Thursday 9 February 2012

A Cunning Plan...

Remember this?


I have been fortunate enough to have the work selected for a major exhibition in the summer but there is a catch. I have to hire a telephone kiosk in which to display the work. I have done some extensive research over the past couple of weeks and despite some early promising figures it would seem that to hire a reproduction K6 telephone kiosk (the originals are far too heavy) and to have it installed in the gallery will cost me in excess of £500 for the week. And that's before I factor in hanging fees and at least two trips into London. But it is too good an opportunity to miss and so I have to come up with a plan to raise the cash.


At 2 am this morning I was wide awake and my mind was whirring as I hatched a plan. This month Jeska of Lobster and Swan has been creating original artwork from altered matchboxes - one for each day of February - and the proceeds are going towards her husbands fund raising efforts for the London Marathon.
They are really beautiful and I urge you to take a look... and buy one to support this good cause! But this also got me thinking about a similar plan.


I have decided that I am going to make an edition of 50 miniature books, each one different, inside an altered matchbox. They will be tiny little works of art and no matter how fiddly or complex they might be I will offer each one for sale for just £10 (plus etsy fees and postage). If I manage to sell them all that will enable me to put my work in the exhibition. It's a tall order but I'm certainly going to give it a go... not every day but possibly 3 or 4 a week.


The first one is a little Valentine book slightly less than 3cm x 5 cm, hand stitched with a beaded spine and a machine embroidered cover.


Inside on the back page there is a tiny secret fold out section that reveals the words "I Love You"


If you are in the UK this could be with you in time for Valentine's Day... although it would make a special gift for the one you love at any time of the year.


The matchbox is covered with decorative paper and tissue, silk ribbon, a mother of pearl button and a machine embroidered tassel... all hand made by me. Each book will come with a small certificate with the number of the book and the date it was made.


I hope you will be able to support me and buy an original and unique piece of art for yourself whilst also helping fund a major project. The book is in my Etsy shop now. And if you have any ideas for a book you would like made especially for you... drop me an email. Thank you!

Update: The first book has now sold (Thank you!) but the next one will be in the shop very soon. Watch this space

25 comments:

  1. I am composing an email as we speak.

    ReplyDelete
  2. A must have - I'd say, and what a brilliant idea. How exciting for you too, to be invited to set up your installation.

    ReplyDelete
  3. It's beautiful and a brilliant idea! :)
    V x

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a great opportunity!

    Celia

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sounds very exciting! I have a special birthday coming up this year so I will be emailing you with my request :-) Good luck with your fund raising.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Best of luck! I'll be keeping a watchful eye on your etsy shop....... :o)

    x

    ReplyDelete
  7. Good luck Gina - will be keeping an eye out on Etsy too xxx

    ReplyDelete
  8. Count me in Gina, a really worthy cause, you deserve it.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Can I order one as well? All in the name of art!
    Jo

    ReplyDelete
  10. A great idea, I dont do Etsy though. :0(

    ReplyDelete
  11. PLEASE, PLEASE keep one for me. It's a brilliant idea. Best wishes with your plan.I need cheering up as "Kathy Slapdash" who, if you remember from Jersey, does the charity craft fairs with me has had a severe stroke and is not trying to get better.Vera.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Now that is exciting news, and a brilliant idea! I'll be in touch with my request!

    ReplyDelete
  13. A brilliant plan - and I see the first one has already sold. Hurray!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh! Oh! Oh! Can I order one for a special date??

    ReplyDelete
  15. Do I want one? Oh yes please, I will send you an
    email. I'm so excited at the the prospect of owning
    a matchbox book. A brilliant idea, good luck with
    the exhibition I'm looking forward to that as well.

    ReplyDelete
  16. You go girl! I've been doing my little matchbox resolutions on my other blog every week and what you propose is a big time commitment as I've already realised for myself but if anyone will hit that target it will be you. I shall keep my eye on that Etsy shop to see the sales racking up!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Gorgeous idea and I do hope you meet your target as it sounds like a wonderful opportunity. I'll keep a look out for your books

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'd love one please! Can I join the queue for commissions?

    Pomona x

    ReplyDelete
  19. Wishing you all the best for your enterprise! Looks like you have a waiting list already, I shall bide my time!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Gina - I will join in - anything to do with lace will make me happy!

    ReplyDelete
  21. An excellent idea, I hope you manage to raise the money you require. I will defenitely have one, I just need to think of a theme. Fund raising is so difficult, I have taken part in several charity treks and walks and know that is more difficult than the chalenge its self. Good Luck!

    ReplyDelete
  22. What a lovely idea Gina - now I'm just deciding on my theme....

    ReplyDelete

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.