Project Monday: New Leaf Installment 2

A New Leaf.

The possibilities were endless. So many things came to mind. But none felt right. Then I met a woman who called herself an artist. When I answered back, "me too", I suddenly felt like a liar. Am I an artist? I was one. What kind of "art" do I do? I'm not working with clay. I'm not painting. I haven't altered anything in forever. Nearly everything I have made this past year has had a purpose.

I have changed.

I took up sewing, felt work, toy making. I took the handmade pledge and have tried to live it. I have learned how to be creative and to have lovely, usable, functioning items in the end, which, honestly, is much more realistic for the season of life I am living. I have enjoyed every minute of this new way of thinking and being and, really, nothing is changing. But, it wasn't until I remembered the artist within, that I finally figured out how "A New Leaf" was going to materialize. So, at least, for this months project, you have the artist's take.

This is a leaf.

(I took the literal road.)

First, the how. I made the leaf out of sticks, craft paper, tissue paper and paint. It hangs from a string of twine in a cardboard Nectarine box. One side is meant to look old. The other new. In front of the old side dangles a tag that reads, "turn me over". The box was first painted black and then ModPodged with paper bags torn into random, irregular shapes.

The stick on top of the box anchors the leaf.

Now, the why. I simply liked the challenge of making a leaf. I am very pleased with the outcome. I especially like the old side. The new side, as you can see from the pics above, (please ignore the hideous linoleum floor, it's days are numbered) went through a couple different looks. When it was green, it didn't seem "new" enough (though amazingly real). It looked too natural. I like the gold.

Going deeper. I want to be this leaf. I want this year to be a turn around year. There are so many personal changes I want to make. I'm hoping this leaf will serve as a reminder.

In writing this post, I have realized that though I have changed, it is not in the, "Oh my gosh I've lost myself" way I initially thought. The artist isn't gone. She's just... broader, more versatile, more mature. I am so pleased and so happy, so amazed. This gives me hope for the ways I'd like to grow in the year to come :)

Here's to 2010!

Turn me over.

I'm ready!