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Heartstrings Hanging

In my travels and stress of the past month I nearly forgot that Heartstrings had been hung in my absence by the lovely ladies of the Whatcom Art Guild ❤️
I finally got downtown to Hair Art Studio to see it hanging and it made me happy! Of course it’ll be even more happy to see it sold but I love these mixed media canvases that are inspired by the power of music and mental health and life in general for most people!

If you’re out shopping downtown Bellingham this month please stop by and see all the art of local artists, many who are members of the Whatcom Art Guild and Market!!
©Belindabotzong2018

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Heartstrings – Heart of Gold

Heartstrings - Heart of Gold - BothThis mixed media project is a set of two 24″x36″ canvases with a collage of sheet music, gold paper, copper, and photos of a book cover, “Home Sweet Home”
The guitar strings and equipment represent the musical staff – copper notes and clefs were a contribution from an artist on Guemes Island, Darlene Klister at Firelight Design studios.  A fret board provides contrast and continues the theme of guitar parts, or any stringed instrument.
Crushed golden glass and a covering of gold gauze material provide texture and muted tones.  I always finish with a hammered copper heart for these Heartstrings projects.
Music pulls at the heartstrings of many people.  It creates memories and brings back memories.  It is an essential part of the human experience, especially for those who struggle with mental illness, sorrow, or loss.  It expands the experience of joyous occasions and comforts during stressful situations.  It is a language all its own, with signs and symbols that communicate rhythm, melody, harmony, notes and chords that speaks to the soul, spirit, mind and body.

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Glue

I have had more trouble with glue than any other challenge in doing mixed media art! Oh my goodness this one scared me. After trying silicone based glue that was too squishy and hot glue that doesn’t bond metal to glass, I just tried superglue! Near tragedy. My right thumb got glued to a c-clamp! Freaked me out but I got it off very very slowly without ripping my thumb skin. I continued on and next thing I know the glue tube is hermetically sealed to my other thumb! While trying to work that off my opposite thumbnail got stuck to the first thumb and while my husband is frantically bathing my hands in the only thing he could find– all natural nail polish remover– my finger gets stuck to my thumbs! Now I’m really in a panic and he goes for scissors!! No!! Don’t cut my skin! I’m going to lose all my fingerprints and walk around glued to a tube and to myself! After much precision and most of the nail polish remover– delightfully flavored with avacado oil!– I got my finger freed. I twisted and pulled and finally let my thumb go but the tube was still tightly bound to my right thumb and the paint on the tube was now dissolving! Finally after many frantic minutes my crusted fingers and hands were free! Oh the price I pay for creativity! Moral of the story –use gloves! And buy gel superglue next time!!

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Heartstrings in process

Latest heartstrings project is nearing completion. Inspired by guitars and sheet music the strings of the instrument represent the musical staff. I will complete it by adding a commissioned set of copper wire notes along with a bass clef and treble clef. It’s been a long process and I’m excited to present it to the Whatcom Art Guild next month for consideration for display and sale. Each canvas is 24×36. Can’t wait to do more!

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Whatcom Art Market

Announcing an exciting venture for Refind Creations! Starting May 16 we will be selling our creations– candles, home decor, and art projects at the Whatcom Art Market! As members of the Whatcom Art Guild we will be focused on providing beautiful pieces to compliment your home. Hand poured soy candles in antique vessels will be our first featured item. Hope you can come out and support local artisans here in Bellingham!

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Home Sweet Home

Be it ever so humble
There’s no place like home ..
adding Refind Creations home decor with one of my favorite themes .. Home Sweet Home and Heartstrings..
For sale in our booth starting next week

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Heartstrings Project 6- Twinkle 

This one is for a friends newborn baby boy whose big sister loves to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
Mixed media on wood. I used parchment paper for the sheet music and decoupage to create a mosaic. The star and notes are copper and the music staff is copper wire with brass tacks.

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Heartstrings Project 4- Amazing Grace


This one is for my mother in law for Mothers Day. Amazing Grace how sweet the sound. Gods grace is amazing. His love is pure and freely given when we trust Jesus as our savior.
My mother in law is always gracious and kind. She has loved me as one of her daughters from the moment I met her. She is generous and loving and I am thankful for her blessing on our family.
Burlap over canvas. Parchment paper over burlap. Strings and staff and notes of copper. My husband made the cross from poplar wood.