Monday, July 26, 2010

Serendipitous Friday

In art, as in life, serendipity often plays a part...

On a prowl through local thrift shops last Friday, I came across a chunky picture frame. It had no glass, but was the colour of fresh cream, and was beautifully and intricately carved. At the price of two dollars, I considered it a bargain. In the next shop I visited, only a small bag of sphagnum moss caught my eye. As it was just ninety-nine cents, I decided to buy it, though I had no plan in mind to use it.

.
I’ve developed a passion for chubby brown birds, so upon finding this lovely girl in a third store, I was quick to pay the dollar she cost, and nestled her into my carry bag with the frame and the moss. The beginnings of an idea began to form in my head…

.
Since it seemed a meager day for treasure hunting, I headed home, stopping by a little nursery on the way just to have a peek.
.
As I went by the counters, my eye caught sight of this adorable baby. Instantly, I knew I had a project! At four ninety-eight the tiny bird was more than my other three purchases of the day combined, but worth every penny.
.
Once home, I gathered up coordinating paper to cover the edges and insides of the frame. A seedpod picked up from under my neighbour’s Japanese maple tree, and my standby matte medium were all I needed after that.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
In no time at all, this shadowbox came together. To finish it off, I wrote ‘fly’ in scrabble tiles over my little family, demonstrating the compelling mix of pride and sadness we all feel when it’s time for our own little ones to leave the nest!
.
My nine dollars spent gave me a fun project to make, and brings a smile to my face each time I pass it.
.
It is also a good reminder that not only do children have to fly; we momma birds must also spread our wings and soar as high as our imagination can possibly take us…
.

12 comments:

Colleen - the AmAzINg Mrs. B said...

I l.o.v.e the shadow box! I do so love birds and the way you have composed this..well..it's perfection!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

How wonderful! You are so creative!

Netty said...

What great buys. You have done a fabulous job on this project, its just wonderful, love it. Annette x

Katy Cameron said...

Aww, what a beautiful project, definitely serendipity finding all those things that would come together so nicely :o)

Hugs

Katy

Sherry Blue Sky said...

THIS is FANTABULOUS! I cant get over how creative you are and how, from simple serendipities, you create such wonderful art works........I adore birds too, and I LOVE that you nestled them in cozy nests, but also put the word FLY above them.

This is so awesome. I envy you your thrift stores, ours here are sadly limited AND expensive. But there is a terrific one in Parksville, if I could manage to get to it........wonderful project, Lynette. Adorable.

Mollye said...

Hi Lynette, Thanks for your visit today. What a wonderful little family you've created. Nothing can quite satisfy like something of nature. I'm doing each better by the way and thanks for asking. Just learning a new way to live and be happy. XXMollye

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Lynette! That is so adorable. Great job!

XO,

Sheila :-)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

P.S. I left a birthday wish for you on your poem! :-)

Olive said...

Inspired I Am.
That frame is very pretty.
Very well done.
Have a gret week♥olive

Amber Leilani said...

it's just fantastic! don't you love it when things just come together that way!?!

Bonnie said...

I read somewhere years ago that 20% of your day should be creative to be happy. You accomplished your 20% today. I especially like your frame. I am so glad you feel happy when you view your project. That is what it is all about. Thanks for sharing.

Elizabeth said...

I wanted to check in with you here because I wanted to be certain that you received my message (on your other blog) It was as follows"I left a surprise for you on my blog. When you get a chance stop by and collect it :) wood-wings.blogspot.com"