Inspiration Avenue Challenge: Mexico

Today is Friday and that means it's time to post my Inspiration Avenue challenge entry for the week. This week the challenge was given by Lisa at The Wright Stuff.

This week there was no pondering, there was no angst. There was only finding the book I altered way, way back in what seems like a lifetime ago, but was really only 2004. I'm bringing it out today, because the piece I wanted to make centered around some dried ornamental chili peppers, but they are not yet ready to go into the assemblage I had planned. So this is my offering to meet Lisa's challenge. I hope no one thinks I'm cheating for bringing back this oldie, but fun book.

I loved the title of this book as soon as I saw it in the resale pile at my library. I even kept the book jacket, rather than try to alter the cover with something less appropriate. I apologize for the quality of the photos. I even took the book outside to get better photos, but the wind kept blowing the pages around. So I'm not sure I accomplished anything by trying to photograph these in a better light.

This altered book on Mexico is composed of tip ins and covers the two major "holidays" most Americans recognize and celebrate: Cinco de Mayo (May 5) and Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead (Oct 31 and Nov 1).

Mexico is famous for its fiestas, donkeys, sombreros and colorful art.

Mexico has a rich history that is often hot!

Mexico's metal working is beyond reproach.

They have many colorful crafts and newspapers written in Spanish.

Mexico's flag is red, white, and green.

There are many leaders Mexico is proud of.

Nearly everyone in Mexico celebrates Day of the Dead using traditional pieces, including an alter.

Sugar skulls can be found everywhere. The pink skeleton is a fun addition.

And you will find hot chillies in many of your favorite Mexican dishes.

But my favorite of all these tip-ins is this three tiered traditional alter I created back in 2004, which is still one of my favorite spreads. It includes bones and skulls made of polymer clay using molds I made, candles, flowers, beer and fruit printed on my handmade paper, and transparencies. I hope you enjoy this trip to Mexico as much as I have! And I'm sure you'll find many more at Inspiration Avenue, too.

Today's blog of the day belongs to Lisa at The Wright Stuff who came up with this week's challenge. I have only been to Lisa's blog a couple of times, but after looking around yesterday evening, I really enjoyed her art. She paints some lovely faces, writes wonderful stories, takes incredible photos, and makes stunning digital art. Lisa's blog certainly lives up to its name. She really delivers The Wright Stuff.