Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Finny Fantasy

This wall hanging started out as one of the samples for an upcoming embellishment class but I soon realized it was too large a project for this particular class -- and the theme might not have been the greatest for a bag (which it was to become) . . . but what a wonderful image for the wall! With a bit of creative cutting and re-positioning, the large fish and the smaller fry are heading off in search of who-knows-what. Of course, there's always one who wants to swim against the tide. You might have noticed that the fabrics are the same as those I used to create the fibre art purse in the previous posting . . .

Click on the image to see more of the details that include layering sheers, encasing glitter, layering gold netting and hand beading. It measures approximately 45" wide by 18" high.

Updated July 11, 2009 -- "Finny Fantasy" won a Juror's Choice Award at the Shuswap Lake Festival of the Arts in Sorrento this week.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Embellishment class samples

grey green purse front
grey green purse insideThese are photos of the two sample purses I have made for an embellishment class I will be teaching later this winter.

The greyish-green purse with the golden brown lining has been embellished with a burned organza flower and free-motion dimensional organza leaves. There is swirly stitching and hand beading as well. It looked so classy that I didn't want to add any more embellishment to it so I chose to make a second sample with some other techniques.

dragonfly purse backThe second purse has a dragonfly theme (seen them around here before, have you?) with some of the dragonflies being stamped then cut apart and puzzle-pieced together in different combinations. The largest dragonfly has wings made of three shades of Angelina and a thread-painted body. dragonfly purseThere are also smaller dragonflies stitched into the design swirls. Other techniques include layering sheers (some with bits of glitter layered in there), top-stitching, couching decorative yarns, beading, and hand embroidery. This purse is more casual than the flowered one, and would go well with denim or weekend attire.

These little purses measure approximately 5-6" x 7-8" and are perfect for those times when you don't need to carry your whole life with you -- it will hold a small cell phone, keys, drivers' license, money, and lipstick. Or -- on a cruise they will carry your necessities without burdening you with a large bag.