Friday 9 March 2012

Breathing new life into an old boat

Steve had a couple of days holiday to take this week, so after we had dropped the boys at school, we headed for the beach to do some serious "wrecking". Don't get me wrong, I love going to the coast as a family, but there is only so far you can walk with a reluctant 4 year old!
At first, it appeared as though our trip was unfruitful....not much driftwood about. Then we started to find loads of pieces which were obviously all from the same boat. And then we stumbled across this....


Such a shame, really, when you see the workmanship that has gone into such a vessel.
But my mind was already planning what I could make with some of these finds...

See here, this large section of the boat? Well that diagonal stripe spoke "slipway" to me!

And from the ashes, something new was born!

You can see the lovely crackle-glazed effect still. I wanted to keep the piece almost as I had found it, so I only trimmed off the rough edges. I am chuffed with the result: I will be looking for other bits like this from now on!

We also found this long piece of quadrant painted in brilliant blue, which made a vibrant roof for this terrace of cottages!
And much more besides, but I had to put the driftwood side on hold as another collage commission was calling me!

Anyone recognise it? Clue: its on the North Cornwall coast

with a tidal pool?

Its is Bude. Only a small piece, it measures 30cm x 24cm.
Well, I feel as though I have been quite prolific this week!
Have a fab weekend folks!

21 comments:

  1. I am quite new to your blog and absolutely love your collages. My daughter (15) does quite a few as she is still at the age where she is experimenting with mediums. I digress, what I wanted to ask you is, do you buy paper specifically or like her do you blag from every magazine reader in town.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello mumasu, I have a great stash of magazines which will keep me going for a while yet! I never buy any paper especially: the recycling aspect is key!

      Delete
  2. You my friend, are absolutely brilliant!!!!! I live on the coast of New England and have such a love for anything driftwood....your work is just over the moon!!! Have you ever done a commission to the states? Your work gives me pure joy!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Miss Holly! I havent ever sent a driftwood piece to the US, but I would be happy to!

      Delete
  3. Stunning collages and cottages
    Julie xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  4. you never cease to amaze and inspire me! thank you and blessings, from Glendale, California! :) Shana :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow what fabulous work!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Okay Kirsty, did I need to know....did you drag the whole thing home with you?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If only Carole! It was much too big and heavy!

      Delete
  7. absolutely love the houses! I will keep an eye out for driftwood for you when I'm at the beach..and I completely understand the 4 year old walk on a beach thing..I've got a 3 and a 5 year old and I really miss my long beachcombing walks!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I just love how you 'see' how you are going to use each piece, I'd have never thought 'slipway' but goodness you were so right! The cottages are a delight, and the collagen is fabulous :o)
    Best wishes
    Rose H

    ReplyDelete
  9. Whoops! should have read 'the COLLAGE is fabulous'

    ReplyDelete
  10. Dear Kirsty
    Such wonderful work you've created this week! I am so much in love with the crackled glaze houses! Will you be selling them? When? Where? To me !!!!
    I love your creations, you are so very clever indeed.
    Have a lovely restful weekend, you deserve a good rest after all that!
    x

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh I love the cottages with the slip way. You are so clever! X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beautiful work Kirsty. You must have so much fun letting your imagination run riot when you see a piece of driftwood. Thank you for sharing your latest beautiful work.
      Anne xx

      Delete
  12. Lovely jubbly!
    I'm particularly impressed with the first piece.

    Have a great weekend,

    Sandie xx

    ReplyDelete
  13. Kirsty, I've read your blog for ages - only commented when you first changed your header photograph! I love your cottages, but was blown away looking at how you see a piece of drift-wood and visualise the end result, whilst keeping the integrity of the original piece intact. It was quite breathtaking, I'm so in awe of your skill - it all looks very simple, but you just have to realise the aristic 'eye' responsible for the transformation.

    Love the collages, but the driftwood creations really speak to me.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great find.. Thank goodness you were there to rescue the remains of that beautiful boat.. It deserved to be found by someone who appreciates all of the work that went into building her..

    ReplyDelete
  15. What an inspiring few days.....your finished pieces are fantastic.


    Fleur xx

    ReplyDelete
  16. Your "driftwood" houses are just amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  17. The function that the boat is going to utilized for is the primary deciding factor for the added equipment and accessories that you will need.
    Midland Weather Radio

    ReplyDelete