F*L*Y

I created this canvas last night (YES, Margaret, a canvas!!!!) for a friend who just walked away from a stifling, 2 year, co-dependant relationship. I think the whole "fly" theme is trite, cliche'd and over used, but nonetheless very appropriate for this friend, who has recently discovered a liking for altered art, so even the cliches are new to her.

The canvas was a forgotten treasure I found in a suitcase my husband pulled out of our bedroom while decluttering. A timely discovery for sure! I glued old , yellowed newspaper all over the 8"x 10" canvas (bought at a garage sale a million years ago for 25 cents) and the wings came down from my inspiration board to be finally utilized for the perfect project. Good thing the wings are printed on a cardboard instead of just paper, because they stand out from the sides of the canvas, unsupported. When we spread our wings, don't we break free of boundaries? The word "fly" is made from stencil letters I distressed with first a rust then a brown ink pad (direct to paper) and I used the same on the edges of the canvas. I attached the stencil letters with foam dots so they added dimension to the piece. The beaded fringe is attached with hot glue. On the reverse I scrawled "Stella's" story with a Sharpie marker and the altered postcard I wrote a note on conceals my friend's identity (the canvas is inscribed).

When my friend saw the piece, she cried.

I love when that happens.

I wish I had enough materials to make one of these for myself. I could use a reminder to soar to great heights. I think we all could. And so "fly" will remain a beloved sentiment, no matter how over used!

I am hooked on this canvas thing. It is such a soft, springy surface. So yielding. I am going to look for frames to stretch fabric on and prime myself. I bought guesso this past weekend (DH obligingly stopped at Michaels on our way home from our romantic getaway) so I am armed and dangerous! Watch for more canvases in the future! Maybe I will even do a tutorial on preparing them yourself.