TRY IT THURSDAY - May 7, 2020

It would appear that legendary Renaissance artist Michelangelo and our own exhibiting artist, instructor and volunteer Pat Jackson have something in common. One of the most famous quotes attributed to the sculptor is “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” Pat finds it a bit easier to set the figures free from cardboard egg cartons…but it’s almost the same thing…right?

Here’s Pat’s suggestions for creating May flowers despite April showers…snow…and whatever weird weather hits us this weekend:

When Kris first asked me if I had any ideas for Try Its, I thought of paper molding and papier mache. However, my experiments with this medium last week did not go particularly well. So this week my Let's Try Something Else is making flowers from those grey paper egg cartons ... and a dragonfly too. These faux flowers can be used to create a bouquet, make a wreath or decorate a box.

You'll need an egg carton, scissors, a utility knife (for those spots that too awkward to cut with scissors), acrylic paint, wire, and hot glue (or a good craft glue that will dry quickly).

1. Cut the carton into pieces for your flowers, keeping scraps until you're done just in case .

The "cups" of the carton are useful for both the base and outer layer of petals of the flower. Just be sure to cut the base down to the bottom between the points, spreading them out and allowing one to sit inside the other. The "cones" can be used as lilies or trumpet shaped flowers, or - cut short - as the center petals of a flower. The flat portions can be cut into petal "rolls" and leaves, or even into the wings and body of a dragonfly or butterfly.

2. Paint the pieces and let them dry.

I used colors, but I could see the flowers all painted one color, e.g., cream, with green leaves or even metallic gold with silver leaves. Use your imagination.

3. Assemble the pieces.

Because I wanted to eventually wire these onto wreath frame, I needed to add wire and secure it. If you planned to glue the flowers directly to a base, you would not need wire. I used hot glue primarily because it's quick.

In the case of the "trumpet" style flower, I wrapped wire around the the base of the "stamens" added hot glue and pulled the wire/stamens through the flower, and -with a bit more hot glue - through its "base". For the other flowers, I bent one end of the wire with a small "squiggle" and a 90 degree angle, put a small hole in to the center of the base, added hot glue and pulled the wire through. With a bit more hot glue, add the outer layer of petals to the base and press together. Follow by gluing each layer of petals until complete. The leaves have a small "patch" glued on the back to hold the wire in place. The dragonfly's head is "rolled" and glued in place, its wings glued between two layers of paper on its body.

Have fun!

Pat (like Michelangelo) likes to work in many mediums and much of her work is fantastical and whimsical. She’s a Corning native who’s much too educated (does anyone really need TWO law degrees? AND an Associate’s Degree from Parsons School of Design?). Pat’s work was featured earlier this year in our “Interludes” exhibit. She’s scheduled to teach a workshop at the Arts Center in October. Find out more about Pat on our website, www.artscenteryatescounty.org .