The Clifton Forge Public Library is pleased to showcase “Fairy Houses,” a display by local artist Sandra Tamanini.
The display features artistic creations enhanced primarily with natural items, such as bark, dried mushrooms, acorns, and pinecones.
Mrs. Tamanini’s love of nature goes back to childhood when, “as a young tomboy,” she says, “I spent hours climbing trees.” In fact, she adds, “I admire trees the most of all nature’s creations.”
Sandy grew up in a small Pennsylvania town, “much like Clifton Forge,” she says, “but deep in the woods. Nature was all around me and I was always exploring its beauty. Before moving to Virginia,” she continues, “I was a 4-H leader with a focus on nature and primitive outdoor survival skills.”
About three years ago, Sandy watched a video about making a realistic log. “There is a point in the process,” she explains, “where you see the bark come alive before your eyes with just a few brush strokes. After that, I was hooked and the creation process evolved. When I would finish one tree, an inspiration would come for another tree. I began to create fairy houses.”
Sandy still spends a lot of time in the woods where she gathers mosses, lichens, shelf molds, and bark, along with other items, to add to the fairy tree houses. “When an inspiration appears in my mind,” she says, “I go gathering. The gathered materials always fit just right in some nook or cranny on the fairy house.”
Sandy also shops on Amazon and in thrift stores for additional items “that can be refashioned to add charm and pretend function to the home. The final touch,” she says, “is the fairies that live there.” She adds, “It’s fun to create and it’s fun to pretend.”
Although she does not advertise, people have approached Sandy to request her to make a fairy house for them. It is a timely process. After getting to know the person and their interests better, Sandy lets inspiration take over and fashions a fairy house uniquely designed for that person.
Sandy, who clearly enjoys creating these beautiful fairy houses, concludes, “I hope to meet my maker with paint on my hands and glue on my fingernails.”
Fairy Houses will be on display throughout September and October. You can see a glimpse of their magic on the library’s Face Book page, and you can visit the library to enjoy their enchantment in person.
The Clifton Forge Public Library is located at 535 Church Street.
For information on any library program, call 863-2519.