A Flea Market Vintage Photo Inspires Halloween Collage Painting

 Witches are so much a part of Halloween and I think they are so fun. I found this "styl'n" lady at a flea market a few years ago. When I saw her I knew immediately what I was going to do with her and her daring feathery hat.......

make her into a witch with a feathered hat.

Whoever she was, I hope she or none of her relatives ever recognize this photo...wouldn't want to hurt her feelings. I'm sure she was a very nice lady!

I painted a background, adapted her hat and cape and then glued to an 8"x10" canvas. 

I did some of the pumpkins on separate paper and collaged them on so the witch was "popping" out the patch and added more pumpkins and vine to the canvas. Of course I had a glitter attack and added it to the hat brine, pin and star. 

 

I continued the painting onto the canvas's side and rimmed it with a ribbon

 so no frame is needed.

I finally added a vintage piece of jewelry to her hat.

There she is on my mantle, she will also be on for sale on my Etsy site.

This is definitely NOT a scary witch, but definitely magical. You know how I love magical things. I don't know about you, but I prefer to distance myself from entertainment that is really scary...too many scary things out there these days. 

Sometimes a little playful magic is a better approach.

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A Gift for My Sister Friend Jeanne

Every year at this time I start on a quest to find a gift for my very dear friend Jeanne.

Do you have a friend that you just love and treasure so much that it is difficult to find something that portrays that. 

Jeanne is my sister-friend. 

I first heard the term from Maya Angelou. 

As I start on this quest again this year I thought I'd post what I did for last year's gift.

Jeanne and I both love to decorate with things from nature. After going to my favorite "go to places" for "Jeanne Gifts" I remembered that I hadn't hit Mt. Lebanon Floral. I have struck gold with unusual gifts there so often.

I walked in and there on the shelf was this beautiful picture frame and it was like lightening struck and I saw EXACTLY what I was going to do. I had used this little chickadee in my art and some murals before. I found some really earthy paper to paint him on.

I added 3 swarovsky crystals to the wing to tie in the frame.(sorry you can't see it in the photo).

I love making the packaging presentation an important part of your gift.

It just shows you have taken the time to make this special for the person.

First I placed the frame in a blank natural tone box I found at Michael's. I placed upon I think it is deer moss (also at Michael's).

I then hand painted the top. These are her favorite colors. Colors she uses not only in her house, but in her lovely gardens too. If you love gift wrapping ideas one of my favorite blogs is www.agiftwrappedlife.blogspot.com . She has beautiful ideas!

I put glitter in spots which sadly I can never get to photograph right. 

I am a real rookie in the photography department. My son Bryan, who is a wonderful photographer gives me pointers from time to time. You can see his creative work at   www.flickr.com/babbyonline !! 
Sorry I do tend to wander off point sometimes.... 

I was so excited to give it to her I couldn't stand myself. Yet,I always know I've done well with a gift if part of me thinks I'd like to keep it!

Last September I gave this to her and I have to say she just loved it!! 

SCORE!! 

I think I actually took her breath away!

I'll keep you posted as I start on this year's quest.

I'd love to hear about your special gift quests and your special places to find them.

I need ideas!!!


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