Browsing through my website, you will see certain items that combine the simple geometry of hand-cut painted (or stained) wood pieces with organic and decorative elements. One of these beautiful creations is a decorative candleholder centerpiece I named Waterfall. This week, I thought I’d share an inside look at the process of creating this piece. As with all my creations, this design has a story: a story of inspiration, design modification, and hard work. The project started as a vision of a candleholder centerpiece that tiers downward like a small rocky stream in some secluded forest. I drew some quick thumbnails and idea sketches before settling on a design like the rendering below. I sat down with a pencil, some large pieces of paper, and a ruler and recreated my ideas in full-scale schematic versions of the top and side views. Once I was satisfied that my measurements would work, I went into AutoCAD (an architectural and design rendering software) to create preliminary digital schematics to help iron out any kinks in the design. Once the concept stage was finished, it was time to dig in and create this piece. Basswood was used to create the finished piece, as the design required a material sturdier than balsa wood. While measuring out and cutting the wood pieces, some changes were made to the original design to simplify the process, but overall, the basic design remains the same. The wood pieces were hand-sanded, then glued and nailed together to form the tiered tray. Cracks were sealed with wood putty and then sanded carefully for a smooth, even surface. The next phase was to apply the paint. Black and white paint were mixed to create a medium grey tone to paint onto the wood structure as a base coat. Next, a thin layer of glue was applied and allowed to dry to a tacky texture. A lighter grey was painted on top for contrast and a weathered look. The finished wood piece was then varnished and allowed to dry overnight. Small clear glass votive holders were then glued into place on the wooden structure, one on each of the three tiers. Natural and blue-colored stones were scattered on the tray bottoms and glued in place, along with artificial shrubbery. At this time, I decided that I wanted a slightly “wetter” look, so I purchased Realistic Water and Water Effects from Scenic Woodlands (a company that sells products for modeling) and applied these elements to the base of the tray to add a bit more of the desired water effect. This application also aided in keeping all the small pieces gelled together. The finishing touch was the application of artificial moss along the edges of the wood base. I have to say, this project was incredibly labor-intensive, but it was a labor of love, and I enjoyed creating a finished design piece that represents things that are most dear to my heart—water and nature. The idea of using abstract designs as a base for organic finished centerpieces and decor is endlessly fascinating to me, so I will certainly be creating more pieces like this in the future to add to my Di’s Studio Designs collection—and I already have some thumbnails to get me started. Stay tuned! Shop for handcrafted nature-inspired decorative candleholders by Di's Studio Designs here! Related blog posts you may want to read: Finding creative inspiration from nothing Creation of a centerpiece Nature and well being Inspiration New decorative lanterns by Di's Studio Designs
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Do you ever stop to think about what inspires you? What hits the most sensitive nerve and resonates in a way that is too deep for words? You don’t have to be an artist to be inspired, though artists are more inclined to listen, and create an interpretation. Inspiration is the spark that happens during that moment of private meditation. It’s that moment when the universe opens the door just a crack—just enough to get a peak at something bigger than yourself. We recognize the things we love and admire, but inspiration is something more mysterious. Inspiration is the moment we look at one thing but see something else. We dream, and then we try to create. Merriam-Webster defines inspiration as “a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation”. I have realized that inspiration doesn’t happen in any one way. The process can be dreamy yet semi-predictable. There may be times when you think about what you love and incorporate them into a specific project. And sometimes, a revelation takes place when some unexpected idea emerges from some seemingly mundane experience. I love nature, so it’s no surprise that I would be inspired to create things that mimic the natural and organic elements that mean so much to me. My Forest and Waterfall (seen below) designs come from that respect and wonder of the natural world. Last week, I briefly mentioned my admiration for the works of architect and designer Frank Lloyd Wright. His style incorporates natural elements such as stone and wood, light and sometimes water, openness, and seclusion. FLW embraces aspects of natural landscapes and traditional Japanese design. I have developed a respect for the simplicity and versatility of Japanese design. The point is, that I am consciously aware of the influence of each of these elements so that part of the creative process is not all that mysterious to me. But then there’s the Bird Bath project, inspired by a trip into Center City, Philadelphia (of all places). On a balmy sunny summer afternoon, I sat on a bench in Logan Square, waiting for my son to finish his volunteers while absentmindedly watching the fountain. I found myself particularly fascinated by the water jets and the sound of the splashing water and reveled in the delicate spray that the light breeze carried my way. Sitting in this idyllic setting, I decided to pull out my sketchbook to scratch out a few thumbnails for future ideas based on water. This one moment—this one mundane activity born out of boredom—didn’t just inspire one idea but spawned a whole host of ideas that I have filed away in the mind of “Di” to be dusted off later when some of my current projects are finished. Some final thoughts on Inspiration… Inspiration is not limited to only one concept but can be exponential in its capacity to change first our psychological and then—by extension—our physical world. The universe is our muse and shows us—if we are willing to stop and observe—that our potential for creating positive things (and thus creating positive energy) is as limitless as it is ethereal. Shop handcrafted nature-inspired decorative candleholders and faux floral centerpieces by Di's Studio Designs here!
Related blog posts you may want to read: Creation of a centerpiece Finding creative inspiration from nothing Nature and well being Art imitates nature |
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