Tuesday, February 14, 2017

The Little Death Matchbox Shrine

Do you celebrate Valentine's Day?

We don't...

Well, not really...

Okay, I confess, last year asked for chocolates and a card. After almost 25 years with the fella with no romantic demands, I don't think it was asking too much.

This year Mr Pixie asked what I wanted for Valentine's. I said "Nothing" but quickly changed my mind and requested a cheesecake and his spot on the couch.

Mr. P has actually been quite woo-ey over the past few months. It's so out of the ordinary that family members have asked if one of us is dying. For the record, we're both fine. *knock on wood*

Speaking of death....

The Little Death Matchbox Shine for Love and Lovers w/ tute - Nichola Battilana

I made this piece specifically to celebrate Valentine's Day. "The Little Death" matchbox shrine is a bit of a cheeky joke with "La petite mort" a metaphor for sexual orgasm.

The Little Death Matchbox Shine for Love and Lovers w/ tute - Nichola Battilana

Despite there being a little skull smack dab in the middle, and it being called 'The Little Death', this isn't about doom and gloom. It's sex, love and romance baby!

The Little Death Matchbox Shine for Love and Lovers w/ tute - Nichola Battilana

Some of those little paper flowers look like chrysanthemums, a symbol of joy and optimism. Maybe they are asters, talisman of love and a symbol of patience.

The Little Death Matchbox Shine for Love and Lovers w/ tute - Nichola Battilana

There's a golden butterfly, the symbol of the soul and positive transformation.

That shiny amber something at the bottom of the shrine? A nod to Freya, the Norse goddess of love, sex, beauty and death. Freya would weep amber tears while waiting for her beloved husband to return to her from his extended journeys.

The Little Death Matchbox Shine for Love and Lovers w/ tute - Nichola Battilana

Ok, maybe there is a tiny bit of death in all of this, but so many symbols associated with love, sex and life also share a connection with death. And why not, that's what we do isn't it? We live, we love, we die... hopefully we do it all well.

If you're interested in seeing "The Little Death" being made, hop over HERE or watch below


And here's a list of the supplies I used to create that wee shrine.

• coloured tissue paper
Creative Paperclay
• standard match box
• chess rook
• paper (I used a vintage love poem and G45 scrapbook paper)
• charms (metal crown, stamped brass butterfly)
2 Symmetrical Flourishes Silicone Mold
Flower Soft (used for flower centres)
Narrow Gold Fleur Dresden Borders*
Tiny Dot Dresden Borders - Gold*
• acrylic paint
• glue

Note: The tool I mention in the video is a ball stylus... not necessary, but a handy thing to have around.

Whether you're celebrating today or not, I'm sending a little love your way.

Happy Valentine's Day, sweetie pies!

10 comments:

  1. Your "Little Death" matchbox shrine is wonderful. So much work and detail in it.
    I laughed out loud at requesting your husband's side of the couch for Valentine's Day. Did you ask for the remote too?
    Enjoy!
    diane @ thoughts&shots

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  2. You are adorable! Happy V's Day to all the Pixies on your Hill xoxoxo

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  3. It's almost 1:00 am here, but I had to look when I saw "The Little Death" title in my inbox. I wondered if you really meant what I thought you meant, and YES. YOU DID! You crack me up. Thanks for the laugh.

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  4. Absolutely Fabulous! I love learning all the symbology in your art work. I knew about The Little Death, and love how you represented that concept. I think this is a lovely Valentine's Day shrine, and you have inspired me.

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  5. Gah!

    It's lovely!! Your mini shrines are to-die for and, in their creation, you put US to shame! :)

    I just made a 1/2cm tall mini skull for the first time, for a commission of a statue of Ereshkigal! I loved the way it turned out!! l plan to make more for whatever else I may be able to use them for. :)

    A belated Happy Valentine's Day to ALL of the merry folk of Pixie Hill!

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  6. Thanks for the video. Nice to see how it is all done. Just discovered your site and hope there are more videos!

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  7. I love this ❤ and there is a video!

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  8. You never...ever....ever... cease to amaze me.

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