Tuesday, January 25, 2011

A box for special memories

Hand Painted Cigar Box with Swarovski Crystal Detail

Hi everyone,

I have been fighting a terrible cold the past couple of weeks, but I'm back on the road to recovery painting again and filling orders to be shipped.

I have been able to finish the butterfly box that came out so beautiful I will feature it soon. It will be up for sale on my main web site Maggie Miller-Hand Painted.com when it’s relaunched with its new look and e-commerce store. Pictured is another hand Painted butterfly box.

Why are boxes an important part of my business? First, Hand Painted chairs are really my staple of product that is highly commissioned from me from my clients and which have been showcased in several movies, but boxes for me are important because they can hold many things, but most important precious memories.

I participate in a Memory Box program where artist from all over the country take time to hand paint and decorate boxes which they than donate.  These boxes go to different hospitals throughout the country and are delivered to the maternity ward in each hospital.  The boxes are than given to parents who have recently given birth but sadly due to illness or other factors the newborn passed away.  The boxes are meant to hold items of the their infant such as special clothing or birth and death certificate, I usually place a special message, poem a word of comfort in the box I paint.

Every box I paint whether it is for sale or for donation I paint with thought, care and love. I never know what the real intent and use of the box will be that my client is buying it for.

You don’t have to be a great artist to participate with the Memory Box program and there are no fees you have to pay to join or participate in the program.  It is strictly on a volunteer basis.  Here is the link to their website if you would like to learn more about the program and you like to participate. www.memoryboxes.org
 
The Eco-Factor: The program recommends the use of paper mache boxes since the boxes are mailed and delivered in quantities, it cost less to ship and it's a recycled product. You can use all kinds of recycled items to make beautiful memory boxes that will be greatly appreciated by the bereaved parents. 

I wanted to share this with everyone because it is dear to my heart and it is another form of art. A way of sharing you care for someone other than yourself. It keeps me present in the knowing that there are others hurting in the world and I can contribute in a small way with my art to bring comfort.   I had the honor of painting a box for a very dear friend who had lost a child many years ago she kept her babies items stored in no special place.  I painted a box especially for her  and now her baby's items have a special place for safekeeping.

Best Wishes to all

4 comments:

  1. Great donation ideas -- and eco-friendly too! All your boxes are lovely as is your big heart!

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  2. Thank you my friend. It is a bittersweet process. I find myself sadden when I start to paint, but when I realize the comfort it brings I realize my talents are being used in a positive way.

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  3. Hello Maggie. Thank you so much for the follow. I am also following you. This is a lovely post. Your gift to your friend was especially meaningful, because you gave of your talent and love of art.

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