Shadow boxes and shrines add a new level to the art of memory keeping.

Often referred to as "assemblage art," "dimensional scrap" or "collection collages," the basic concept is the same -- arranging sentimental mementos in an eye-appealing way.

Many of us have these types of collections in our living space and don't even realize it: refrigerator doors, fireplace mantles, dresser tops, workspaces and even car dashboards.

I discovered how fun this genre is last year when I was hired by a publisher to pull together an art book on the topic.

My assignment was to invite a variety of national artists to join me in sharing their vision of this ever-growing art form.

Being a beginner to the book world, I spent many hours poring over art magazines and Web sites to find the perfect balance. The result is Making Shadow Boxes and Shrines (Rockport Publishers), a collection of 38 projects, ranging from spiritual and sacred to wild and wacky.

Many of the contributing artists and I will be on hand to discuss and share our work, as well as offer demonstrations on making your own assemblage masterpiece.

Until then, here is a sneak peek at one of the projects:

Newborn Baby Memory Box

Supplies:
1 shallow shadow box
Assorted acrylic paints
White craft glue
Baby-themed wrapping paper
1 miniature doll dresser
1 sheet of fun foam
Miniature baby decorations such as diaper pins, blocks, bottles and diapers
Color copies of baby photos
Hanging photo ornament
Scissors and paintbrushes

Directions: Paint a base coat on the box and dresser in contrasting colors. Line the inside of the shadow box with wrapping paper. Glue the miniature dresser in the center of the shadow box and adhere some of the miniature items to fill it up. Lay out the photos around the box. Cut out shapes from the fun foam as well as pictures from the wrapping paper and arrange them around the photos. Flip the box over and glue the ornament to the bottom of the back of the box. Do not move until glue is set. Attach a picture hanger to the back for display.


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CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

Labels: baby, mother's day, shrines

Special friends deserve special gifts - especially when it comes to celebrating newborn bundles of joy. There's no better reason to take time out of a busy schedule to create some handcrafted pieces. If you are short on ideas but big on sentiment, I suggest picking up a copy of Baby Gifts: Simple Heirlooms to Make and Give ($18.95, Chronicle Books).

The dainty hardback is separated into chapters by theme, including wardrobe, nursery trimmings and toys. It features a variety of projects that are fit for all skill levels and uses. While many of them, such as the flannel receiving blanket and baby bloomers require a bit of sewing, others, such as the no-sew bibs and nighty nightlight, do not. Regardless, each idea is as adorable as it is practical.

In the spirit of gurgling, cooing cherubs everywhere, here's my own version of a basic baby pillow. Made from felt or fabric, it is easy to create and looks best when given as a set tied up with a piece of ribbon. Keep in mind for safety reasons that these pillows are to be used for decorative purposes only. !

Easy Baby Pillows


4 8 by 10 pieces of felt or fabric in contrasting colors
Paper and pencil
Scissors
Straight pin
Needle, thread
Sewing machine
Batting

Directions: Separate the felt pieces that you would like to use as the front and back panel. Sketch out the design you would like to use for the front of the pillow on the paper and cut out. Lay the pieces on another piece of felt, trace design and cut out. Arrange and pin the cut out pieces to the front panel and then sew in place, either with machine or by hand. When finished, stitch the front and back panels together, either by turning inside out or sewing right side out around the edges.

Variations: For a more elegant look, the book uses chenille fabric and pompon trim. For the front panel design, cut out letters to make a cute monogrammed pillow. Embroider two new cloth diapers and use instead of fabric. If you don't have a sewing machine, these pillows can be easily hand stitched.


***
CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

Labels: baby, fabric, sewing