Back in 2019 I made a paper fabric case for my mini iPad. It has been in constant use since then and is definitely showing signs of wear around the edges and corners. During lockdown I started doing some small embroidery samples and decided to use some of these to make a new case. This project stalled for a while until I could get out to the shops for some quilt batting for the lining. Completed at last with a simple wrap-round strap!
Despite the forecast high temperatures last Sunday, a friend and I decided to make an early start to visit some of the open art studios around Marlborough. Quite a few of those participating were in small villages or well hidden farms in the surrounding downs, but we managed to fit in a couple of venues where 3 or 4 artists were exhibiting together as well as some individual studios.
Of particular interest was the garden print studio of one of our art society colleagues, and another artist using fabric, stitch and mixed media. I am not one to make impulse buys, but I did treat myself to a framed work from the latter. The beauty of this piece is in the subtle colours and textural detail which is difficult to see in my photograph.
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| "Fields of Gold" 10" x 10" by Ann Louise Smith |
I was tempted to try out some of Ann's techniques on some scraps of calico (and used/washed antiseptic wipes).
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| Calico, fluid acrylic, metallic ink, collaged painted tissue and wipes, hand embroidery, machine stitch and pen. Painted wipe strips made up the plaited piece. |
Another small collage using one of my Hahnemuehle postcards.
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| Printed and painted tissue, book page, scanned sketch, gold gel pen, machine stitch (6" x 4") |
To recap, this journal was started in response to a 5 day challenge by collage artist Lydia Rink. A set of 5 instruction videos plus a materials list were provided, starting with how to make a simple A5 journal, and making your own collage papers, plus sourcing images and letter forms from magazines, posters, etc.
I have used some pre-printed images and text, but mainly utilised my own painted and hand-printed papers together with snippets from my sketchbooks. It took me a couple of pages to get into a way of working that suited me, but I enjoyed the process.
Following on from the paper "cathedral window" paper quilt block in my last post, Jennifer Collier also demonstrated how to make a paper pocket with embroidered lace edging and paper roses.
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| Stitched paper pocket; book pages and envelope paper for the flowers |
I then decided to repurpose my pocket, adding a handle, as part of my next Collage Journal page - an afternoon mug of tea with a cupcake!
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| Painted paste papers and tissue |
Again, I have raided my numerous scrap folders to complete these two pages which started with just the nasturtium test print on the righthand side.
From the left - testing out my sewing machine on a patchwork of heavily gesso'd and painted tissue paper; a lino printed book page; a paper cast flower; some practice Chinese brushwork flowers, cut out and collaged, with handsewn stems and leaves; lino print on painted tissue with ribbon threaded through holes punched through the page.
I have been slow in adding work to my blog this month. This has been partly because I have been taking a bit of a break after completing the daily Inktober challenge; in addition, I have been working on this year's Christmas card design which is not ready to be revealed yet.
I have also signed up for a short, online sketchbook challenge run by Laura Kemshall - eight videos throughout November (which can be followed at your own pace). The course is very reasonably priced at £12 - if you are interested, follow this link.
I thought this would be an ideal opportunity to use the beautiful sketchbook my friend Pat made. The first assignment was to "break the ice" and get rid of some of the blank pages by randomly adding some found papers, etc. - a couple of mine are shown below. Now to catch up with the second session.
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| Faux leather cover with embroidered insert - 9" x 6.5" (handmade by Pat Kitching) |
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| Tartan ribbon - machine stitched |
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| Paste paper collage and stitch |
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| Part of a lino print |
Another course being released later this month is by Este MacLeod - this will be free, but you need to sign up to her Newsletter (at the bottom on her home page) to receive details.
Happy sketching!
Needing some more designs for my small embroidery samples, I tried out rubbings of lino cuts using Inktense pencils on my tea stained calico.
On the left, I "set" the Inktense using a brush and water.
In the middle, I wrapped some of the fabric behind the lino to minimise movement as I did the rubbing. It was then sprayed lightly with water to set the colour.
The one on the right I have left dry.
I did attempt to keep the pencil rubbing as close to the edge of the images as possible, but there has been some staining of the surrounding fabric.
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| Each sample is about 2" square |
