Ok, I've gotten a seconding from Gemme and a little bit of private feedback that folks would be receptive to me starting a new project and thati's good enough for me! For this project we will be doing:
MATCHBOX SHRINES
What is a matchbox shrine you ask? Good question. It's a miniature shrine created inside a small (the 32 count matches size) match box.
A
shrine is defined as:
1.
a building or other shelter, often of a stately or sumptuous character, enclosing the remains or relics of a saint or other holy person and forming an object of religious VENERATION and pilgrimage.
2.
any place or object hallowed by its HISTORY or associations:
a historic shrine.
3.
any structure or place consecrated or devoted to some saint, holy person, or deity, as an altar, chapel, church, or temple.
4.
a receptacle for sacred relics; a reliquary.
Obviously, this doesn't need to be literal and/or religious--but the spirit of creating a miniature scared space that has some sort of meaning is the point. Plan to delight you recipients and creature something they will treasure!
For some references on what different sorts of matchbox shrines look like please use some of these resources (linky loos):
Pinterest
Google Image Search
Buy matchboxes on Amazon.
Please familiarize yourself with what a matchbox shrine is and the time commitment in making them as you consider signing up for this project. It *IS* a commitment. The good news is that this will be a super fun trade (with a twist even!), the bad news is there are some strict rules and also some guidelines which are not rules but recommendations.
RULES:
1) Because this IS a time consuming project and I want folks to really be able to focus on their creations, the number of participants is being capped at 6. Which means making *FIVE* matchbox shrines, one for each of the other participants. That is a lot work, actually and I will not budge on the number.
2) Signing up is strictly first come, first serve. I will post the sign up two weeks from today, so folks have time to think about whether or not they can truly commit to this. And at that point it's out of my hands. I will post the sign up Saturday, April 25th at 3PM. The next five to sign up are in.
3) Projects will be due *TWO MONTHS* after the sign up date. I want to give folks enough time to put the work into their shrines, but not let so much time go by that people start forgetting there's a deadline. So projects are due in the mail on or before Saturday, June 20th. Please include $5 to help handle shipping costs.
4) NO LATE PROJECTS. Seriously. Just--don't. I am giving you two weeks to truly search your soul as to whether or not you want to take this on. No excuses. As per the agreement of the thread--people who have outstanding projects unsent are not allowed to join. Anyone who joins this and flakes will end up publicly named and put on the list of people no longer able to join projects for that next year. Also, because of the time intensive nature of the project (and the twist which will be named momentarily), please also realize that dropping out puts a huge wrench into the works. I understand sometimes life happens but please, please, please try your 100% best to follow through if you sign up for this project.
TWIST
When each person signs up they will name a theme. This theme is how they want THEIR matchboxes decorated. So, say I pick the circus as my theme. That means everyone else makes a shrine for me with a circus theme. And it means that each shrine you make will be tailored to another participant. Hence, another level as to why this project requires a lot of thought and time. Also, themes are first come first serve. If someone who has signed up before you names a theme you want, womp womp, sorry pick a new one!
I *REALLY* want people to get projects they love and it's rare to tailor something to what the recipient wants. I think this will be a fun challenge!
GUIDELINES WITH SHRINES
Shrines are meant to have some elements of three dimensionality, texture, sculptural elements, etc. Please do NOT make something that is completely flat and one dimensional on the outside and completely flat and one dimensional on the inside, and containing no small objects.
Please decorate the outside with at least two (2) flat/base materials on your box. For example--don't use just one layer of paper or paint. Use paper and paint, paper and fabric, paint and glitter, paper and rubber stamping, etc. etc. Just think layers. I am not going to make this a rule per se--but just look at pics of shrines and use your better judgement and your best work!
Please use three dimensional elements in decorating the outside. Rhinestones, shells, sand, string, cardboard add ons, clay, etc. etc. The sky is the limit, really.
Please decorate the inside. No plain cardboard insides.
Please put something INSIDE your box. It doesn't matter what it is. A rock, a totem, an amulet, a coin, a key, a miniature card or letter. A shrine is meant to house something--so include something for your shrine to house. It does NOT have to cost money or be expensive, just a little something with a special feel to it.
LASTLY: HAVE FUN AND COME TO ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS!!!
I'll be checking the thread daily.