and more from the sketchbook........Limited Edition 2012

with 'Threads and Surface' as as starting point, this sketchbook developed (almost by itself as they do) into a look at how the same piece of work can appear so differently when surrounded by or sat on another colour. I also wanted some of the pages to be as tactile as they were abstract, using raised threads and piereced pages to provide some varying surfaces. 'Liz' came into when I wanted to make another reference to how we adorn ourselves, whilst wondering whether it then follows that we  become walking works of art ourselves?

more of Liz below...........

reverse of the stitched black page in the previous post

reverse of the stitched block page below

double page of stitches on white, compare them to the black page on the posting below

This double page spread was first printed with an old wooden block and then one side was embroidered and the other pierced. I also wanted to do a colour match between the painted motifs and the embroidered ones

I enjoyed stitching this, one of my favourite pages in the book

I do love a close up

pierced

the back of the pierced page, I quite liked the feel of the raised surface on this one......

the double page spread with Liz Taylor has her own space, rightfully so for such an icon

I gave her a ruby this time as I felt she probably was a bit bored of having so many diamonds

she seemed quite pleased about it

more sketchbook pages.........

One of the things I was looking at with this sketchbook was how a change of colour could so totally change the look of a page and this is quite apparent with the free stitching on the gold and then overleaf on the black page further below.

free stitching versus straight (ish) lines

the loose tension in the black thread provided me with probably my favourite thing in the whole book

I decided to utilise two of my tags by including them, you can see the reverese of the white tage in the 'framed' picture at the top of this blog

to those that have seen this tag before forgive its inclusion but it has now become part of my Limited Edition Sketchbook as has the tag below

this one looks best held up to the light

this sketchwas for the tools of the trade required by those creating the clothes of the elite at the Royal Function from the first page in the previous blog


More pages soon.............

the first few pages of my sketchbook for the Brooklyn Art Library Limited Edition Sketchbook Project

my chosen theme

I took this write up from 1867 as my point of reference

party pages

crocheted wire necklace

another sketchbook page; Doodles and Abstract Thought

At times I enjoy the simplicity of just good old pen and paper, one of those sessions when there is no direction just seeing what comes out. Music is a must and the refusal to be drawn down any particular line for too long.........

tags for Tag Tuesday....

'Riverbank' for June 26 2012

I know the theme was for Easter Eggs this week but I'd prefer a quiet little peek into a birds nest,

of course from a distance and being very careful not to be intrusive......

the eggs were made from plasticine painted with acrylic, they measure approx 1cm.
The nest was made by crocheting a wire 'frame' directly onto the tag and then weaving threads through it

I wanted to give the impression of branches and the tangled nature of a the hedge

just the usual sized luggage tag

the 'hedge was created with ink and a little hidden stamping, adding to the tangled feel

a bit of fun with calico......

I love working with calico and these are some little clutch bags I made a while ago. 

First I dyed raw calico with good old Dylon, some black and some turquoise, in the washing machine.

Second  I created a very basic floral surface pattern which was then heat transfer printed onto the blue dyed calico, using it for both lining and appliqued embellishment along with a few black beads for the flowers centers. These bags measure 28 x 16 cm.

Black bag with appliqued flowers. The fastening cord is strips of claico rolled and machined stitched.

Another particular favourite of mine is contrasting lining.

Floral Turquoise lining of black bag

Blue Bag with crocheted cord and button fastener

black lining in the Blue Bag

original floral drawings for the heat transfer print

some of my sample records showing a little of the  transfer printed cloth laid over the original transfer print

more buttons

had a lovely visit to the Manchester Antique Textile Fair on Sunday, can hardly wait for next years!
One of my favourite stalls there is the Button Society's stand, this year as well as joining the Society I made a few more purchases for my collection... I know I have so much to learn about the different manufacturing process, materials etc so if anyone can further advise me please do!

glass beads trimmed in gilt, showing the back of one

I thought this bug was sat on a maple leaf but now I realise it is a vine leaf. It seems to be painted glass set in an enamel back with a brass loop for sewing on

glass shells

this is amazing, I was advised that this is made from rennet mixed with milk solids

another glass button, hand painted

a metal cast victorian button

I thought I would add the five pence to show the scale of them all