Module One, Chapter Three, Design Sheet C supplement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Woven Scarf

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

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

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

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

Marvy Metallic Markers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dyeing Fabric

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????