Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Life is a song

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Handpainted Piano by Laura Mostaghel

Life is a song that's for sure. Sometimes a sweet one. Sometimes discordant. Sometimes we can play by ear. Sometimes we need to follow slowly and carefully note after note. And sometimes we just need to close the instrument up, stow away the sheet music, and be quiet for a while.

Yes I'm been quiet - and quite unproductive - this week. But I did manage to put this little web flip book together. Using my photos and verse, I'm made 'Holding On' for the Three Muses challenge this week - Lending A Hand. I think this can also fit this week's Melange 'Abundance' challenge.




Many mixed media artists use sheet music in their work. One of the most inspiring art works that I've seen lately is this seed bead embroidered piece from mixed media artist Peggy Dembice.

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It's not difficult to get inspiration for a little decorating with sheet music art. Or, for just a few dollars (yes it's true!), you can purchase these.

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Custom Made Paper Rose from Ragnaz Idnar, a Halloween Crown from Vintage Market Place, 25 butterflies from With A Twist.

You don't haved to do anything with sheet music that has great graphics and colors. Just frame it up. This one is from Galleria Designs.

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Any post that mentions the piano would have to include my favorite D H Lawrence poem, 'Piano'. This poem always transports me back to my grandmother's lounge room where I sit and listen to her play.


Softly, in the dusk, a woman is singing to me;

Taking me back down the vista of years, till I see

A child sitting under the piano, in the boom of the tingling strings

And pressing the small, poised feet of a mother who smiles as she sings.

In spite of myself, the insidious mastery of song

Betrays me back, till the heart of me weeps to belong

To the old Sunday evenings at home, with winter outside

And hymns in the cosy parlour, the tinkling piano our guide.

So now it is vain for the singer to burst into clamour

With the great black piano appassionato. The glamour

Of childish days is upon me, my manhood is cast

Down in the flood of remembrance, I weep like a child for the past.


ps A couple of sweet songs arrived in the post for me this week. These exquisite tags arrived from Marcie from The Rustic Victorian. Such attention to detail and oh those vintage ribbons! I can see these being quite at home draped over an old bird cage I have. Janice from Papier Valise has sent a little surprise package of goodies for playing with. Lucky me!



And just as special to me are your comments and emails. They are a precious song. I hope your week has been filled with some sweet music moments.

38 comments:

LivArtNow said...

Love your flipbook, such warm and lovely photos!! Thanks for sharing!!

Linda

Judy said...

Brilliant flip book, Chrisy, so is all your other art - especially the musical rose!

Ozstuff said...

What a joy to spend time in your blog. The painted grand piano just blew me away! Then your flip book bowled me over. What a beautiful, thoughtful and creative piece of work. Just SUPERB. I so enjoyed the animation and piano music and, of course, the poem.

Witchcrafted Life said...

What a beautiful post, the inspiration that springs forth from the classic poem, your words, and the marvelous beautiful sheet music pieces are all muses for the soul.

Wishing you a splendid Wednesday,
♥ Jessica

Femmy said...

fabulous flipbook!!!

indybev said...

What a delightful visit I've had here. Your flip book is lovely and insightful. I was in awe of the painted piano and the accompanying music and poem plucked MY heartstrings. Thank you for such a pleasant interlude!

Eila A said...

Your flipbook is so lovely, intimate and beautiful, words and images fit so well together! And it's very refreshing to see contemporary black&white photos - they are beautiful!

Andrea said...

Whoa - LOVE the new look!

Chasing Snails said...

I adore your Flipbook Chrisy - gorgeous.

Taluula said...

Oh wow I love everything you've added to this post, but especially your flip book. We Muses have been trying for so long to make such a flip book to show off all the lovely entries to our blog, without success. So Standing Ovation from this corner.

vintage wil said...

Fabulous flip book!!

Rose said...

Hey Chrisy...did I miss something. The name and header of your blog changed? I didnt think it was the same blog for a second there :)
Anyhow, that painted piano is amazing!
The suprises in the post look lovely.

Rose

Terri Kahrs said...

Standing 'O' for creativity, Chrisy! Your flip book is awesome and your entire post is a treat for the eyes and a feast for the soul. Gorgeous! Hugs, TErri

Martina said...

Your work is oustanding, Chrisy. It's a pleasure to visit and to see what you've been creating

Betty said...

Awesome work. I love everything you have here. The flip book is amazing and creative.

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

Love the inspiring uses for sheet music!

Anonymous said...

The flip book is grand. Love all the ides for sheet music. Thanks for the comment on my blog.

LW said...

What an enthralling post, I felt nourished all along the way.
I loved how you compared life to a song.
The flipbook is endearing.
The animated film brought tears to my eyes.
The poem was the cherry on top so to speak.

I also like the new look and name of your blog.

Louise

DELiciousDesignz said...

You really have a way with words Chrissy - it is a wonderful talent. I love the flip book and that painted piano is sooooo awesome..If only I had a big room, lots of money and knew how to play it...LOL

Rebecca is Thrilled by the Thought said...

Wow- that piano!

Love that poem too. I hope my daughter will have fond memories of our family at the piano.

Artsnark said...

Always a pleasure popping in to see you :D Enjoyed your flip book & other selections

Lori Saul said...

What a fun post and journey through your blog- wonderful art and inspiration!

SleightGirl said...

Great flipbook, great finds, great everything! I love stuff that's done with sheet music...another way to bring music into one's life.

Rosie said...

That flipbook is completely charming... and inspiring too! I watched it twice and then played the Youtube film... which brought tears to my eyes!
What an emotional visit I am having! Thansk for your comment on my journal pages - you have now inspired me! xo

Gabbi said...

Such a lovely post, I really like the idea of creating art with sheet music! You never cease to inspire I have to tell you. I also adore Marcie's gift tags. A perfect way to decorate a gift. Thank you for sharing!

Dreamgirl said...

You are such a creative girl. It's always such a treat to visit. That piano - wow! And the Imagine art.... thanks for sharing all the beauty you find Cheryl!

Have a great day!

Splendid Little Stars said...

Just look at that painted piano! Your flip book is great! enjoying the piano music!

Taluula said...

Chrisy thanks loads for offering to help with a slide show. Would it be possible for you to contact me via the Three Muses email so we can talk about this. I use a Mac and webmail so I'm not able to click your email address button above. If that needs more explaining I promise I will when we speak via the Three Muses. Thanks once again for your generous offer.

Ann

Anonymous said...

Chrisy, I love the flip book...I'm still new to all this and am in wonder of all the techie things I've yet to figure out! The images are wonderful. You have gathered beautiful things, ideas, and thoughts here. Thank you for your comment on my blog--yes, always good to have an extra pair of hands around!

Couture Carrie said...

That piano is divine! Fabulous post!

xoxox,
CC

June said...

Fabulous flip book and wonderful art and eye candy galore !! Wow what a blog
Hugs June xxx

Hey Harriet said...

I love your flip book Chrisy. Although it was flipping a little too fast for me to keep up with! Another super post! Hope you have a wonderful weekend :)

NANCY LEFKO said...

wonderful flip book !! and always so much delight to see at your blog.

José said...

The flip book is great! And so is your blog.

gerfiles said...

Hi, Chrisy - and thank you for visiting Gerdiary... - that´s a most interesting + inspiring collection you´re putting together here...

Stephanie Suzanne Designs said...

Hello Chrisy,

I too love sheet music..I've acquired a large stack of it dating back to the late 1800's..my plans are to decoupage my bedroom walls and I'm also decoupaging a wall full of "less than pretty" bookcases in my studio..then they will all blend and be a work of art!

In response to your comment about my mother....funny how you can sense certain emotions by just looking at a photo...I'll have to email you.

Thanks so much for visiting me. I'm always glad to see your sweet words. :0)

Love & Light,
Steph

Renee said...

How this lovely post escaped me, I'll never know.

Chrisy can I get your home mailing address again please.

If you post it to my blog I will make sure not to post the comment.

Love Renee xoxo

Lonesome Road Studio said...

Love the piano; surprises are always welcome!
Beautiful blog, love your style!
Angie