tree. Last Christmas I had some wire wrapped around some (faux)keys and I'm thinking some addition of fibers would be really interesting.
Gill x

Jeanie said...

This is amazingly cool, Elizabeth. I haven't heard of that show -- our station doesn't carry it either. I'll have to see if it's a PBS provided or acquisition and if the videos are available online. Thanks for the recommendation. I like Seth Apter, too.

Linda Kunsman said...

this is looking very cool!

Kelly said...

Love where this went. I went on YouTube and guess what I found... 15 shows from Make it Artsy. Here's the link for you... https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=PBS+Make+it+Artsty

I'm finally getting a chance to read back posts. I've saved every one from the past year and a half. One of these days I'll make it to Wichita to visit some of the places you and Sally do. Creative Blessings! Kelly