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Colorful 3D Rainbow Gradient Pinwheel Artwork

Well, y’all, it’s been a terrible week. On Tuesday morning, Matt and I had to say goodbye to our beloved Boo Bear, the 16.5-year-old lab/border collie mix who has been an integral part of our family for the past 14.5 years and has shared every home that we’ve had since Matt and I bought our very first house in Albany, Oregon, in 2002.

That crazy, funny, brilliant dog just showed up on our doorstep one day with his brother, Bosley, and wouldn’t stay away. We’d take them back to their owners, and they’d escape the back yard and show up on our front porch again. And again. And again. Until finally the owners asked if we’d be willing to take one of them because the two of them together were just too mischievous and energetic for them to handle. And he was with us ever since. Needless to say, our hearts are broken. I know Boo didn’t play much of a role in this blog over the years, but he was a huge part of our lives and our hearts. Our home just won’t be the same without him.

Anyway, I’ve needed a diversion over these last couple of days — something easy and repetitive that didn’t require much thought or effort, and that could be done while I drown myself in Netflix movies. So I decided to make a piece of artwork to go over the mantel. I shared some inspiration in Monday’s post, so you know that what I had in mind was something textural and colorful.

I decided to do something inspired by the all-time most popular project that I’ve ever done on my blog. This was the project that literally put my blog on the blogosphere map — the chrysanthemum mirror made of plastic spoons.

I just wanted to use that as inspiration, but I made some pretty significant changes for this project. I haven’t had time to frame it yet (and I’m not even sure how to go about it), but here’s how the actual artwork turned out…

It checks all of the boxes that I wanted for the artwork above my fireplace. Not only is it textural and colorful, but it’s also…hmmmm, what’s the word? Orderly? Neat? Tidy? In other words, I wanted something completely different from the free-form acrylic pour artwork that hangs on the wall just opposite the fireplace. But I also didn’t want anything too realistic and literal since I have the bird gallery wall in that room also.

So this fit the bill in many ways. I’m not calling this a chrysanthemum or even a flower since it’s multi-colored. I’m calling it a pinwheel. And just like the chrysanthemum mirror, this pinwheel is made from spoons. But instead of using big plastic spoons, I decided to use tiny wood tasting spoons that I found here. I actually bought these for a different project that didn’t turn out, so I’m guessing that I used about eight packages (800 spoons) on this project. And just like the chrysanthemum mirror, I cut the handles off of the spoons before I used them. They cut very easily with a pair of scissors. Just be sure you’re not using your good fabric scissors to cut wood. 🙂

I cut a piece of plywood to 28″ square, then found the center and put a screw right in the center. Then I tied a string around the screw, looped the other end around a pencil, and drew concentric circles 1.25 inches apart.

And then I drew some guide lines out from the center just so I could kind of keep the spoons arranged in an orderly fashion rather than just haphazardly gluing them around the circles.

And then I started gluing. And gluing. And gluing. I mean, if you’re needing some no-thought-needed, repetitive activity to numb your brain, this is it. I think this kept me busy through about two movies. Maybe three. I didn’t keep track.

And when they were all glued on, it looked like this…

I needed something to cover the middle, so I used a plastic tablespoon measuring spoon, broke the handle off, and glued it on. It worked perfectly. I’m sure the craft store would have a wood half sphere of some sort that might work as well. And then I gave the whole thing two coats of Rust-Oleum spray primer.

Then came the fun part — adding color. I wanted a gradient rainbow look, so I started out with five different Martha Stewart craft paint colors — purple orchid, celadon, galax, lemonade, and pink grapefruit — that I picked up at Michael’s.

And since I had 20 rows of spoons on my pinwheel, I placed 20 little cups on the table and then starting with the purple, I filled the first cup and then every fourth cup after that with the five original colors. (You can see those with the arrows below.) And then in the cups between, I mixed a gradient of the colors.

So here’s how I did the gradient…

1st cup: Purple Orchid
2nd cup: Purple Orchid and white
3rd cup: Purple Orchid, white, a little bit of Celadon
4th cup: less Purple Orchid, white, more Celadon
5th cup: plain Celadon
6th cup: Celadon and white
7th cup: Celadon, white, a little bit of Galax
8th cup: less Celadon, white, more Galax
9th cup: plain Galax

And on, and on. You get the point. For the 19th and 20th cups, I mixed the Pink Grapefruit with the Purple Orchid to bring it all back around to the first color. Then I used a craft brush to paint each row with the gradient colors. I numbered the cups with a Sharpie before starting so that I wouldn’t get them out of order while painting.

With all of the spoons painted, I liked how it looked, but it just seemed a bit flat. So then I used some watered down white paint to kind of dry brush some white over each spoon and give them some variation so that they weren’t all looking so uniform and flat.

And then as a final touch, I used liquid gold gilding to give the edges and tips of the spoons some definition. You can see the difference it made in this picture, where the spoons from about 11:00 to 4:00 don’t yet have the gilding…

And here it is finished. I just love that shimmer and definition that the liquid gilding gives to it.

I can’t wait to get it framed. I think when something is framed and put under glass, it really elevates the look of it.

I really love how it turned out. I think it’s the perfect amount of color to go over the fireplace.

Now I need to learn how to make a shadow box frame so I can get it framed and hung in the right spot.

UDPATE:

I made a shadow box frame for this artwork. To see that project, as well as this artwork framed and hung above the mantel, click the link below.

 

 

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127 Comments

  1. Your boy was beautiful. So very sorry for your loss. I have 2 border collies & they are an integral part of my family – so I know the void of losing Boo is a huge one. Thinking of you & Matt.

  2. Stunning. Perfect combo of colors for the room, adding texture and dimension to the fireplace. This is one of my favorite pieces you have created. Well done!!

  3. AaaMmaaazzing!
    I even LOVED it unpainted. Fantastic texture. Meticulous. Great distraction from the sadness of your days.
    Sorry about Boo Bear😣

  4. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Boo Bear. My sympathies to you and Matt. Glad you found something to do to lose yourself into. The pinwheel is magnificent. The gilding really makes it pop.

  5. So sorry to hear about your dog. They really do become such a part of our lives.
    Your art project was perfect meditative therapy. And boy did it turn out great. It’s the little finishing touches that elevate it from good to amazing. You are such an inspiration!

  6. So sorry to hear about your loss. I totally understand, those pets get into our hearts and become part of our world. Just know he’s still watching over you and will see you again.
    The pinwheel turned out beautifully, I can’t wait to see it under glass. Great job!

  7. Heartbreaking about Boo Bear. Your gilding has always taken things to their final beauty! I want that now.

  8. Kristi:

    So sorry to hear about Boo. In the last couple of months, I also lost my 17 year old pet poodle, Peek-A-Boo (who we called Boo sometimes) so I know how that can impact your heart. It looks like you have used that loss for a lot of great inspiration.

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE your Pinwheel Art work! You are so talented. The colors you chose look great with your living room choices and it is a definitely a stunning, showstopper piece! Thanks for sharing.

  9. Oh Kristi, I am so sorry to hear about Boo. We had to put our German Shepherd mix down last week due to liver failure and it was awful. It absolutely just breaks your heart. So glad you had this project to distract you a bit. It’s beautiful!

    1. I’m so sorry to hear about your sweet dog. 🙁 Matt and I have talked about getting a German Shepherd. They’re such amazing animals — so smart and loyal and loving.

  10. I am so very sorry on the loss of your sweet Boo. We had to put our sweet girl Jada Boo down two weeks ago. She was 17, we had her since she was a puppy. It is absolutely heartbreaking. You and Matt are in my prayers.
    On another note, your artwork is gorgeous, you have inspired me to try something similar on a smaller scale. You are so creative, I love it.

  11. I am so sorry about Boo. There is nothing like the love from a dog. It is unconditional!
    Your pinwheel is beautiful. I love the colors!

  12. My condolences on the loss of Boo Bear. It is never easy to lose a pet. Years and years after losing one of our favorite Oriental Shorthairs (he was 16 when he passed) I still think to myself how much I miss him.

    I just wanted to say “wow!” on this project. This is spectacular and I have half a mind to go onto Amazon right now and buy 700 spoons. I love love love this. You are so talented and I appreciate the detail in your post.

  13. The artwork is simply beautiful! Was it difficult to paint when all glue down? Could you also paint before gluing? So sorry to hear about Boo Bear. Perhaps his picture will be your next art project.

    1. I find it quite easy to paint once they’re glued down. If you paint before, then you have to guess at how many of each color you need, and then hold it while painting, and then find a place to put 800 spoons while they’re drying. That just seems like a hassle to me. When they’re glued down, the craft brush fits in there perfectly to make quick work of the painting, you know exactly how many need to be each color, and there’s no searching for places to lay out 800 spoons while they’re drying since they’re already attached.

  14. Love the art work! Perfect for living room and fireplace!
    We have been without a pet for 6 months first time in 49 years of marriage. It is hard.

  15. I’m so sorry to hear about Boo. Saying Goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the most difficult things to do.

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful project! What fun

  16. Losing a pet is as hard as losing a human…

    The art is stunning! I love it! The gold edging is genius, I have so many ideas after looking at this project. Have to say that I also love it in the original wooden state and painted white as well.

  17. This is amazing! I am so sorry for your loss. Animals are such a reliable part of the family it is so hard to say goodbye to them. I love how you used art to channel your feelings! I am definitely going to try this.

  18. So sorry to hear about Boo. I have lost many pets over the years because I rescue seniors and it is always so hard.

    This is exquisite. The gilding made a HUGE difference. Love it.

  19. Losing a family member is so hard. I am so sorry that you are going through this but so happy to hear that you were able to give him and his brother a good life.

    This is just the kind of project I love to see on the blog. It’s a DIY that I could possibly replicate on some scale. This is a great idea.

    My six year old daughter wants to convert her Mermaid bedroom to a Rainbow bedroom. This is something I could attempt in the shape of a rainbow for art work. Or even in the circle shape if the rainbow theme becomes too repetitive.

    Thank you and I wish you and your husband the best in this difficult time.

  20. Oh Kristi and Matt,

    My heart breaks for the loss of your beloved furbaby as he has crossed the rainbow bridge. I love this poem……

    You’ll Meet Me In The Light

    I know that you can’t see me
    but trust me I’m right here
    Although I’m up in heaven
    my love for you stays near.

    So often I see you crying
    many times you call my name
    I want so much to lick your face
    and ease some of your pain

    I wish that I could make you see
    that Heaven indeed is real
    If you could see me run and play
    how much better you would feel

    But our loving God has promised me
    that when the time is right
    you’ll step out of the darkness and
    meet me in the light.

    Oh a happy note, I must say that your new art piece is insanely awesome and beautiful…. You seriously have some mad skills!!!

  21. Dear Kristi:

    Sincere condolences on the loss of Boo – I hope that you and Matt will take comfort in knowing that Boo knew that he had such a loving home with the two of you and you have lovely memories to cherish.

    On another note, the artwork is stunning – I am one of those types who is afraid to tackle projects, but I feel inspired by you to try something similar. Wonderful work!!

  22. Losing a furry family member is devasting,I know…….he looks so much like my Pepper who was the love of our lives….
    My sympathy to you and Matt…..
    The wooden spoon project is beautiful,can’t wait to see it framed!

  23. Oh, Kristi, I am in tears, so sorry about Boo Bear!

    And everybody who lost their beloved pets – I am so sorry for your loss! 🙁

    It’s been an year without our beautiful, dear, lovely cat and I miss him terribly.

  24. I am so sorry for your loss.
    I am just speechless at the talent and ideas you come up with. Piece is beautiful!

  25. Kristi and Matt, I am so sorry you lost your precious pet. I hope you have many pictures to bring back memories of your life with him.

    Once again, you have generously shared your creativity and resourcefulness with us. Ingenious to say the least and perfect for that space.

    It will be a treat to see the whole room when it is completed.

    Best wishes.

  26. 🙁 Our pets just steal our hearts don’t they! So sorry for your loss.

    That art piece is stunning…LOVE IT!

  27. Kristi, I am so sorry to hear about, Boo. He was a beautiful boy. It is never easy losing a pet.

    Your new art project is simply, WOW! I love your creative ideas, and I love your detailed posts. I am always so thankful that you share. I used your step-by-step instructions on how to sew, “Pinch Pleated Draperies,” for my granddaughter’s nursery. That instruction was instrumental!

    I always enjoy following your progress. 🙂

  28. Beautiful piece, you have a lot of patience! You are so talented. I am waiting for you to sell some of your creations.
    So sorry for your loss.

  29. So very sorry to hear about Boo Bear, they certainly fill your hearts with joy and leave such a void when they’re gone. Our thoughts are with you and Matt.
    Kristi, your pinwheel artwork is nothing short of a-maz-ing!!!!! Wow, you are so creative and it looked stunning just in it’s natural color, then more stunning painted, but then you Kristi-fied it and took it to another stunning level with the white accents and gold gilding, truly taking it to an outstanding 3D aspect. It looks gorgeous on your fireplace and is the perfect compliment to your other lounge room artwork and entryway artwork. Well done, you never cease to amaze me with your creativity and talents!!!!

  30. Oh, Kristi, so sorry for the loss of your Labbie. What a good life you and Matt gave him! As to the artwork -beyond cool.

  31. Matt, Kristi and Peeve…..I’m so sorry for your loss. All Dogs go to Heaven as they say and I truly believe it. Your art project is very nice!

  32. It is BEAUTIFUL!!! I am so sorry about the loss of your dog, we also just lost our dog of 9 yr. right after the holidays.

    1. I’m so sorry to hear about your dog. 🙁 They really do become family members, and we just don’t seem to have enough time with them.

  33. I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Boo. They are family! Unfortunately, I, too am in mourning. My precious baby boy (dog) was killed in an accident just 2 wks shy of his 7th birthday, 2 wks ago today. Devastated. It’s so hard and my heart goes out to you both.

    This piece is beautiful! You continue to amaze me with your talent and patience. I don’t think I could hang in there with so much detail.

    To keep busy and my mind off of things, I am learning macrame. To me, unless the piece is huge, it’s fast gratification.

    Hugs and prayers!

    1. Oh, I’m so sorry to hear about your dog! 🙁 Matt and I had been preparing ourselves for this loss because of Boo’s age, so I can’t imagine the devastation of a sudden loss at a much-too-early age. So sad for your loss.

  34. Oh Kristi, I’m so sorry about Boo. We see pets every single day, more than most family and friends, so it really leaves a void when they’re gone.

    I LOVE your pinwheel, but I’m surprised no one has commented about this before: I think it looks wonderful as is! I think the texture would be amazing left alone, not framed. I feel like putting it in a shadowbox, with “walls” on the sides might take away the beautiful texture of it, especially looking at it from that side. Could you just put a simple wood border or frame around the outside?

      1. Yeah, I was wondering about that too. Dust is the bane of my existence. I always joke that if I had three wishes, one of them would be to permanently eliminate all dust.

  35. Perfect! It really ties together your colors of the room!

    My condolences on your loss of Boo. I know how hard it is.

  36. I’m saddened to hear about your Boo Bear. It is never easy to say goodbye to or furry companions. And it never gets easier. We have had to say goodbye to so many over the years – but we still need a fur baby in our lives, and dread the day she will say goodbye.
    On to your artwork – it is absolutely stunning! You have a lot of patience to be able to do a repetitive task like that! I think I have patience, but doubt if I could complete that so quickly. It would be one of those months long things for me!!! The colors are perfect for your room. The shadowbox frame should be easy for you – think of it as a rough opening for a window, with a routed space for the glass. Put the glass in before closing up the fourth side. If you wanted to, you could do two routed spaces, one towards the front, and one in back, and that would show the wall color through, instead of having a solid back.

  37. So sorry for your loss!

    You are amazing! Your pinwheel is wonderful. It is perfect for your room. When you make your drapes will the room be complete? The pinwheel is even better than the music room stencil after you “Sharpied” it!

    1. I still have two chairs that need to be upholstered for the living room. And then some decorative accessories. But it’s getting close!

  38. My heart breaks for you on the loss of Boo Bear. They sure do have a way of being a huge part of our hearts. They are a family member.

    I love the art!

  39. So sorry to hear of the loss of your fur baby. It is never easy to say goodbye.

    Beautiful art work, that would be to hidden under glass! IMHO

    1. I was thinking the same thing. I wonder if just adding a frame around the white board would be enough. That way it keeps the dimensional-ism at the forefront.
      Btw so very sorry to hear about the loss of your Boo!

  40. Kristi, I am sorry about your sweet dog. I think for a border collie 16 1/2 years is a long life and because he lived with you an Matt, I am sure he had a good life. My border collie mix only lived 10 1/2 years.

    On a happier note, yes the colorful gilded chrysanthemum looks cool. As a matter of fact, one of the pictures looked life it was actually moving as I scrolled up and down. Weird! I had no idea that a chrysanthemum mirror made out of plastic spoons put your web site on the map! Who would have thunk?

  41. It’s been 2 years since we lost our Mikey and sometimes, I still imagine hearing his little tap dance routine on the hardwood floor. I feel your loss. Find,solace in each other and your other sweet animals.

    On the other hand, I am so jealous of your talent. I effing love this peice!!!!!!

  42. Kristi, so sorry for you and matt’s loss of your Boo Bear! my yellow lab/mastiff mix Bear ( i call him boo bear too!) is about 8 years old and i worry about the day he is gone. hearing you say you had 14+ years makes me happy to think I could have a long time with mine too!

    your art project looks beautiful and you are so creative and inspiring! i too was wondering if it was difficult to paint the wooden spoons and cover each area while they were all glued down…??

    1. Actually painting them after they’re glued down makes it very simple. The craft brush fits in there very easily, and since they’re already glued down, I know exactly how many need to be painted each color, and I don’t have to find space to lay out 800 spoons while they’re drying.

  43. My heart hurts for you. Losing our fur babies is so hard. I love the pinwheel. I love it as a textural piece with the primer also. I hope your pain lezsens daily.

    Sheila F.

  44. I’m so sorry about Boo. It really hits hard when our pets die.

    I love this project. I think a thin gold frame along the outside edge would look great. Maybe a poster frame could be adapted (without the glass).

  45. Oh, Kristi and Matt, I am so sorry to hear about Boo. Hugs.

    Beautiful art and the gilding takes it to a whole other level. Will always think of Boo when I see it.

  46. Kristi and Matt,
    I’m so very sorry for your loss of your precious Boo Bear! It is so horrible to say good bye to our pets but I hope with some time, you will find some peace.

    Your artwork is stunning and goes beautifully in the room and space you chose.

  47. Knowing how much we love our dog – I just can’t imagine your pain. I’m so sorry.

    Your project is beautiful, I’m totally inspired to do that on a smaller scale. Thanks for the instructions!

  48. It’s gut-wrenching when we lose our beloved pets. You have channeled your pain into something beautiful, as all true artists do.

  49. I’m in awe at your skill and vision for this piece – and at the perseverance to finish it so quickly. It is a very beautiful testament to how much your dog meant to you. I’m sorry that you had to let him go! when our beloved pet bird died, a friend told me that she believes our pets will be there and offer advice on why we should be allowed to enter heaven when we die and i had to smile ot the idea even though I was in tears… So think of Boo waiting for you somewhere – and probably smiling when he realises what inspired this awesome artwork!
    are the spoons made of wood? I always imagined your chrysanthemum mirror to be made of plastic ones somehow, but wood seems much more sensible for this project! And wouldn’t it have been easier to paint the spoons before gluing them in place? or would that possibly ruin the colour with glue??

    1. The original chrysanthemum was made of regular sized plastic spoons, but this one is made of tiny wood tasting spoons. I much prefer the wood. The plastic one kind of melt and get misshapen where the hot glue is applied, but the wood stays perfectly intact with the hot glued applied. Plus, the wood just feels better and more substantial and more natural. I personally found it very easy to paint them after they were glued. The craft brush fits easily between the spoons for painting, and with the already attached, I knew exactly how many to paint each color. Plus, I didn’t have to find space to lay out 800 spoons while the paint was drying.

      1. I knew you’d have a good reason for doing it this way round! Thanks for explaining it, it makes perfect sense – and I didn’t even consider that you’d have to put the painted spoons somewhere for drying, that would be such a hassle!!!

  50. This is absolutely stunning!! The gilding…..it adds sooooo much!!!

    So sorry to hear about the passing of your special fur baby!

  51. I’m so sorry about your sweet dog. The pain is real. They love us so unconditionally and adore us like no other. I’m sure that project kept your mind occupied! You have the patience of a saint! Such a cool project. I even liked it when the wooden spoons weren’t even painted!

  52. So sorry to hear about Boo. All the best to find a place for Boo othrr than fysical in the house. He will always be with you.

    Maureen

  53. No new words or thoughts to try to ease the pain of your loss. Our pets hold a special place in our hearts. You found a way to focus and create in honor of Boo. That is a special gift.

  54. So sorry to hear about the loss of Boo Bear and sending you and Matt love and prayers. Hopefully the beautiful artwork and colours you’ve created at this time will make you happy each time you look at it and remember the special times you all shared.

    I find it really inspiring that you’ve channelled your feelings into something so beautiful.

  55. So beautiful! I am sending you peace as you grieve the loss of your beloved family member. I’m so sorry. I still cannot get over your talent/eye/patience/energy/taste as you continue to create – do you sleep?

  56. I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved fur baby. I’ve been there, and it’s hard to let go.

    Your artwork is amazing and beautiful. I’m glad you are able to do something so therapeutic, and it reminds me of Rainbow Bridge for your boy. Thank you for sharing.

  57. Oh, Kristi, I am so sorry. When our cat died, I remember having to go to the store and feeling so empty and thinking, if a child had died people would be there, but we were grieving a cat and no one knows or cares. I know your Boo Bear was not human, but I’m sure you didn’t love him any less because he was a four-footed family member. Thank you for sharing your heavy heart with us… lifting you up to the Father in prayer right now. May his comfort and love envelop you.

    What a beautiful project in which to pour your broken heart. It definitely is the perfect color accent for your beautiful living room.

  58. This pinwheel is a perfect tribute to Boo! It is gorgeous. Before you get it framed, you might look for a vintage broach to substitute for the center half circle. Your mother might even have something to use.

  59. Kristi and Matt, so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved boy, Boo. He was such a dashing, handsome fellow! He really wanted to be yours, he could sense he’d have a good home with you. 16.5 is very old for a dog his size and breed, you must have taken very good care of him. My heart goes out to both of you, it is always difficult to lose a beloved family member. Rest in peace, beautiful Boo.

    Your artwork is just beautiful and very dynamic. The extra touches, especially the gilding, make it come alive. It looks like a rainbow starburst, and as someone up-thread mentioned, it too reminds me of the Rainbow Bridge, so a fitting tribute to your furbaby.

  60. So sorry to hear about Boo. They leave a big empty space in our lives.

    Your spoon project is amazing! Just perfect for over the fireplace.

  61. So sorry to hear about your beloved dog! He obviously had a wonderful life! Your art is beautiful. I thought it was neat before you even painted it. It’s such a neat piece! I think it would look so awesome framed in an acrylic shadow box frame!

  62. I’m so sorry for your loss, Kristi and Matt.

    I love this piece! How did you manage to paint the gilding so evenly on every spoon? Inquiring minds want to know.

    1. It’s actually not very even. I intentionally made it a bit messy so that it wouldn’t look like I was trying too hard to make it all perfect and even. I wanted a more natural, organic look to it.

      1. Ah! It looks perfect in the picture. But I like more natural and organic. If it’s too perfect it looks like a machine did it. 🙂

  63. Kristi & Matt, so sorry about the loss of your precious furbaby. What a sweet blessing he was to your family.

  64. So sorry for your loss. Boo, has crossed the Rainbow Bridge now. I’m sure your heart will hurt for a long time. I lost 3 of my furbabies within 6 months, 2 years ago and said that was enough. I can’t do it anymore it hurts too much.

    I looked at both pieces of your art. It is hard to pick a favorite, but if I had to I guess it would be this one. The other one is lovely though also. You are so talented.

    Judi

  65. Remembering the grief my husband and I went through each time we said goodbye to one of our beloved pets (three of them), I know how difficult it has been for you and Matt. We just can’t seem to live without one, though, so we adopted another a few months after our Airedale died in 2014. As much pain as it causes to lose them, you think we’d never want to go through that again, but I can’t bear not to share the love and companionship they offer.

    I think your pinwheel is my favorite of all your artwork diys! The colors are my favorites, too. That piece will bring everything together in your living room!!

  66. My heart goes out to you both. We lost our furkid last April. They insist on taking a part of our hearts with them.

    As to your art…..absolutely beautiful. They look like dragon scales.

  67. I admired your chrysanthemum mirror but this new art is gorgeous. I am curious if there is a noticeable difference between the plastic spoons and the wooden ones. Not size wise, though it would be interesting to know if one seems better suited than the other, but in the actual material. Both are painted, but in the end do the wood spoons seem more substantial or higher quality, less I-made-this-from-disposable-spoons?

    A project like this seems to be do-able for me and I also happen to have a large supply of plastic spoons. But buying the wooden spoons would be worth it if it affects the visual quality of the piece.

    1. I do agree that the wood seems more substantial and natural and just overall better. It’s also easier to paint since it’s slightly rougher and porous, making the paint stick easier.

  68. The timing of this beautiful piece of art reminds me of the “rainbow bridge” often referenced at the death of a beloved pet. Thus, a lasting rainbow-inspired tribute to your deeply loved Boo Bear. May you find peace in the many memories of his life with you.

  69. I’m so sorry for your loss of your beloved pup. They are so much a part of our families. We’ve said good-bye to one pup and our current oldest is 12. She’s super healthy, so we’re hoping that she can hang in for a few more years. But at 84, you never know. We’ve mentioned it to our kids a few times to try to warn them a bit, but they aren’t totally aware of what it will be like when she passes. Hugs!

    I love the flower! I shouldn’t be, but I’m always amazed by your precision and your ability to pull colors together. The way you mixed the paints is gorgeous and was a great way to pull some purple onto the fireplace.

    Sending prayers.

  70. The gilding on those spoon edges is just like the sharpie on your music room (?) wall. Just takes it to a whole different level! Makes it look REAL. Awesome job!

  71. I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Boo Bear. Looking into that obviously intelligent face and soulful eyes makes me feel the loss of never knowing him.

    Love and prayers for ((((You and Matt)))).

    The art piece is wonderful, amazing, mind boggling. I’m happy you’re framing it; I can imagine all those petals would hold all the Texas dust!

    Can I suggest using glass, possibly even beveled glass, to protect it – rather than the acrylic glass sometimes found on shadow boxes.

  72. First of all, I’m sorry for the loss of your beloved pet. You might want to make a shadow box of his photo, his collar and other momentos to hang in your beautiful home as a memorial.

    Secondly, I love your art piece and think a shadow box frame would be perfect for it. It’ll look amazing on your fireplace. So colorful and yet peaceful.

  73. Oh, your sweet Boo Bear looks like a very, very special boy! I am so sorry for loss. Hugs to you and Matt!

    Your rainbow pinwheel is amazing – I am glad you were able to create something so beautiful to help with the sadness.

  74. Although you delved into this art piece as a way to deal with the pain of loss, it is a beautiful tribute to your wonderful Boo! Our fur babies bring so much color into our lives with their amazing personalities, antics and unconditional love. We lost our yellow lab Skippy a year ago last June (she was 13) and still miss her every day!

    Your creativity is astounding. I love color, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE this piece! The unpainted version was also beautiful, as was the white! It would be beautiful unstained but shellacked, stained with wood stain in gradations, or monochromatic. Your design offers endless possibilities…

    Thank you so much for all of your tips and very clear directions!

  75. I am so very sorry about Boo Bear. I know how much that loss hurts. May keeping all the fun, sweet, and loving memories help.

    The pinwheel art is very fun and looks great in your living room! But I am IN LOVE with the wooden version! I’m highly unlikely to ever follow suit and make one of my own, but I can’t stop scrolling back to look at that photo!

  76. I am sorry for your loss, we too, had to send our dog (15 yr old boxer) to be forever young and playing with is brothers and sisters, that have been wait patiently for him to arrive.
    Love what you are able to do with your house! You are very talented person!
    Can’t wait to see what this will look like and all the other projects you have up your sleeve!
    Thank you for sharing

  77. So sorry to hear about your Boo. 14+ years is a long time. You were blessed to have each other.

    The art piece is absolutely incredible! I loved it when it was just wood, and then the color was WOW, and then when you added the white and the gilding, it shot to another whole level! I’m not an artist, but my husband is, and I can so appreciate the time and patience and talent that went into this piece! I wish it was hanging in MY house!!

  78. This is the wildest thing I’ve ever seen! Amazing ! And what a wonderful, fitting tribute to your sweet Boo. I bet life with him was colorful, and fun, and new every day and now when you look at your art you can remember him.

  79. So sorry for the loss of Boo.

    I have a question about the spacing of the spoons. Did you just “eyeball it” to get the project going from the outside in? I feel as though I’d run into one of the rings not fitting just so and only having enough room for a half spoon. How did you ensure that each ring would be complete?

  80. Just found your blog when researching piping on upholstery. You are amazing and so generous with your talent. I have subscribed. May have to dedicate a day or two to reviewing all your posts!

  81. I Know it’s been some time now , but I went to get the st and they r discontinued. I Tried looking for others but seems they 3/4 w (which is whatever important) is difficult for me to find. I as hoping maybe u could suggest another place to get them ?

    1. THank u so much ! And wow. Please excuse all those crazy typos lol. AND ty for sharing ur work is absolutely stunning!!

  82. Hi Kristi,

    I’m not sure if you will get this but I thought I would give it a try. I am attempting to make this beautiful pinwheel. Your source no longer carries these spoons and I live in Canada with few options. I have ordered some spoons from Amazon and most of them are too big. I have found the right shape but now fear they are too small. Can I ask you to measure the bowl of the spoon so I can compare?

    You amaze me with your talent. I hope mine will turn out.

    Thank you so much,
    Sue

  83. I’ve always loved this spoon art project, and so I had our 6th grade class remake it for the school auction fundraiser! It’s not as perfect as yours since I had 17 helpers moving 100 miles per hour : ), but it turned out great! Thanks for the inspiration!