Abstract: Focus on Life and Diana Frey

Last week, Sally Russick of The Studio Sublime gave us the prompt, "Abstract" for our 52 week photo challenge. I was stumped for a while but soon was out in front taking photos.
 
My take on this is anything that is oriented in a different way or very close looks abstract to me so here goes. This is one of our succulents. It looks like a sea anemone to me.
 
The best part about being in this challenge is that you look at the things in your life a little closer and that's always a good thing.
 
 
For quite a while now, I have been thinking about a class I took with Diana Frey.
 

As I looked through the classes that were being offered at Art-is Petaluma last September, I came across this photo and a class called,"Madame Bijoux Boxes." I knew immediately that I had to meet the teacher and I had to take the class.

Diana Frey says she is on a magical mixed media art journey and she loves to simply "create", especially vintage-inspired jewelry. And she does just that, better than anyone I have seen so far.

I was very happy to find out that my new Facebook friend, Cheryl McCloud and one of my dear friends, Catherine Witherell, were also taking the class.



I was right about the class and the teacher. We worked with brass boxes and decorated them with solder in which we stamped, then made a bezel out of copper and filled it with photos, beads, glitter or whatever our hearts desired. Then we filled the bezel with resin and put the finishing touches on the box.



These are some of the boxes finished by other students. I got this photo collage from Diana Frey's Blog:Tattered Adornments.  She also has online classes and an Etsy Store.

My birds of Paris box
 

I was very pleased with the way my box turned out. It is amazing how different all the boxes are as they reflect the personality of the maker.



Art-is Petaluma is happening again this September and I am taking some new classes and new teachers. I can't wait for my next exciting adventure at another Art-is You Retreat.

 

 

Thanks Diana, you are a very special lady!

 



Have a super day!

 

Julie Panusis