While wandering through the magical land of etsy, I came across this delightful heart garland. I’m sure this seller is quite talented, and I firmly support purchasing items from small businesses and other artists.
However, this project appeared to be fairly simple—maybe even relaxing with the repetitive cutting of heart shapes (since I don’t have access to a dye cutter). I thought it would be a perfect artist date. I also decided to use ribbon to connect the hearts instead of the sewn thread.
The thin lines of thread look very delicate and elegant, but I’m afraid with moving house on a regular basis and owning a cat, the ribbon might help to make the garland slightly more durable and less likely to tangle.
I used pages from a vintage book I’d never heard of. I like the discoloration of pages that occurs after decades of exposure to, well, everything books are exposed to that makes them change color? I used some think scrapbook paper as well, so add some hints of color.
I’m really pleased with how this project turned out. I made several strands of varying lengths–since I wasn’t really sure where/how I plan to use them.
Carly Swenson is an intuitive painter originally from northern Montana. She spent more than a decade working primarily as a mixed media artist before shifting to acrylics. Swenson received a BFA in Visual Arts with an Art History Minor from Bemidji State University. During and after university, she traveled and lived abroad, this included studying in China, traveling throughout Europe and living both in England and the Azores.Swenson’s work has been shown in solo and group exhibitions throughout the US and internationally. Her freelance writing and mixed media journals have been published in nationally distributed art magazines. She has facilitated art workshops for various age groups. Swenson’s work is also included in the permanent art collections of Angra do Heroismo Museum and Bemidji State University (Bemidji, MN). Currently, she lives in St. Paul, MN with a smart little dog and a weird little cat. They’re nice.
Copyright Notice:
All images (artwork and photography) protected by copyright and belong to Carly Swenson, unless otherwise noted. Any images not owned by Carly Swenson have been used with the consent of the copyright holder. Please do not reuse/publish/edit/copy/etc. any images from this blog without consent of the copyright holder. Thank you for your understanding and respect of artistic integrity.
View all posts by Carly Swenson, Visual Artist
Carly Swenson • Intuitive Artist 