Lately I've been bemoaning the slim pickings at the Goodwill "bins", my favorite go-to place for "stuff". I come home with a few odds and ends each time, but nothing unique that really inspires me to create.
So, yesterday I went down to the old studio, a huge building holding the remnants of the 36 years my husband has lived here (I've only been here 4) but a building no longer used for much. There are boxes of nails that have rusted with years under a leaky roof, bits of wood and metal, a couple rooms full of excess art, and then lo and behold!....a find....right under my nose.
Eureka! OMG! Cool!! Beautiful rusty dashboard parts from the 3 (yes, 3) 1950 Ford pickups my husband gathered together at one time to put together one complete one. Gauges....all suitably aged. The wonderful arched pieces that immediately called to mind shrine-shaped openings...and they come apart so each one provides 3 pieces I can use. And even a speedometer dial....up to 80 mph!
Oh, then the glass and metal arches (the glass that would have covered the dashboard gauges). Be still my heart. Can you tell I was thrilled with these new acquisitions?
When I first showed them to my husband, he said, "Oh, I could probably sell these on ebay to someone restoring an old truck" (His is finally finished after 15 years!), but I'm sure the crestfallen look on my face made him quickly say, "but you can have them if you want them." You bet I do!
I've already started a piece which will utilize them. Here's just the start....I'll show you the rest as it comes together. Suffice it to say, one of the arched pieces will go inside.
Love my tabletop bandsaw for slicing up those checkerboards.
And here's a piece I
think I consider finished. Tentatively titled "Stepping Out", but subject to change.
Pam McKnight, please contact me so I can send your winner's print to you. Everyone remember to post this month for a giveaway of my Transfers and Transparencies book! Hope everyone's weather has settled down, and that you aren't melting, washing or blowing away, or staying cold like we are.