Monday, January 7, 2013

Bird Fabric Collage Book as a "Thankyou" Gift

Well in no time at all since returning to my studio
after our humble Christmas celebrations
(and that's only 2 weeks)
I've found myself completely surrounded by all manner
of bits and pieces like bits of lace, fabric, motifs, buttons,
string, glue, cottons, doileys, etc. which I've
managed to spread all around me in
such a mess!
Tell me - it's the same for you when creating!!!???
However, through it all I have some finished projects.



It's not everyday you receive an email from a woman
wanting to gift you with her collection of
mixed media materials just because
she loves your artwork!

Well, the truth of the matter is that Lisa who currently
resides in New Zealand is about to embark on a new
phase in her life which will take her to live in
Tasmania and she wanted her collection to go to someone
who followed her heart's desire and who would really
appreciate its contents and that person was
me!!!

How incredible! When Lisa offered it I had no idea what would arrive



but inside the two boxes were crammed full with vintage doilies,
laces, ribbon, bindings, vintage jewellery etc.
all of which represented most likely several years of
collecting!
















I also found the beginnings of a fabric bird journal 
which she said was inspired by me!
There was also a partially completed front cover and a few
loose unillustrated fabric pages as well as some images
of birds and feathers.




I was so in awe of such an incredibly kind act I decided to create a fabric book for her using her bird images and several of
her items
from the collection along with many of my own
and before too many days passed I was able to present her 
with my finished project.




Front cover modified and embellished using Lisa's vintage
jewellery, feathers and fringing.







Detail of some embellishing.




Inside cover using upholstery fabric
(this was some gorgeous fabric included from a beautiful
parcel from Robin




So here you can see Lisa's bird images once collaged
and incorporated into the pages



along with some of my own bird images
and printed silks.












I created the nest here from a vintage chair I took apart some 
time ago!



A particularly pretty doiley here from Lisa
with some soft pastel chiffons.


With the feather images I made these tags which
now live inside the cut lace pocket
on the inside back cover.


It all comes together here!!!





And, of course, the accompanying tag
was with a bird theme also!






And here it sits on a wash stand
as I get it all packed up
ready for sending
to Lisa.




Hope you enjoy viewing this and I have several
more projects ready to share which
I hope to soon as I journey along
with you all!

On a more sombre note
I would just like to leave with these couple of images
of the Tasmanian bush fires in the hope of you
sparing a little thought for those left
homeless, shocked and in 
desperate situations
as a result!
I'm simply lost for words!



We are today facing the most possible catastrophic
fire danger
 situation here in our state yet!!!




Stay safe and show a little kindness
to each other!

xxx Suzy



50 comments:

  1. What a lovely fabric book you've created and a wonderful gift of lovelies that you'll use in other projects as well.

    I am sorry to hear about those fires and will pray for all who have been affected by them.

    FlowerLady Lorraine

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  2. What a beautiful story Suzy and I am sure Lisa is oceejpyed you fonished the book and gsve it back toher. So sorry to hear sbout the fires....sich a scary thong thst really no one can control. Wishing for rain....xox

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  3. Dear Susy
    Hope you're not in danger with fire? It's terrible, and nobody tell about this in Europe!!!
    Congratulations for your marvellous new birds book, it's too much cute!
    And I love your laces collection!
    Hugs and kisses

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  4. Oh Suzy my heart goes out to those that have lost so much, I spent my childhood in Tasmania, such a beautiful place, my prayers are sent xx
    The gift Lisa sent to you was so beautiful, I love how you made such a meaningful keepsake for her right from the heart and it does show!

    Thank you for sharing
    - Jeanette

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  5. Such a sweet act of kindness on both your parts. And yes I will pray for all those people that have felt a loss in those fires. Take care, Di

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  6. ce livre est une vraie merveille! j'admire votre talent à créer ce genre de livre textile, emprunt d'une grande touche de romantisme et d'un côté désuet du temps passé . je suis fan et admirative . belle et douce journée à vous

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  7. You are so very lucky!! I am totally envious :-)

    I think the project turned out beautifully and it was such a wonderful thing to do.

    I know you will treasure each piece she sent to you.

    I look forward to seeing what you create next.

    Happy Crafting
    Tracie
    http://homeofthepurskey.blogspot.com

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  8. Suzy, beautiful work and inspiration for a new year indeed!
    Of all the natural disasters those catastrophic bushfires top the list...very frightening to see. Stay safe!

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  9. Suzy, you have once again astounded and inspired me with your beautiful work. And what an incredible gift and a testament to the work you do.Terrible news about the fires. I hope things will resolve very soon.

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  10. How very generous and kind of Lisa to gift you with her collections.
    The book you made for her is just
    stunning and so special using items from her collection. I'm sure she will treasure it forever.
    Have a wonderful start of the week,dear Suzy.
    Hugs,
    Marie

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  11. Dear Suzy
    This beautiful post captures the beauty of art friends and the community we become part of.
    Lisa is obviously a very special, generous hearted lady but really if anyone were to receive such bounties it had to be you. Your subsequent creations are literally the sort to take our breaths away, all those textiles you bring together in a perfect marriage, incredibly beautiful.
    Suzy, it was so lovely of you to include a note on the fires. I cannot begin to imagine the terror felt by anyone whose lives have been hit by this, the destruction is on a nightmare level.
    Wishes
    Lynne
    P.S. Oh yes, I can relate to being a messy creator! I was always such a neat freak before, I do not know what on earth I have turned into lol.

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  12. Hi Suzy - what an amazing book you have once again created - I'm sure she'll be delighted with it

    Looking forward to seeing what else you make with that gorgeous stash so kindly gifted

    I am so sorry to hear about the terrible fires and send my prayers to all those affected by them

    Have a lovely day x Hilda

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  13. So strange that your home is dangerously dry and people are losing their homes to the fire, whilst over here we're saturated and there has been so many homes damaged through floods. Perhaps this year our governments and those in other countries will start taking serious care of our planet. Such a thoughtful and beautiful thank you gift and lovely to see the gorgeous trims and fabrics so kindly gifted.

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  14. My goodness, Suzy. What a treasure your friend gifted you. And it couldn't have gone to a better home. She will be so thrilled to have some of her laces coming back to her in such a gorgeous fashion.
    Shocking about Tasmania. It's really sad.

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  15. The generosity of friends is very touching. Your completing this beautiful bird and feather themed journal for her is priceless. Creative Hearts are Happy Hearts...

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  16. First off my heart goes out to all those who have been touched by the fire that is ravaging your country...my prayers for safety and a quick put out of the fires are being said...Your book is stunning and I am sure that Lisa will be thrilled with the treasure that this book represents...such a wonderful token of friendship on both of you...your ability to collage all these elements together in such a beautiful way never fails to stir my heart as well as my creative muse...thank you for sharing your beautiful muse with all of...

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  17. My dearest Suzy,
    Your fantastic gift of beauty, and of Lisa`s good heart, is so gorgeously filled with all those beautiful laces and embroideries- and my sweet dear friend, you so good hearthed made Lisa, the most amazing birds journal,ever. Your pages are so wonderfully filled with nature effects and lovely qoutes, fantastic materials, and the beauty only creating from the heart can do!!
    I feel scared on your behalf ,and pray you are safe, and that the rain will soon start so no more poor people will be in this awful situation.
    Sending love to you, and a warm hug.
    Dorthe

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  18. Dear Suzy,
    What a gorgous gift you received from Lisa. I know she gifted you with such a treasure knowing you will make beautiful artbwith it. Your new bird journal is beautiful. You used the pictures so beautiful in the journal Lisa will be thrilled with this beautiful journal.

    So sad to hear about those terrible fires so hard seeing people lost their homes in the flames. Hope ou are safe and far away from his fires. We already heard about the high temperatures in Australia.

    Keep safe
    Lve and hugs
    Yvonne

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  19. I've been drooling over those luscious laces and goodies Lisa sent you. The book you created is just gorgeous, and what a lovely thank you.
    Prayers sent for those in Tasmania affected by the terrible fires.

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  20. Oh my gosh... you have me wanting to make something now. I have been hording lace this year. Hopefully if I ever get all this Christmas put up... I can do something new!

    Okay, one of my New Years resolutions is taking the time to leave more notes for my blogging friends! I always read posts in a reader and it makes it hard to leave a comment or two. But I do not miss a post! Love seeing the things you share and your lovely home. I wish I had more time to blog, but I work part time at our local library. I wanted to share with you my new blog, just opened this week.... http://www.brookekroeger.blogspot.com.... it will be for my vingage and digital work... including printables you might enjoy. I also have my home and garden site, http://www.creativecountrymom.blogspot.com. This week I am doing a look back to my spring garden.

    Hope to be able to connect more in this new year. I am spending less time on Facebook and gave up twitter and everything else. A girl needs time to create, decorate and GARDEN ya know!

    God bless....Brooke
    creativecountrymom@gmail.com

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  21. What beautiful gifts of treasure given and received!!! My thoughts and prayers ascend for those facing such heart breaking tragedy.
    Take care.
    Always, Queenie

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  22. I am drooling over all the lovely photos in this post. AMAZING details.
    I am sorry to hear about the fires. Devasting. Keeping those people in my thoughts and prayers!

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  23. You have created a gorgeous book from the boxes of lovely things you received. Looking forward to seeing the next project.
    I saw the fires on the news over here [UK], it looked terrifying.

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  24. This is another work of art from you Suzy and what a lovely and lucky person Lisa is......i really need some inspiration to do some stitching of some kind so im gonna come back 2moro and have a good look through you beautiful work.....not sure whats up with me it must still be puppy love...i hope the fires have calmed down :(

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  25. Another beauty filled post dear Suzy! Your journal is beyond beautiful, and I adore the nest you made from an old chair!! Gifts from the heart are truly the best...I should know :) I'm so sorry to hear about the tragic fires that have happened in your area, I pray that relief from the dryness will happen soon and no one is hurt. Have a wonderful week.

    Hugs,
    Robin

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  26. My prayers go out to Tasmania.

    Your book is exquisite. She will love it, I know.

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  27. What a sweetie Lisa is and your bird book gift takes my breath away Suzy,,,stunning!!!!
    Prayers for the people of Tasmania.
    xoxo
    JoAnne

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  28. Incredible gifts, from an incredible lady, to an incredible lady. The devastation from the fires reminds me of the devastation from our recent storms and floods. It is hearbreaking.

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  29. Unexpected gifts are sooo nice aren't they?!! My heart would have ben racing opening up such a bounty!!
    If this gets through it will be a kiracle as the Word Vefif'n is so faint I can hardly read it.If you have Comment Moderation do you really need W.V'n as well?

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  30. Suzy she could not have found a better person to gift all her gorgeous collection to. You in turn have made this beautiful journal for her. what a great story.

    I had not heard of the fires in Tasmania and feel very bad for the people there. We spent a beautiful week in Tasmania years ago. I actually saw a Punch & Judy show down in the park by the waterfront in Hobart on the Sat. morning. I was enchanted as had never seen one before. I was like a big kid.

    Hugs
    FredaB

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  31. A wonderful post with beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing the great gifts bestowed to you. What a wonderful jesture to complete a gorgeous book for your thank you.
    It is lovely.

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  32. What a wonderful, generous gift you received. It always amazes me how thoughtful and caring people can be..... and you made a beautiful book Suzy, beginning with her work and making it your own - simply gorgeous.

    I have heard of the fires and they are devastating. I hope a break in the weather comes soon and that people will be safe during these horrible, trying times.

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  33. Hello my dear Suzy, It's the first day this year that I visit some blogs. I've been sick and/or very busy. The package you've received is totally amazing and was just the perfect gift for you. The book you've created for Lisa is absolutely stunning. She must have been so thrilled when she unwrapped it. The tag is gorgeous too.
    I'm very sorry for the people who had been affected by the awful bush fires.
    I'm so happy for you that you've been published again in Pat's magazine. It's very well deserved, sweet friend and the journal you're showing there is an eye-candy for sure!
    Have a very happy and creative New Year!
    Sending big hugs, lots of love and kisses,
    Julia

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  34. Great gifts, from Lisa.!!! If there is anybody in the world, who can do wonders with it, it's you.

    We watch the news about the fires, on the telly.It is terrible.
    I hope, you are oke.

    Sincerely,

    Sarina ter Veer

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  35. Gosh I feel like I have crawled out from under a rock I had not heard of the fires. I haven't been listening to the news much these past days. So sorry to hear of the destruction. My heart goes out to them.
    You are so kind so of course you received such a lovely offering. She will be thrilled with what you created for her.

    hugs
    Carole

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  36. Hello Suzy, I am so sorry to hear about the fires! You must think I live under a rock, but I had not heard about them. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the area.

    Now, on to crafting...
    Lisa's gift to you was so very generous! Wow! And what you did back for her??? Wow again! What a loving exchange you two shared!
    The items she sent you make me drool...and the bird thank you book you created for her makes me swoon!
    Lisa amazes me...YOU amaze me!

    And yes, let us be as kind to others as we can be.
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  37. Dear Suzy

    Lisa's collection has found the perfect caretaker and fellow artist to make use of her treasured pieces.

    The bird book you are gifting her is indeed a work of art which will give her so much pleasure in return.

    Random acts of kindness

    artist to artist.

    I smiled when I saw a piece of the blue netted lace I sent you - it makes me feel special too!

    You're a kind and generous soul dear Suzy very deserving of Lisa's gift.

    Love and hugs
    Shane xox

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  38. Tragedy and sorrow stalk people all over the world. But it is intensified when it strikes close to home. Isn't nice to know that there are still people who care and share, like you and Lisa. I can only imagine the joy you felt unpacking the boxes she sent, so many beautiful things. Now she will have the joy of a reminder of the lovely things she shared and of the lovely person who took them and made them into a thing of beauty. ttfn

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  39. Suzy, the situation that your area is in just saddens me. I hate hearing of wildfires, and always worry about the animals, and of course the people, too. Your whole area is in my thoughts and prayers.

    You were so lucky to have bestowed on you the large collection of lace, buttons and pieces for your art. What a great bird journal you put together with it!! I am sure your friend is happy she gifted you her treasures. As always, a pleasure to visit your blog!

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  40. Hi Suzy! I am in awe of your fabulous fabric book as well as the beautiful stash of fabrics, lace and embellishments that you received from your admirer. I think I would have passed out if a package like that ever arrived at my door! Wow. You did such a magnificent job on this creation and how wonderful of you to create this book.
    Thank you for stopping by my blog to visit and leave your lovely comment. It is truly appreciated. Be well, be happy. Hugs, Gayle

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  41. Very dear Suzy Lisa could confide this treasure to nobody else than you, and as usual you magnificently worked, I am in profound admiration, and so happy of your happiness!
    That 2013 is for you of the happiest, and fortunate, that he gives you so much that you give!
    The climate is crazy, of big prayers to all!

    Tenderness

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  42. Suzy,
    Your creative genius is absolutely breathtaking.

    I am so sad about the devastation of the brsh fires, that is so scary... I will keep all in my prayers....

    Thanks so much for sharing your talents.
    Hearts,
    Betsy

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  43. such an incredibly kind act totally awsome waue, such a wonderful thought. your so so lucky. wonderful gifts. thank you for sharing those wonderful photos to

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  44. Oh Suzy- there are NO words to describe this beautiful piece of art--,it's stunning-- I adore it- the birds-- omgosh-- I may even dream about it---

    Sigh--
    Vicki

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  45. O my goodness Suzy, I really hope you're doing okay there with those terrible fires!
    But in spite of the bad news I'm really happy to be back visiting your blog again. I just have no words to describe your fabric journal, that's so gorgeous and romantic! I love the colours you've used. Makes me dream of a lovely summer day spent in a beautiful garden...

    Hugs,
    Wendy

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  46. Oh what a great present of love from you both. I know it would have taken me hours just to touch it all and then creating a gift of love from some of it.

    The fires are terrible and I hope no one gets injured.
    thanks for sharing a wonder story and of course your beautiful photos. xoxo

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  47. Your work in making something to give in return for Lisa's generosity is commendable. I love what you made for her. I will be praying for safety in the fires for everyone there. The devastation can be heart wrenching for all involved in having a loss of that magnitude. Praying for a rain big enough to put it out. Bless you all and may you be kept safe.

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  48. One good deed deserves another. Lisa's generosity is very graciously repaid by your amazing talent. Your creativity knows no bounds. I would love to be able to create such beauty.
    Those other images you shared tore my heart to pieces, even though well after the fact. A similar event devastated parts of a City 1.5 hrs from here a few years back. So I truly understand the loss. Bless You......Angie G

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Thank you so very much for stopping here to say hello and to see what I have been creating. I really treasure each and everyone of you for your comments. It is so appreciated....Suzy

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