Saturday, March 31, 2007

ATCs and experimenting


This past week I've been experimenting!
What I've done may be "old hat" to many readers out there,but,I'm on a steep learning curve when it comes to new techniques in fibre manipulation.

I started off with a 'slab' of Timtex;
My first mistake was using Quilters (basting) spray instead of some other adhesive---
WHY?? that comes later!

To that layer of adhesive I added some previously made (Sculpy) art doll molds,bits of zig-zag braid,lace motifs,lace and braid.
When these had dried in position,they were then given a cover of (Jacquard) Neopaque paint;and then
Lumiere paint was used as highlight on the doll face molds and some of the braid.

As I was hoping to use these for ATCs (Artist trading cards for the unitiated) the slab was then cut into 2.5 by 3.5 inch pieces,some plain homespun was attached for the reverse side of the card,and then I attempted to finish the edges!

THAT was when I found that Timtex
PLUS quilters' spray
PLUS Neopaque paint and lace,etc........
does not take kindly to machine blanket stitch.......or any other stitch for that matter!

The result..............I had to hand stitch to complete them :-(

Oh well...........learn something new every day

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Thursday, March 29, 2007

Doors


The challenge was "Doors and/or windows"

Once again my ambitions exceeded my capabilities!
I had in mind the screen timber doors seen on old Queensland style houses,where the door in question is the external door of the large wrap around verandahs.

The door frame was built up using X-pandaprint on calico;
the paint was heat set and then painted with Neopaque paint to represent weathered timber;
I then cut out the shapes and laid them on a piece of sun printed fabric to represent the yard outside.
A piece of florist's mesh represents the insect screen.........I wasn't game to attempt "making" the timber inserts,although on reflection,a piece of sushi mat would have done the trick!

Back to ATCs I think!

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Sunday, March 25, 2007

Words of Wisdom

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A message from my friend Helen yesterday sent my trawling through some blogs ,and on BeachysCapeCodCupboard, I found these words of wisdom I'd like to share.......


Today, my heart says this to you...
If you painted hope today in any hopeless heart,
If someone's burden was lighter because you did your part,
If you caused a laugh that chased a tear away,
If tonight your name is mentioned when someone kneels to pray;
Then your day was well spent.

(Thank-you,beachy)

On a happier note,Caddie and Poss seem to be adjusting to Jesse' departure from their lives ,and with a quiet little song Poss shared the bed with me last night.

On a creative note: I've been playing with Timtex,Neopaque paints,bits of braid and lace and art doll molds trying out an idea for some ATCs.
Okay! I should be mowing lawn and weeding................but!

Happy weekend.