Saturday, May 18, 2013

Meta'fork'ally Speaking?!?

Hello you wonderful crafty people! 
Today's post is a test of your creative minds and keen interpretation of art, as I may use the term, art, loosely. ;)
For quite some time, as I think it happens to us all, I was in a creative slump.  Sure, I could make stuff and plop it together, but my heart and soul weren't necessarily on fire when creating them. I was in the ever horrid rut. My muse was suffocated and my nails were way too clean for my liking. I needed a desperate kick in the pants.
Another fabulous bloggy friend of mine, Susan Butler at Scrumplescrunch had posted this fabulous make and while reading her words, I could sense she was paddling in a similar boat as I. Apparently, we were each equipped with a solitary oar and the repetitious circles we were traveling in had us going bonkers.  
Now for those of you haven't met Susan (Sue) yet, I affectionately nicknamed her Onion. When you look at her work, you'll understand why. She constantly strives to challenge herself and think outside of the box.  Her style is very shabby chic, but with all of her work, you'll see where she forces herself to venture outside her comfort zone and try something new; exposing yet another new layer to her creative repertoire; hence...Onion. :)
So, long story short....I threw out a suggestion to her that we should challenge each other to a make. Her idea mixed with my idea and see what we come up with. It felt like two seconds passed when she replied with a resounding summary of 'on board!' 
Here's the gist...
Sue picked "COLORS" As many as you like with a minimum of three.  
and I 'Quirks' (her nickname for me...) chose...ready for it? FORK!! (giggle).
I have had the oddest obsession with forks lately and I just had to see what we could do with this combination.
Here's the journey....
Nearly 8 months in my garage, sat this trio of frames that I purchased at a Thrift Store for $5.00.   
Notice the ever lovely orange felt like material that was ghastly old and well, in my opinion...horrid looking.
I took to parting the frame and then sprayed it with white paint. NOTE *Nasty orange vintage horrid material repels paint.* It would NOT play nice and no matter my attempts, refused to budge.  
See next picture.....
I fixed that wagon. Tore that crap right off!
Gesso, Crackle and white craft ink made the country vintage, eclectic look I was going for.

Original state of the frame.

And here is my up-cycled refurbished frame and art work...
with COLORS!
The fork was covered with Gesso and then TH Distress Paints were painted on in the fashion of
 'Roy G. Biv,' for those of you who learned this rhyming name for the colors of the rainbow.
So there you have it! Possibly the most odd creation I've ever made, but to me it speaks volumes.  It's intended to be interpretative.  I highly doubt it's worth millions, but who knows, after I'm dead, it could make me famous! ;)  The biggest compliment was that my kids love it and my daughter wants it in her room!

Anywho...the deeper meaning for me is that this piece of work is to remind me to let art 'feed' my soul.  To see it everywhere and in everything and find the beauty all around me; even in orange nasty old vintage material..okay, maybe eventually, but not just yet. ;)
I'd love to know your thoughts on this 'quirky' venture and don't forget to hop over to Onion's blog and see what she created using this criteria. She didn't even give me a sneak peek, so I can't wait to see myself!

Side note, we've also decided to keep this up and create something on a regular basis. I found this experience to be most refreshing and I'm happy to report that my muse and I are on speaking terms again. 
Thanks so much Onion for the kick in the pants!

So much I appreciate your visit and your time, you are TRULY appreciated.
May the muse be with you!
Lisa xx

Challenges I would love to enter:
Our Creative Corner - Anything Goes :)

38 comments:

Tammy said...

Who would have ever thought a fork could be such fun! Great thinking and crafting!

McCrafty's Cards said...

The title made me chuckle Lisa, I love the rainbow coloured fork and the frame, you will know be known as Lisa and her fork of many colours.
Kevin xx

Karon said...

So "meta-fork-ally" speaking of course! I think this truly does show how well you think out of the box, Fabulous creation even though so unusual! TFS

Tracy said...

Out of all the possible prompts out there only you would come up with fork. LOL I already know you can repurpose anything so the fantastic job you did on the frame was no surprise, however, the rainbow fork is totally unique and couldn't be a more perfect focal point. I can see why your daughter would want this in her room. Welcome back muse. Hugs!

DesignerDiva said...

I don't know why but I'm really lovin' this lol yes it's strange but it doesn't just speak to me ...... It's screaming at the top of it's voice!!
Hugs Laurie xx
Oh yes and I so love the title of your post!!

Chrissy said...

FORK!!this is really clever Lisa, I'm not surprised in the slightest that it came from you...love the frame,and have the sudden urge to paint things in my house, and runny egg would never show up on your fork..could see a row of these frames with colourful utensils in my kitchen...and the more you stare at it the more you like it..in fact I think I am in love at this point..

Luv CHRISSYxx

Scrumplescrunch said...

Well my girl, your spoonerism has everyone intrigued before they even see your project! Your wit matches this quirky creation so well!!!! Where does one start to describe this beauty, I knew you would have the Fork as the focal point, unlike my pathetic effort. The distress Paints look incredible, I first thought you used Alcohol Inks as the palette is striking.
It is interesting that we did not embellish, as is the usual case.
I just love the Frame it is ornate and big but it does not take anything away from the main element; your Fork. I can see this in a dining room no problem and being a starter for a conversation, not that you need a starter.
I am very very impressed, it is so so YOU!
Smiles:)
O

Pia S said...

This is SO cool, Lisa!

Kelly said...

Wow great place setting! LOL Actually I need to get in your garage. I like this too it is simple and artsy and I would do it but I would have to buy the silverware, you know all my boys loose everything. lol Really I do like what you did and I am going to Pin this one as our garage sale season is beginning and I want to make one of maybe 2 as a pair. I am off to see onion.
Thanks for the tutorial!
Hugs Kelly

Sandy said...

My first inclination is that I love reading what you write -- You are a wonderful writer.
What a fun creation - looks like a bit of modern with a touch of antique. The plate looks like an old ironstone plate and your fork is magical. Your daughter has good taste and I hope you do hang it in her room! You just have to love that frame. I would call this Baroque meets Country meets Whimsical!
Sandy

Arlene said...

Love the results. Fun and forky! :)

Patricia St Martin said...

Lisa, love your title name that is creative in itself. Forks are interesting love the draw of colors and the frame is so pretty. I have an idea make a wind chime, I have done that with forks also they are great holders for paper just thread the paper in the forks also they make really nice tiny ribbons.
Hugs, Patricia

Billie A said...

This is just too cool. I love the whites and then that fork of all colors. Great piece. I am sure in person it's even more lovely. I love this. You are amazing. Hugs

Words and Pictures said...

I love it!! I love how it came about from the two of you giving each other a challenge word, and then combining them into this amazing make... I'm not surprised your daughter wants it in her room - it really has staying power as a piece... I want to keep looking!
Alison xx
(Oh - and we learned the rainbow from this: Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain - history and colours all in one!)

AngelicaS said...

LOVE IT!!!

Meihsia Liu said...

This is so cool, Lisa. What a great idea to inspire both you and Sue to make more of such beautiful works. Can't wait to see what you two are going to create next time. ^_^

Shahrul Niza said...

Holy molly!!. Excellente!. I have never seen a fork that makes me go WOW and smile, yet!. This is too precious, I LOVE that you ripped that orange sticky thing out, now it looks so gorgeous bare and all :). You are so inspiring!. Eclectic piece for a breakfast nook, or a cafe. Patent this :). I'm seeing a series of cool, quirky things coming up :). HUGS.

May the Muse be with you too!!.

Desire Fourie said...

This is just so creative and I love how the colourful fork pops against the rest of the white design.
Hugs
Desíre
{Doing Life – my personal blog}

Anonymous said...

WOW that's what I call Forking Brilliant! What a creative mind you have Lisa you Never stop making my Jaw drop! wish I had your creativity! hugs me xx

Mitralee said...

DUDE! You two peeps rock! You guys should let me set your next challenge...I could come up with something quite amazing, I know it!!! I really love your fork...I have one downstairs that has quite been begging me to do something with it...Perhaps a mixed media with metal. Any chance I can jump on the Sunday bandwagon or are you guys keeping the challenge on the downlow!

Mitralee said...

pinning your fork, yes had a second or perhaps third peep at it!

Lori said...

Such a cool idea for the two of you! So funny that you had the frames in the garage - I do that, too. Also, would you believe I just bought 5 mismatched forks last weekend? LOVE your framed rainbow fork - it is so creative and so you. Yes, you should hang it in your daughter's room - a daily reminder about how cool her mother is...

Unknown said...

This is a grand idea and I love your interpretation L2! A framed set (knife and fork) would be awesome in a dining room. :)
As for the slump I can relate but eventually the mojo comes back and so happy your muse is fully present again.

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

WOW!!! This would be awesome in the kitchen! I love the way you colored the fork! This is CRAZY COOL!!!!!

Mary J said...

I just love your original art, Lisa! I know when I visit you, I'm gonna see something different and stunning! I love that it feeds your soul!

Greta said...

Got here from Sue's blog--you guys are so inspiring! I would never have figured out to do this--amazing & wonderful! From where I stand you don't lack creativity, but I know it's all so personal.

Decosse's Dynamite Doodles said...

Talk about working outside the box! Once again you leave me with my mouth hanging open as to what takes place in that fantastically creative and inventive mind of yours. I'm glad you found a way to deal with the orange nastiness. There is more than one way to peel a turnip! Such a unique creation. I'm so glad that you were reminded to let art 'feed' your soul. Everything that surrounds us can have beauty and inspiration, it is just a matter of being able to find it. Also glad to hear that your muse has decided to pop over for a chat.

Thanks you so much for once again supporting the Path of Positivity challenge. Your unique wit, flair and interpretive nature are just what the Path needs.

Hugs,
Lisa

Jeanne J. said...

When I was in college I remember seeing a whole art display that was all forks - this brought back lots of memories for me. I even have a fork necklace that has all the tines twisted into little curls! The rainbow contrast against the neutral background works beautifully!

Marie-Louise said...

Brilliant (as always). This is totally fabulous. I really want one of these for my kitchen.

Lizzy Hill said...

Just come over from Mitra's blog.....I LOOOVE it...it's a Hippy Fork.....wow!! Stunner, total stunner:):):)

Words and Pictures said...

Yay! So glad you decided to play along with us at Our Creative Corner with this fabulous make!
Alison xx

Paper Profusion said...

BRILLIANT and oddly hypnotic piece Lisa. Love your written post and I'm so glad that your daughter appreciates your very wonderful talents. I could look at this for a long time ... it is fantastically creative and artistic. Nicola x

Claudia N. said...

What a fun and artsy metafork!!! LOVE it!
Thank you for playing along with us at OurCreativeCorner!

Claudia x

Donna Ellis said...

Oh yes! I hear your delightful reminder! smile. Feeding the soul happens in so many ways, and it is different for each of us, too, isn't it? Love your colorful fork, which will take your creative self down many pathways as you encounter the "forks" in your life. Every where I look I "see" possibilities, creativity and art. I hope that never stops! Thank you for sharing your imaginative method of moving into a new layer of your life! hugs, de

Sandy said...

What a great use of a fork, love the colors on it. How wonderful your daughter wants it in her room the ultimate compliment..
Sandy :)

Laurart said...

Oh I can relate to the slump! I hate it when that happens - You found a way out though and WOW! climbed to mega heights! This is so gorgeous! I love how unusual it is, how quirky and how amazingly beautiful also! Thanks for sharing this with us at Our Creative Corner - Love from Laura xxx

Jenny Marples said...

Oh Lisa, that is so clever and imaginative! You have changed my perspective on the use of cutlery forever and would love that on my wall too. Thanks so much for joining us at Our Creative Corner this time, hugs Jenny x

Margaret said...

I am diggin' the rainbow fork! This is a super cool piece! The elegant vintage frame and the funky fork make the most wonderful clash of styles I have ever seen!

So glad your muse has returned to it's proper place!!