Thursday, June 24, 2010

Squid Angel Blessings: Repurpose Altoid Tins

Somewhere in my art studio (or glorified junk room - however you want to look at it) is a collection of altoid tins just waiting to be turned into some sort of altered art. 
What is altered art, you ask?  It's when you take something intended for one purpose and then alter it by turning into an art piece. This process almost always involves some sort of collage.  
Part of my inability to get going with this project is that I don't really know what to make.  I think the idea I like the most is to make tiny little pocket shrines.  There are many ideas at this lens I blessed today:  Altoids Tins.  
Meanwhile, I had no idea that there were so many varieties of Altoids these days.  Here in my area I usually only see the original flavor and the gum, although I got some sours once.  I'd heard about the chocolate dipped mints but haven't actually seen them in the wild.  I would like to try the spearmint flavor as the peppermint is really too strong for me, as well as the liquorice, ginger and creme de menthe.
Here are some of the other flavors:

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Squid Angel Blessing: Wind Chimes


I recently went to an art fair where there was an artist who made wind chimes out of old silverware.  It was beautiful to look at and beautiful to hear.  Since then I have wondered just how hard it would be to make my own.  This morning I happened upon this lens about just that topic.  Wind Chimes  It is simple and to the point.  It looks like a good place to start.


Woodstock Percussion is the maker of the wind chimes I have always wanted to buy. They have such great sound and variety.  I would love to hear these chimes tuned to Amazing Grace.  This is going on my wish list.

Wind Chimes

Deep, doleful tones
Randomly punctuate the evening

Bright crystal tinkles
Fill the morning air

Zen bamboo percussion
Accompanies the storm


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