crow collage

I've been making collages with my stamps and security envelopes for a few months. They've been simple, small and abstract. I decided to do something a little different. I gathered a couple of envelopes, some doily scraps, and a box from Yogi teas. Have you seen the inside of the Yogi tea boxes? Gorgeous. Inspiring. I had a piece of cardboard from the back of a frame to use as my surface, and I let this piece evolve. Layer by layer with found papers, ink, and paint... it grew. I think it's still growing. I'm not sure if I will leave it be, or not.

I was definitely influenced by my desire for the arrival of spring and the snow covered meadow out my back door. At first I added (white) grass beneath the security envelope tree, but then an entire garden wanted to bloom. The blossoms are bits from the tea box, painted with a fine brush. I left one undone so that you could see what it looked like. The doilies made perfect clumps of ivory flowers... or maybe they are the last traces of snow, I'm not sure.

This is a gift for a dear friend. She's someone who's received my collages and art over the years and I always feel I can experiment with her presents. She's gracious and excited about anything handmade. Now isn't that a sweet gift to the artist?! We all should have a friend like that, or at least try to be that kind of friend!