The mermaid bowl

A very Happy new year to you all!
 This is my first post of 2014 and I wanted to share a little piece of what I have been up to over the past few days in between the seasonal revelry and mince pies.

I love a type of pottery called Cloisonné. It uses enamel and wires on top of a formed base, baked in a kiln to produce fantastic vibrant effects. It is very ancient form of art used as far back as ancient Egyptian times.

18th century cloisonné Chinese plate ( Wikipedia commons )

 This type of work uses metal and ceramic and as you know I am more at home with paper and glue, so this is my attempt at a collaged cloisonné style bowl.

 I bought a plain bamboo bowl, painted it metallic blue and collaged a little mermaid onto it using left over scraps of Christmas paper. ( always looking for a way to cut down the excess waste of Christmas!) On Christmas morning I did annoy some by insisting they unwrapped their gifts carefully and fold up the discarded paper carefully but there is method in my madness.....

 I used lots  of the shiny gilt pieces for some shimmer.I am a bit of a magpie when it comes to shiny paper!

I then gave it a wash of deep ultramarine and added the mermaids hair, again cut from gold wrapping paper.

Being collaged the bowl isn't usable it is really only for decoration, but practicality and me are not always the best of friends :)

I like the result, and although not cloisonne I think it has the feel of enamel.
 I am trying other projects using re-cycled bits and bobs and I am hoping this year as my resolution to get my etsy shop finally up and running so anything I make can go straight on there. When I do I shall pass on the details.

 may your new year bring lots of creative light!

Linking up to the Art share website Paint party Friday
And as a post script linking very happily to the Artists Playroom Newly opened for artists to show and share what the week has brought in terms of creative fun.