Friday, 4 November 2011

Display Case and Assemblage

Okay so this is something I’ve wanted to share for a while, but with so many other little projects going on, this one got pushed back again and again. Luckily it’s turned into a handy little post to fall back on whilst I’m up to my eyeballs with volunteering and writing for NaNoWriMo. (I only wrote 2,000 words today, which is appalling compared to the first few days!)

So! A few weeks ago I yielded this awesome display case from a local charity shop, for the princely sum of £1.50. I took it home, intending to fill it with Stuff:


At first, I decided to opt for a natural, autumnal look. I braved the breeze and headed out into the back garden to grab what bits and pieces nature had to offer.
I also threw in some beads and cord, and some pine cones and conkers that I’d picked up on the way home.

And I ended up with this:


I opted not to use the feather or the green beads for this one. Neither quite fit: the feather didn’t match the ‘flora’ theme and the green beads were too bright. The green from the tree would go brown over time and still fit in with the rest of the contents.

Or would have done, had I not decided I didn’t like it enough and turfed it all out again!

Next I came up with this one, which I think is my favourite:


For this I used all the old cottons and scissors from the vintage sewing box I blogged about a while ago, along with some cardboard reels of cotton from a pound shop sewing kit.
Didn’t realise until editing the pictures that one of the thimbles slipped out of place...

Anyway. Again(!) I had the urge to switch everything around. I was really doing a lot of playing about with this case. Back in school I loved when we did an ‘assemblage’ project and remembering this I became desperate to make lots of little displays!

Here’s the final one I made, using a ‘metallics’ theme:


This display was probably the most fun, since I got to throw in lots of interesting objects I had floating around! 


I may end up staining the wood a darker colour, since I think dark wood gives more of a ‘cabinet of curiosities’ feel, which is what I’m after!

For now, here is one final assemblage I put together. It lies beyond this box…



Just a plain old cigarette box, bought from a charity shop, right?
Open the lid, and you have this:


This happened of its own accord really! I’d been planning to use the box for assemblage and had been keeping things in it that I’d use. I began to line up the little bottles and the corks, then threw in some tiny crystals. Suddenly my little box had a jewelled beach-like theme! For good measure, I filled the clear bottle with more crystals.

Putting together a neat-looking display in a case or box is easy. It’s basically home décor on a tiny scale! So long as you take into account colour, size, shape and theme, you’re all good!

I haven’t decided upon a permanent theme for the display case yet. Since I don’t have my own mantel to decorate, the case might become my answer to that! 


Now over to you. What do you think is integral to creating an interesting and eye-catching display? 
Do you have a particular way you like to display things?

Linking up along with all the creative people at the link parties listed in the side bar! :)

19 comments:

  1. how cool, thanks for sharing. http://www.positivelysplendid.com/2011/11/stamped-metal-tags-from-coke-cans.html

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  2. Wow! Your displays are beautiful! I especially love the sewing one! Wouldn't it look great in a craft room? I found you through Tatertots and Jello. Thanks for sharing!

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  3. I agree that the second version is my favourite too. Very interesting.

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  4. Wow, I had a hard time picking a favorite since they all look great. But I do think the thread and scissors is my most favorite. Thanks for linking up to Sunday's Best =)

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  5. I love this idea! the secound one is my favorite! New follower i'd love if you followed back!

    Julianne

    www.sewfantastic.blogspot.com

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  6. Thank you for coming by my last creepy Halloween Post and I'm glad it inspired you enough to go pin crazy! *winks* Yes, it was a fabulous booth... I lingered for quite some time.

    What I believe is integral to an interesting display is to showcase the things you Love, things you have a connection to and therefore will connect to others who are kindred Spirits. Not everyone will 'get' it, but when Beloved Objects are displayed they do tend to have an appeal and interest to more people than they usually would standing alone.

    Blessings from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

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  7. Just can't pick one...so I love all three!

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  8. Great displays! You have a great eye for putting a lot of elements together to look organized & not cluttered! When I try to display lots of stuff it always seems to look to busy. I usually go the route of fewer objects. Will be keeping your ideas in mind.

    -caroline @ c.w.frosting

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  9. I absolutely love the display with all of the old spools. I don't think I've seen a wooden thread spool in a long time. Adorable.

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  10. I love all of these ideas!! Especially the thread with all of the color...functional and decor!
    I'd love for you to link up to my Fresh Friday Link Party!
    http://www.releasemecreations.com/2011/11/fresh-fridays-link-party-2-on-release.html

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  11. Hi Kei. Love your displays and creativity. You remind me of a free-spirit who's not locked into any design rules and that's why your creations have such a wonderful feeling. I never have the confidence in my own work.

    Thank you so much for coming by Kei and keeping positive thoughts for the family. It sounds like your grandmother and my MIL were kindred souls.

    Hugs...Tracy @ Cotton Pickin Cute
    (I'm your new follower)

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  12. I like those display cases. They're so versatile. You did a really neat job filling them.:)

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  13. What a neat idea! As a sewer, I'm naturally drawn to the second one, but they're all lovely. Thanks for sharing at Etcetorize~

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  14. Such great displays, but think my favourite is also the sewing box.
    Wish you a good day!

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  15. You are so creative, with all your displays. Being a sewer I was drawn to that one, and the different colors are thread really caught your eye. Great job! So happy you like my French Coffee lamp. And big thanks for linking up to Sunday's Best Party.

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  16. You made the Top 5 Freshest Projects of the Week on Fresh Fridays Link Party! Be sure to grab your button!
    http://www.releasemecreations.com/2011/11/fresh-friday-link-party-3.html

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  17. I love that display case! All those little nooks and crannies...the metallic one is my favorite!

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  18. I love the sewing knick knaks grouping. perfect for a craft/sewing room. Love that it cost 'so much', LOL!
    ~Kimberlee

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  19. Great display case!!! Thanks for sharing your great project at the Tuesday To Do Party!

    Smiles!
    Jami
    www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com

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Reading all your sweet comments makes me happy! :) I appreciate each and every one and try to reply to all that I can!

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