Crafting Personal Shrines: Using Photos, Mementos & Treasures to Create Artful Displays

by Carol Owen

Carol takes readers step-by-step through gathering supplies and tools, building a basic shrine, and embellishing their assemblages.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Crafts

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2004

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so I've been warned by the attorneys NOT TO MAKE any more shrines to David Harbour.



I understand that just because he stars in a creepy TV show, doesn't mean he's cool with me having all those photos, statues, and candles in a corner of my basement. I just want to reiterate - I DID NOT kill that squirrel that was dressed like Chief Hopper; he was already dead when I forced the little cup of coffee in his paw.

Anyway . . .

If you're gonna build shrines for purposes other than celebrity worship, this book is jam-packed with ideas. The shrines are essentially shadow boxes filled with photos, trinkets, and personal items. One of these would make a fantastic gift for a birthday (Wouldn't it, David?) or 50th wedding anniversary present. (Answer me, David!) There are detailed instructions on making six different shrines.
But, if you're not big on putting things in little boxes, you can also use this book as inspiration for collage or scrapbooking projects.

Look - this one says KINDRED, David.


Please use responsibly. Dead squirrels not included.

[MKF · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I was a crafter ready to tackle a difficult project then I would build me one of these shrines. The majority though look just like fancy shadow boxes and there are some wonderful ones. I just don't like the glue on a bunch of trash look that the artist loves to use on her shrines. Since you can customize these anyway you want it's a good book for those looking to build shrines and shadow boxes.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So freakin' cool! I love her ideas and her shrines. Very inspiring and I plan to make my own.

[Gabriella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could see myself referring back to this later for similar projects. Features the work of different artists, a lot of different takes on the concept of a small shrine.

[Gayle Pritchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carol's book is well written, beautifully illustrated, and features her unique approach to creating structures for found object shrines.
This talented mixed media artist presents the material in an accessible way, making room for various skill levels and approaches. I am honored to have my work included in this terrific process book.

[Marianne Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the concept of this book and all the different shrines there are pictured. The directions do seem overwhelming and daunting but after having done them on an art retreat makes it seem a bit easier.