The Village

So about this time last year, my friend Lisa Ryder and I decided to make some small collaged houses, colour copy the originals onto cardstock and send them to one another. The other day, she showed me a photo of her wee houses beautifully framed. This was our plan, but somehow I hadn't managed to get it done. Seeing hers completed inspired me to hop in the car, zoom down to Ikea and get a frame. 

I started using Ribba frames about 5 years ago because I like how thick and chunky they are-almost like a shadow box and if you use the same type of frames for everything, when you hang it, it will look like a gallery, even if the artwork in each one is very different.

I spent about two hours last night framing mine. It took awhile for me to get the houses laid out "just so". I managed to create a combination of both our work that I think looks great together. I'm really pleased with how it turned out. The only thing is that I need to go back to Ikea for a second frame-I still have enough of our houses left to create another subdivision! (Lisa said the same thing.) She's going to post about our collaboration here later this morning. (She's in New Zealand, so it's not quite breakfast time tomorrow morning for her yet.)

Seeing as I was already shopping for frames, I picked up a couple other sizes to frame other pieces that I've been hanging onto for ages. I bought this sewing pattern crow printed on fabric years ago at Artfibrefest. It's by Carla Sonheim. It's been floating around the studio forever. I love how it looks in the frame.

I also had this pretty owl print by Cori Dantini that I bought 3 years ago. It's the same artist whose work became (with her permission) a tattoo. I have the bird print of the artwork that I had tattooed on my leg, which *ahem* also needs a frame. Yes, I'm going to have to make another trip to Ikea!

And finally, I framed this print of my own work, Diamond In the Rough. My goal is to print all my favourite photographs from the classes I've taken and do a gallery wall in the living room. My plan is to print them all different sizes, so it's interesting. I think that's going on my to-do list for 2013.

 I still have more artwork kicking around the studio that needs framing. Now that I've got a few favourite pieces finished, maybe I will be better about making the effort to get frames. I just need to figure out where I want to hang these pieces. While we're out and about today I'd better pick up some nails!

Thank you to everyone who sent their well wishes for our Anniversary yesterday. My husband worked a half day, we had some errands to run and the weather was ugly. Today it's sunny, so we're going to celebrate by taking Indy for a swim, having lunch together and just enjoying each other's company.

Also thank you for your good thoughts and prayers for us. It's so comforting to know so many people care and are supporting us. We really do feel the love. We have THE BEST friends on the planet and for that we are grateful.

xox