Mail Art

Eight pieces of Mail Art will be hitting the postal service soon.  Scraps of fabric (left-overs from fused applique) fused on to vilene and then machine stitched with a variety of stitches and threads - that was really fun - no lines to follow, going where the feeling took me, twists & turns. The bigger pieces were then cut into PC size (usually 6" x 4"), finished off with a fused backing and satin stitched edging.   

Father's Birthday

Wanted to give Dad these photos & hit on the idea of doing a paper quilt - using the Japanese style tapes, I created a little collage for him - he is 88 years old & I think he really liked receiving the photos in this manner instead of stuffed in an envelope. 

Worth a look

If you love Japan & all things Japanese, check out this blog Kimono Reincarnate http://kimonoreincarnate.blogspot.com.au/ - I went all soppy looking at these photos and have told HofM that Japan is definitely on my bucket list.

Visiting Studio Spaces

SAQA Oceania artists are sharing their studios this month.  Every couple of days a new one is on display - you can start the journey with Mel's studio on http://mixedmediabymelforrest.blogspot.com.au/   You will find all the others listed as you go through the different studios. 
Another group showing their spaces is one of the MailArt groups.  Go to http://iuoma-network.ning.com/group/s & find the 'Show us your Artspace'  group & you can check out some of the small spaces these artists work in.  It's great being able to go into the studios.  Enjoy these journeys.

A reminder of what my space looks like inside - the front door is at the heading of my blog.

Liebster Award

"The Liebster award (German for Favorite) is usually presented to smaller blogs as a form of recognition and support. 'Smaller blog' is one with 200 followers or less. As a recipient you are to:"

1. Link back to the person who gave it to you and thank them.

2. Post the award to your blog.

3. Give the award to 5 bloggers with less than 200 followers that you appreciate and value.

4. Leave a comment on the 5 blogs to let them know that they have been offered this award.

My dear friend, Mel http://mixedmediabymelforrest.blogspot.com.au/ has nominated my blog for this award - thanks so much Mel. Now I have to nominate 5 other blogs - that will be a hard task - here goes -

1. Mim4Art http://mim4art.blogspot.com.au/

2. Cathy at Studio 28 http://cathyatstudio28.blogspot.com.au/

3. Lady L http://ladyldesigns.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/mini-art-journal-part-1.html

4.It's only a book  http://itsonlyabook.blogspot.com.au/

5. This is Art http://www.thisisart.ca/

 

Hope you enjoy checking them out.

Kantha Workshop

Spent Saturday & Sunday doing a workshop in Kantha stitching with Carolyn Sullivan who was brought to Brisbane by ATASDA Qld.www.atasda.org.au/qld.htm We were shown the way a simple running stitch can transform a piece of cloth into a work of art, using different threads (colour & weight of thread). 

These are a few of Carolyn's samples - the one above shows different colours of thread and combination of stitches to create designs.

The ripple effect, created by the running stitches, gives an added texture to the background.

We were also given a glimpse into stamping, painting and design.  It was a delighful workshop which has further filled my head with ideas for new pieces.  Now I just have to find those extra hours in the day we all crave.

We also did some fabric painting - something I've not done a lot of & am a bit hesitant about.  I think my main concern is that, with the use of paints, unlike sewing, you actually have to do some cleaning up once you have finished - you know clean brushes, sponges etc. Sewing - you turn off the machine & walk away!

We also stamped leaves - I have some shirbori pieces I did years ago with a member of our Cottage Group, Inner City Circle, & that fabric has been maturing in a box.  Think it is about time they surfaced & became something.  It maybe a few months before I get back to this.  Where's my stitching you ask - will take a photo when I have finished a couple of samples.  Promise!