Covering boxes and lions!
I have no idea why over the last two years I have been attracted to buying plain little boxes and then covering them with a few layers of paint and a bit of tatting, so transforming them. My immediate family (all men) are really not impressed with the boxes, and can't see the point of going to all the trouble of decorating this small useless item. So hopefully some one reading this blog may be a little more enthusiastic about my efforts!
Most of the tatting that adorns them is from a stash of long discarded items that linger in a wicker basket
The flowers are from bunches that I put together and were in a crocheted basket in a flower and fabrics exhibition last year. I still have a lot more of them!
A friend of mine has recently visited Paris and sent me this picture taken in the Palace of Versailles and she thought it might be tatting. It is crocheted lace over a Pakistan marble lion, in fact there are two of them. Just look at this link if you want to know more about the exhibition.
This is a Chinese Soapstone lion (one of a pair) that I thought I would cover with tatting, these are the bunches that I took to pieces, added a pearl bead and stuck on the top of the yellow box.
Not quite in the style as the Pakistan marble lion! So you might like to look at these animals also created by the same person who decorated the Versailles's lion, does that inspire any one to cover an animal with tatting?
I love your decorated boxes, but I have to admit that I am with the men here. I prefer to know up front the use for what I am making before I start making it.
ReplyDeleteI think that is the reason why I don't show many tatted finishes since I don't finish many, anyway. Whatever tatting I have really completed are mostly given away.
Instead I channel my tatting towards designing because I know at the end of it I have a tatting pattern to show.
You tell those men in your life that they've got no taste and no imagination. I love your boxes. Wonder how many giraffes you could get in each of them?
ReplyDeleteI think you boxes are adorable! Mine would be filled with bits of tatting awaiting more boxes. ; )
ReplyDeleteI like the crab! - and love your orange box.
ReplyDeleteBut if you cover your lion with tatting, it's going to get very dusty! - perhaps leave all of that to the museum people to deal with and just enjoy your lion as he is!
Those boxes would be awesome as jewelry boxes for young ladies (or older ones). I often purchase small wood boxes and decorate them with something to use in the presentation of presents of jewelry.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for the comments. Actually Jon I take great pleasure in giving these boxes away, often with items inside, just hope therefore that they are appreciated! Jane - I better show people the giraffes soon! Diane - I must admit to being tempted to keep one or two! Maureen - my favourite was the snake!
ReplyDeleteSusie - Glad to hear there is another fan of boxes and yes they do make present giving more attractive.
Haha! I chucked when I saw your boxes as I just did 19 of them with my mom and daughters. My husband smiled quizzically but we all thought they were wonderful, not in your league of course but the concept is the same.
ReplyDeleteI like your lion very much! Nthe Versailles lion is inserting to although the snake on thtoilet was my fave. Tee hee!
I hate the auto- correct. Now the Versailles lion is interesting too is what I meant!
ReplyDeleteI like your boxes Sally. very nice and cheery.
ReplyDeleteI can just imagine the joy on the faces of those your receive them. as for the animals in lace, it certainly changes their look.
I love how you decorated your little boxes. They are all so adorable!!
ReplyDeleteI don't care what men say, I love the boxes and am very jealous. The art work is very unusual but I kinda like it. Keep making what you like- your the one that matters!
ReplyDeleteMy family just nod and smile at all my bits of projects. They eat the cakes and candies happlily, wear the tie dyed shirts , love my handmade dishcloths but shake their had my lace and other projects. It's a man thing.
ReplyDeleteLove the boxes . You do such beautiful work.
Your boxes are so sweet!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the little boxes, they'll hold jewellery or more tatting or whatever. But poor lion lacks dignity, covered in tatting!
ReplyDeleteI love your little boxes, they are always lovely.
ReplyDeleteMargaret
I just read this post and am speechless (gobsmacked!) about the Versailles exhibit (all beyond description) and the 'lace' artist's other animals. Words just don't seem adequate to describe what I'm seeing!
ReplyDeleteAnd I have lots to say about the boxes, but it's time for lunch, and I will write more later!
Thanks so much for this amazing post and links!
Lovely boxes! My favorite is the yellow one with the flowers.
ReplyDeleteThe exhibition is so interesting, I would like to be there to see it...
Your boxes are very beautiful. They would make nice gifts. You could even tat a pair of earrings and put in them as a complete gift. Wonderful job!!
ReplyDeleteMarie
I love my box (and contents!) that you sent me! It's on my dresser right now, where I can see it and enjoy it every day!
ReplyDeleteI openly admit that I have a box obsession --boxes, tins... anything that helps organize or is pretty and useful. (Other than boxes waiting for decoration, I have only one small box that I don't use --and for a good reason! There was a CRICKET in my residence! Hubby went to bed without resolving the issue, so I caught Jiminy in my pretty little fairy box and then brought him out to let him go --at, like, three in the morning. LOL! Of course, a neighbor happened to be walking by and the lawn was cut the next morning. I hope Jiminy is okay, but I get a little nervous every time I get near the box as though he's still int here! *blushes*
ReplyDeleteUgh.. rambling... Sorry... I love your boxes and the men don't know what they're talking about! The tatting is beautiful and the boxes can have a million and one uses! The flower one really widened my eyes because all I could think was, "lily pads and frogs". That you be adorable!!! Those silly men in your life might see nothing, but I see beauty, functionality, and inspiration!
♥,
Stephanie Grace
P.S. Sorry... I don't know how to keep things short, LOL.
I've returned to finish my comment!
ReplyDeleteI am the PROUD recipient of one of your beautifully decorated boxes - so VERY special; and the amazing items that were included, which were a complete surprise! It was like opening a Christmas gift! Wonderful and delicate tatting and beading! And, like Sharren, I also have these items in view every day, as I have a special spot for them.
I've been decorating boxes of various kinds since I began tatting, and I guess I have too many of them(!), but they are very useful in holding those 'little' things, especially earrings, rings and pendants that are special to me. I have also given boxes with tatting on them to family and friends, and I know they are appreciated. Men don't understand our sentimental need to acquire keepsakes!
I love your boxes! And had to laugh, because I have several of these boxes - still plain brown - in a drawer, waiting to be decorated in much the same manner that you have :-) I'm hoping that seeing all your cute boxes will inspire me to get with it and do mine.
ReplyDeleteThe covered lions are pretty cool, but I think it would be hard to keep them clean :0
I love your boxes
ReplyDelete