Monday 10 August 2015

Mini Art Quilt - Winter Melody

Last week I finished my samples for my mixed media workshop and they are now waiting to go on display. This is the first one, a simply structured mini art quilt  with a winter theme.  Loving seedheads as I do this was a great chance to use some of my favourite images.

I  made some simple stamps, then used a variety of of fabrics to show the effects  of the paint on different weights/types. I made pearlised paints to give a sparkle of frost and ice.


After preparing the fabrics and stamping them I set out the images in a collage, and then fused them to wool felt.

They were then re sectioned, simply embellished, using  a variety of  threads/ stitches and some beading, and  hand stitched together with a variegated pearl cotton.

Some are overprinted on already patterned fabrics -





some onto heavier weight linen, and  fine, hand dyed silk.





As the workshop is about approaching mixed media without the need to use lots of products and expense, everything was found in my supply stash and around the house. I do  feel that limiting yourself also extends your creativity. Having decided on my colour palette there were a few challenging moments -  which stretched me - but these were the things I liked best when I'd finished. What do you think - does anyone have any projects where constraints meant success?

9 comments:

Rachel said...

I remember sketching a jug once, and doing better in charcoal and chalk than I had done in colour...

I do frequently restrict an embroidery to variations on a single stitch, which may still leave plenty of choice (chain stitch for example - there are so many variants!) but somehow keeps the whole thing from becoming too fragmented.

And I know more than one writer who says if you don't place restrictions on yourself, you'd never write a thing!

margaret said...

you have been very creative here really looks wintery.
I need to place restrictions as I do tend to wander and not stick to what i am doing

Tammie Lee said...

the stamps and stitching are a wonderful combination!
these are lovely all together Jules.

crazyQstitcher said...

I love the simplicity and colour of your work here.

Anonymous said...

I love this - great colours and it just feels so good when you have been able to use up stuff you already have. I often set myself constraints on a project as I love the way that limits inspire me to push and work within and round them in the most creative way I can. To me a project with no constraints would be boring!

Shashi Nayagam said...

Wow really beautiful. You have created something wonderful. What a great idea to boost your creativity by putting constraints on your project.

Deb said...

Just gorgeous Jules, beautiful colours and textures,what a lovely art quilt! Sometimes less is very much more,as is evidenced by your wonderful creation. Deb xo

Janice / Dancing with Sunflowers said...

Such a cool, delicate winter palette. I like your gentle introduction to mixed media - just adding in beads, and building confidence. Your combination of stamping, dyeing, beads and stitchery works very well in this piece.

Starr White said...

I love this piece, Jules. And I heartily agree with the comment that this is a "gentle introduction to mixed media". Yes, perfect. sometimes mixed media can feel a little overwhelming to a beginner when there's just so much going on. It can also be a little overwhelming to the eye, but this piece is wonderful. It retains the serene quality of quiet and sparkling winter. Love it!