I find a good way to use up small scraps from bigger projects is to make small pieces. They are generally pretty spontaneous and rely on whatever is in my scrap box at the moment. Since I have some shows coming up where I can sell small, bin art, I decided to try some of my shirting scraps and made this little piece (it is about 8" square), using scraps from my recent projects and my outlining technique.
I stitched each of those little pieces onto the blue outline fabric, with thread that matched the main fabric and I decided that if I am going to make a number of these I was going to be switching thread a lot. Maybe, I thought, I should just make a whole bunch of varied shapes and colors and
then figure out how to put them together. That way I could stitch a bunch of blue pieces at the same time, instead of one at a time. I may end up with a lot that just won't work together, which means my time-saving thriftiness may have been in vain. Oh well, worth a try, I think. Here is my"batch".
Hmmm. It is kind of stunning in itself! But I must not lose focus. I got them all fused, stitched and then cut them all out and started arranging them on background fabrics. I got two more done yesterday.
Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't, but it is great brain exercise. I think the second from the last might need some more stitching. The ones I like I will mount on black matte board and wrap in cellophane, then try to sell them cheap!
I am trying to post more regularly on my drawing blog.
The latest post is about drawing trees.
Genius! Something anyone could do - but you are the one with the original ideas. You are great! Love, Del
ReplyDeleteVery cool technique. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI really like these! They are like little nuggets of joy.
ReplyDeleteI have been trying your idea of mounting sections onto a backing - in my case which then works to be the deep shadows of a figure. I am really liking the results. Previously, I found I couldn't create those shadows without intense stitching which caused distortion. At present I am going larger with my dragons. I am still working out the best plan for the stitching though. (I haven't got much of it online yet because I am still on the discovery part where I don't want too much outside influence.)
Sandy in the UK
I really like these - especially the second one. They look like fun to do.
ReplyDeleteWonderful pieces out of little bits!!! Any chance you'll post them for sale in your "Small Works" category above? I keep checking for prices on those pieces.
ReplyDeleteLove the bottom one. Whimsical but cool.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a great exercise. I usually conceive the design in my head, then execute, so this would be a challenge for me to "design as I go".
ReplyDeleteTry turning the second from the last piece around; maybe it's upside down?
OH Terry! I loved the "batch" piece. Gorgeous. Well...all the pieces are gorgeous. I have taken to sewing up all my scraps at the end of each project, too, and am loving what comes from it (most of the time). I would be delighted to be able to make your show and buy some of your bin art. When's your earliest show date? And where?
ReplyDeleteTerry, these are stunning!
ReplyDeleteThe larger "shapes" piece is fantastic. A hint of Paul Klee - so graphic and such bold colors.
ReplyDelete