Then and Now... the Memory Keeper!

Work on the "Memory Keeper" began back in mid-November... starting out with a three-drawer jewelry box.

I finally have found the time to add some scrap-booking papers to the box "body" and sculpt that paper clay head he's been waiting for!

His eyes are a pair of vintage black shoe buttons.  His black derby is molded felt. His upper arms are wooden craft finials... he is patiently waiting for his hands!

I had this old pocket watch in my stash of "stuff." It seems to suit him and the whole notion of a "Memory Keeper"... as time goes by.

His head needs to be gessoed and painted. He will wear a rather dapper Victorian paper collar, and his hands need to be sculpted... and then he's just about ready to hold some memories!

le gardien de memoire... that is to say: "The Memory Keeper"

I will cover the styrofoam ball with paper clay... I'm not planning on inserting eyes, but rather, painting them on the face.  The temporary "halo" is from a dismantled solar walkway light!  Tsk! Tsk!

The arms of my "keeper" are once again, wooden craft finials (for which I have this weird affinity it seems).  I base-coated the old black lacquered finish with Krylon outdoor/indoor primer... it works like a dream!  The game plan is to cover the entire box-body with vintage and scrap-booking papers.  I have three metal book plates (one for each drawer) that I will eventually add and then insert labels in.

Ahhh... the wings?  I'm trusting that at just the right moment; inspiration will come knocking at my door and I will know how to finish them (perhaps a bit of modeling paste to add some interesting texture?)  The wings are cut from 1/8 inch craft plywood and I have attached them to the box-body with small metal hinges and screws... for a bit of whimsical movement!