The Joseph Cornell Box: Found Objects, Magical Worlds

by Joan Sommers & Ascha Drake
7 3/4" x 11"

Working with found objects, pages from old books, and dime-store trinkets, self-taught artist Joseph Cornell (1903-1972) transformed everyday items into extraordinary universes. By collecting and carefully juxtaposing his treasures in small, glass-front boxes, this pioneering artist invented visual poems exploring themes as varied as the night sky, the romantic ballet, glamorous movie stars, and bird habitats. A labishly illustrated and collaged book presents Cornell’s life and art, his sources of inspiration and artistic process, along with six projects to spark your imagination. Included are fun materials to get you started – sheets for collaging, a ready-to-assemble miniature box, a magnifying lens, colored plastic, and printed game pieces – all housed in a sturdy keepsake box with removable grid.

A Box for Joseph Cornell
by Cher B. Lashley

Separate the supplies that come with The Joseph Cornell Box: Found Objects, Magical Worlds (5SPCORNELLBOX) and choose the peeling paint background paper to attach to the inside of the box using the widest tape in the Trio Tape Dispenser (5JU-GP016). In the upper right hand corner attach a scrap of vintage text, then, embellish with three vintage stamps as shown. Choose the gear design and fleur de leis from 7 Gypsies Architecture Rubbings (5SG-17054) and apply by rubbing with a craft stick over the scrap text collage.

Add a found twig that is a close approximation in appearance as the one in this box and adhere as shown using Memory Book Glue Dots (5JV-5029) on the thicker, lower half. Attach a found circular paper clip to one of the branches. Glue the red bird to a sturdy piece of cardstock, then, cut out. Using foam mounting tape on the body and Mini Glue Dots (5JV-MINI) on the feet, attach the feet to the horizontal twig and the body to the background. Strategically rub the Le Parisien Chicorée Leroux from 7 Gypsies Alphabetique Rubbings (5SG-17302) in the area above the bird as shown.

Die cut the hexagonal label from the clip art sheet provided, then, stamp text using A B Seas Stamps (5AMSTAMPSET) with a Distress Black Soot Ink Pad (5TH-TIM19541) and adhere below the bird sitting on the branch. Wrap a Josh Wood Block (5CI-16284) with vintage text paper. Stamp one of the images from Star Burst Cluster (M4010) onto the top of the block. Press a Watch Face (5SMFACES) onto what will be the front of the block, then, secure block to the bottom of the box. Close the box and enjoy the world you created within.

 

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