I love this piece. It actually started out as a test to see how a particular Japanese paper (I don’t know the name of) looked layered over the gel medium transfer I’d done of one of my tree photos on wood. I did a test of each colour of paper – green, blue, and an off-white – and suddenly it was becoming a composition rather than just a “test piece” for collaging techniques. The leaf skeleton, splashes of watercolour, bird stamp, and coating of gel medium were further additions to make it complete.
On another note, I’ve been having doubts about making Christmas presents versus buying them. My thoughts are whether handmade presents are less valuable, or maybe less valued, than something store bought, and is it cheaping out to do things myself. I know this isn’t true, and I love it when friends gift me items made with their own hands, but not everyone appreciates a handmade item. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.
things made by hand are made with love. i feel the exact opposite, like whenever i buy something it’s a cop out!
Personally, I always value handmade presents more than something bought at a store. A lot of the stuff available on Etsy, say, is handmade and absolutely lovely, yet wouldn’t be considered cheap by most people.
Given the amount of care and attention to detail that you would put into anything handmade that you’d give, I don’t think you should worry too much about it. If someone doesn’t appreciate the time and effort you’ve put into making something, that say more about them than it does anything about you. I value people’s time and thoughtfulness over the fact that they’ve spent some money on me.
This piece is beautiful.
I agree with Ariane and Jamie. Maybe those who are not especially creative, don’t ‘get’ how special it is to receive a hand-made gift. A creative person can appreciate how much of a person’s soul goes into their work. For so many people today, time is money. So turn this around, for it’s your time that is valuable 😉
I think you need to think about who you are gifting to. If you know that it’s a “not handmade” person who won’t appreciate your effort or good taste, then don’t put the time in. I imagine most of your friends would really value something that you made them, just as you do for them. I would say that in general homemade gifts are much more valuable and valued.
Thank you for your feedback everyone. I know I’m just feeling insecure about the worth of my own “handmade things” and I’m sure everything will be well received.
I like to receive handmade gifts, hand made by the giver. However, in giving gifts I feel it’s more about how much you’ve thought about the person you are giving to.
Part of this is about why you are giving a gift. A hand made gift can often say more about the giver than the giver is saying about the recipient.
I also think that sometimes we read more into gifts than we should. Sometimes, a gift is simply given to raise a smile – nothing more. A smile is more valuable than anything, so really it’s not about the object but about the thought.
If I know, through your gift, that you have been thinking about me – then I’ve already received more than I have a right to expect. I’m grateful either way!