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I am glad you chose to visit! My blog is a compilation of the many hats I find myself wearing. On any given day I may be an encourager, an instructor, or just a lady who is venting. You, dear reader, will probably identify with my triumphs and my tribulations! These snapshots fit into my Life Scrapbook I have named A. McInnis Artworks. I hope you will find something worth your while.


Wednesday, December 29, 2010

That's Music to my Ears!

I have been bitten by the Sheet Music bug...I began using old sheet music in some of my art a while back and never thought a thing about it...I just liked the look. I was recently asked to teach a mixed media method class to 17 ladies, and I decided to use sheet music as the background of my class sample. I went to the flea market and scored "big" on books of OLD sheet music!


This is the picture that I used as my sample. I wanted everyone to use the same pattern, but they could pick their own papers, colors and decorations. They all did quite well...although we needed about 4 hours for the class rather than the 2 I had designated. We used various papers (some handmade), old music sheets, acrylic paints, and pens to construct the 11x14 mixed media on canvas print.

I then declared that NEXT year's school library Christmas tree would feature sheet music in some form...that's when I started to explore the blogs for information. Was I stunned! I was "in the groove" and didn't even know it...music was featured everywhere! Well, that really gave me the itch to begin experimenting with what I saw. I tried to hold off until after Christmas...


#1 Granddaughter and I experimented with the wreath we saw on Miss Mustard Seed's blog first. It was like the monster that ate Chicago...it grew and grew! But I love the look and plan to keep it in my office year round. I believe this was also featured on the blog, Confessions of a Plate Addict. We double teamed it with Granddaughter rolling the cones and me glue gunning everything in sight! ( I sprang for a Sonic Blast after this task was completed!)


I wanted to try a smaller wreath, but #1 G said I could do it on my own. So I did and it's quite cute...about the size of a salad plate with another antique button in the center. I love the little fan look in the middle!

Then I remembered the two paper mache pyramids I bought for half price at Hobby Lobby...$5.99 for both! I pulled them out and decided to "do you know what"...again...cover them with old sheet music!


Next, I affixed some sheet music using Mod Podge. (aka: Nectar of the gods...ha.)

I didn't like the plain Jane look, so off to Hancock's Fabrics to find something with which to dress the edges of the pyraminds...1/4 inch black elastic that was on sale for 50 cents for 3 yards. It took 3 packs and I had a little left over. I covered each individual side..which means I had to attach the elastic 8 times and 4 for the bottom.Note: Do NOT stretch the elastic, just glue it down with Elmer's.

On the first pyramid (aka: Christmas tree), I haphazardly applied the music, on the second tree I "wised" up and cut each side in two large sections...worked much better and certainly was quicker.




I used Distressing Ink to give a little rustic flavor, but really didn't need to as the sheets were so old on their own.

I attached a snowflake that was a leftover tree topper on sale for 50 cents. It was brass and I "rusted" it. I also attached a burlap bow on top...I am still thinking about adding rusty bells attached with twine to the bow.


Tip: When working with sheets of music, the older music is extremely fragile and crumbles easily. I began with 1930's music and quickly found that for me it was easier to work with 1950's and 1960's sheets especially if there is much folding or manipulation of the sheets.

I love the look and must say that burlap has been my BFF for as long as I can remember. Teamed with the antique music, burlap presents a really nice contrast. I remember once a lady gently scolded me for using burlap in a tablescape...I laughed to myself...little did she know that it would become one of today's hottest decorating accessories!

12 comments:

Miss Mustard Seed said...

Thanks so much for sending this link along to me! I like how tailored your "trees" look. The trim really makes them! :)

Angela McInnis said...

I appreciate your stopping by!

Mary said...

Those trees are amazing:)

Angela McInnis said...

Thank you, Mary. After looking at everybody else's I'm sort of embarrassed! Thought I was so cutting edge...lol!

Donna said...

Angela, you continually amaze me with your creative ideas!! LOVE the "wreath" and the pyramid (& I think adding the rusty bells to the bows would be the perfect finishing touch)!!

Angela McInnis said...

Thank you,Donna. I KNOW I have rusty bells somewhere around here...oh, no another trip to HOBLOB!

Lori@Paisley Passions said...

I LOVE when things are decorated with sheet music. Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas on Thrilling Thursday @ Paisley Passions :)

Angela McInnis said...

Lori, I went back to the flea market yesterday to get more music...I've gone crazy! Thanks for your comment.

Anonymous said...

I'm inspired, thanks for also sharing your tips.

Anonymous said...

I like these and appreciate your tips!

Carole said...

These are brilliant!

Anonymous said...

I love the music trees; would like to make some for a granddaughter ... these would be neat sitting on the end of a piano top, can the music scrapbook paper be used?.....it would probably have to be cut and pieced, too, what about a wide binding that would take care of 2 sides at one time? Please advise. Thanks!