Amy from Inspire Co. recently hosted a delightful swap entitled Birthday Treasury Swap. We were to use one of Tim Holtz' (or other) shadowboxes and embellish to our heart's content using a birthday theme... sounds easy, right?
This was my very first shadowbox (ever) and being my usual optimistic self, I purchased one of the larger boxes, with 14 compartments. ((what was I thinking?!?))
What I soon learned was that it is very difficult to work within such tiny spaces... and even more difficult to find teensy birthday items that fit inside! But I took it on as an opportunity to be creative and spontaneous!
My partner, Gretchen, is a writer and a musician, and her favorite colors are fall colors (i.e. orange, browns).
Here's what I ended up with...
...I wanted a vintage, aged feel to the whole thing... used old sheet music in each of the compartments (honoring Gretchen's musical talents)...
... Gretchen also loves birds, so I included a few (and a nest)...
... I enjoyed digging through my stashes of "stuff" that I have saved for just the right project! Like this birthday candle from the 40's ... had to trim it just a tad to get it to fit...
...every birthday girl needs a little bling, so I added a few charms and vintage brooches...
We were both late finishing and shipping, mine is enroute to Gretchen as we speak... hers arrived at my doorstep yesterday (I'm saving the photos of MY shadowbox for Pink Saturday's blog party).
(p.s. I also found out that Gretchen has a birthday in August... and mine is July 19th! Perfect timing!)
What a gorgeous shadow box. Gretchen is a lucky lady. I love it.
Posted by: Ellie | Sunday, 17 July 2011 at 10:48 PM
Mercedes, the shadowbox you created is absolutely STUNNING!! I love the beautiful colors, and your choice of tiny treasures is wonderful! I love it! And I'm sure your lucky partner will too.
Posted by: debi | Thursday, 14 July 2011 at 08:16 AM