Saturday, October 22, 2011

Starting My Altar.......


Antique Icon, painted on tin............
Found in Colorado by my mother in law Anna.

I have wanted to make a larger altar  for quite a while.
 My small one is always so jumbled and loaded that
to handle anything on it means moving other 
things around......not good.
With Dio De los Muertos just around the corner
this seemed like a good time to at least get a start on a larger one.
So inspired by all the beautiful ones I have been seeing on 
some of my favorite blogs, I sat down with a list of 
how I wanted to be able to use mine, what I wanted it to  
include, and where I wanted to put it. 


I bought this little cupboard 3 years ago at a citywide garage sale.
It's been sitting in my garage .....waiting.......
I decided it was the perfect size, and will just fit on my buffet
in the dining room. 


First step: Took out the shelf so I can
put in taller objects and have more light.


Second : Painted the inside........the paint is still wet here.
Since my plan is to leave this up year round
I needed to use colors that are somewhat compatible
with the rest of the house. You can see here 
that I toyed briefly with  the idea of turquoise....
Couldn't do it.


So black it is.
This paint was in the garage , left over from another project. 
I also love the two drawers, I think they will be handy to store
incense, candles, photos, etc.


A tin heart I made, surrounded by milagros.
I didn't have enough milagros, but a little visit to Ebay, and now more are on their way. 
I'll add them later.


Starting the fun part...............


At home, sitting on top the buffet.
The old test tube is for flowers.
The flower frog is to hold photos.
(Hey Steph......notice the postcard!!!!!...:)

Still more to do,
I have some religious medals I want to add,
But I like things that are an ongoing process,
(like me!)
I am happy with this first version,
and  will be decorating it next week for
Dia De los Muertos.........

So......to be continued .........:)

BTW: If you want to see some stunning
altars that will take your breath away,
visit Lauries' blog to see some of hers as well
as links to other beautiful altars.







                                                                                   

8 comments:

  1. WowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwW! Can't wait to see what's next! :)

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  2. I LOVE THIS!!! I need to get cracking on mine. I'm working on some little shrines made from flat crayola crayon boxes that came my way last year. Your cupboard altar is beautiful!!!

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  3. You did a fantastic job on this! Bravo!

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  4. What a beautiful piece!!! You amaze me with all your unbeleivable talent and imagination. That cubboard is so perfect.

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  5. It is just lovely and what an honored guest. The icon is fabulous. I have some but done as fine as that one. Share with me your address and I will send you a little something that you may like. A small sacred heart its about two inches, very detailed but tiny. It is made in mexico. I bought several from a friend to use for jewelry. Thanks for sharing, I will check out the recommended site for altars. Thanks, Kathy

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  6. Oooooooo...black...black...black...I love it, perfect choice...must have one, gotta grab a piece that's up at Sisters' Garden to start the project...thanks for the motivation...it doesn't take much when you use your BRAINS...heh heh...!

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  7. Wow you have done an amazing job on this alter!!There is so much to look at!!Bravo!!Hugs,Cat

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