Monday, October 30, 2006

Mutant Wacky women

 


FaeryDi
introduced me to her wacky women and now they've mutated as result of a challenge swap over at Fiber ArtTraders!
The challenge was to use hardware bits and pieces to create/dress a doll.

Of course,I didn't read it properly,did I!
You were meant to start with a soft bodied doll!
I visualised a frankensteiny creation with electrical wiring/cabling for armature of the body;
Stainless steel curly hair (which was replaced by steel wool already available)
Anyway hunni and doo are off to new homes in the UK and the US....if the Customs don't deem them dangerous aliens Posted by Picasa

Correction


Link

I just knew I hadn't worded myself clearly yesterday....
Thanks Emmy for pointing out the error..............and s,o in the interest of getting it RIGHT this time,I've copied Emmy's posting:

Artshare Meme

Saw this on Arlee's blog http://arleebarr.squarespace.com She is a busy woman she makes wonderful bags

So if you want to play along read this and you wil get a piece of art from me , but you must follow the instruction ,

The first five people to respond to this in the comments section will receive a
piece of artwork. BUT if you respond you have to post this to your blog too and continue sharing the art. It will be a surprise!!! And I get to choose what and when to send--meaning it will be after the first week of November at least.........

I think it is a great way to share art



So,Like Emmy and Arlee,I invite you to share in the Art Meme and the first five comments will receive....
(sound of trumpets weakly off stage)
an original art work of mine........as long as you follow the conditions as explained by Emmy for her blog,mine,and..............

Sunday, October 29, 2006

It's all Emmy's fault





Having been unwell for a few days and not being active reading or blogging myself I visited Cramzy's blog today .......one of my favourites I must say;
Anyway what Emmy had blogged sent me over to Arlee who I hadn't visited for a while,and as a consequence I need to add a link to her site too!

http://arleebarr.squarespace.com

(Somehow I dont think my brain has come back into gear after a week off......so sorry Arlee,I'll try again tomorrow.

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

A two postcard day!

This card arrived from AdriaP of Postmark'dArt today:
Its theme was "My backyard" and Adria has shown a view from the inside looking out.
I love the fractured effect gained by angling the window frames,dont you!




The second card from LindaM of FiberArtsPostCards was themed around Masks,Masks,Masks"
It's a beautiful fabric to which Linda has added embroidered metallic threads as ties for the mask.

After seeing Julia's cards (over at Camille's Place ) for our Christmas theme swap at Crazyquiltingfriends,I've decided mine aren't up to standard,and when I recover from this bout of the dreaded lurgy I'll tackle them again.

I also a a phone call from my Janome dealer today:My Janome Excellence (Embellisher)
has arrived and is ready for pickup!
I felt just too miserable to rush and and get it.....hopefully,tomorrow?
 Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Postcard from Debby

 

An online group I belong to recently had a "Fabric and fibre postcard swap"
Those of you who read my "Fifty days" of fabric and fibre posctards will not be surprised at me being involved in yet another swap,will you?

Anyway,this delightful card arrived in this morning's mail from DebbyS of Downey,CA.

She has appliqued a pair of slippers and embellished them further with (I think) a gel pen.
Aren't they "neat"!
Thanks Debby Posted by Picasa

Monday, October 23, 2006

Masks,masks,Masks.....FAPC group

 
 

The red and gold "Masks add mystery to encounters" card arrived today from JanetP in Nebraska.
The predominantly black and white mask from Darlene S was blogged back around October 11.
When the third card (that completes this swap) arrives,I'll photograph the three together so the effects are more clearly visible.
My editting of scanned pics is not the best.

In the meantime,I'm attempting some CQed Christmas themed cards for my "Crazyquilting friends"........some pics later
(when I manage some satisfactory results) Posted by Picasa

My dilemma

 
 
 
 

A couple of years back I bought this case of Bassetti bed linen for my daughter's trousseau.
Wouldn't you know.........it was not her preferred style,so mother still owns it and doesn't know whether to use it or try selling it.
I've found nothing similar on Ebay..........any (practical) suggestions,anyone?? Posted by Picasa

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Unbelievable!


http://www.glumbert.com/media/crowcat


A friend shared this Link with me.....it was so incredible I just had to share with you.

Friday, October 20, 2006

Honey-doo

The brief as stipulated by Normajean was to make some dolls using hardware components and to keep the dolls less than bulky for mailing!



I had such fun with Di's Wacky women that I used a similar formula for my "Honey-doos" .
In some ,the armature for the body were made using electrical wiring : the same way as I used the pipe cleaners in the wacky women;

Instead of Florist's tape I used electrical insulation tape to firm and shape the torsos(Not much different to Florist's tape,just heavier quality)

I'd forgotten to buy stainless steel pads for the hair so I used some of the workshop's steel wool pads and gave my girlz a really bad hair day!

(Steel wool hair just loves static electricity build up!)

Battery connectors were used in some of the "hunnies"for hands and feet,and I need to make some "jewellery" featuring fibre washers and beads. Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Hot off the presses!

From the Silicone Valley News:


Apple Computer reported today that it has developed computer chips that can store & play music inside women's breasts. This is considered to be a major breakthrough because women are always complaining about men staring at their breasts and not listening to them.



Gotcha! :-)

Monday, October 16, 2006

Describing those "clear envelopes"

 
Those clear" envelopes" are all clear , and similar in construction to the cellophane bags/envelopes you can purchase some commercial cards in (make sense?)
 
They are NOT like the 'windows" which herald a bill arriving.
 
I buy mine through a local "scrapbooking and stamping shop".If you're not planning on making a heap of cards,you'll probably find that a pack of 10 (for $2 )is sufficient.
 
I think they are referred to as an A5 size:They are marginally larger than a 6x4 postcard and have a resealable flip -over flap on the 'short side'
 
Just make certain that when you seal the envelope you bring the flap down far enough that it is a firm fit around the length of the card.
 
I also tend to have the picture side on the flap side,and the 'smooth' side on the address side.
 
 
I did try scanning one,but being transparent,no amount of editing produced a good image,sorry.
 

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Red letter day!.....Fabric & fibre Postcards

Today's mail was a real red letter day with three postcards and two books arriving.
The first two
cards were expected,

as my "booty" from the Postmark'dArt swaps winds down to its conclusion.

The first card,from Darma R came as part of the Cat Swap,and was a message to Think Pink;and find a cure for Breast cancer.
A fun way to send a serious message!

The second,from Ginny C,came as part of My BackyardSwap and featured a Strawberry runner with seed beaded fruit.

href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7171/753/640/Mask%20from%20Darlene%20S.jpg">

The third card was a wakeup call,as in the slight turmoil of the past couple of weeks,I had forgotten that I'd signed to the Masks,Masks,Masks swap with the FAPC
group

The card (above)came from Darlene S and is a layered applique: very striking with its combination of red,black and white with sequin highlights.
Having had a wakeup call I spent the afternoon working on my four cards.One completed,three to go!

Finally,a parcel I've been waiting for arrived from Fancy Fibers also known as Heavenly Embellishments (same Link)
The books are " Three-Dimensional Embroidery Stitches" by Pat Trott,
and "Mixed Media Explorations" by Beryl Taylor.

As I've restrained myself all afternoon and evening,I'm off to indulge in some reading,dreaming,planning of future projects.
I'll report on the books at a later date.
Goodnight! Posted by Picasa

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Stamping & cancelling Postcards

The question below landed in my email Inbox this morning,and I thought it worth sharing:
 
Question:
 
One question, is it important that the postcard gets "cancelled" by the post office with that stamp thingy that says the date mailed and from where?  Meaning I would just mail it to be stamped all over. Or would you prefer it to come in a clear envelope (great idea I might add), so that the ink stamping is on the envelope and not the actual post card?  Also, did you ever get one that just went through as is and did it hold up--not tattered and torn?
 
So many questions re such a small thing (4x6), this is all new to me and I am wanting to learn all about it.
 

Answer:
I hope I can  answer all your questions well enough D! 
Yes,please add a stamp and get it cancelled.........it's a "true postcard "then!
So far in the last three months I've received and sent over 50 postcards.
Most I take to Post Office,get the stamp  'hand cancelled' then(standing at the counter still) I take it back from the clerk and slip the card into the clear envelope I hae with me,then give it back to the clerk serving me.
 
Probably over half cards I've received have come through the mail NAKED;
a few have been cancelled then put in ordinary envelopes,which to me is an unnecessary cost.!
A few(naked) cards have  had the barcode stamped on it,but some have also had a bar code strip on paper on it.
 
Only ONE has come in a USPS "Damaged goods" package and that was last week!
The lady had very wispy(Like eyelash knitting yarn) floating around edges that could or probably did tangle in sorting machinery....
 
If you're using WHITEonW or similar light fabrics,the clear envelope might be a good idea;
I use them because sometimes I have beading or loose yarns and its a bit of protection for the card.
 
Go and check out my Blog   http://kenmaurscorner.blogspot.com/
 For the last 50 days I've been blogging  "fabric and fibre postcards"..pics and hints etc.,and I'll include this email also.
 
 
 

This is the reason.....

...that there is no stitching or postcards blogged today!

We're planning a move---a sea-change!
Before anything can happen,major downsizing is required.There are two three bay sheds to be cleared and this is part of the result! Posted by Picasa

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Fabric and fibre Postcards: Day 50


Link

I've just been doing a tally of the cards I've received in the last three months---
FIFTY and still counting!
So I guess that means I've mailed out over 50 myself.
Like the journal quilts I'm attempting,the smaller format generally means that a project gets completed.
In the case of fabric/fibre cards,it's not as deflating to the ego when a plan does not work simply because of the size and amount of fabric and fibre involved in a 6x4 inch as compared with a largeish quilt.
I also find the 6x4s a great way to try out new procedures.

Well,visitors have arrived.........I may be back later!

Friday, October 06, 2006

Fabric and fibre Postcards: Day 49

I hate Fridays!

Why?
Because I have to wait for two more days
before another mail delivery!

If I didn't know better,I'd think that Judy had planned for this "batty card" to arrive after the recent "Crystal Ball Swap" and before October 31!

J has used a paper foundation piecing method for constructing the bat:
(my daughter in law insists that it's origami;but I'll brainwash her into P&Q terminology eventually)

Back to the bat:
a mottled black fabric has been used,and an orange fabric with gold highlighting and red meandering lines throws the bat into sharp relief.
J has then 'framed' the bat with a fabric featuring gold cobwebs and red spiders.
The reverse/address side has been printed out on fabric.

Thank you,my "batty friend" for sharing your work with me! Posted by Picasa

Thursday, October 05, 2006

I see..........

These are the three Crystal -ball themed cards I received from my partners in the recent Fiber Arts Traders Swap.

From left to right we have:"I see lots of mailable art in your future" from Normajean in CT;
(how cool is that hennaed hand!)

The central card is from Ellen in AZ;She sees "a celebration in my future"
(would you dare disagree with that scary lady? I wouldn't)


And last but not least,Judith in the UK sees "many PCs coming my way"
and look at the pen and ink sketch of Whitby Abbey.

As I said earlier today,this has been a fun theme to pursue,particularly because when the theme was announced I had no idea "where" or "how" to start. Posted by Picasa

Fabric and fibre Postcards: Day 48






These are three postcards I sent out for the FATs "Crystal Ball Swap!

The top one went to Judith in the UK ( I see stars) and features A butterfly and star sequins against a background of Angelina fibres.,and I stitched hand outlines each side of the ball.

The other two I incorporated Australian stamps with star sequins,glitter and some Angelina to produce "I see Mail" and
"I see a cat in your future".
(People who know me fairly well know to expect a cat somewhere in my projects)

One thing I did learn with the 'crystal' balls was that two layers of plastic/vinyl made life easier!
By sandwiching the contents of the balls between two layers of plastic it was easier to achieve a shaker effect than by sandwiching the contents between fabric and plastic.

This was a
fun swap that caused me to move outside my comfort zone.
Posted by Picasa

--

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Fabric and Fibre Postcards: Day 47


At last....on to the last couple of days of Postcard blogging!
It's been an interesting time for me,if for no other reason that I have had to make a daily posting on the same theme.

Now,can you come up with helpful suggestions please ?

After participating in the recent ATC Haiku themed swap over on Aus_NZ_Artquilters, I'm wondering if something similar could be successfully done with Postcards!

I can visualise the backing, as per the 'normal' fabric postcard,being anchored only on three sides(the two 6 " and one 4")
but how could an insert be contained,unless the card was mailed in a clear cellophane envelope?

Also,if there is an insert (even if it's only a small sheet of paper) will the postal authorities deem it to be a letter rather than a card?

I'm looking forward to asking the local (patient and helpful) Post Office staff and seeing their reaction.
I guess I better make a card first,so they can see what I mean.

It's all Jo's fault!

">Link


It all gets back to Jo introducing Julia of Camille's Place and me to Linda(http://lindawalshoriginals.blogspot.com/)

Linda apparently tagged Julia creative ribbons.blogspot.com/ ,who tagged Jo,nzjo.blogspot.com/who...........
you guessed it!
Wants me to name FIVE WEIRD things about myself!

1.. Start with my car rego: FWL (Fairly weird lady") How weird is that!
2..My car sports a broomstick riding witch sticker on the rear window.(How weird is that!
3..I regularly talk with myself.......mainly discussing if my current project is proceeding "right"
4..That I'm actually responding to Jo's tagging! WEIRD!!
5..The time I spend at the computer! Totally WEIRD!

And,no I'm notgoing to tag anyone...........
how weird is that!!

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Fabric and fibre Postcards: Day46



The things that land in my letter-box!!

Ellen in AZ was another swap partner in the FATs"Crystal Ball" swap and this card arrived from her today!

Ellen's seer visualises a celebration in my future!
( Trust me,I won't dispute the issue.)

Ellen has printed the scene on fabric,then by using a circular piece of vinyl she has enclosed package,stars and balloon sequins within the ball;
She then fussy cut the ball gazer's hands and positioned them over and around the crystal ball.
A fringe of navy blue fibre frames the scene,and to keep the fringe intact and safe from postal machinery,the card was mailed in one of my favourite see-through envelopes. Posted by Picasa

Monday, October 02, 2006

Fabric & fibre Postcards: Day 45





No hints,tips or suggestions today,but some eye candy from Gunnel in Sweden,
Jo in N.S.W.,and
Judith in the UK !

These three cards arrived today and each has a different them and treatment:

Gunnel's card appears to me to be a type of confetti of threads fibres behind a type of crystal Organza which has an overpainting in places with a metallic or pearlescent paint;She has then embroidered two skeleton leaves and added seed beads and random stitching in aqua and lemon.

Next comes a Carnival Mask from JoS in NSW.We were Swap partners in a Carnival themed postcard swap....well,I sent her one,and was happily surprised to receive this in return!
Jo has appliqued a mask and embellished around it with eyelash yarn and gold thread;and I like to think those are firework exploding in the background!
But oh....check out the neat binding and it's mitred corners!

Last but not least,a Crysatl Ball swap through Fibre Art Traders (lovingly referred to as FAT!!)

Judith in the UK sent me this "ball" containing a Cathedral by night and bats and stars in a "shaker" like a snow storm ball.
The ball itself seems to be floating on a wave.....see the Light house? and a gull hovers nearby.
Judith's prediction of seeing many PCs coming my way,was certainly true today!

Thank-you Gunnel,Jo and Judith,I love them all! Posted by Picasa

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Fabric and fibre Postcards: Day 44



Window Template :
A tool I use regularly with my Crazy Quilting is a "window template"
or viewing tool.
In the case of fabric postcards the template window measures 6 by 4 inches and is cut from a piece of matt board.
(I normally use black card for this but as its gone walkabout at the moment ,the grey will do to illustrate its purpose!

Initially make your postcard / fabric block larger than required....e.g 5 by 7 inches instead of your finished 6x4 size.
Having made your 5x7 fabirc postcard,place your template over it to decide where is the best area of the design.

Hint: If you use an A4 sized cardstock,you will be able to to make two template windows by first cutting the stock in half and cutting the 6x4 window in the centre of the resulting 5 and a half by 8 and a half inch pieces. Posted by Picasa

Saturday, September 30, 2006

Fabric and fibre Postcards: Day 43




Bird's nest:
About two years ago ,at one of our weekly SnB sessions Shasa introduced me to birds' nests---Using a bowl to save the snippings and off-cuts of thread,particularly when doing hand worked stitcheries, and in her case,utilising those snippets when only a very short length of thread is required.
What has this got to do with fabric postcards you ask?
Well,why not use those threads offcuts to create a different background for a PC?
Lay them on a piece of homespun,whatever lay the threads in a light mesh and randomly FME or stipple quilt over them to hold in position;
or layer fine tulle over the threads to stabilise them.
You can go multicoloured,or get artistically picky and stick to shades of one colour.

Another friend,LynH scurries around during our workshops,"liberating" tiny scraps of fabric that have a heat fusible backing:
these she uses as required when she wants a confetti effect,instead of needing to mutilate good fabric for the purpose!

Now those of you with younger children underfoot...there's a fun chore for them: picking up and saving "treasures for Mum" and helping tidy up without realising!

Friday, September 29, 2006

My head is spinning......


Link

Over the complimentary things Linda of I love craft and craftblogs wrote of this blog and my Kurliskottage blog.
I'd read what Linda had blogged about 'our Julia' but never dreamed I'd get similar treatment.
I don't desreve it,but I'll gratefully accept it,thank you Linda! :-)
And do go and visit her blog and sites....you'll pick up all sorts of cool crafty tips and links.

And my friend belle's great Jester card is featured too!

Fabric and fibre Postcards: Day 42


Link


Paper piecing
Have you thought of using paper foundation piecing for constructing your postcard?
I haven't mentioned it before because I have not mastered it myself.
But talking of swapping postcards with Katie of thenkp.blogspot.com and the draft of a sunset she sent me, made me think "Why not?"

So please,if you have any tips to share please do!

Some things I do know about paper foundation piecing are
1.. to use a very small stitch length
2..Trace or photocopy your pattern,and then using a threadless machine stitch along the lines.
3..Follow the number sequence on the pattern and start with piece #1 wrong side up on your cutting board;then place your pattern (facing upwards)over the #1 fabric piece.
Centre pattern over fabric with a generous seam allowance all round.
Although you can use small pieces and not worry about grain,use a piece that is at least 3/4 inch larger all round than is required.
The rest is a flip and sew and trim method..........
right!
The external Link should explain far more clearly than me........go to it!

Thursday, September 28, 2006

Fabric and fibre Postcards: Day 41

 
 
 

Only today's post refers to ATCs (Artists' Trading cards for the uninitiated) rather than Postcards
(PCs are 6x 4 inches dimension----ATCs are 2.5 by 3.5 inches.)

Back about August 9 on one of my other blogs CQCRAZY (http://cqcrazy.blogspot.com/)
I showed my first ATC made with a (Japanese) Haiku theme/interpretation.
Today's mail delivered four ATCs to me as the result of a Swap hosted by DianaB of Australia_NZ_Artquilters group.
Each card came from a different fabric and fibre artist,and interpreted a Haiku chosen by each person...........it has given me a wonderful insight into how other interpret and translate another's "thoughts" into fabric and fibre.

The four lower (orange) cards were my efforts for the Swap:
I used the same Obi fabric in the four cards,and chose to interpret two Haiku.
Because in 'things Japanese'I believe that 'less is more'I tried to remain minimalistic in my interpretation. Posted by Picasa

Yesterday' s post correction


http://www.quiltartlugano.ch/en/docum.html


Once again my apologies for confusing you all;
You may have guessed that I'm radically "Link/HTML challenged;
For some reason my external links work by clicking on the blog of the day title!!

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Fabric and fibre Postcards: Day 40


Link


I found an item of interest over on Cramzy's blog concerning an upcoming event in Lugano,Switzerland in June 1-3,2007.
Apart from it being the first Quilt festival in Switzerland,they are hoping for postcards to be donated for fundraising for "Vivere come prima" Society ('Living as before') a Swiss society for women after breast cancer.

Sign your card on the back with a pigma pen,showing your name,city and country;
The title and date of your postcard
Put your card(s) in envelope and address to:

Bea Bernasconi
Via Navree 5, CH-6964
Davesco-Soragno (for names A-L) email for info: beabernasconi@bluewin.ch

for names M-Z, send to:
Marlis Egger,
Via Nava 16 C,
CH- 6963 Pregassona

email: marlisegger@ticino.com

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Fabric and fibre Postcards: Day 40


Link


Recycling !!
What about recycling the labels you cut off your clothing?
The colours and company names can make for an interesting "collection" for a fashionista friend.

Then again,those garment/fabric care labels removed from clothing and manchester could be used in a similar fashion.

Monday, September 25, 2006

Carnival mask

 

This gold carnival mask arrived from LindaM in Western Australia today.

Like Belle's Jester,I think Linda's card took a vacation to enjoy the Spring wildflowers on the way here!

It is a gold mask with handle like a lorgnette on a black background and metallic fibres form a colourful frame.
Over all is a layer of fine tulle keeping the fibres in position.

Simply elegant.
Thank you Linda! Posted by Picasa

Fabric 'n fibre postcards: Day 39





Because my brain is still in meltdown after seeing those 100 artworks at Gallery 159 yesterday,today's message is brief:

Bobbin thread:
I use a cone of clear 100% Nylon or "Wonder Invisible thread" made by YLI Corp. in my bobbin.
As I stitch on the design side before sandwiching my card layers,the bobbin thread doesn't show through.
I also have (Janone) bobbinfil in white and black,but find the clear to my preference.
And when I satin stitch the edges,no contrary colours appear.

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Fabric postcards: Day 38

 

NO Postcards today, but these eye candies instead!
Slightly larger than postcards,these beauties are in a 12 inch square format.

Today I visited "Up Over and Down Under". an international textile art Exhibition.
It is a collaborative exhibition of 100 artworks by the "Australian Textile Arts & Surface Design Association" and the Fiberarts Guild of Pittsburgh,USA.

I was blown away by the varied forms of textile art........the exhibition was excellent.
As today was the last day for the Brisbane showing,I urge anyone who can manage it,to visit when it opens in the Orange Regional Gallery Orange NSW between October 20 and Nov 19.

The six works depicted here are by Kay Haerland Margaret Bullock
Marj Long Leslie & Tanya Calhoun
Sharyn Hall , Gloria Allport

(At least that is what my notes said!)
I have to wait a while before I can get a colour catalogue mailed to me...

The exhibition covered a most diverse field of textile art:
From silk fusion,mulberry paper,felted vessels;beading; Gesso stiffened manipulated muslin;weaving ....the list goes on!

It is so difficult to decide on a favourite:Dewi Wong's "night out on the Town" with bobbin lace,copper wire,silk,cotton and metallic thread is one:

Another would have to be
silk screen image and poem hand stitched machine digitsed.and Etching on Perspex;

Gloria Muddle's "Fanfare" with fabric,lace,handmade paper,metallic fibres,beads and jewellery findings was a Mandala of Celebration I'd dearly like to emulate.
I could go on and on,but.......
three cats and one husband are proclaiming how hungry they are! Posted by Picasa

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Fabric and fibre Postcards: Day 37

 
 
After reading my daily dose of inaminuteago this morning,I realised how little beading I've incorporated into the cards I've made.

I wonder if this is because the themes and numbers needing to be made within a certain timeframe are causing me to drift away from my love of hand work and CQ.

The two cards featured today have a little beading,but none of the bead trails I normally like to add to my CQ blocks.

The white card,based on a Haiku has only a few small Swarovski crystals to represent hail stones.

The black and gold card by MarianneB of Postmark'dArt has tiny gold Delica to tie in with the gold stitchery and pictograms.

Some points to consider as you add beading to postcards is the "threat of the postal (bead) munching machinery"!
"But",you say "I've had my postcard hand cancelled"
That's well and good,but,trust me,at some stage your precious card will be subjected to some amount of machinery processing,so.............

add an extra stitch or two,to firmly anchor the beads;
don't make your bead trails too chunky or clunky;
REMEMBER to keep the thickness of the card to one quarter of an inch;
and consider adding a layer of fine (bridal) tulle as an added protection for the beads.

Seed beads,Delica beads and plain and twisted bugle beads in the shorter lengths(size 2 & 3) seem to travel well.

Go have some beading fun. Posted by Picasa

Friday, September 22, 2006

kurliskottage: Wacky women & pincushions

kurliskottage: Wacky women & pincushions

Fabric and fibre Postcards: Day 36


Link

I KNEW I should have blogged before spending another four hours attacking the garden!
(All I want now is a hot relaxing bath to ease some aches)
So this will be brief!
Photographs and photo printing.

Yes,I did mention it on both Day 4,with VivianK's "Golden Ears Mountain" and
Day 10,with my "fractured landscape"
but what about printing and using one of your favourite photos..........like you as a kid,or your Mother (or who ever?)

I generally print on white/off white homespun that I have previously washed to remove sizing,and then dunked in BubbleJet Set liquid(Available from Ozecraft Lace & Dye) or if I have no BJS,I use a fabric conditioner,(much cheaper too!)

If I'm using the cotton homespun,I've found that if I iron the fabric to heat fusible paper-backed webbing the photo is then ready to trim and apply to Timtex/whatever immediately and saves an extra 'handling' of the fabric.
Don't forget to heat set (ironing) the photo after the inks have dried.

note; This method (i.e. using heat fusible on paper backing) does not work with silk!

You really need to use a fabric carrier sheet if you are attempting to print on a fine silk fabric........I learned this the hard way!!

Apologies,but I have no pic to share with you at the moment.

Thursday, September 21, 2006

and in a jesting mood........

 

I just had to share this cheery fellow with you!
This came from my friend Belle:
(remember back some months ago the postcard of the Goddess? hers too)
I received this happy chappie in a Carnival themed postcard swap a couple of days ago.
Belle's work is fantastic........and I really treasure her cards.Wouldn't you! Posted by Picasa