As usual serendipity played a role in making this Mixed Media 10 x 10 assemblage collage.

I keep very few of the crafts I make but I so enjoyed the “Branching Out” Shell tree idea I kept it.  However, my recent move made me realize I didn’t have room for it!

I couldn’t bear the thought of tossing the shell “flowers” because they are so delicate and reminded me of dogwood.  So, I cut up the branch and had a collection of shell “flowers.”

I Googled “Manzanita Tree” and found some actual manzanita branches for sale, so I did a web capture (a new technical skill!) and printed the image.

I attached the Manzanita tree shape printed in cardstock and shaded it with acyrlic paints.  When the shell flowers were attached with hot glue, I noticed the assemblage felt “bare”.  I used 20-gauge wire to attach some free pearl strands that swing in movement.  Aha just the ticket to fill in the negative space and add some whimsy.

I sent a media message to Cathy who is the owner of Sunrose Gallery here in Seaside, Oregon to show her my new collage.  She suggested a title for this new piece…inspired by the backstamp of a gravy boat she was cutting into for some shard art earrings: “Enchanted Garden”.  What a perfect whimsical title.  Now my shell flowers will go to a new home for someone else to enjoy!