MAKING something out of next to nothing is a tall order for some... but not for this Frinton resident who creates beautiful pieces of art out of driftwood.
Miranda Boxall, 56, from Frinton, creates unique pieces of art out of driftwood which washes up on beaches around the Tendring district.
She started creating art two months ago after being inspired during a walk on a Frinton beach.
Miranda, who is self-taught, also paints landscapes and even featured on television's Landscape Artist of the Year.
"You have to use your imagination and it inspired me because I like to say that art is a little bit of memory and a little bit of imagination.
"It is never a true picture of anything - only a hint of it."
Miranda said: "Firstly I bleach the pieces of wood in bleach in the bath overnight to kill any germs and microbes.
"Then I wash it off and let it dry for several days - it takes ages to dry.
"Afterwards I sandpaper it to get rid of any rough surfaces and rub beeswax on it - it continues the natural theme of my art and gets rid of the bleachy smell!
"Then I paint with acrylic. Some pieces you find look like something already - they tell the story before I have even painted them.
"Once it has been painted I use a yacht varnish.
"Some people think I just pick up a bit of wood off of the beach and paint it there and then, but a lot of work goes into it."
"I love it so I will stick with this for now."
Miranda Boxall has just finished an exhibition in The Driftwood Gallery, in Photovogue, Frinton, and will put on another show in October this year.
For more information about Miranda's art you can follow her at Miranda Boxall Art on Facebook.
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