Thursday, February 3, 2011

Alter It Monthly

I am so excited to have Alter It Monthly back this month,  and with a wonderful sponser,  ARTchix Studio! The theme is shrines, nichos, alters, dream boxes                     
( and, in my case, potential fire hazards)


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 I didn't set out to make a religious shrine. These things just kind of happen. I was playing with my new inchie shrines from Art Chix when I came across this Mary icon from my Grandma and it ended up going in that direction.  I'm really just a fairweather Catholic, often going when I'm on vacation and we see a beautiful church, or we're visiting family. For many years it seemed the only time I attended Mass was when I was visiting my Grandma in Pittsburgh, PA, and she went here to Assumption in Bellevue.

She was married there, my parents were married there, and I...was married near the ocean in Washington by a Presbyterian ( like I said, Fairweather), but this church holds many special memories for me.  I had my First Communion here, although all I remember is my special cake with the pink, plastic rosary on it. There were many Christmas Masses, my Grandparents' 50th anniversary, and several ordinary Sundays when Gram and I went to church.  I can still hear her groaning about the way people dressed too casually for Mass these days and I knew better than to show up in jeans. Actually, I still feel a little guilty when I end up at Mass in denim- I'm pretty sure God doesn't care, but my Grandma does!

With all that said, my shrine became a tribute to this particular church, built in 1931, a special place I am nostalgic for. The photo transferred on fabric is from a book the church had printed for their dedication ceremony, and the stained glass windows I know and love are yet to be.

Materials used: ARTchix inchie shrine, covered in Distress Crackle paint, two dollar frame found on sale at Borders, metal roses and white flower from ArtChix, vintage icon, felt, seed beads, German glass glitter, acrylic paints, crackle, muslin, transfer paper,Creative Paperclay for candle holder, cut-off birthday candle, and I think that covers it.

17 comments:

Zuzu's Blog said...

i love that its an icon.. inside a nicho.. inside a shrine . lol.. you covered this theme really well. thank you so much for joining us this month :)

Unknown said...

Incredibly creative, Katie ... and very beautiful.

Maggie said...

Your shrine is beautiful. What a lovely church Assumption is! When I was growing up, my best friend's parents were from the Bellevue area and went to Assumption. I remember hearing them talk about it.

Thanks for visiting my blog! It's great to hear that you will be waving your Terrible Towel in Washington on Sunday! Go Steelers!

I'm so glad to find your blog...I'm now a follower.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely way to remember your Grandmother, your childhood and make some wonderful art for you to see around to bring those memories alive. xox Corrine

Joanna said...

Superb shrine, Katie. I love the history behind it and your memories. Very precious. I'm sure God doesn't mind denim - and that it's a casual heart he wouldn't care for.

I'm hoping to have a go at Alter It Monthly too - my first attempt!

xxx

Anonymous said...

Great job. The lit candle gives it a definite shrine appeal. Thanks for the close-ups. -Jodi

Silvia(Barnie) said...

How fantastic, just a wonderful shrine.

Rhonda said...

A very personal shrine, thank you for sharing your story. I am not a religious person, but when we travel we always seem to visit churches, they are an example of the culture and the artwork is usually fabulous. Love your mini shrine within a shrine too - cheers!

Gillian .... said...

Hi Katie, good to have you back playing with us. Your shrine is very inspirational encasing so many memories, it looks great lit up.

donna said...

Wonderful tribute and I enjoyed your story too.

Anikraft said...

This is stunning and such a personal project. Looking forward to seeing more of your work. Anika x

My Creative House said...

Katie your shrine is wonderful and with the little Mary icon, a lovely memory of your grandmother, yes it is wool and various yarns I've used on my fairy collage.
Anni

Lorraine said...

like your shrine, faces embroidery and brush holder..thanks for visiting my blog today

Lori Saul said...

I love to embellish nichos- this is beautiful and such a lovely presentation Katie- wow I'm inspired again!

Pipiluciana said...

Love the shrine, great idea!

Junibears said...

A lovely shrine. Love your doodling with watercolours too. xx

Kim Dellow said...

Fabulous! Love how the picture adds that extra depth! Kim