Sunday, January 16, 2011

British Invasion Love and Faux Tin Letters

Remember the paper mache letters that were on my work desk the other day?


Well, they've gone through a few changes since then.  I was recently inspired to make tin LOVE letters, using what I had on hand -- cardboard.


I've also been thinking a lot lately, about one of our all-time favorite family vacations -- a canal narrow boat tour in the English countryside. This was such an amazing trip -- we intentionally chose a route that required hand cranking lots and lots of locks.  This was so our kids could get lots of sunshine and exercise, and it culminated a home school unit on the industrial revolution.  Kind of an "ultimate field trip"!

I was absolutely taken by the canal art we saw along the way.  Historically, narrow boats in England are decorated with paintings of castles and beautiful roses.  It is such a cheerful sight to see these decorated boats tied up along the side of the canals.  I've wanted to create some wall art that commemorated that trip, incorporating lots of pretty roses.

This beautiful image, by Richard Beghin, can be found here.
I love how the photographer captured the narrow boat reflections in his composition.

And, recently, I ran across this Union Jack Weekend Bag.  Can you say "LOVE"?  The rest, as they say, is history.




I have to say that the Union Jack is one of the coolest looking flags on the planet!


It totally lends itself to artistic interpretation (and stands pretty well on it's own, too).

And did you know that today is kind of an anniversary of the beginning of the "British Invasion" of the U.S?  On February 16th, 1964, "I Want to Hold Your Hand" hit  #1 on the charts in the U. S. -- helping build excitement for the coming American tour.


Do you want to know a secret?  I want to know what you think -- do you LOVE it?  Does it make you happy inside?  And do you want the tutorial?  And were any of you old enough to see the Beatles perform in 1964?  What are your memories of that time? Whisper in my ear....
Edit:  The tutorial is now posted for this project, and can be found here.


This post is being linked to:
WhisperWood Cottage
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Boogieboard Cottage