I am a relative new comer to the folk art world and currently paint Memory Boxes for the local hospital who give them to the parents that lose their Babies at birth. It is a very rewarding craft for me as I get the pleasure of relaxing with a paint brush and knowing what I do becomes something special for bereaved parents. I go to folk art classes and currently painting a Tui, a native bird of NZ. on a canvas. I have included a piccy of a Memory Box I painted. Would love to see piccys of everyone elses crafts.
Regards Jude
-- Edited by Judes and Bazz on Thursday 26th of September 2013 11:04:37 PM
I am a retired midwife, and know only too well how these boxes are used, and they are much appreciated by the women and families involved. Keep us the good work!
I use acrylics easier for clean up. I have had a go at oils but find it a much harder medium to work with as a beginner but intend to have a serious go at it in retirement.
Thank you Rosie. It is unbelieveable how may of these boxes are needed even in this day and age there are still 1 in 4 losses and even now so many people find it difficult to acknowledge or talk about. I hope the little I do can make a difference.
Hi Judes, i do landscapes ect. Have only just started tp teach myself but am getting there. Always wanted to do it, so now I am having a go.
I did my first colour on canvas today. Have done a few in monotones to get the hang of things but went in the deep end today. Used acrylics today. I love oils but find it hard to get them dry traveling in thw rig full time. I had wet paintings all over the place this week so giving the acrylics a go. Might be easier i think even though not my first choice of mediums to use.
The detail in yours is fantastic. I love it. Be a while before i get that good i think.
Ill put mine in a post here and you can tell me what i need to work on, be honest.
That is beautiful Judes. I am sure they are greatly appreciated and it is a lovely idea.
I used to do a lot of Folk Art but gave it up when I got too shaky. It was relaxing and I made some lovely things but shaky hands don't work well with painting.
Thank you Pam that means a lot coming from an experienced folk arter. What a shame you are unable to do it. It has become my way of relaxing...something I dont do well, but with a brush in my hand all else is forgotten what have you replaced painting with? If you have any ideas of where I could go for pictures that are suitable for Memory boxes I would be very grateful.
Thank you for your kind words, good on you for giving it a go. I saw a programe on TV a while ago teaching you how to paint in oils so I wrote away for an instructional DVD there are several you can choose from and Ken Harris the artist will critique your work. He makes it look ever so easy of course but lots of hints and ideas that you can apply to any meduim. Below is the link to his website. Hoping one day to take our caravan on a trip there and meet him in person.
Thank you Pam that means a lot coming from an experienced folk arter. What a shame you are unable to do it. It has become my way of relaxing...something I dont do well, but with a brush in my hand all else is forgotten what have you replaced painting with? If you have any ideas of where I could go for pictures that are suitable for Memory boxes I would be very grateful.
Take Care
Judes
Jude's, Google folk art patterns you should be able to print off a few. I gave all my books away but if you go to Vinnies or Salvos you may be able to get some.
I loved folk art and very little escaped being painted. You know the milk cans, trays, clocks, bird houses, even the ceiling fans didn't escape ha ha . I made bird houses and welcome plaques for a little shop on the CEntral Coast, I especially liked doing wild flowers and lace work. Now I quilt and scrapbook. I know what you mean by switching off now quilting is my relaxation and scrapbook ing has been a good way too having done albums for my 2 sons ,our wedding album (after 40yrs) and an Heirloom Album of both our families. Very cathartic, going through the past.
With the growing popularity of family history research, there is an increasing demand for heritage scrapbooking, and lots of business opportunities arising.
People are collecting old photos and mementos and are looking for creative ways to store them.
and even now so many people find it difficult to acknowledge or talk about. I hope the little I do can make a difference.
