I am pleased with the result. In fact, I am quite surprised with the result! Sometimes things just work out in spite of myself.
Well, I finally finished my quilt. It doesn't really take much in the way of explanation. I am pleased with the result. In fact, I am quite surprised with the result! Sometimes things just work out in spite of myself. Here, the lone birch stands in the brilliant glow of the late afternoon sun. The quilting is a variety of swirling motifs in the upper half that morphs into pebbling in the foreground.
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Recently, I mentioned that I belong to a fiber art group called TARTS. I have spent some time making the tissue paper-mache for this month's project. I began with plain wrapping tissue paper and facial tissue. Each layer is brushed with a diluted white glue. I was wanting to suggest a birch tree, so added a cool black and white striped tissue paper in the second-to-last layer of tissue. I tore it into small pieces, twirled it in my fingers and placed it on the wet layer. I wanted to create texture, so there are bits of dried flowers (included in the kit), black pepper, and fine metal shavings included in the layers. They have provided the desired texture as well as color. I am the original Impatient Artist. I couldn't wait the several days that it may have taken for the piece to dry, so I laid it on the heating register. What was cool about this is that the forced air from the heating duct, made the edges dry faster than the center, and subsequently, the center became more rounded---more like an actual piece of bark! That was serendipitous to say the least. This close up shows a little better detail of the trapped bits of tissue paper, flower petals, and pepper. It's a little difficult to see, but on the right hand side by the extended twig, you will see black spots. I used water-soluble oil pastels to highlight some of the dryer ridges, and to add shadows on either side of the trunk. Where the paper was dry, the pastels created the spots, and where it was still wet, I used my finger to blend the color for a shadow. I will be combining this with another experimental piece that I started a couple of weeks ago in a Cutting Bee that I helped organize. Yesterday was spent making background and doing a lot of thinking on how to combine this paper element into the fabric background. Most of my art quilts are the result of playing with new techniques and incorporating unusual materials. TARTS keeps me focused and prompts me to produce at least one small piece most months. When was the last time you played? Just for the fun of experimenting and seeing what will happen? Find time to feed your soul with inspirational books and great websites. Ta Ta for now, Peggy Yes, literally, this is my cup of tea! This was so beautiful, I couldn't resist a couple of shots. Not only does a cup of tea warm my body these cooler days, it also warms my soul. Such a simple thing--a cup of tea. And yet, I was moved by that simplicity. I wish you could smell this...it is a luscious green tea, infused with a healthy dollop of honey. Our days here in Western Montana have turned cold even with the sun shining. It is a watercolor sun--thin and liquid. The air is cold, but the slanting rays of sun bring their own warmth to the day, just like that amber cup of tea. I love taking unusual shots. The more abstract the happier I am. Such a little thing, a cup of tea. But even seeing how the color is reflected in the handle gives me pleasure. What is your pleasure? What simple little thing brings you immeasurable joy? Today, I wish for you time filled with the little things of life that satisfy your soul Ta Ta for now Peggy I found a copy of Bach's concertos at the local library, and this morning I have spent a wonderful time listening, really listening, to the composition. I still have no idea how, or even if I will be able to put into fabric what I am seeing.
This is a whole new way of working for me. I usually just start playing with technique or fabric and see where it takes me, but this time, I really have a concept I would like to explore. I'm not sure where to begin, but for now, I will enjoy the music. I have considered an overlay of chiffon for the smaller notes, but that would mute the background, so I don't think that will work. I suspect that some of this will have to be some kind of applique. I detest fusible, but that may be the only option. There is also the possibility of using paint for the "notes", or maybe even molding paste. I am in no hurry to do this; I will let the ideas stew until something presents itself. Stay tuned, And in the meantime, play with a new technique---one that you have always wanted to try. Ta, ta, for now, Peggy |
AuthorIn addition to my first love of quilting I am also active in my church and enjoy singing in our community chorus. My loves also include my two grandchildren~~Zora Rose, and Linden Rustle. Archives
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