Church Banners, and Why They Are So Time Consuming

I have to admit that anything that starts from a sketch so simple should not end up using such a large portion of your life to produce. However, in my area, the problem has been finding supplies, as I have stated before, and after numerous (way too numerous) hours on the internet searching for background fabrics, and candle fabrics, everything is beginning to be a bit closer to coming together. And boy am I relieved!

While this does not show the wonderful shimmering quality of the flame fabric, trust me when I say it will be seen from afar! Trying to photograph the holographic pieces are hit and miss. I also plan to put a bit of angelina in the very center of the flames when everything is attached, as I will have to use fabric glue and don't want to reheat the fiber again. It's right where I want it color wise and one more hit with the iron and who knows???

And this is what appears to be a small amount of work, the candles cut, the *glow* of the flame and flame proper fused together......how deceiving. This was an amazing amount of time! Since it's almost all silk, it has to be handled with extreme care and everything has to be perfectly on-grain.

And the little *wax drips*? They can't be just fused, but zigzagged around all the way to make sure they stay on. After three backing support products, I finally discovered that tissue paper works the best.......grrrrrrrrr.......let's see, eight small candles, two large candles, and I am pretty sure that equals Anne losing her mind!
The next step is getting these onto felt, then a slow, broad zigzag all around the edges to secure everything so it doesn't ravel out!
And that's the Monday update on the monsters---stay tuned for more of my perils and adventures right here on El Milagro!!!
And I hope you have a wonderful, easy-going type week, and think of me slaaaaaaaving at the sewing machine! ;-) LOL!!!!!

Pax.

Corralling *The Little Pirate* (or why mothers turn grey)

(Elinor Frances Stewart Huskey July 31, 1923- August 30, 1990)

Yes, that is me with my poor mother hanging on for dear life. We were on board the U.S.S. Patch, headed for our station in Germany in the mid-sixties. And why is she holding so tightly to that Little Pirate??? Because I had a tendency to run as fast as my fat little legs could go and jump! I had this thing about water (still do, though I swim atrociously!) and if someone didn't nearly have me on a leash, I'd be in it.
And I couldn't swim.
No fear. Or maybe it was no brains. ;-)
Mother spent her life trying to reel me in, all the while I was pulling hard, trying to reel myself out. I think the expression says it all......no smile, no cooperating, no giving in, just pure determination. No wonder she wanted me to join a convent, to keep me out of trouble! And seriously, I considered it for a good while, but it was that *unquestioning obedience* part that steered me away.
I learned a lot from her; cooking, embroidery, we had a few vain attempts at knitting until I taught myself. I remember wash day with the laundry baskets lined with plastic from the cleaners, holding the starched, damp and rolled clothing, awaiting the iron. Everything was so fresh afterwards!
I managed to ruin many dresses with bouquets of dandelions for mother; the milk from the stems leaving a trail of brown dots across the cotton........mom would patiently embroider little Lazy-Daisies on each stain, with French Knots in the middle, thus making the dress fit to wear again.
I thought it was tres cool.......it wasn't until I was an adult that I realized she did this because we did not have the money to buy new clothing at the rate I buzzed through my wardrobe. In fact, I was well protected from the fact that due to monthly military pay, at the end of each month, my folks were counting pennies to make it to the next paycheck.
While I was highly encouraged in art, dance and music by mom, I was crushed and disillusioned when, my senior high school year, ready for college and planning on an art degree, I discovered that it was not happening. My god-parents controlled my college fund and they would only agree to what they chose for me to do. Me? An anchor person on some local news broadcast? Give me a break!!!! (or just take a look at that face in the picture....says it all....)
And so, that was the end of a lot of dreams and hopes and the beginning of a tremendous amount of really bad behaviour and being a rebellious little stink in general.
Maybe that is why there is only one photo with this post---because those were still the happy years, without my aunt and uncle involved in our lives, and mom and I were good friends. Maybe it is normal for a daughter to revolt against her mother at some point, to try and leave the nest. Maybe I just like this sweet memory, and the pic really expresses my disposition du jour, or even now. Too determined, too inflexible. Certain of where I am going despite warning.
No matter...........rest peacefully mother.
I turned out okay...............more or less.

Pax.

Down for the count.....

"Mine....all MINE! Don't even come close...."

(equal time for my other little feathered fire-ball, Johnny, who I dare not open the cage door to photograph or he will be gone! he is ALL ATTITUDE, the exact opposite of Joey, and a handful. dive bombs me when I feed and water him, then sits and laughs. yes LAUGHS. especially when he knows my head hurts. Oy.
can I pick them or what????? and that's it for today.....)

....Sorry folks, no art, no content, just another sickening migraine that makes it interesting to even try and SPELL! (let alone see the screen and type words and not drivel....) And that's after taking the meds!
I'll be back with you all tomorrow; I hope that everyone's weekend is good, and fun, and above all else restful!
And now, to find two large boulders to place my head between and squeeze it flat...... ;-) .....kind of like the Three Stooges.....WOOOO WOOOOO WOOOOO!!!!!!
Until I can think, and you are better served with photos , art and writing---as always---

Pax.

A quick P.S........better this a.m. but still not functioning. Going to hide someplace dark and quiet today (or try to). May just go sit in the cellar in the wet studio and stick my head under the table....LOL!!!! Don't think I can stand the lights yet to work........WAH!

Day out for lunch........

"Oh my! This is sooooooo tasty!"

A quick PEEP from me before I have to go get *beautiful* (quit laughing.......) for a lunch out with a friend.
And WELCOME to another follower, though she's been a lurker I love her anyway! heehee!
Spent most of the day yesterday in the studio actually getting some work done on the Advent banners, but it's nothing I can photograph at this point. Still just pattern making, readjusting sizes, adhering fusible to fabrics, ironing (lots of that)....I mean, this is the not-at-all exciting part as far as photos go, but it IS exciting for me because this is when I start firming up in my mind's eye how they will look. Rooting through my massive stash of fabrics for a few shimmery pieces to highlight the silks......it's beginning to get a little interesting.
Plus I was able to find some fringe to complement the BOLT of fringe I bought already that I was not satisfied with.
My profit margin on this project????? I'm thinking zero. Just as long as I don't go in the hole......and they'll look good, and that's all that matters. Grace UMC's sanctuary will be beautiful for Christmas!
So little Ms. Socialite is outta here to start fixing her feathers and do the complete make over thing before stepping out into public. I don't want to be arrested for indecent exposure; i.e. face sans make-up!!!!
Have a good day, and yes, that's my sweet little Joey in the pic, not the blue-demon-fireball Johnny who tries to take a slab out of me every time I clean his cage.
Sigh.
Children.
With or without feathers.......... ;-)

Pax.

Sunrise Through A Lazy Fog........

In Indiana, morning fogs like this are a sure sign that Autumn will soon be peeking around the corner. DH was leaving for work early the other day and as I was opening the garage door for him, I was greeted with this amazing sight; fog so very thick, hanging in an elevated blanket and the sun reflecting through it and off it!
I promptly ran into the studio, nightclothes flying, house shoes flopping, grabbed the camera and burned off several shots. In the moments I was out there, the sun was slowly rising, making each picture distinctly different. Some had lens flare, some didn't, but all were beautiful in their own way. It was tough to pick ONE for the blog......and I figured posting all of them would insure you that I am OCD. (ahem) I prefer to think that I was just trying to preserve each moment of a spectacular event, a gift from the universe. Sounds better that way, yes?
With the fungus popping up in the yard and leaves falling from trees, I am wondering if we will have a colorful Fall or if the rains will move in and end this dry Summer with wet and dreary days. No matter; I have work piled up to do. Yesterday my banner sewing turned into a surprise visit from a friend, and thus my day was spent not working but talking, reminiscing and e-mailing.
That's okay.
The thing I need to teach myself is there are only so many hours in a day, and so many times I get the chance to laugh with lifelong friends. The work will be done, the house can wait, dinner is always fixed for hubby.............everything moves on.
And every morning that I can, I check for sights like this one, to remind myself what a marvel this great globe is and what a small and infinitesimal part I play. Yes, I record events, make art, decorate sanctuaries with banners, but ultimately, a sunrise like this one puts it all in perspective.
I am content with being *small*.
And pleased that I get to share something this *big*.
I hope your day is brilliant!

Pax.

Introducing My Friend: Lynn Devine McDonald

I want to introduce Lynn because she is a phenomenal woman, artist and someone whose work you will want to see more of! Please enjoy!!!! And all images in this post are the copyright of Lynn Devine McDonald, 2009. (yes, I'm sewing....or prepping to....)

Lynn and I met, quite by accident, when I had some of my shrine quilts on display at the Indianapolis Art Center in Broadripple, for their Dia De Los Muertos show/celebration. We talked first either via e-mail or through a phone call--I can't remember which--but set up a date for her to come up from Indy to my studio. She and her sister Gail were afraid I would be some "young, perky thing"..............HA! Not that way for a looooooong time!

We all hit it off immediately with our like of similar things; my work was quirky and a little dark, but with influence from Frida Kahlo and religious images. Lynn's work used found objects from flea markets, yard sales---anything for texture--- multiple stampings, paint, more paint, more stamping........see where we're going here?

Lynn loves the use of milagros in her work as much as I did sewing the numerous tiny ones on my shrine series. While we differ in technique, we still have these threads that cross....color, texture, hearts, Frida..................

To quote Lynn, when describing her unique and eye catching work:
"Many times I use text as texture. I love to play with layers of meaning and layers of materials,I see them as stories, visual fragments of a moment. I seem to work in series; Frida, Mexican tin hearts, renaissance women, circus., dreams etc. "

There is always a quality of depth that I enjoy looking at. A sense of so much more to see if I just look a bit longer.

You can visit Lynn's Etsy shop and see what's for sale, or visit her blog through the link in my sidebar.

She also has a website, Lynn Devine McDonald, where you can go take a look-see too.
We have shown together (along with Bernadette Ostrozovich) and we are truly an interesting trio when we are thrown in the same boat, or gallery, as the case may be!
So take a moment to check Lynn's work out and leave a comment; she's new to Blogland and I think you all would enjoy what wonderful eye candy is available.
I sure do---my daily dose of Lynn! :-)
Now repeat the matra; "Go make art......go make art.....go make art....."

Pax.

250th Post........A Little Background Story: This Camera Buff

I probably should have something more spectacular for a *special number* post, but a good portion of my creative life came from learning photography from my father. Dad was a fine photographer---living in the era of 620 film (oh I can still smell the wrappers the rolls came in!), Speed Graphic cameras that had the film plates you had to load in a darkroom (and so large they required a trunk to carry them!), Roliflex cameras where everything in the viewfinder was upside down, and doing your own black and white work. Digital, Photo Shop, and all the other things we take for granted did not exist. This was the day of man, machine, emulsion and chemical.
And magic.

Thus I learned how to shoot the old fashioned way (not sure I remember much, other than framing up a shot!), load and develop my own film which I'm sure I could still do, work under safe lights and grew accustomed, and yes, even somewhat fond of the smell of stop-bath! Think vinegar, times 1000.......
Everything was measured exactly, temps of the chemicals had to be perfect, paper fresh or kept in dark, climate controlled conditions. Photography was truly an ART. He moved with an ease only those who had committed a goodly portion of time to work and learning of the rules would have. He was graceful in his art.

And you could do everything exactly right and still have a lousy print. Spent developer, a pack of old paper, old chemicals if you forgot to mark the bottles, over exposed, underexposed.......there were a host of *surprises*.
None the less, I loved the hours spent in the darkroom watching him work. Burning and dodging, making a vignette tool from a cigarette cellophane wrapper and a piece of paper, using his hand to gently reduce light from the enlarger in a small area of paper, slowly counting off seconds before we owned a timer to get proper exposure for the print, knowing from a negative how the positive would look, squinting through a photographer's loupe to examine the film for scratches or some lost detail.......it was, in a way, slight of hand, much like a magician.
He spoke in a language of F-stops, apertures, and fractions of seconds; sepia tones, warm and cool papers and resin and matte finishes. It was an exotic music to the ear.

Now I shoot, upload, crop and post. I seldom do anything fancy---I like a photo as it is. My programs on this computer are quite simple, for the most part. I burn through double A batteries in my zest to get the shot I want. I shoot too many variations of one thing (just like dad!), with little difference. I wander through the yard and seek photo-fodder. I have a mass of images stored that need sorting and some deleting.
This era is far too easy. A good camera and a good eye will get a decent shot. Photo Shop can correct almost anything. And no, I don't use it, nor do I know how. I am a luddite in that respect. Dodging and burning is done with a cursor and a mouse. (mostly me cursing!) Cropping is a click and roll instead of an easel with adjustable edges, or strips of cardboard in the case of an odd sized print. Vignette is a click of a button and adjusting the amount of area and the background color. The satisfaction is NOT the same.

I miss those days of film rolls, Kodak yellow, standing in a suffocating dark closet to load a roll of film into the tank reel for developing and the sound of the slow click of a lens when the camera, tight on a tri-pod, was set to *Bulb*. I miss lugging the equipment, the excitement of that first faint image beginning to show as I gently agitated the paper in the developer tray, the impatience of waiting for the paper to go through all the baths and then, to hold my soaking wet print in full light, in my hands, still reeking of chemicals. I miss the work of photography. I miss not knowing what I was going to be holding, and having to wait for it, to earn it.
It was a joy. And I would pass it along, or recommend it to anyone if you can set up a darkroom. A small area, access to water and the ability to close out the light, and the world, and enter the delightfully eerie and heart-thumping universe of developing your own prints.
There is nothing like it.
Really.
REALLY.
Creativity emerging from the ether........or in this case, a tray full of Kodak developer.

Pax.

Welcomes! And the beauty of water......

First off, a happy WELCOME to some new followers; hope you hang with me while I work on a large sewing project. That's when photos fill the gaps! ;-)
We have had drought here, and when rain finally arrives, there is something exceptionally beautiful about the droplets on the plants. Suddenly everything is green and alive again and it is too good not to record with the camera.
My tiger lily, above, with delicate reflections in the little water globes......

......puddles on the broad leaves of a plume poppy, sitting all proper and upright! These plants go back to the original settlers and are amazing structurally. They spread......so not a favorite of some gardeners. They are in the same family as blood root, a tiny cousin.

The remaining bell shaped blossoms of one of my hosta varieties, a bit droopy but still delightfully delicate and elegant with their rain bonnets on.
Hopefully you all will have a good week, some relief from the heat and some rain if you area needs it. I do find shooting the pics in the morning rather interesting, as I end up as wet as the plants........
Have a creative week; look for the beauty out there!

Pax.

The Final Installment of the Tutorial (Oh...relief!!!)

(the following work is a copyright of Anne M. Huskey-Lockard, 2009)

After yesterday, we were basically at the point of laying on ink gently to add to an aged appearance. This is what using one color does, with the majority of the ink being the Tim Holtz Vintage Photo brown, but also a bit of regular brown dye ink used.
Put a bit on, work it in with a rag, wipe it off to smooth the edges and make it seem stained or just aged paper.
One color family sometimes works fine, but I generally go in with black ink also. This photo below has black dye ink and I go back to my rough brush that I used for the gel and gesso application.
Tap it on the ink pad, or stroke very lightly to pick up small amounts of ink. VERY SMALL. Then begin to shadow along edges of paper, skim lightly over wrinkles, smudge a bit here and there after brush application with the rag. More texture begins to show, and the piece gains in interest.

When I have that done, to where I like it (and this is a matter of personal taste) I will go back with the STAZ-ON and do the edges of the canvas so it really is dark. That makes the center of the panel pop and sometimes, I will let just a touch of the ink go over onto the top of the panel.
At this point, you need to let everything dry very well.
You will then spray the begeezies out of it with a workable fixative (I use Krylon exclusively) and make sure the sides are sprayed too.
I can't say this enough:

HAVE ADEQUATE VENTILATION!!!

In the summer when it is hot and dry out, I'll go outside the studio door to do it. But most of the time I am in the cellar and I spray and run. Sit the piece down, again, let it dry well. When you get back to it you will notice the workable fixative has added depth to the work, the colors seem brighter and it also has left a bit of a slick finish. That's fine.

Next are stamps if you choose to use them, but you will want fluid acrylics or craft paint thinned with a collage medium. Dye ink will not dry on this--Staz-On will, but the color will be quite intense. I like the workability of the fluids and paints. This, again, is personal preference. You can stamp partial images, texture, whatever. Stamps must be cleaned immediately after use or you have just ruined your stamp. The paint does NOT come off with stamp cleaner once it's dried. I have a very soft old toothbrush and artists brush soap I use, but as long as it is something gentle, you're okay.
CLEAN YOUR STAMPS! They are a big investment even on sale!!!

This has a bit of texture stamped on. You can see the dark edges well in this photo and also how the fixative brought out the layers of texture in the rest of the piece.
So why am I stopping here? Because this is all you need to know for a background. Everything else, from here on, is foreground, and that is when you, gentle reader, make your personal statement. What is it you want to say or do? Do you strictly want to do an abstract? Do you want to do a painting? Do you want to collage on images and words?
Whatever you may consider, you're ready. Remember anything printed from an ink jet printer will have to have a good coat of the workable fixative before being applied. Anything that is not water proof becomes so with the workable fixative. Don't skimp.
I hope this has been of benefit to you and I hope to hear from some of you, that you've tried this and a photo would be even better! (hint hint!) Then we could have a blog post about what different ways we all went with the same technique.
Now, don't be afraid to try this, don't be afraid to ask me questions, but most of all, have fun with the art you make.
And if it flops, well, put it away like I did mine, let it *cure* for a while and then take it back out when your mind is clear! After all, that's what this is all about. Recycling. Everything, the art included!
Wishes for the best of luck and the best of fun.....

Pax.

Part Three: CHEAP CHIC!

(the following work is a copyright of Anne M. Huskey-Lockard, 2009)

Well, here we have the essentials for the next step, and one essential for ANY step in my art, my favorite coffee mug filled with good strong java! ;-)
Your panel is completely dry, and now we get to gesso. There is only one brand I use---ONE. It is the artists grade from Demco, manufactured in Canada and sold locally at Hobby Lobby. Not a particular plug for them, but if you can't find it, you can order it from their website. Make sure it's the artist grade, as there is a big difference.
Have handy an old rag (don't try paper toweling--won't work and it's a waste of money--rags wash), the coarse brush you put the gel on with and just use the gesso off the foil liner. You don't need a lot.

I use a small amount; this is almost a dry brush technique, because you want it to sit on top of the texture from the gel medium, lightening and blending the background papers. Don't put it all over--unless you want to. I prefer a light touch at first and then add as needed.

Sorry for the lousy quality of a couple of the photos but I have a hard time holding everything! The side view shows a bit better that all is not covered, in fact, in the process I occasionally will wipe some off with a slightly damp rag, or rub some in to make it fall into the gel grooves.

The sides, all around, are covered with gesso. If you think you have a bit too much on, just wipe it down with the rag. No big deal.

And here is what it looks like when I decided there was enough white to suit me. You can see I left some areas pretty much untouched as they are integral to my final product......at least at this point. That can always change---that's what's so great!

Now to inks. Above are DYE inks and STAZ-ON inks. Dye inks are great in that they dry quick, can be softened with a damp cloth, can be stamped and will be dry soon, but they do require a sealer before putting any other wet media on top of them or they will run.
STAZ-ON, as the name indicates, STAYS ON!!!! On your clothes, on your hands, on you worktable, on everything--which makes it good for final coats, heavy ink applications, and when you know for sure you want something somewhere. I have two colors simply because they are double the price of the dye inks. But they are an excellent product....just take time to learn to use them.

I start tinting the panel on the sides with the dye ink, using the pad to rub it on, then softening the finish with a rag. This isn't quick work---you need to enjoy detail work. A LOT.

I take the pad and lightly touch it to the top surface of the panel, getting only a small amount of ink on the gel. Practice will let you know the right *feel* of this.

Then I still, usually, will rag the ink, to soften and distribute it around. I only work the outer edges first, to build a visual *frame* of color.

The very outer edge is inked heavily, and not rubbed in. I want the crevices from the paper and gesso to show through as there will be other applications after this. It's a matter of having to learn to leave it alone. (hard lesson for me!) Just ink it and walk away. Go finish your coffee, play on Facebook, go to town. Let it dry.
Tomorrow we will finish the top of the panel, and I probably will leave you at that point to pursue either doing one, or you're going to have to wait quite a while for a finished piece of art from me due to my sewing requirements at present.
This is all very achievable work---anyone can do this. If you can't find the paper selection you would like, visit Manto Fev for one of their foreign paper samplers. It's how I've built my stash and it is most affordable.
Above all else, have fun with this! If you decide to make a piece, let me know. Maybe we can post the finished art here at some point!
Yes, I have thrown down the creative gauntlet!!!
Have a great and productive day!

Pax.

Part Two of CHEAP CHIC!

(the following work is a copyright of Anne M. Huskey-Lockard, 2009)

Now comes the fun part, continuing from yesterdays frame dissection! Gather together a lot of different types of papers; old books, text books, phone books, etc. I love a selection of whites, taupes and beiges. These will be a bit more toned down later, but for the moment, you want some contrast both in paper color and text.
A bristle brush for scrubbing and Golden Regular Matte Gel Medium are what puts this all together. I like a lot of gel for texture and the bristle brush helps with that; this is something you will have to experiment with to find what you like and how much. The matte gel leaves a finish that accepts other media after the paper is on.

If you click on this photo you'll be able to see the different types of paper I have collected. One note: on any texts that are considered a religious text by any belief group, I only use from books that are falling apart or have sections missing. It is something that I personally feel is the right thing to do as far as having reverence for all beliefs. That's just me........

Here is the work in progress. Whenever you begin working with gel medium, ALWAYS wet your brush and then squeeze out the water. It will leave the bristles damp but not wet. What it does is help protect the brush from the medium, and keep it flexible. This stuff can dry QUICK.
Put a good coat on part of the panel, then lay the piece of paper on (this has to wrap to the back) and smooth it out with the brush. Turn the panel over, add gel to the edge and back and smooth the paper tight. Use gel to help in the smoothing. Sometimes the paper tears, and that's okay because you just put the next piece over the top.

This is a close up of the panel in progress, building torn piece by torn piece. There is medical dictionary text, shorthand, Hispanic text and I believe a page from an old book on the temperance movement in Indiana! (that's not applicable today, eh?)
Keep building, and if you have an idea of what you are going to use this for, you might decide on certain pieces in certain places. Keep an open mind.......these are things with lives of their own.

The finished panel with LOTS of gel medium over the top after everything has been put on, smoothed, wrapped and allowed to wrinkle from the dampness of the gel. Those types of wrinkles are good--don't fight them. Just get the paper on as flat as possible to start. All ages and types of paper handle differently, so be prepared for surprises. Some of the oldest paper I have used, from the 1600's, handled absolutely brilliantly with a little care!
I chose Hebrew text at the top and the dark page is from a very old and incomplete bible. I felt they complimented each other well and will work with what I *think* I will do with the piece later.
At this point (read my lips!!!!) LET THIS DRY WELL!!!!! Overnight usually is not enough. Sometimes a day or two, depending on humidity. I set the panel on top of a jar of gel with the lid on, or any other jar for the most air circulation. There is a lot of wet that needs to be DRY. It should have no tack what so ever when you hold it in your hand.

And, after drying, a test fit into the inner plastic piece. I like the papers better than the print it had, and we're not even close to done!
Okay, get a cool drink, process this, try it if you want and tomorrow we'll start doing some work on the papered panel.
One note: If you think this is something you could use, then do several panels at the same time. Then they are papered and ready to go. You can go with standard sizes that can be framed later, or if you have oddball frames at hand, cut the panels and go for it.
Now off to your creative day, and I'm off to work some more!

Pax!

P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAN!!!!!! :-)

How To Go From CHEAP To TRES CHIC!!! (tutorial, of sorts!)

(the following work is a copyright of Anne M. Huskey-Lockard, 2009)

I don't think there are any of us out there that have not had, at one time or another, a gift to give or a donation to make that was at a *bad pocket book time*---i.e. you're fairly broke, but you have to do something. Or it is a political thing where if you don't donate you're on the perpetual ca-ca list, and that irks you more that you have to spend money. Or you have to give a present to some extended kin you really DO NOT LIKE (or even know).
Well, I'm here to help you out. (in other words, you owe me. not firstborns...just blog publicity!)
At this point, any professional framers reading this should click out of the page. I know some of you live near me and I want to continue a happy and healthy existence!!!! ;-)
The above frame is a cheapie from a local dollar store; I think I paid between $6 and $10 for it, and it's barely worth that. It is made of heaven only knows what. So you have to be careful in the disassembling.

First, yank off the paper covering the back and see what you have to work with. This is a common cardboard and staple combo, the type that usually has me saying bad words after I've cut myself a few times! The secret to pulling the staples is to pull them straight out at the angle they went in. Sometimes they will split, so be careful! They can rip skin easily!

You usually can tell by looking close; then shove the tips of the pliers into the cardboard, grab that staple and PULL!!! Repeat as necessary until everything is loose. Dispose properly of the staples immediately---I've had them fall on the floor and find them with my feet, or have a piece found with a finger somewhere under a pile of papers. Not fun, and not sanitary. Seriously.

If you're lucky and nothing breaks, you should end up with an assortment of *parts*: frame front and glass, inside decorative piece---which in this case is thin molded plastic (!!!) and what is the *art*. Needless to say, that's going......but you have to use it once first.

After you have GENTLY removed the art from the inner molding, save it in one piece. It will be your template for cutting a canvas panel to fit in the opening left in the molding.
Place the print on the front of a canvas panel and use either a very sharp craft knife or a rotary cutter and ruler and cut the panel about 1/16" smaller on the two edges. (you'll only be cutting two, since the other two will be the panels existing sides) This will allow for space when you use paper to collage the panel, and that WILL add a bit of size to the edge.

Check the fit. I lucked out---no digits cut off, panel fits good with a little wiggle room. Also make sure the canvas panel sits a bit below the molding, so you have room for coats of paper, gel, etc. You don't want that to touch the glass, because I guarantee it will stick.
Now, the next step will be collaging the paper onto the panel, and that is tomorrow's installment!
Tune in again; Same Bat-Time, Same Bat-Channel!!!
And have fun with this-----just be creative and make some art! Cheap.

Pax.