Happy Art

Something I love to do is give away my art as gifts.  Sometimes it's a very simple, kitschy thing.  Other times it may be more serious.  In any case, it's a joy for me to do it and it seems to be enjoyed by the recipients.

For example, I volunteered several months ago to take part in a fundraiser for our local food pantry.  The task was to take a basket and put stuff in it in a particular theme, such as bath items, kids' items, or stationery items.  The baskets will be raffled off through a penny social. I chose stationery items as the theme of my basket.

The time came recently when I had to actually put the basket together, and I assembled a bunch of cards, note pads, and pens from Dollar Tree.  I bought a wire basket, fake flowers, and lots of ribbon and set to work.  

I probably spent more time on it than I should have, but I enjoyed making something that had nothing to do with collages for a good cause.  I wove ribbon through the spaces of the basket, used a florist's block to stick flowers in for the middle, and added flowers to the sides.  And this is the result.  I should warn you - it's very gaudy and VERY pink

I gave the basket to those organizing the fundraiser, and they like it - I think.  My intent, when creating the basket, was to make something that could also serve as a decorative piece.

Some of the other items that I've made recently for birthday and other gifts are these - 

Just another way to make people smile.  If you're an artist, do you make things for family members?

later,
lin