Wednesday, November 18, 2009

The Three Muses Challenge - Keys


I have recently discovered the joys of using napkins with beeswax. I gently pull the layers apart and use the top one in my artwork. It soaks up the wax and just seems to become one with the paper beneath it. This image is one of my adopted relatives (aka a vintage photo that I purchased) . I was attracted to this woman's dress and can only imagine the time it takes to get into it in the morning and the swishing sound that it makes when she walks. This is my entry for the Three Muses Challenge this week.

27 comments:

Elizabeth said...

I love using napkin tops in my fabric paper and fusion paper production. I am sure that you ahve discovered that the white portions of the napkins become transparent when you coat them with wax or glue!! I love all of the layers that you can get with this technique!! how about a npkin swap? I have a huge stash of napkins and I would love to share some with you!!
love this piece!! and I for one am so glad that this sort of dress is no longer in vogue! i would be so unhappy wearing all of these clothes but they are beautiful!!!!
Hugs!
Elizabeth

Hearts Turned said...

Heather--this is exquisite! You have such a beautifulvintage flair! I've never tried that technique--I'll have to read up on it and give it a go! Love your "adopted relative" term--so clever! Hope you're have a glorious day!

Sandy said...

Oh Heather what a stunning Key piece. The house is fantastic. Love the style. Perfect job.

Ozstuff said...

What an amazing dress!! I love your richly vintage piece with a little bit of "steam punk" thrown in. Thanks so much for sharing your technique with your blog friends.

indybev said...

You make me want to rush right out and buy some to-die-for napkins and beeswax! This is a great vintage collage, which you do so well. I always look at the elaborate dresses and wonder about laundering and ironing them! Thanks for playing along and sharing your process!

Martina said...

I am totally impressed by this work, Heather. Definately a favorite of mine :-)

Lori Saul said...

Fantastic creation Heather - I love the house and its wonderful elements!

DMG said...

This piece is so inspiring to me! Thank you so much for explaining how you created your collage. I love the subtle tones you used, and now I want to give beeswax and napkins a try myself.

WrightStuff said...

That looks a really interesting technique - I'll have to give it a try. Great effect on your creation.

PS: What? You mean that you don't dress like that every day?

Taluula said...

Heather this is amazing and I was so interested to read about your technique. I love it.

Rika said...

This is gorgeous, love your house!

Judy said...

Stunning vintage collage, Heather!

Elizabeth Golden said...

Love your house! So vintage,the woman is gorgeous. Love the use of the napkin. You are so clever.

peggy gatto said...

I love the story behind the art!!!

Jen Crossley said...

THis is just so stunning heather,you have outdone yourself
Jen

Terri said...

It's wonderful! I'm attrackted to the womans dress as well. Thank you for your lovely comment on my blog. I feel like I've entered another door to more amazing artists. Thanks for sharing the technique you used here. I'm sure to visit often.

Terri said...

Oh just one more thing..can you let me know who makes the corner you used I love that too! Seems like I have seen it but I can't place it.

lorhen82 said...

Gorgeous, Heather! I love the dress your lady is wearing! ~Lori

Unknown said...

Really like the various pieces you used to create the scene.
This is a beautiful piece.

Marie-Aimée said...

so beautiful house

Debby said...

Heather, this is really beautiful.
Debby

vintage wil said...

Wow Heather your hous is AMAZING!!!!

druga szesnascie said...

I love your work!

I've been using napkins in my art too - it's so easy, don't you think?
I love it that they work like transfers.

funny thing - I've used the same napkin as you, have a look:

http://drugaszesnascie.blogspot.com/2009/07/wozenie-kwiatow-do-wazonu-o-poranku.html#comments

and also:
http://drugaszesnascie.blogspot.com/2009/09/zima-to-akwaforta-wiosna-akwarela-lato.html#comments

Jamie said...

She is beautiful Heather!!! Your art piece just glows with the beeswax. I have some, but have never used it. How about coming to my house for a personal lesson? LOL!! I often wonder too about the beautiful ladies and all the trappings they had to endure to meet societies standards. I am glad we live in this day and age! Love, Jamie

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Wow, how wonderful is this. Love the vintage look. Beautiful house.

~*~Patty Szymkowicz said...

Lovely house Heather, your wax napkin layers add so much ... it's always fun to see how translucent papers become with wax

must be fun 'sitting' in a swishy (you made me smile with that word) bustled dress like that too!

Your faux relative looks grand in the special house you created for her!
oxo

Amy said...

so very pretty..such lovely detail's.