Accepting challenges

  Deadlines are always motivating but the pressure of time is perhaps not conducive to the best work.

 I had ambitious plans but I'm wondering if my style might not be found in the more simpler modes.

 I do like blogging about what I do as I always learn when I try to describe my process and of course the photos often reveal details I overlook.

I must confess that I like this better on the wall than in the photo.  Aqua is a hard colour to capture and the light/dark balance seems off in the photo.  I had originally been so thrilled with pillow ticking for a base fabric for dyeing.  It dyes wonderfully but the more I work with it the more I find its tight weave a detriment to fibre art.

In the new year I hope to do less challenges and more technique series.

But is it ART?

I'm not in a place where I get much feed back on my fibre art. So I've appreciated the few on line challenges I've participated in over at 3 Creative Studios. I'm also happy to be part of Naptime Quilter's Workshop In Progress. I'm thankful for any comments as I learn about what I'm attempting. I've also decided that it is all about making happy noises as you create things to please yourself or the recipient of the fibre art. More importantly I'm going to be able to look people in the eye when I do the 'white glove thing' at the quilt show and say, "Yes, I create art, thank you for your interest." My blog is about growth; recording what I do with my time but also pushing the fence lines all around my coop motivates me to do it, finish it and claim it as my art.

So I'm working on a few WIP's for the local quilt show. Wind and Water won't be ready but I did practice the 3-D leaves in the FQ challenge. I used the theme fabric for leaves as that's what came to me. So I made a cheerful wall hanging for the grandkid's jungle themed bedroom.

I'm thinking I may make the flowers bigger. But then it just may be the camera's perspective as they seem okay when I went to have another look so I may consider this as finished.

I've been exploring the elements of design during our Common Threads Art Quilt nights and the page sized challenge for tactile texture was pleated fabric that was dribbled with bleach, cut open and washed. Major schmultz! I've brushed it and finally took the scissors to it. If I don't quit I won't have anything left. 8^) I found 3 big buttons that I am liking. It possibly is enough but the L-shaped line that the key makes is intriguing, but it might be too small.

The last session had a gal show us beading. So for the page x page challenge I did a loose stipple on some silk fabric. I seem to have settled on neutrals for all these challenges as I wanted to eliminate the distraction of colour but this still seemed like shallow water to me so I clustered areas of 'gravel'. It looks kinda piddly to me and I'm thinking they need stretching out somehow.

I've decided no binding for my bargello wall hanging. I stitched in the ditch for all the upright sections. I was going to do some angled meanders but it isn't seeming to be necessary. ??? So I could add a facing and turn it to the back where I'll hand stitch it down and call it done.

Now would you agree that it is done or should I add beads to the river and swirls to the scenery???

There seems to be no end to creative options! 8~}

Whipping up leaves.

It's a fast and furious pace this week. I need to reconcile the top and hope I've enough of that theme strip. I'll probably go for a denser stitch all around the outside edge. Then I need to whip up more leaves, bigger I think so I can cover some flat spots in the main area. I'm trying to figure how to get the beads scattered about; maybe a dangly fringe on the bottom edge. I wonder if I should see about some metal leaves ? oh, oh! And they need to be finished nicely as the back is already on. hmmm!

B is for beads and beautiful

The technique for my page x page challenge was beading. Now I spent a good part of the day on this and it isn't finished. I think I need to elongate the clusters more and make them a bit looser. I also need proper beading thread but the thread I'd gotten definitely showed so I used monofilament thread which I gather is a no/no. But this is all about practice and learning. I learned if I can persevere with thread I can't even see, I can probably do this. Actually, I rather liked it! I liked it a LOT! oh, DEAR!

Now this blog is about my creative efforts. I had nothing much to do with this. But my goodness, CUTE!

Old Ladies and doilies

When I began to quilt I began to appreciate things that were handmade. My paternal grandmother crocheted doilies. Oodles of them! I don't use too many as decor items but I couldn't bear to just let them go when we downsized my parents. The Technique of the Month is painted lace. Now my Granny had a love affair with the variegated coloured doilies but also many white ones. Any that were in sad shape I can use for projects. I also got some stuff from a shirt tail relative. His mother obviously liked touring in the Asia as I have got lots stuff that is meant for very fancy garments. I have no idea of the fibre content so I was rather apprehensive of painting some of it but it seems to have took. This piece is about 16" square and I have need of some ATC's so I'll be processing them later this month. I was a bit frustrated at first as my first sample looks like some kindergarten project. But I'm catching on that at this point I like to work in colour harmonies that are analogous. These are colours that are side by side on the colour wheel. So if I do subtle, I am way more satisfied.

Next on the deadlines is the Quilt Challenge. I had a thought. Then I had a better thought. But after rereading the requirements I shall set aside the latter and rush ahead with the former. Now both will be done but I need to try to meet that deadline. This week's agendas aren't conducive to single minded determination but we'll see what we can do. Drat, I wish I could shake procrastination!

Tangling with Texture

For the remainder of our Common Threads Art Nights we plan on exploring Texture. My page X page challenge was inspired by a little piece I saw over at Approachable Art's blog a few months ago. So I sewed 2 fabrics ,, right sides together. Turned them inside out and closed up the opening, then pleated it. One side was black, the other a black grey astrological fabric. I opened the pleats and spilled bleach down at the seams. Then I washed the little quilt and dried it.

The print fabric didn't change much in the bleaching. The opened pleats didn't really ruffle like I'd hoped and the tangles are ???.

Now I DO have texture!

We had a demo on beading last night and I'm wondering what I could add to this guy to 'enhance' him. The pleats kinda lay down and look less than stellar if I don't keep the nail brush in his sight as a reminder to 'perk up'!

This was quite fun and I need to push the technique a bit to see if I could get it more to my liking.

Fixated

I'm kind of an all in or all out person. When I began to think about journals, altered books, fibre art, and embellishing with beads I leaped high in the air and came down a little more spinney than usual. I folded up my sewing cabinet and shoved it into a corner. I flapped open my big tall craft table and bought all kinds of supplies and books. My ladies craft night never really got going and then I began to wonder if I could really do all this. So I turned to the yard and began to harass poor plants and defenseless trees. Winter has covered the dead bodies but there is a finger that crooks in my direction from the playroom. Come!!! I still want to do it all. I try to keep 2 square feet clear on the table and just stack stuff higher. I am piecing. MQing: not so easy. Focus also means reality. Craft table is nice but not usable because of the piles. MQing doesn't work for anything bigger than a place mat. I gave away my ironing board and the cabinet top is too small. What can I give up? Actually, it turns out, very little; a few cubbyholes for 'stuff'.

Back from the basement comes my counter. It replaces the the 2 square feet and hopefully more. I put the old ironing cabinet under it. well it actually holds up the counter. I flapped out the sewing cabinet, a little crowded getting up from the chair but not unduly so. Actually it even works better with my big cutting mat on one end although it requires a bit more bending. The small bookshelf gives more support to the end where I lean to cut. It stores magazines. The small table will fit under the edge. I really like piecing on that end. The craft table is all folded small but is a perfect ironing station and right behind where I piece. It could open some but I could also roll it into the hall. I have a white microwave cabinet in the basement so I brought it up by the counter. I can roll it about and it could even move over beside the sewing cabinet to hold up bigger quilt sandwiches as I machine quilt. I'd need to shift things a foot or so for that but when I MQ I don't usually do anything else. The U-shaped walk area, maybe more H shaped because of the 2 doorways, makes the best use of the room. Crafting is great but the reality is I sew more than I craft at this point. I also think the counter is a bit further away from my sewing stuff and I am messy. I'll need to move my art supplies closer to the counter though. Anyway, I'm quite pleased. I need 2 machines up. That just works SO well. The curtains over the stash bookcases are quite handy for little design projects and the big design sheet in the hall is as handy as it can be. I have also found that too efficient is detrimental to my physical well being. I need to move about.

So it took some pondering but I did get a creative solution. Now I need dear hubby to support this counter better; I just fixed the darn computer tower and it is resting on a bread pan on a plastic rolling shelving unit. The shelf above the counter needs leveling. The power bars would be better affixed to the walls. Dare I press for a new plug for the iron??? But I think I have a Triple F happening. YAY!!!

I did get the water running up and down hill. This isn't exactly bargello as I didn't want green up in the 'sky' so that had me considering my options. 3/4 inch cut strips. What was I thinking??? I must have been fixating on the water! LOL

A few more drips

To finish up the last few things feels good.

A suggestion from Judi at Approachable Art had me pickling the freezer. I soaked cotton in vinegar and smoothed it onto the front of the freezer with the extra under the lid. This very old freezer has much rust happening on its surface. I LIKE!

Before:

After:

I had hoped to try her tutorial for transforming ugly fabric but need another week for that.

Before I rolled up my cloth paper project I decided to at least cut out my sorta favorite spot. I have no idea what to do with it. It is more cardboard than fabric. But I like the image.

Then the Creative Cue for the week was rolling. I immediately thought of that song, "roll'n roll'n, rolling on the river". I'm not always sure where these things lurk in my memory but...

I am still using the water colour crayons but I upped the notch with some glitter glue. I am learning that the idea and the ability to control the medium are something to be mastered. This is very elementary but I did read that babies who miss the crawling step are somewhat compromised in their development. This art book/journal style is very appealing to me. I LIKE IT!

So that sums up my wet week. I hope the next time I have opportunity to splash in the puddles I'll be up off my knees! 8^)

Going for texture

This is another page sized art quilt. The challenge was shapes. The idea I originally had will be better served when we do values so I had to do some quick thinking and my little IKEA figure kinda winked at me so...

This is fused shapes, circles and ovals. The background I like but I could have chosen a better binding. I was looking for that greenish tone in the fabric and the mottles in the brown weren't significant enough.

Now I just couldn't resist a little contrasting picture here to my energetic little running man.

Isn't she just the sweetest little quilterette you've every seen. Not at all worried about big brother who likes to be on duty close by!

Stuck!

Gee, it does seem like my time hasn't been my own for a while. But I do feel like I've been getting things done. A lull would be nice though. I don't see one anytime soon, unfortunately.

I have cleared the leftover fabrics away. I thought a change of pace might be in order and started the fabric paper workbook. This looks very rough to me but I tore, spread and glued with great abandon. This looks like the pieces are too big but it is the premier layer and there is an element of "I'm not sure that I know what I'm doing". (ha, the truth is- I don't!) But I'm trying not to over think this as much more happens on top of all this. I am also beginning to wonder where my colour sense has gone. I seem to be stuck in black and white. But this needs to dry and then I'll have a better idea of what glues well and what doesn't. Then it'll be very much, What if...

Barking up the wrong tree

I spent most of yesterday reviving my thread painting skills. Yuk! I covered them with brown organza, did a bit more and voila! I was pleased that I did think outside of the box a bit but it seems a tad dark for a wall hanging. Kinda sombre.

The line workshop went well last night though. We are all looking for lines and the new challenges will be interesting to view. I'm not sure what my idea will be but heck, there is 30 days! 8{

I was anticipating a good day to work on my ufo's but everything went sideways early on. I did restore order to the playroom but the vacuum is still in the middle of the room. I barely got out to count the chickens before they scurried off under the trees.

Today was actually garment day and I do have an idea for a skirt but I don't think I can afford to sew something every week and still get other things done. I wore my jumper for show and tell and someone said I 'just' needed a nice necklace! (I'm working on it!)

I also have been trying to figure out the new camera and if all else fails... well, it seems the instruction book does have a remedy and I shall be trying it out for the next photo session. It also looks like the new light bulbs are effective. Now I need to decide if I shall grab the camera manual, the thread painting notes, the wire jewelry magazine or the mixed media workbook for my "now I lay me down to sleep" routine.

Friendships

Sorry for the shadow but I'm in a hurry this morning. I did change the light bulbs to get a bluer light. Then I stuck my head in the way! drat!

These friendship star blocks are inspired by Block Party. (see Helps) I couldn't resist! I have enough background for 15 stars. That is the number of participants in Workshop In Progress. Kinda fitting. But I have also met some neat people thru blogging so this will be my Ode To Blogs quilt. And I am so enjoying the loose play plan and colour combo. Not sure how I'll arrange them when I'm done but... Who says you always need a plan. lol But I have to let the stars twinkle on the other side of the noon day sun while I gaze up at the tree line.

Today I am loading up my paint brush with thread. Browns for bark.

The forest for the trees!

I've got a jumble again. I couldn't resist trying some of those friendship stars over at Block Party. What an excitingly new fabric combo for me . And I did actually do it from my stash. Makes me smile! I'll post when I get a few more done.

Then I was out photographing tree trunks and branches. I need to get a lesson or two on my new camera and software and I need to read a good photography book. I must do some thread painting for this challenge. I thought I'd find a general shape and modify it to accomodate a focal point. I figure to add a moon somewhere behind that V. That has my sheers tumblimg over the fabric stars on the table.

Yesterday was butchering day. So I printed and tried a gluten-free gingerbread recipe that would give me something for the guys' coffee break. Wonder of wonders, it was a cake and not a slab! Even I was impressed. Smelled so good! Regular baking challenges me, never mind gluten free.

But hiding among my trees is a predator. 8>( One of my ducks and several chickens are missing. But we did hear the night dog doing his patrol on my side of the yard last night and early this morning. Good Boy, but time to move the feathered friends over to the main barn. We should have done it sooner.

I hope to get some time today to float wispy clouds over the moon so I can paint bark tomorrow!

In the meantime, bring on the friends and family!

Press to Entre

Time to move my art pages up on the to-do list. The first group challenge was a button. I want to think out of the box so I thought of a computer button. I tried printing it on and it was less than successful . So I touched it up with a gold gilding pen. Hind sight says that a puff paint would have worked better. I wanted to begin with no colour so the background is white. I fussy cut the flower shapes and fused them on. The bottom needed some weight so I added the dark ground. Then I machine quilted and bound it.

Now I just need to hit the entre button within me!

Line forms to the ...

I have decided to commit to some ufo deadlines. It also seems that I underestimated how many I have lurking in out of the way places but the ones I've listed initially will do for a start.

I've begun working on line as a design element.

There isn't lots of info in my books but a line or two from each book and I'm getting a good sized paragraph. I can certainly see why artists work in a series. Ideas just seem to spark more ideas until you have a whole clothes line full of them.

3-d leaves, larger is 3" x 2", smaller are 2" x 1"

I didn't know that!

I didn't know that the shovelful of dirt I dug out from the front bed was the entrance door, the foyer, heck the whole first floor of a wasps nest! YIKES! They were mad! Last time the apple cider vinegar worked wonderfully, but I only had regular vinegar and my cheek still hurts. One followed me right into the house but at the risk of asphyxiating myself I managed to spray him dead! It was time to get ready for my next assignment anyway! 8^)

I didn't know I'd be at the front table receiving art and checking off names and handing out the invites to the opening for the Art Show. Wow. I was just amazed. I seem to need a connection between the creator and the creation. I'd never match the artists and the art together in most cases although one gal dressed as she painted.

I didn't know that some of our local gals only started painting about the time I started quilting. They asked the local ceramics teacher to teach them painting and she brought in an instructor and there are courses and conventions, and competitions just like quilting. Amazing!

I also didn't know I'd be doing it again from 10:00 to 7:00 today. Think of all the stuff I'll learn!

Now I also didn't know how to add a picture and some links for a collaboration of like minded 'fibre artists'. I am still checking out the technological difficulties. But I think I've just about got it! AMAZING

Art's Garden

Not the homeowner's name but perhaps a little poetic license is allowed!

I am not at all familiar with urban gardens but this garden was chosen for a number of reasons. It is a fairly simple garden that relys on greenery rather than flowers. There is about a foot rise from the patio floor to the back of the yard. It requires no steps but is such a treat in our relatively flat area. This grouping of houses has no fences and yet the area is very private. It relys on trees, shrubs and a few screens around private patios. Very pleasant.

No gardening for me today. There are areas that are ankle deep with water in my back yard. Good to know where the fill needs to go when we level the ground! 8) But people are starting to talk about summer being a wash. Good thing I can make my own rainbows and I'll be washing them out this morning. The sun is supposed to peek out sometime. I'll be taking the opportunity to wade out to the clothes line which turns out to be one of the areas that needs leveling!

Art in the Garden

The garden club in town has been having garden tours. They needed a last minute fill-in for the art part of the garden for this last Saturday's tour. I'm usually 'up' for last minute fun so I agreed. I had 10 minutes to come up with a theme and chose Seasons in the Garden and tried to pick with that in mind. I luv making vignettes. A few challenges: no idea of what I could expect, getting pins into the little holes in stucco, the rain every half hour, the ho, hum between visitors, and the mosquitoes! (course they kinda took care of the ho, hum!)

I'm sure the organizers were disappointed with the rain and poor turn out but there are a few zealous gardeners out there.

They appreciated the quilts and a standard question was "You did all of these!". I kept thinking of all the stuff I'd left at home. :D If I'd been quick on the up take I could have asked if they had planted all the green growing things in their back yards. Gardeners are collectors, too. lol

The biggest quilt, Garden Trellis, welcomed visitors and went straight into the washer and dryer when I got home and I was very okay with that. I use my stuff. A small wall quilt on top of an easel tells a story. The sun is shining, birds are singing, there is laughter in a secret walled garden. Inside there is singing and love because of what it contains. There are triangles representing my favorite things: sunshine, birds, butterflys, and bunnies, music, each member of my family, flowers, garden tools, veggies, each season, a creek, well, you get the idea. Oh, the figure representing me holds a quilt!

Below that is another small quilt that has small squares of some of my favorite fabrics. This shows that even with the disparity of colours, designs, etc. it all works beautifully within the confines of a well chosen border. This applies to gardens and LIFE as well.

It was a new experience. I did enjoy it, though I'm not ready to have business cards printed up. And I better get busy and make some more/better 'art' in case they need another warm body in the future! 8^)