Sharon Serrano Ahmed

Japanese Bead Embroidery, Phase Four, Day Four

2012-01-14T22:14:00.001-05:00

This is what I accomplished on Day three, our final day of class. This is less than 1/4 complete as there is a lot more fabric to the left. Luckily, this is a holiday weekend and I have two more complete days to work on it. I have until mid-April to finish, so I am a little more comfortable that I will be able to do it. Sitting next to me in class was Cindy who had driven up from Mississippi. She was also working on Phase Four, but she was doing the Floral Melody Purse. I have to admit that I had project envy - it was so beautiful.

Japanese bead Embroidery, Phase Four, Day 2

2012-01-13T18:57:00.001-05:00

This is what I accomplished after day two of my Phase Four bead embroidery at the Japanese Embroidery Center in Atlanta. This is the Peacock Mat. For phase four there were two choices, this one and the floral melody purse. Both are amazing but I decided that I could get more use out of the mat. Now, I want to do the floral melody purse also. Phase four is a pre-requisite for Phase five, which is the highest level in Japanese bead embroidery. This is so much fun, but my back is screaming.

Bead Embroidery

2012-01-04T18:38:00.001-05:00

Happy new year! I am really committing to not allow my job stop me from making art regularly. This is a piece that I actually finished this past summer but really wanted to share. It was a kit from Ann Benson's website. I really wanted to see if there were any cool techniques. The bead embroidery was not anything new, but she has you work on paper that is fused to the stabilizer. The pattern is printed on the paper. This, I thought, was a cool idea. It also has the directions to add the clasp type handle which I wanted to learn.

Beaded necklace

2011-12-28T12:21:00.001-05:00

My sister started beading this year and loves it. She came up to the mountains with me in October and we had a beading marathon. One of the things we did was each buy the same kit and make it. We decided on this one from Melanie Potter called Marsha.

French knots

2011-12-28T12:11:00.001-05:00

Here is a sample of French knots only. It was fun and easy, but net time I want to do it with a plan or design in mind from the beginning.

Couched stitch sample

2011-12-26T10:05:00.001-05:00

I am trying to create multiple sample pieces that explore a single stitch. This one only uses crouching, during the coming year I hope to do a few a month. Sharon boggin's Take a Stitch Tuesday's is a great source for inspiration. Many of the threads used in this piece were hand dyed in New Mexico.

Fiber forum piece, contemporary embroidery

2011-12-24T20:15:00.001-05:00

Last April I attended the fiber forum retreat in Santa Fe. I was juried into the group the year before and have been very excited about attending. Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn led the workshop. This piece was created on a piece of fabric that I made from small scraps of sheers that are pieced together with an embellished. For more information about Fiber Forum, check out The Embroidery Guild of America.

Japanese bead embroidery, phase one

2011-12-24T19:33:00.002-05:00

This is phase one of the Japanese bead embroidery. It turns in to glass case. The piece is pretty basic, but turns out nice. The point is to learn the structure of Jen and how it differs from other forms of bead embroidery.

Japanese Bead Embroidery, phase three

2011-12-24T19:08:00.002-05:00

I haven't posted in almost a year. I mentioned to someone at work that I had a blog, so I decided that I had better get back to it. I am going to try and post some of the work from the last year. This is my phase three certification project for Japanese Bead embroidery. I plan on staring on phase four in January. This pieces had tons of couched lines (which needed to be straight), but the really fun part of this was the three dimensional aspect of the poppies.

Complex Stitched Design Four, Chapter Eight

2011-02-23T20:58:00.003-05:00

Complex Stitched Design Three, Chapter Eight

2011-02-23T20:57:00.009-05:00

Layer one: sheer machine stitched down

Layer two: painted wonder under

Layer three: machine stitched grid on Water Soluble

Padded layer of yellow (don't have a clue how it became so lopsided)!!!

Last, I hand stitched to bring out the yellow and to integrate the design. I also have been having computer trouble and no longer have my Photoshop! It was old anyway and needed to be upgraded, but in the meantime, it is hard for me to crop!

Complex Stitched Design Two, Chapter Eight

2011-02-23T20:57:00.007-05:00

OKAY! I really tried to go complex on this one! I used kunin felt as the base with another layer of kunin felt pressed together using an embellisher. I then "created" a square of fabric with ribbon yarn using water soluble and machine stitching. This was then treated as a layer which is machine stitched down. The yellow layer is then padded with batting. The yellow felt triangles where added last.

Complex Stitched Design One, Chapter Eight

2011-02-23T20:55:00.003-05:00

I really wanted to start simple with this chapter's assignments. My base layer is only machine stitching. I bourt a new computerized machine the year before and really haven't used the some of the special stitches "muscle" yet. I programmed a stitch size that I thought would be appropriate for the size and density. For the top layer, I purposely choose a computerized stitch what would work with instead of fight the satin fabric's tendency to fray.

Stitch Design Six, Chapter Seven

2011-02-23T20:54:00.003-05:00

I really wanted to add a fourth layer to one of these samples; however, when it came time to add a top layer, I decided against it.

I used Kunin felt as a base and then my hand dyed purple burlap. The burlap really turned out wonderful and added great texture to the piece. I then added a piece of my stamped fabric on top. I really liked this sample.

Japanese Embroidery, Phase Two WIP

2010-07-05T21:04:00.001-05:00

Here is the beginning of Phase Two for my Japanese embroidery class. I love this design. Soon I will be working with more goldwork which is gorgeous!!!!

Japanese Embroidery, Phase One complete

2010-07-05T20:57:00.002-05:00

In April, I started taking Japanese embroidery at the Japanese Embroidery Center here in Atlanta. Most of the people who know me well, didn't think I would last a day. I am not quiet nor a controlled stitcher; however, I know that I am not focused or detailed in my art, which is one of the important parts of Japanese embroidery. I have surprised most people, especially myself, in that I really am enjoying it. It is peaceful stitching.

Coincidentally, I started my City and Guild stitching course during the same month. Both courses are very opposite, with one being all about creating your own designs and learning to think for yourself, while the other is imitate the master for years until you become a master yourself. I think that taking them simultaniously will keep me balanced - well hopefully!

Bead Embroidery

2010-07-05T20:54:00.002-05:00

I finished this piece of bead embroidery this weekend. I started it in a class with Sheri Serafini. The structure is her's but the embroidery design is mine. I really wanted to get it finished as I am taking two Japanese bead embroidery classes this month at the Japanese embroidery center here in Atlanta. I can't wait. A master bead embroidery is coming from Japan for a few weeks to teach, so it is a wonderful opportunity!

Chapter Seven, Stitched Design Four

2010-06-14T17:00:00.008-05:00

Stitched Design Three, Chapter Seven

2010-06-07T20:37:00.002-05:00

Here is my third stitched sample. It is actually more like 5 by 9 inches as it is doubled. It is on kunin felt with purple commercial fabric and hand dyed (purchased in Japan) muted yellow on top.

Although I thought that I had centered the pattern on the felt, I made a mistake and only left 1/2 inch of felt on one side.

I really like the pattern created by doubling this design. The two together are much stronger than just a single repeat. I used a vanishing/wash away thread to baste again.

On the purple layer I used Splender #5 twisted silk thread. It was a 10 yard package and I barely had enough to finish! I used a chain stitch for a bold outline on the purple which I wrapped with a lighter purple.

Stitched Design Two, Chapter Seven

2010-06-07T18:54:00.004-05:00

I really started having fun with this piece. I used the fused fabric that had been run under the Embellisher as the bottom layer. I love the texture. I stitched this down with two strands of Splender, a stranded silk in stem stitch with the inside shapes done with backstitch as it wasn't as bulky under the top layer.

I stitched the top layer with a muted lavender linen thread in backstitch. After cutting away, I added buttonhole and french knots in the center of the yellow to pull the purple into the middle and I added the buttonhole on the outside to try and integrate the design with its background. I also added tiny french knots in Sulky gold metallic thread around the "hearts" and then wrapped the outer points with it too.

Stitched Design One, Chapter Seven

2010-06-07T18:42:00.004-05:00

I wanted to keep the first one on the simple side. I am not great at hand embroidery and so I have decided to really emphasis the hand embroidery on these samples. At the beginning of the exercise, I didn't understand why we were asked to transfer the designs on to the back of the muslim and then baste each layer on the top before stitching. This was is much more accurate with whole cloth cut-away. On the top, I hand basted with cotton thread on the bottom layer and hated pulling those basting threads out. On the top layer, I used YLI Wash Away thread to baste. I still removed most of the basting by hand, but those hard to get bits were dissolved with a wet Q-tip. On the bottom layer, I used a stem stitch and on the top I used a double row of back stitch.

Fused Designs, Set Two, Chapter Six

2010-06-07T18:22:00.004-05:00

Both of the top two designs use the same fabric. The fused purple and the back of a commercial fabric. The right design is lost with the blue over powering the sheer instead of enhancing each other. The left design was my attempt to move away from a nice design plunked into the middle of a piece of background fabric.

The bottom right design uses painted wonder-under as the bottom layer.

Fused Designs, Set One, Chapter Six

2010-06-07T18:15:00.002-05:00

Both designs on the left use the blue fused fabric; however, with the top design, the fabric has been needle-punched with the Embellisher to distress the sheer fabric while the bottom design was not.

The top row right design uses hand-dyed scrim as the bottom layer

The bottom right design was not that strong on an image until it was repeated. The background is an embellished kunin felt with fused tissue paper as the bottom layer. The top layer is the tulle with the painted wonder-under.

Module One, Chapter 6, Bonded Fabric

2010-06-01T13:54:00.004-05:00

Far left fabric is a sandwich of light blue nylon tulle sprinkled with Bo-nash powder with small scraps from my paper cutting exercises. I didn't like the white spots created when the bonding powder melted so I took some gold foil and foiled the piece too.
The right fabric is two pieces of yellow nylon tulle with snippets of dmc stranded thread and gold thread held together with bonding powder.
Middle left piece is painted wonder-under on yellow tulle.
Lower left bonded fabric was created with a bottom layer of commercial purple fabric. On this I ironed some lightly painted wonder-under and then added a layer of snippets of blues and purples, as well as gold thread. I then added more bonding powder as the snippet layer was so thick, and topped it with a piece of nylon sheer. When I actually used this piece in my fused sample and again in my stitched sample, I used the embellisher to distress the sheer and remove the "high gloss".

The far left piece is a commercial print fabric with angelina fused with wonderunder. I then addded a layer of sheer on top.
Middle layer is a heavier netting with snippets and covered with tulle.
On the far right, is two layers of sheers with snippets of other sheers sandwiched between them.

Module One, Chapter 5, Painted Fabric Two

2010-06-01T11:24:00.003-05:00

Here is a set of my painted fabric. I really like working with tone on tone and realized that the majority of my fabric was orange/yellow on orange/yellow or blue/purple on blue/purple! I made several new fabrics with the compliments. I really liked them.

I also experimented with different ways to color the fabric. I came close to using thickened fabric dyes, but decided that it would not be "learning" to use ways that I was most familiar with and so I used several Golden Fluid acrylic paints, Lumerie (another acrylic), Stewart Gill acrylic, and Dye-na-Flow. I really didn't like the Dye-na-Flow as it didn't keep the detail. I also tried Fabrico stamp ink. It advertises as being color fast on fabric. Both of the bottom two fabrics were done with these inks. I think they were not only the easiest to work with but also kept the most defined edges.

Module One, Chapter Five, Fabric Collection

2010-06-01T09:00:00.004-05:00

Here is the beginning of my fabric collection. Most of the cottons I hand dyed for this module. I also dyed cottons, silk, burlap, and stranded floss together. The burlap didn't take the dye well as it had been pre-treated (I bought it off the remnants rack at the fabric store) and has blotches, but these can probably be worked into the design. The upper left piece is a gorgeous woven wool. Since this time, I have shopped for more fabric and purchased yellow, purple and blue tulle (nylon) and several colored nylon sheers.

Painted Fabric, Set One, Chapter Five

2010-06-01T08:59:00.005-05:00

All of these fabrics are cotton and most were some of my own hand dyed fabric. I used fabrico inks and Golden Fluid Acrylics with my stamps. I really liked adding several colors and shapes together.

Colored Paper Cut Outs Set Two

2010-06-01T08:58:00.013-05:00

Here is another set of my paired designs. I really do like them. I think the biggest weakness is that there isn't a lot of visual variations between the designs. They are all, except for third row middle, a centered motif, similar to a quilt square. As I develop designs, I really want to find ways to integrate the entire space. On the stitched sample that I worked on this weekend, I began to work with the background more to make it more of a part of the design, not just a pretty pattern slapped onto any old background. Suggestions???

Paper Cut Outs Sketchbook one

2010-06-01T08:58:00.011-05:00

These are some of th images from my sketchbook for this chapter. I scanned the individual colored shapes into photoshop and manipulate and auditioned the different pairing on my computer. It made it so much easier to see more variations, and a lot faster.

I was also able to play with repetition and the patterns that multiples created. Unfortunatley, I did not have my printer on "contrain proportions" and it skewed them a little. Although I like the original patterns that were created, I also like these too.

Colored Paper Cut Outs Set One

2010-06-01T08:55:00.002-05:00

Here is the first design sheet. Each is approximately 4 inch square. I ended up scanning most of the individual colored shapes into Photoshop where I was able to manipulate them on the screen. Because of this, I was able to quickly see lots of different variations and then see what would happen with repeating the pattern. I have included some of the print outs of these manipulations on another post.

Black Paper Cut Outs 3, Module One, Chapter Four

2010-06-01T08:51:00.003-05:00

Black Paper Cut Outs Set three

I really liked this star shape and wanted to see if there were any good designs that I could make from it. The upper left design was cut from tissue paper. I wanted to see if I could make a more repeat pattern, but couldn't with the thicker black paper that I had on hand.

Black Paper Cut Outs 2, Module One, Chapter Four

2010-06-01T08:48:00.003-05:00

Black Paper Cut Outs Set Two

These are some of the black paper cut outs. I REALLY enjoyed this exercise and could have spent months just making them. I am glad I finally moved on as the next ones were even better.

Chapter four, Module One. Black paper cut outs

2010-05-31T21:55:00.007-05:00

This is set one of my cut-out shapes. I really enjoyed this, but of course didn't read the directions well! These designs are only 2 inch square. A friend (Cathy) pointed out to me that they should be 4 inches, which was a lot easier!!!!! I scanned them into photshop and enlarged them for later use. The middle design on the right page came apart when I unfolded it. To me this was a very happy accident. I loved the little shape that was created and actually cut another stamp of this design which I used to stamp fabric.

Module One, Chapter Three, Sketchbook

2010-05-20T19:43:00.006-05:00

Sketchbook pages showiing design development. Most of these designs were developed with graph paper, tracing paper and photoshop!

Module One, Chapter Three, Design Sheet C supplement

2010-05-20T19:40:00.005-05:00

These are some of the repeat patterns from photoshop for Design Sheet C: Pattern with New Design Unit

These are some of the photoshop designs. On the left is scale as well as using a repeat to turn a corner. I liked the softer border created by the curves. On the right is the Repeat Pattern from a new Shape (Star in a Triangle) from Design sheet A.

More repeats! I really liked the design on the left. I plan on cutting a new stamp and creating fabric for this design. Also, would love to see simpler, secondary shapes in the negative shapes.

Module one, Chapter three, Design sheet C

2010-05-19T16:39:00.004-05:00

Design Sheet C
I think that it took me some time to warm up to all of this small detail paper cutting. As I started seeing the great designs that could be created by the repeats, it really increased my motivation. I also started using Photoshop more to play with repeats. I could create so many variations in such a short time on the computer, and then develop only the better ideas in paper.

1 and 2) Complex Counter Change
This is one of my favorites!
3, 5, 6, and 7) Pattern with new design unit
I scanned the shape (5) into photoshop and was able to really play with it. I love #7 which is a more free form pattern. This design actually comes from the traditional japanese cherry blossom design.
4) Divide and Seperate This is only so-so.

Module One, Chapter Three, Design sheet B

2010-05-19T16:34:00.007-05:00

Design Sheet B
Part One
1. Border and Corner For this, I used another one of the counter change designs. I really like the diamond that this is formed where the two blocks meet. I also liked the the way the three star points came together in the corner

2. Linking Two different star shapes. I really like the this spiky yellow star. I don't think the purple star really strengthens the design.

3. Linking border This would make an interesting diagonal border. This design really activates the space around it, despite of its simplicity.

4. Scale I also played around with this design in photoshop. I used the scale variation to accent a curvature to go around a corner.

Design Sheet B, Part 2

1)New Shape from old: I used a cherry blossom star design and cut it up to creat a different design. It is only so-so.
2) New Shape from old: I liked this one better.
3) Linking two different shapes
4) Linking two different shapes - a variation of the above
5)Linking Borders - I really enjoyed the repetition of the designs in both 4 and 5. In the future chapters, I would like to play with repetition.

Module One, Chapter Three, Design Sheet A

2010-05-19T16:31:00.005-05:00

Design Sheet A
1 and 2) Counterchange
3 and 4) Counterchange Although I love this design, it is so traditional that I can't feel that it is "mine".
5 and 6) Symmetry and Asymmetry
7) Circular Star
8) Star in a diamond
9) Star in a Square
10) Star in a Triangle
11) Positive and Negative
12) Repeat Pattern This was an easy one of me. As I work part-time in a quilt store, I understand repeating patterns and the secondary designs that they make. My biggest obsticle was to try and find something fresh and original.

For the repeat pattern, instead of working with paper alone. I scanned my "Star in a Triangle" shape into Photshop and started playing with the different repeats. When I found the one I really liked, I cut paper to create the this design. I pasted some of the repeating designs in my sketchbook for future reference. I might cut a new stamp for this shape and use it on some of the fabric for Chapter 5.

Module One, Chapter Two, Painted Papers

2010-05-02T21:34:00.003-05:00

Here is the collection of my painted papers as well as a few of my purchased papers from my stash. I am going for a royal blue/purple and an orange/yellow. I had a hard time getting the right purple. I wanted a blue purple, but the color kept getting too magenta. In the end, I think I created enough blue-purples to work with for the these exercises.
I used spent procion dyes for most of them. I am more comfortable with Golden acrylics so this was nice to try something new. I also tried some brusho powders, but had a hard time getting different color saturation, as they all turned out dark.
One of the orange sheets is actually wonder under (a paper backed fusible webbing) that I painted. Hopefully, I can use it in another part of this chapter. I used a variety of different types of paper: Japanese sumi practice paper, construction paper, newsprint, newspaper, printer paper, handmade paper, and store bought white paper with a grid design built into it.

Module One, Chapter two, Star Points Set Two

2010-05-02T21:30:00.006-05:00

The bottom pattern is truly random stamping. It is okay, but nothing great. The variation in color thickness does not add anything to this design and only distractions and adds "noise", in my opinion, unlike some of my other pages where the variations add to the design.
The middle image is created by working the stamp around a circle. Create this repeating pattern was interesting, but I think it would be more interesting if the design started like this and them moved out, something like the path of a bee?
The top pattern is similar to one that I did in monotones (see other post). I don't like it. I used gold metallic paint mixed with Hansa Yellow. I think that I watered down the paints too much, but I also think that it just looks sloppy. I kept it with the blog to show that not everything works out!

Module One, Chapter Two, Star Point Set one

2010-05-02T21:29:00.006-05:00

I carved two stamps. I love printmaking so I really enjoyed this part of the chapter. The paint is uneven, but that was really on purpose. I like the variation in line quality. If you would like to see that I really can create "flat" color when printing the images, please let me know. It would not take long.
The top image creates a very nice all over pattern, with wonderful negative spaces formed. Although I really do like this design, I would like to see more complexity. I think it would bore me to stitch it "as is". Possible variations could be: outlining the shapes with contrasting thread, adding complimentary colors instead of making it monochromatic, having ghost imagery in the centers.
The middle design starts off all in a row in the same direction. After a few rows of stamping like this, I started to vary the slant of each row slightly.
The bottom design is created by repeating the shape in an enlarging circular pattern. It has a lot of potential and almost looks like a chrysanthemum.

This is a small stamp at less than 3 cm by 2 cm, but because of its small size there were a lot of choices in creating patterns.

Module One, Chapter Two,Stamped Paper Set One

2010-05-02T21:22:00.008-05:00

These two sheets were created from the negative space in one of the designs (see worksheet post). Although I like them both, the image on the bottom is such an obvious use of the stamp that it doesn't excite me. The design on the left is a completely different story. I love the pattern that is created. I think the negative space adds to the page, but my favorite part is definitely the colors. When I chose this color theme, this is what I was looking to accomplish. The yellow to Orange works great and by mixing the magenta with the ultramarine blue, the shapes move from red-ish (which integrates the background better) to the blues (orange's compliment) and where they mix to purples (yellow's compliment). All this is happening without the appearance of the overall design becoming too busy or loud.

Module One, Chapter Two, Worksheets

2010-05-02T21:19:00.007-05:00

Here are two different ways that I did my worksheets. Both are directly from my sketchbook. The one on the bottom, contains my notes from my paper painting exercise. It is messy and although I can read it, I am not sure if anyone else would find it that useful. On the top is a page from my sketchbook as I worked up ideas to design my stamps. It is much more controlled and "pretty", but I question, if I could achieve that if I were working fast and messy. There would be times when I would have to work in my sketchbook and then create a notes page/worksheet from these notes. Which is correct or what recommendations on creating the worksheets do you have as I go forward?

Module One, Chapter Two, Stars Cut Outs Three

2010-05-02T21:17:00.006-05:00

These were actually my first cut outs and to me, the least exciting. The only one that I really find interesting is the one on the lower left, which is three stars layered and at angles to the previous layer. I varied the line thickness for additional interest. It does create some interesting negative shapes inside the stars. The flower star in the upper left corner was created using a cuttle bug and a purchased die cut that I owned. This sheet is also 9 by 12 inches.

Module One, Chapter Two, Paper Cut Outs

2010-05-02T21:14:00.005-05:00

Here is another set of paper cut outs. The background paper is a store bought washi paper with gold threads embedded. It measures 8 inches by 11 inches. I like several of these designs. My least favorite is the upper far right design. It is just too "common" as compared to the others. The cherry blossom on the upper far left seems to be pretty boring, but I think it has such potential, either with color variation or interesting stitching. I would also love to see it three dimensional with stitching. My two favorites are the upper middle one and the lower left designs. Both have lots of potential. The lower left design is just fun and exciting. The lower left design is also done with a pair of fiskar fringe design scissors.

Stars Cut Outs, Mod One, Chapter two

2010-05-02T21:13:00.007-05:00

One set of cut out stars is shown here. The top left two are negative images of the same design. I really liked that. The other top design and the bottom far left design were cut with fringed scissors. I layered two papers on top of each other. I really liked the more organic results while still maintaining a clear form. This is in comparison to the two left designs which are from torn paper. I do not like them personally. The foundation paper is 12 inches by 17 inches.

More Stars and Crosses

2010-04-08T21:04:00.005-05:00

This set of images came from a notebook of traditional kumon patterns that I collected when I lived in Japan 18 years ago. I have kept them in that binder for this whole time never knowing what I would do with them. Although I have many, many more designs from Japan, these were my favorites.

Stars and Crosses Line Drawings Two

2010-04-08T21:00:00.003-05:00

Here are more stars that I found. Most of the images come from the quilting world. There are two drawings that are also awesome crosses. Most of these are pretty complex images which might be good but could also be VERY hard down the line.

Stars and Crosses Line Drawings, Page One

2010-03-28T17:25:00.008-05:00

As part of module one, the assignment is to explore design using the motif of either a star or a cross. These are some of my line drawings for stars and crosses. I am more drawn to stars because at first glance they are a more complex shape. However, as you really start looking at them, stars and crosses have a lot in common. The only real difference, TO ME, is a cross will only have four appendages, while a star can have more. I started this exercise with paper and pen brainstorming what a star is defined as and then what a cross is defined with to me. It is amazing how deep you can go when you allow yourself the time.

This is page one. I will post page two later.

Color Wheel Study

2010-03-28T13:19:00.005-05:00

One of the first assignment that Sian has you do is create a color wheel. Although she asks to work them with gouache, I could not find my set (I don't use them often), so instead I used my Golden Fluid Acrylics. There is some streaking, but I think it is okay.

We used two different base hues of the primaries to create the wheel. I don't know if I liked it as much, or if it made it harder to get the colors to flow from one to the next. I think that I would have prefered to create several different wheels using the cooler primaries and then one using the warmer primaries. To me the hardest color to duplicate was the turquoise. I had to create several swatches before I felt it was right.

Another thing to think about is how much black is added. The point really wasn't to make a dark color but really to mute the brightness of the pure hue.

Embroidery of a Tanya Berlin Pattern

2010-02-20T09:40:00.002-05:00

I started this over a year ago, but decided to get back to it after returning from Callaway. I am going to spend some time each month working on traditional embroidery to "learn the rules". I really am not a rule followers, but I think you need to at least know what rules you are breaking!!!! This is a piece designed by Tanya Berlin. Her instructions are very comprehensive and an excellent study guide!

Dreaming

2010-02-17T21:29:00.003-05:00

This is a mixed media piece that I worked on at Callaway last month. I didn't think that was going to get to go this year, but at the last minute I had the time and a little money! Pat and Marie Terese said no problem to the last minute registration. I did Independent study with Pam Godderis.

I haven't posted a lot lately as work has been interfering, as well as my computer being finicky!

Dragonfly Postcard

2009-12-08T12:30:00.001-05:00

My local fiber art group is having its holiday party and 5x7 exchange. This is the piece that I made. It is lots of different techniques mixed together.

Gate House

2009-12-03T11:12:00.002-05:00

I was having difficulty uploading images from home last month! This piece opens to conceal "treasures' either house keys or jewelry. This is actually a birthday present for my sister (whose birthday was in SEPTEMBER!!!!

Garden House Open

2009-11-09T08:44:00.002-05:00

I took a class this weekend at Rubber Stamp Fantasy with Beverly from BLine Designs. It was so much fun! Building on a wood House base, we used three small deep canvases which are painted and collaged and then attached to the house base. We then collaged inside the canvases/door nooks. I loved it.

Garden House Closed

2009-11-09T08:23:00.002-05:00

Here is the Garden House Closed. I painted a garden scene on the front and then collaged more flowers on top.

Woven Scarf

2009-10-31T14:24:00.001-05:00

I also took a class in weaving. This is a neck scarf that I did on the Continuous strand loom.

Needlefelting at Southeast Animal Fiber Festival

2009-10-31T14:18:00.002-05:00

I went to Fletcher, N.C. last weekend to the Southeast Animal Fiber Festival. I love this event. They have the sheep, goat, and alpaca breeders selling and showing their animals' fleece as well as tons of vendors who deal with animal fleece. It is a place for felters (me), spinners, knitters, and weavers to get together. I took an all day class from Melissa Grey on needlefelting. Her work is truly amazing (search for it on Etsy). It is so detailed and realistic. Here is a little chipmunk that I made in class. It is not anything like her work, but she really went into how she approaches a project to make it so life-like.

Marvys on Canvas

2009-10-03T20:35:00.006-05:00

After seeing the Marvy Metallic Markers on the gloss tag, I wondered how it would work with Acrylic paint on canvas. I had a small canvas already painted with a back ground and added the Marvys on top. I like what happened, but it took a lot longer for it to dry.

After it dried, I used embossing powders to add another layer. I am still thinking about going back with either more ink or paint to add strengthen a focal point.

Marvy Markers and Embossing Powder

2009-10-03T20:30:00.003-05:00

Here are the two ATCs after embossing. I really like them both too.

Marvy Metallic Markers

2009-10-03T20:24:00.003-05:00

In the picture to the left, are different card stocks with Marvy Metallic Markers. After class, Debbie, one of the owners of Rubber Stamp Fantasy, had an informal "class" on using these great pens. The tag to the far left is a semi-gloss tag (which works the best), the middle ATC is on white and the right is also an ATC, but black. The white ATC is actually a "mono-print", but there was still some white left so I sprayed it with glimmer mists.

This is the tag after embossing.

Class at Rubber Stamp Fantasy

2009-10-03T20:19:00.003-05:00

I took a class at Rubber Stamp Fantasy today. I love that place. Although the class really focused on Glimmer Mist, we also used copic markers and their new air brush system. These two were done with purchased screens from Tattered Angel on an clear acrylic sheets which are pre-cut to use as a book cover. The class was taught by Sally Lynn MacDonald.

Frank Lloyd Wright Panel

2009-09-11T14:38:00.002-05:00

This was another assingment for C&G. I needed to design a piece using bias tape, and as the module is on "line" as a design element, I searched the internet for some of Frank Lloyd Wright's stained glass panels to use as inspiration. I used some of my hand-dyed fabric for both the background and some of the inset pieces. For a few of them, I used Shiva Paintstiks to give a contrast of textures.

Monoprinting on fabric

2009-09-10T21:38:00.004-05:00

The next assignment was to do monoprinting on fabric. These are not

great examples. I was having the a hard time keeping the thickened dyes from streaking. I think it had to do with the sodium algimate (spelling???).

AIDS Quilt Panel

2009-09-10T21:36:00.004-05:00

Ginny Greaves, Hellenne Vermillion, and I worked on this panel for the AIDS Quilt program. It turned out amazing, even though Hellenne and Ginny did most of the hard work!

Monoprinting for C&G

2009-09-08T11:37:00.005-05:00

For my City and Guilds course that I am taking with the Kemshall's, well really Marie Roper is my tutor, I needed to do some monoprinting. Here are some of my tries.
The module is "line" and all the goal of all of them is to work with line as a design element. These are done on paper with Golden's new Open Acrylics which have a much slower drying time. I hate that when I am painting on canvas, but it is perfect for monoprinting.

Needless to say, the inspiration for this piece was the bricks that make up the outside of my home. I thought it might be very boring but I actually like it.

The inspiration for this was one of my son's bike wheel. I overprinted a yellow page.

Dyeing Assignment's Happy Accident

2009-09-04T22:03:00.002-05:00

I didn't read the assignment well and these were mistakes! Aren't they beautiful dyeing mistakes though????

Dyeing Fabric

2009-09-04T21:59:00.005-05:00

I spent the day dying fabric for one of my City and Guild course assigments (yes, I am trying to get back to that after a year and a half absence). The assigment was to dye a color wheel. I dyed two sets: a deeper, more saturated one and a mid-tone. I had so much fun that I decided to dye a third set of light tones to use to over-dye at a later time. I like them so much that I am not sure if I will do that or not!
Arent' they pretty????

Felted Vesel

2009-08-30T20:10:00.003-05:00

I wasn't sure if I would be able to finish the other piece so I started a back up felted piece. I love this piece of felt. It is so beautiful in person, so I am glad that I figured out a way to display it.

Exploring Dimensions

2009-08-30T20:06:00.003-05:00

My Fiber Art group is having a show this week at The Art Place at Mountain View. Of course, I finished my piece at the 11th hour. This is my piece. The month of August was even busier (in a non-art way) than July was! September will me much better - finally!

first Weaving

2009-08-14T13:11:00.004-05:00

Here is the beginning of the sample. I decided to try and change colors to see what would happen. I need to go the library and see if they have any books on weaving to see how to carry the thread on the edges as well as how to take the piece off at the end????? The edges are very messy, but not too bad for a first try.

Here is a close-up.

Teaching myself to Weave

2009-08-14T13:04:00.002-05:00

I have wanted to learn to weave for a few years now, but something always needed to get done and I never had the time. I was on ebay for some odd reason (I learned years ago, not to even look!), and saw a vintage rigid heddle loom for sale and the bidding was only in the $30's. Crazy me, bid on it at $38 never expecting to win, as most looms like this go for about $150. Well, I did but I didn't have a clue how to to actually use it. I am so trying to save money, so there is no way to take a class (if I had the time), so I turned to Youtube. I watched a few short videos and warped the loom Pretty cool, huh?

Kumihimo bead necklace

2009-06-24T19:16:00.004-05:00

This weekend, at bead group, my friend Robin showed me how to do kumihimo braiding. It is easy and quick! On Tuesday, I had to stop by the bead store and buy some beads to do a full necklace!!!! I started it last night and finished it this afternoon. THANK YOU ROBIN!

Journal cover

2009-06-14T19:33:00.004-05:00

I am taking another class from Tam. This one is working on Art Journals. It is a perfect time as I have really made a commitment to working in a sketchbook/journal regularly this year. So far, I have kept up with it and really happy with them. Tam is an amazing teacher and extremely giving in the amount of information that she shares. The other students are also great! If you would like to look at the site, here is the address: http://willowing.ning.com/group/awesomeartjournal This is the cover to my journal that I just started. It has embossed metal and a "self-portrait".

embossed metal pendants

2009-06-14T19:29:00.003-05:00

These are some embossed pieces that I made. Now the challenge is finding ways to use them. I went to my favorite store on Friday, Rubber Stamp Fantasy, and talked to the owners, Deb and Gary about what I wanted and they suggested a resin enamel that works at 250 degrees. I used Ranger's frames and glass on the back and then used the enamel on the front. I really liked how they turned out. I did cloisenne for years and love the look but hate the time and money they it takes. This was so much easier and cheaper!

The "A" is for my big sis, Adrianne!!!

Metal Embossing Class

2009-06-10T21:32:00.002-05:00

My metal embossing class began this week. This is my first piece. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be! I was working on getting a more finished result than the ones that I have done to this point. I am taking the class from Darlene www.articulations.blogspot.com. So far I have been very impressed with the level of instruction. The first video was almost an hour!

Sewing on Metal

2009-05-31T15:54:00.002-05:00

Needless to say, I wanted to start stitching through the metal and including them on fiber. I didn't really put a lot of thought into the "design". These were just some of the scraps that hadn't really worked out and I started stitching them down on timtex which was covered with kunin felt and a painted dryer sheet. I did break a needle in the process, but it was alot of fun, except that the sun was shining in the window behind the sewing machine and was BLINDING against the metal. Honestly, I blame the glare on the needle breaking.

One more embossed piece

2009-05-30T22:21:00.002-05:00

I did one more. This one is basically just a doodle on metal. I did add a embossed stencil butterfly and then some alcohol ink

Metal Embossing

2009-05-30T10:00:00.002-05:00

Here is a dragonfly that I did last night. I actually had plans on taking step by step pictures and directions, but my camara was out of juice! Sorry, maybe next time. I think that this is going to be used as the cover for one of my art journals.

I was up until almost midnight watching the too cool videos from Ten Second Studios http://www.tensecondsstudio.com/ and having a great time. This morning as I was reading one of my yahoo art groups, one of the women mentioned she is going to teach an online class on metal embossing! Talk about coincidents! http://artticulation.blogspot. com/

I haven't taken the class yet, so really can't tell if it will be wonderful or not, but the her work is amazing.

Journal page with metal pieces

2009-05-29T16:54:00.002-05:00

This is a page from my journal. I am still playing with the thin metal. These were cut with a large Fiskar paper punch. I then embossed by hand and painted them with adirondack alcohol ink and sharpie markers and alcohol in a mist bottle. I found that the smaller paper punch was not strong enough to cut the metal, or at least on my ONE try, it didn't.

Acrylic Painting, second stage

2009-05-29T16:50:00.003-05:00

In an earlier post, I showed the background of this painting. I am finally moving forward with it. It took some time to work out a focal image. I am going to try and create a lot of small detail to make a paisley image.

AIDS Quilt

2009-05-28T14:18:00.002-05:00

The fiber art group that I belong to is working on an AIDS quilt. We broke up into smaller groups (mine is 3 artists) to work on our individual person's panel, which is 3 feet by 6 feet. My friends Ginny Greaves http://www.virginiagreaves.com/blog/ and Hellenne Vermillion http://www.vermillionart.blogspot.com/ are working on this one for Ray Sharkey. He was an actor.

Another Doodle

2009-05-25T22:25:00.002-05:00

Here is another fun doodle from my journal. The background was made with Glimmer Mist. When I really don't have any idea what I want to work on, or am trying to avoid a project, I will start doodling.

Metal and alcohol inks

2009-05-25T22:05:00.003-05:00

I started playing with thin metals, sharpies, and alcohol inks. I had fun one afternoon at Rubber Stamp Fantasy. The owner, Debbie, showed me some cool tricks with embossed metal. Here are a few small pieces that I made. I am not sure what I will do with them. At the moment, I will probably just punch holes and put them in my journal. I have been spending most of my time working in my journal.

Here are a few more pages from my journal. This was another play day at the Rubber Stamp Fantasy. This stamp store is one of my favorite places. I can find tons of fun ways to use their stuff on fabric. These were tags I made using Vivid and adirondack inks and bleach. I was able to get some really cool effects. I have been doing more pages in my journal with bleach. It is a wonderful technique.

Bead Embroidery

2009-05-03T14:28:00.002-05:00

I took three days of classes with Sheri Serafini this week. This is the bracelet that I am making. I still need to but it on the brass bracelet form, but I like to take a picture of them flat. Sheri is a wonderful bead artist. I also made a collar which isn't completed yet. I will post it when I get the chance.

Embellisher pattern

2009-04-28T16:33:00.002-05:00

On this piece I was playing with pattern and recreating a pattern from another source. It was one of the exercises that I did with Jean Littlejohn. Now I have to go back into it and add handwork.

Handmade Stamps at Play

2009-04-09T19:49:00.002-05:00

I am taking on online class from Traci Batista on monotypes. I had such a great time in Tam's class that I couldn't resist taking another and Traci is such a great artist! These are just two of the two dozen stamps that I have made so far this WEEK! I really like the idea of border patterns and of course, adding negative space to the pattern!!! I can't wait to really start using these in a painting.

Handmade Stamps

2009-04-09T19:47:00.004-05:00

Here is another set of stamps, both the positive and negative! I like both.

handmade stamps

2009-04-09T19:45:00.003-05:00

These are some of the stamps I created from on online class with Traci Batista. This is just one set.

Needlelace sampler

2009-04-07T21:07:00.004-05:00

While visiting Molly, I worked on hand embroidery. It is an area where I could really use some help and Molly is an expert! I decided to work on Needlelace which I think is one of the greatest textures in fibers. This is one of the samples that I made. It also fits into the latest Stitch Explorer challenge. Instead of using the traditional stitches to create the stitch I used needlelace to work the negative areas.

Paper Casting with Molly

2009-04-07T21:00:00.003-05:00

I spent the weekend up in North Carolina with my friend, Molly, who is an incredible fiber artist. We spent the weekend working on "artistic goals" and critiquing work. We also played with more paper casting. I did it a few weeks ago, but working alone I really didn't take it that far. Molly had great ideas to take it in new directions. We also have "challenged" each other come up with great ways to use it to stitch somehow.

World of Whimsey and the Yudu

2009-03-27T21:11:00.003-05:00

Here is another picture. I do think that it is a little better than the first. I still want to work on bringing more of myself to this class and do think that it will come out slowly. Part of it is just getting the habit of drawing more and I am drawing daily again. I also have begun playing with my Yudu screenprinter! I used the pencil drawing of this picture to burn the screen. What fun! I did make a lot of mistakes, but it ended up working out fine. It really is a super easy system.

World of Whimsey Class

2009-03-25T22:17:00.002-05:00

I am taking the best online class. It is from Tamara at World of Whimsey. I have taken many online classes but this is definitely the best. Quite often, I think that I am just buying a very expensive book with an email address to the author. This class is so much more. You get hours of video as well as a forum and 24/7 chat with other students.

This is my first try at lesson three - shading. Not that it is all that great, but it was a lot of fun. I definitely don't want to make "big eyed girls" that are so prevalent right now. This class I think will end up being so much more. It is about acceptance of yourself as an artist and dealing with our fears. Hopefully, I will get back into figure drawing in a more expressive manner and have a lot of fun in the process. She is doing an online art journal class in May or June. I can't wait.

Acrylic Painting, first stage

2009-03-16T21:24:00.002-05:00

Here is one of the smaller canvasses that I am working on. I haven't decided where any of them are going but at I really like several of them.

Belle Epoche Necklace

2009-03-16T21:16:00.003-05:00

I started this necklace in December, but just finished it. It so beautiful. It is a Cynthia Rutledge pattern. If you ever have a chance to take one of her classes definitely go for it. She comes to town once a year and I have taken her classes for years. Her projects are great for both advanced beginners to advanced beaders.

B&W for Screenprinting

2009-03-15T17:29:00.002-05:00

I just bought a Yudu screenprinting system. I haven't even taken it out of the box because I want a full day to play with it when I do, but I am trying to develop some new images to use with it anyway. This one is inspired by an Erte painting.

Busy Week

2009-03-14T22:31:00.002-05:00

I have been so crazy busy the past few weeks that I haven't done much art. I still make sure I have a daily trip to my studio, but really haven't "made" art. I finished a great necklace which I will post later this week. I gave a talk on 3D design in fiber. I teach twice next week. I worked at my job. I am trying to quilt a charity quilt, but the dumb quilting machine keeps breaking threads!
After work today, I started looking into what absorbent ground will do.

Garden Book Cover

2009-02-20T21:03:00.002-05:00

I am doing a fabric book swap. The theme is Spring Flowers. My book is "Gardens at Midnight". I think this might be the cover, except I don't know how to put the title on it. Or does it need a title on the cover? Or is that the fun of being involved in something like this, working in parameters and problem solving?

Garden Book

2009-02-20T20:58:00.003-05:00

This is a doodle that I created in a staff meeting. Last week's challenge for Art every Week is to doodle.
Here is the what the doodle inspired in stitch.

Trellis Stitch - Stitch Explorer

2009-02-17T21:42:00.004-05:00

February's stitch from Sharon B. is the trellis stitch. I did it square first because I thought it would be easier. Also, the video tutorial did it square, which made it easier to follow. I started it earlier tonight while I sat in my car waiting for my son at soccer practice. After I did it square, I wanted to try circular. The first one is small but very messy. I switched threads and did the green one and it turned out a little more even. I am not sure if it was that I am getting the hang of it or if the thread made a difference!