Monday, January 24, 2011

Livre de Oiseaux~Book of Birds


First pg.
Some of you may be visiting from Masterpiece Monday Welcome! I am glad you stopped by, let me know that you visited and leave a comment, I enjoy visiting with those who love the Lord, art, books and nature or any combination of those. Some of you have been curious from other posts to know what my "Bird Book"is. Here is a peak at my Altered Mixed Media Book, Livre de Oiseaux. I haven't finished it yet, it is a work in progress and something I find great joy in creating.

I was inspired by a book my friend Laura of LOC showed me called Nature Inspired by Tracie Lyn Huskamp. This book has great techniques and ideas to walk you through creating your own mixed media book. If you are an altered art fan then you will enjoy this book! My book is filled with artwork as well as poetry, bible verses and other sayings that inspire me to think beyond myself.

Become Radiant

This page features a verse from Isaiah 60:1 & 5a It reads:

Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. Then you shall see and become radiant and your heart shall swell with joy.

I Love the imagery. I think the birds do this every morning, don't you! To become radiant... it is only with the glory of the Lord that I could ever hope to be this way.

I have been building this book for some time but recently have come back to it and I have found great pleasure in it's creation, I almost can't stop making pages for it. I intend on using my own bird sketches for another 2 page layout but haven't decided on a color scheme just yet.

For the cover, I am using an old rummage sale book. I have taken out the insides so that I can use the cover and spine. And because I am so cheap, I use canvas drop cloths from the hardware store for the substructure. Then I start building the pages.

The Mockingbird details

The Skylarks details

I am a collector. My friend Laura and I call each other little squirrels, because of our gathering instincts. I tell you what, it is hard for me to throw out stuff I know I will use on projects like this. So consequently, I have drawers and baskets, pockets and piles of treasure all around my studio. I tell myself it is one of my best character qualities...hey, not everyone can turn trinkets and trash into soulful treasures from the heart, right?(I say that humbly)

This page is called Mrs. Robin

To be continued....Thanks for visiting.

12 comments:

Joan Ervin said...

Oh my...what a treasure!!!! I can see all the love you have put into every little detail...you are one talented lady!!!!!

Laura Kirste Campbell said...

I "ooo" and "aaa" at every little detail, Heather! It's so special that you put your heart into this book, which will be a treasure for generations to come. They will know more of who you are and who God is to you through this beautiful work of heart! Precious and beautiful Livre de Oiseaux!

Jennie said...

Oh this is just beautiful!! It is always good to think beyond ourselves...we probably do way to much of that anyways. The birds are just a lovely and your trinkets/trash are well recycled into something even more beautiful and meaningful. Quite a picture of what the Lord will do with our lives if we will let Him have His way!

kiwimeskreations said...

Heather this is amazing - I love the lace you use (I am a lace 'fan' and a lacemaker). I am also in awe of your machine-ing on your pages,as well as the overall 'look' that you achieve.
Blessings
Maxine

Lovely Linda said...

Heather - what ana amzing project! Your work is juts divine and so beautiful to see! I love all of your details and the beauty that you capture with each page! What a treasure you have created - you are inspiring me!! {{{hugs}}}

NinaB said...

Heather, thank you so much for sharing your art and your heart. I'm so glad to have met you and feel like I've known you forever. I hope someday our paths will cross again and perhaps to be able to touch and see your artwork up close. Blessings and hugs from Croatia!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful work of art, Heather! I have yet to try an altered book... but your thoughts and treasure may be the push to get me going! Thanks for sharing your work and your heart with us!

JaniceAileen said...

Wow! This is just gor-geous!!!

MariLynn said...

This is beautiful. I love the different textures the different laces add. Such attention to detail. I saw your bird page on Layers of Color blog. Simply gorgeous!

Mrs. W said...

Thanks ladies I am so glad you all stopped by for a vist! LOC has a great and supportive design team I am honored to be amongst your talented community!

Grace said...

Hi Heather! Wow gf! I am in awe! This book is such a treasure! I love the bird theme and that you are adding so many different special features, and especially the Bible verses! I love the shabby feel, the lace and trinkets... oh it's just lovely!!!

Good to see you again!
hugs and blessings,
Grace

Melisa Waldorf said...

Heather this is STUUNNING!! You are a fabulous mixed media artist. I'm afraid even with the book, I still wouldn't have come up with this. I LOVE how you work with fabric. I will check out this book. Can you tell me what the basis of the book is?? Is it muslin and if so, how do you make the pages so that they are solid enough to adhere all that stuff?? Oh how I wish I could be a fly on the wall!