Friday, March 2, 2018

Second on the 2nd


I want to begin by pointing out a post by my friend Kathy at Hummingbird Woodland Studio.  She recently told me she would like to start posting cast iron cooking projects every Friday and if there is enough interest, she will set up a link for OTHERS to share their cast iron cooking experiments and experiences, too.  I am certain there are those of you who read my blog who would be interested in her starting this meme.  Please let Kathy know if you would like to share your cast iron cooking experiences, too.  Sadly, I had to give all my cast iron away when I dropped a cast iron skillet (at age 19) and learned I had a rare form of arthritis I was born with.  But, I am sure there are those of you who will enjoy her posts as much as I, and maybe even join in her Cast Iron Fridays.  Now back to my regularly scheduled post!

I dug this post out of so far in the past, I'm almost embarrassed by it.  I'm still not certain I've gotten any better at making mixed media, but I can hope I have learned from my past.  Please be aware, the links in the post below are no longer valid.  This is from February, 2009 and I give it to you in its entirety.  It is entitled:

A birthday gift for a friend

My friend Celia has a birthday on March 1, and Di Hickman had a rubber stamp giveaway on her blog, which I won. These two disparate events came together to allow me to create this wall hanging for Celia's birthday. Since I don't have a whole lot of supplies on hand, I had to make do with what I have that's not in storage or in boxes. (Please note: My supplies were still in storage because of a flood that occurred in my basement that year in January when the pipes in my basement burst.)

I began with the "celebrate" stamp from Di and the lace scrap. The lace looked like it would go well with the ledger paper I have been hoarding. I took an old Entertainment card that was given to me and turned it into a stencil after I scruffed it up a bit and painted it with green paint, gold fluid acrylic, and rust dye ink (Really Rust reinker by Stampin'Up). I also colored a page from a book with the rust ink, which was the closest I had in color to the lace. I didn't notice I had the book page upside down under the "C" until I was preparing to scan the piece.

I'm not much of a stamper, so this was a real challenge. I used a makeup sponge to add the ink to the stamp, but I had problems with consistency. For some reason, I thought the makeup sponge would work like a stamp pad, but it didn't have the same effect (remember, I'm not much of a stamper). However, I did manage to make the entire page look really grungy with the sponge, by swiping the rust ink on everything.

I had an image from my vintage altered book, so cut it out and used it. I had to laugh at the vintage lady and the "atomic" feel of the rubber acrylic stamp. Talk about mixing styles!!! Then I had no ribbon for a hanger that was anywhere close to the color of the piece. So, I "dyed" some really orange ribbon with some Really Rust dye ink. I sure hope Celia likes it.
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 Now it's time to share your own Second on the 2nd.  The rules are quite simple and everyone is welcome to join the fun look back.  All you have to do is bring back a post that you are especially proud of, or perhaps one you shared before anyone knew your blog existed.  Any post, any genre, any artistic endeavor is acceptable.  Then link below (direct links only, please) and Bleubeard and I, along with other Second on the 2nd friends, will be by to visit.   Please be aware this link is only open for five days, so linking on the 2nd is preferred.






17 thoughtful remarks:

Valerie-Jael said...

Cast iron is not my thing, I am not able to lift heavy things anymore and can only work with light-weight pots and pans, and even that not without difficulty. Nice post from the past! Enjoy your weekend, hugs, Valerie

froebelsternchen said...

I am really happy you showed this ecxellent hanger again. I am thrilled about it - that is such a fabulous piece - I bet your friend loved it ans still adore it! You always write about all the lovely mishaps -or the - I had to use instead, because I haven't this or that!
Exactly that is an artist should do. YOur piece turned out amazingly- there are layers, compositonal cleverness and texture and the coulrs are so harmonious!
You wrote such lovely things for me on my blog recently, that I inspire you -
I just can give this back my friend! You always inspire me!
I love Kathy's cooking posts always - even though I own no iron cast - her recipes are always a great inspiration! The most of those recipes can be cooked in or on the oven in any pan - I am sure - we have just to be creative and resourceful in the kitchen in the same way as we are at our artistic work desk!

Happy Friday my friend!
Thank you fo hosting this event -
hope you feel better now and you have had enough sleep after the trip.
I couldn't sleep this night - was a bad night.
Now I am tired- maybe a little nap in the afternoon for me!

oxo Susi

Lisca said...

I follow Kathy and will enjoy her cooking posts even though I do not have cast iron cookware. I use cast alluminium which is much lighter and has the same effect.
Your tag/wall hanging is great. Nothing to be embarrassed about. I'm sure she appreciated it, especially as it was hand-made by yours truly.
I managed to remember 2nd on the 2nd just in time, as it is nearly midday and 'America' wakes up at 3, so you will be able to see it soon.
Have a lovely weekend,
Lisca

CJ Kennedy said...

Fun wall hanging. I really enjoyed reading your process.

Darla said...

I seem to recall a few hangers you've made but mostly the quilted ones. It was fun to see this one and read about the process. Glad to be back in blog land. I count on you to keep me from disappearing entirely

RO said...

Thanks for passing on the cast iron news, I popped over to visit Kathy. What a cool idea for artwork, and I'm so sorry that you had that awful flood. That had to have been the pits. It's neat to see unique wall hangings as a good way to get the conversation moving. Hugs...and Happy Friday! RO

craftytrog said...

That's a beautiful hanger, thanks for sharing it again! I bet Celia loved it and appreciated your efforts Elizabeth!
Happy Friday,
Alison xx

My name is Erika. said...

Cool page and so I am glad you showed us this since I know I haven't seen it before. You used so many of those elements you do-like the old credit card and the Big C from Di. It is funny. I have a friend whose maiden name is Hickman and her name is Dee. When I first read this I thought for a second it might be her, since she goes by 2 last names. I was thinking that she doesn't do art that I know of...silly me. This page is a great gift and I am sure your friend loved it also. Happy second on the second! Hugs-Erika

Jeanie said...

Well, it's all new to me, Elizabeth, and I liked it very much. It would be a terrific gift -- the colors are beautiful.

Thanks for your Gypsy visits. I really love your comments -- they are so thoughtful. Hope all is well with your computer issues once again. I know how frustrating that is.

johanna said...

so nice you repeat this on celia´s almost-birthday, i´m sure she treasures it still! this lace is a rubberstamp? Looks great!! the Colors are wonderful, and i always love a grungy look.
i do not have cast iron, but i´ll look up kathy´s site with interest.
have a great day - and thanks for Hosting this challenge. it is always nice to make a journey to the past.
xox, johanna

pearshapedcrafting said...

I love this Elizabeth and I am sure that your friend loved it too! You say you are not an experienced stamper and you have often said that I am - my card today started with grey ink for the sentiment but smudged a bit, fortunately with the help of my Tim Holtz stamp platform (my Christmas gift from my Brother and Sister in Law) it worked fine! I love the colours you used and what a great idea to dye the hanging ribbon.
I haven't used cast iron for cooking since I was Teacher Training at Food Tech college!! Hugs, Chrisx

Cindy McMath said...

A lovely piece. I am always happy to see your ‘seconds’ as I find I’ve often missed the ‘firsts’. I’m sure your friend was thrilled to bits.

kathyinozarks said...

Thank you sooo much Elizabeth I appreciate you so much. I think soon I will ask you how to make a button for my cast iron fridays I have a photo just not sure how to go about it.
I always love your work-but it is good to see how we progress through the years.
I have been gone most of the day food shopping and just now got it all put away plus our now main meal at 2 pm I am off for my 3 mile walk and then I will back to visit everyone.
thanks so much for hosting this event for us I really enjoy it
Kathy

Meggymay said...

It is a beautiful wall hanging and I'm sure your friend will have loved it.
Yvonne xx

Karina Pink said...

ótimo post, seguindo seu blog!
bjs
http://www.pinkbelezura.com/

kathyinozarks said...

thank you

Marfi-topia said...

I had a great cast iron skillet once upon a time, I have yet to purchase another.
I love the wall hanging, what a precious gift!!