To follow up on our kaffee klatsch with Mel Kolstad, I asked Kate if she could go into our archives and pull together all of Mel’s “Love the House You’re In” collages into one final collection page. Looks like we have a baker’s dozen — 13 collages in all, created starting around March 2010, with the final one published May 2011.
What a wonderful way to enter into the holiday weekend, don’t you think? Hey, on that note: Kate and I need to unplug completely from the matrix over the holiday or our heads will explode (well, mine, I shouldn’t speak for her). So at day’s end today, I will flip a switch and direct all comments for the next few days into moderation until we return Monday morning. Have a great Thanksgiving, everyone! Drive safe, and eat more pie!
Note as you are looking at these: (1) These are all custom collages representing readers of Retro Renovation and their houses — sometimes folks wanted their personal, family or pet photos included… (2) These are actually just 4″ x 4″ collages. The size of a bathroom tile. So you are likely seeing them enlarged on screen… and (3) We enlarge the scans for the blog because I want you to see the excruciating detail — Mel cuts out the itty bitty pieces by hand or with a punch and then applies them. *Some therapy,* as I like to say. Starting after the jump, we display the series as it was created — so we can see the progression of Mel’s work. For the lead photos, though, I show Mary Ellen’s house, featured October 2010 because it is my favorite *of the moment*.
Joe, Anthony & Bella — July 2010
Mary Ellen — Oct. 2010 (repeat of lead photo.)
Looks like we did not publish one Nov. 2010.
I love these so. And ya know, I think it is really pretty cool how this random selection of reader houses — chosen monthly in a little contest — ended up showing quite the diversity of mid century modern — but mostly modest — housing styles. It might right be a pretty darn good approximation — statistically, even — of “what’s out there.”
xoxo, Mel!
Suzanne says
Love these collages! I have to say that Shelley’s is my favorite, but they’re all wonderful. I also love all the cats in Susan’s ‘yard’. Very cool. Everyone have a very happy holiday weekend. Pam & Kate, recharge…you sure do deserve the rest. Thank you for all you two do for us readers.
tammyCA says
I was viewing the collages yesterday…very cool, I love collage & really want to do more of it.
I have had a long time obsession with cute houses, especially handmade…(I’m in the midst of crafting my “putz” houses – gotta email pics to Kate)..and, I just got a sweet framed cross-stitch “dollhouse” from an estate sale.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Annie B. says
Thank you, Kate, for pulling these together into this wonderful RR reader sampler. What a lovely kick off to the holiday season.
Mel, I can’t even begin to express my amazement at your talents – and my luck at being a beneficiary thereof.
Pam, thank you for sacrificing your sanity for the sake of our little community. It that’s not true love, I don’t know what is!
Shelly in PHX says
Not only am I honored to be the *final* recipient of one of these masterpieces, but I get joy every day from seeing my mid-mod home rendered in such loving 3-D. I’m currently featuring the collage in my vintage Santa entryway vignette! Happy Thanksgiving to all those who are “crazy in a good way.”
Sara says
Wow, these are SO COOL! I love every single one! Love love love the colors and the composition! These houses look like the ones in my neighborhood. I’m going to try my hand at doing some lino block prints of my 1950 house. We’ll see how that goes. If they turn out good, I may “borrow” this idea and do some of the other cool MCM and 30’s-40’s houses in my town.
Robin, NV says
Aww, what a great way to send us off on the holidays. I love all the houses featured – my little MCM is in good company! Can’t wait to fill my house with the smells of baking pies and turkey! Happy T-Day everyone!
Jay says
Wonderful seeing all the collages as a collection, not having seen all of them before. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. No RR until Monday! I guess I’ll have to hit the thrifts and antique malls and try to rustle up some vintage goodness.
Mel Kolstad says
OH MY!!! Pam, and you lovely readers, thank you so much for your very kind words about my collages!! It was so much fun to do these sweet little guys, and wonderfully voyeuristic for me (tee hee) to see all of your beautiful homes! Thanks so much for posting these all in one place, Pam! I appreciate it so much! <3
JKaye says
These posts on Mel, her work, and these collages have been a great way to pull together a lot of themes regarding the blog, homeowners, artists, and giving thanks for what we’ve been blessed with. Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving weekend.
Mel Kolstad says
Thank you, JKaye! And a very happy Thanksgiving to you, too! 😀
Stacey says
That is a great post in so many ways: sampling of “what’s out there,” a retrospective of commissioned collages, just fun to look at! Happy Thanksgiving!!
Mel Kolstad says
Stacey, might you be one of the winners of these collages? 😉 Thank you so much! 😀
Stacey says
No, but I am available to be a winner on a moment’s notice!! 🙂