I knew it was a matter of time before I wound up needing three areas in which to work! And this was the little guy responsible for it:

This is a typical mop head found in this part of the world. Someone had discarded this mop and I spotted it. Something about the multitude of colors, the threads, the yarns -- it all really talks to me. In fact, it was yelling at me: "Take me! Do something with me! Turn me into art before I wind up in the trash heap!"

So I did. I took it, cleaned it, and made it all pretty. And then I did this to it:

I cut a section of the yarn and pinned it to a used "Bounce" dryer sheet. (Another cast off that speaks to me. Dryer sheets say: "Take me and use me! Do not throw me out---and there's many, many more of us. Save us all!". So I did. I've got a butt load of used dryer sheets just waiting for a second use.

Here's what it looks like pinned together:

And this is why I needed another room to work in. I used to have a hammock hanging up in this area, but I've converted it to a "sewing room".

You can see where I pinned the mop strands to the dryer sheets -- it's on the table next to the fan in the background. The encaustic section (the next step in this process) is off to the right of the table where I did the pinning. And that makes 3 areas. I'm absolutely amazed I've expanded to use this much space. And to think, a year ago when I found this space, all I wanted was one table to play at.

I guess it's true what they say: "We expand (or contract) to fit the rooms in which we find ourselves."

By the way, that little room on the left in the above picture? That's actually a kitchen, but a friend is renting it so she can play at mosaics. But when she comes in to work, she hates working alone, so she usually takes one of the areas I've got. She's in for a bit of a surprise if she comes in today, 'cuz I've got all three tables occupied.

Anyway, enough of that. Here's the next step in this "let's create a fabulous work of art out of a mop" project.

Below is a shot of a longer strip of mop threads. I sewed two dryer sheets together to cover the new dimensions. Then, for fun, I left some of the dryer sheet attached alternatively between the sewn lines. I have no idea how it will look after I dip it in wax.

Here's the first small piece out of the wax. I really like the way it looks actually, But knowing me, I've got to push it...I'll be experimenting with adding more wax, scraping it back, manipulating it.

And, oh yes, you see where I cut the dryer sheets away from the sewed columns? Don't think I just tossed them out. I'm saving THEM! I'll do something with them, trust me. (I swear, in another life I must have been a first class hoarder!)

Below is a shot of the first one with more layers of wax on it along with a first dipping of the longer piece. I like the smaller piece in the above shot better, I think. And I'm going to fiddle with what I'm going to do with the bottom one, but for now, I'm still fascinated with the possibilities of this path I'm on.

I hope you'll stay with me on this journey over the next few months. I plan to post lots of progress shots and discussions and I look for your feedback and input! I cannot get this art show ready without your help!

Later, caio!