A New Song In My Mouth

I've been doing some research on the use of encaustic wax in collage and just had to give it a try. I'm starting out simply using the medium to bind and provide texture for my collage elements, but hope to venture into adding color to the wax soon.

My first offering is titled "A New Song In My Mouth". As I continue to learn and discover who I am, I begin to recognize certain patterns that I have been repeating in my life. Funny how I've known things about myself, my past, my childhood, and my choices in life, but never really recognized how ingrained these things are in my daily thoughts, the way I view the world, relate to those most important to me, and the choices I make each day.

The series of circles across the top of the canvas represent these patterns or cycles in life that we repeat without even thinking about it. They float over a background of an antique paper book cover, the rich color and textures of the background represent the varied paths of a life lived, but still tied to these patterns or sub-conscious habits.

Across the bottom of the canvas are strips of antique canvas from the spine of an old book along with the interior mesh tape covering of the spine which is nicely textured by the glue used to bind it all in place, this brings to mind the origins or beginning of something that was meant to be good, before time and chance and circumstance entered in.

But as I recognize these thought patterns, habits, cycles of choices passed along from generation to generation, I know it isn't really who I am or who I was meant to be. I know that God has plans for me. For my good and not for my harm. I choose to think on these things. I choose to trust him that I can change - not on my own or by my own power - but by surrendering to His. I choose to work with him to make the changes in my life that will heal and set new healthier thoughts, habits and cycles.

Notice the circles that represent these patterns have been cut from 1870s handwritten sheet music. They represent recognition, hope, change, new habits, a new song.

"And He has put a new song in my mouth..." - Psalm 40:3

To purchase visit OPF Studio at Etsy.

One World One Heart Winner!

First of all I want to thank every single one of you who stopped by me blog and left a comment to enter my OWOH give-away. I'm floored by the response and participation level to this event!

And the winner is.......(drumroll please).............................................Bella Modiste!

Be sure to stop by The Bella Modiste blog to Congratulate her and check out her wonderful mini quilts!

New Hope & More Hidden Strength

I've finally finished up the second batch of brooches in my series titled "Where Does My Strength Come From?" - Each brooch encapsulates a section of an antique book spine to symbolize a hidden strength that I find through my faith in Jesus.

Just as a books spine gives it strength even though it is hidden under the cover of the book, the strength I find in the Lord is hidden on the inside, not visible but very important to enabling me to stand.

This one might have caught your eye. No, it isn't a book spine, therefore not technically part of the series. I've been loving these white skeleton leaves that I recently discovered on a shopping trip. They worked perfectly in a series of encaustic wax collages that I will be posting about soon and now I am offering them in small batches to you in my Etsy store for your own inspiration.

The circle represents the recognition of repeating certain patterns in my life that may not be the healthiest. The leaf symbolizes hope, rebirth, new life from something that seemed dead.

I experimented with a combination heat and chemical patina and love the almost iron like quality of the metal that was the result.

One has more of the copper influence, they both resemble a found object rescued and given a new beginning. I love to incorporate this imperfect look in my work as a reminder of how God has given me a new life. He can make something beautiful from the most broken of circumstances.

The patina on this one is my favorite so far. It feels so good to hold - the aesthetics of each of the brooches creates an interaction between the viewer and wearer as it stimulates the senses. A mini art sculpture to wear and enjoy throughout the day.

I've created two in the "Strength" series to list in my Etsy studio.



This one is titled "New Hope" and will be listed in my Etsy Studio as well. If you don't see the listing and are interested in purchasing or would like to purchase but don't want to join Etsy, feel free to contact me.

And here is the one that I will be offering as my OWOH give-away. I'm sorry I am just getting this done, I promised to update that post with the correct picture almost two weeks ago. The drawing is only two short days away - if you haven't signed up be sure to jump over to that post and leave me a comment to get in on the fun.

And speaking of drawings - I haven't forgotten, I will be sending out my newsletter later on this afternoon announcing the winner from last months offering, also one of my "Strength" brooches.

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;" 2 corinthians 4:7-8