Work in Progress: The Common Things

"A thousand starlings beat the air with wounded wings.."

illustration: paper, ink

The Common Things

My husband Mark Horton wrote a song about us many years ago. This year I illustrated the song. As a continuing gift, (now months in the making), I am scanning the pages to produce a small book.

Using various patterned paper and my electronic cutter, I interpret his lyrics. The inking is done with a pigment ink pad, resulting in an aged look.

First draft illustration, paper, ink, netting, mini brads, text

The arm on the original illustration is articulated. Since each piece of cut paper is a design file, I have them to cut whenever I need them. This particular panel is designed with a future in a pop-up card, hence the movement consideration.

A labor of love.

Happy Anniversary, Mark

Work in Progress: Star Ornament

Star Ornament

Star, prototype: glitter paper

Three dimensional designs continue to be a challenge to me. At first glance, these stars look alright, but inspection reveals many miscalculations. As this is true, gluing was strenuous - holding all the points together when they didn't really want to meet.

Star prototype, varnished glitter paper

This sample shows the addition of star cut-outs. Just like me to decorate before the design is correct. This piece is actually unfinished to give a clue as to how the design is accomplished.

star prototype: paper

Each point is one cut, folded and glued together.

The points then glue to each other to form the star.

star prototype: paper

The design works, but it is still wrong. I am over trying to make it right.

I have to put it away until I am brave and patient enough to take a crack at it again.