Fabric Embellishments - Material Musings

 

Check out the video HERE

Welcome to Material Musings where we look at some of the fabric embellishments that you can get to use in your work.

I source mine from a variety of sources, around the home, thrift stores, or swaps that you can do with other creatives - especially those who stitch, they will always have some unusual and interesting trims that you may be able to use in your work.

In this video I share some of the ones that I have and how I use them.  Join me on this Material musings slow stitched journey.

Check out the previous video and you will be able to see some of the fabric in a project.

Material Musings - Slow Stitched Projects

Before You Go

Come and join us for FREE on Patreon and see behind the scene and dive into a creative oasis!  Learn more HERE!

Material Musings - Textile Art Project Update

 

Welcome to Material Musings where we will see the progress made in the current projects that I am working on in the studio.

I have been moving each of the projects on a bit at a time throughout the week, each of them has something different, and I tap into that depending on the sort of work that I want to do on each.

I have added the beading to this one and additional stitching and I think that it is finally coming together.  It definitely has been a journey getting them complete, I think that I assumed that they would take less time to complete.

This piece is made up of wax resist and dyed fabric, lots of slow stitching, and beading.  The figure that I use on the piece is one of my digital downloads available on my Etsy store - HERE

When you are approaching your projects don't try and rush through them, especially if you work somewhat intuitively, there is always something that catches your eye that wants to be added, so I just enjoy the process.

Next week on Material Musings I will be sharing some of the ways in which I source my fabric embellishments.

Before You Go

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Material Musings - Fabric Inspirations and Kawandi

 

Come and check out this weeks Material Musings. We look at lots of lovely dyed and hand printed fabric, and we start a Kawandi!

A Kawandi is a type of hand-stitched quilt traditionally made by the Siddi women who are descendants of enslaved Africans who were bought to India. 

Kawandi quilts are distinctive because of their vibrant, improvisational designs and the way they are constructed. They are made from layers of fabric scraps, often brightly colored, and sewn together with running stitches. Here's a closer look at their key characteristics:

Key Features of Kawandi Quilts

1. Construction Style:

   • Kawandi quilts are typically sewn from the outer edges toward the center, unlike many traditional quilts made from blocks or panels.
   • The stitching is done in a spiral pattern, ensuring all layers stay securely held together.

2. Materials:

   • They are made using recycled fabrics, including old saris, or other discarded textiles.
   • The use of fabric scraps gives the quilts a rich texture and unique, look.

3. Aesthetic and Design:

   • The quilts are often colorful and feature bold patterns, with an emphasis on spontaneity and personal expression.
   • Small decorative touches, like folded fabric triangles called phulas (flowers), are added to the corners or edges.

4. Practical and Cultural Significance:

• Kawandi quilts are made for practical purposes, such as providing warmth, but they also reflect the Siddi community's history and artistry.
• The improvisational process mirrors storytelling and a connection to cultural heritage.

Let me know if you have made one and how it turned out.  Looking forward to sharing my progress with you.

Material Musings - Fabric Projects

 

In Material Musings this week we look at a range of fabric projects that I have been working on and getting to the completion stage.

I love working on these pieces, they are very therapeutic and I love the textures that are created.

Join me on the FREE online class - Making Zen where you will see me create a slow stitched piece.  It starts on the 18th of November.

I will show you how to create this piece, slow stitching words and dealing with any issues in a creative way that can happen when you have different tension between the fabric and threads.

If you sign up for the VIP giving you lifelong access to the videos and the Bonus videos you will be able to have access to my course - Embellished and Stitched, where we look at additional ways to work with words and lettering in our stitched projects.

Join us for Free by signing up to the online Retreat and if you decide to join us with a VIP pass you can get the early bird rate. 

Stay blessed and be a blessing.

Material Musings - Slow Stitching and Bargello

 

In today's video I share my most recent Material Musings video, where I look to continue working on the 'Choices' Slow stitched project.  If you want to see what the project looked like before you can check out the previous video below:

It is nice to have a smaller project to work on in-between larger projects as it enables you to take a breather, but still keep your hand in.  I also worked on a new project known as Bargello.  I had all the supplies, but had used them for other things.  I check out Kiala Givehands monthly meetups and saw a presentation by Bonnie Natko and was able to create with it.

This is how the projects eventually turned out which was quite pleasing.  I just have a few other things to do with the stitched project and also decide how I want to use the completed Bargello - who knows maybe try some others.

Before You Go....

Creative Gardener Today

Here is what I share in the garden today.  You can check out the video below.

There has been a lot of other growth in the garden, and I will do a garden tour towards the end of the month.

Gratitude Junk Journal - Early Bird 20% Off

We have an early bird rate (until 31st October) on our Gratitude Junk Journal, which I am teaching in.  If you would like to get 20% off then enter the code AMORE24 at the checkout.

Learn More About Gratitude Journal HERE

Art Resource Hub

Every month in the Art Resource Hub I share a FREE digital Download, for your creative projects, here is the one for October:

Material Musings - Fabric Books

Join me for Material Musings this week.  Here are an additional 3 fabric art journals that I have been playing with. It is always nice to revisit previous journals. I did some painting in a couple and plan to do some stitching and maybe add beading.

Here are the three fabric art journals that I work on, made from recycled materials.

You will also see a page in progress and ways that you can add stenciling to a page.  I will be spending a bit more time on the pages and adding some additional embellishments.

Material Musings - Handbag Fabric Art Journal and More

 

Did you catch last weeks Material musings where I show how you can recycle material to create art journals.  Check it out above.

I have really enjoyed working in these Fabric art journals.  They incorporate both fabric and watercolor paper or card inside that serves as the signatures.  

I think one of my favorite journals is the handbag one, made out of one of my favorite handbags, I gave it new life after it could no longer serve as a handbag.  A great way to recycle.

I have also used a lot of texture on the art journal covers with textured paint or used unlikely materials such as chamois leather.

If you would like to see how the handbag journal was created, you can check out my Mixed Media Art Journal Bundle course HERE

Material Musings - Fabric Art Journals

Come and check out the latest Material Musings where I share a variety of fabric art journals that I work with.

Some have been made with paper signatures, and others have been made of entirely of fabric.

You can check out the video below

One of the fabric journals is used to house my sample embroidery stitches, I can practice the stitch first and make a note about which one it is.  There is currently 50 embroidery stitches enclosed.  I would like to perfect these first and then go on to others.

Fodder School 4 - Exciting News!!

 Exciting News - I will be teaching in Fodder School 4!!

What is Fodder School?

Fodder school is a year long online mixed media event. Each month a new teacher provides a project creating collage fodder and using it.

In my Fodder School class, I will be sharing ways you can have fun playing with the supplies you have and show you how to create some unique fabric fodder that expresses your creativity.

I will share ideas and tips for writing, doodling, stamping, stenciling on your fabrics to create amazing, patterned fabric sheets which you can further cut, layer, and stitch together to create even more dynamic fabric fodder clusters.

In Use Fodder I will then show you how to combine the fabric fodder, and clusters you have created with decorative stitching and beading to create small wall hangings.

Fodder Challenge

The year kicks off on 1st October with a month of short projects from each teacher called Fodder School Challenge. I will be sharing with you some exciting ways to embellish dried leaves. Fodder Challenge gives you a taste of each teacher and their work. 

You can sign up for just the Fodder Challenge or take in both and experience a full year of amazing lessons.

You can visit  willawanders.com to find out more and take advantage of the early bird price!  

Podcast News

Wendy recently interviewed me, you can hear it on her podcast “Show up or Shut up”  

We had such a rich conversation about creative practices using art as a therapeutic tool and so much more!  You can find the link to the episode HERE, or listen on your favorite podcast app.

I am so looking forward to sharing my lessons and having you join us!!

Material Musings - Fabric Art Cards

 

Check out the Video

Welcome to Material Musings, In todays episode we look at ways that you can use your fabric scraps and create a series of fabric cards.  

By stitching your scraps of a base fabric, adding decoration and stitched words you can make use of the scraps and turn them into something useful.  You could also make things like placemats, coasters, covers for art journal and more.

With the addition of stitched words you can further add to your pieces.  You can also add a small woven piece to add to your fabric cards.  All of the additional fabric has either been painted, stamped, stenciled or wax resisted. 

Try and experiment and see what combinations you can come up with.

Before You Go check out - Bag Envy

Discover the best materials, tools, and tips to elevate your bag-making game with ten seasoned experts at Bag Envy on October 4th at 11 AM PST! By securing your spot, you’ll gain lifetime access to the event recordings, allowing you to watch and rewatch content at your own pace. Plus, you’ll get a digital swag bag full of goodies. Don’t miss out on the chance to score additional giveaways by joining the event live. Sign up today through Creative Spark and save $20 off at checkout with the code bag24reality.  Find out more about Bag Envy HERE

Embroidery Extravaganza - Starts Tomorrow!

Embroidery Extravaganza starts tomorrow Thursday 8th August and it will be a day where creativity and craftsmanship come together, so gather your supplies! 

This event can be attended by embroidery enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned pro, the ten expert-led workshops are designed to ignite your imagination and elevate your embroidery skills.

Click Here to Learn More about the speakers

What to Expect

At Embroidery Extravaganza, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Participate in workshops led by experts in the field.
• Discover new techniques and creative ideas to take your embroidery to the next level.
• Exclusive Student Benefits
• Gain access to all event presentation recordings with no expiration date! This invaluable resource is available exclusively to students who purchase their tickets before the event date. 
• Giveaways during the live event
• Receive a digital swag bag filled with goodies

Get Ready for a Day of Creativity

To make the most of your experience at Embroidery Extravaganza, here are a few tips:

• Come Prepared: Bring your embroidery supplies, including needles, threads, hoops, and any other materials you like to use.
• Stay Open-Minded: Be ready to try new techniques and experiment with different styles.
• Take Notes: Keep a journal handy to jot down ideas and techniques you learn during the workshops.

Limited Space - Act Fast!

Spaces are limited, so don't wait to secure your spot at this incredible event. Plus, you can save $20 off your ticket now by using the code ee24reality at checkout. Sign up now at creativespark.ctpub.com.

Looking forward to seeing you there and stitching together a beautiful day of creativity and craftsmanship!

Fabric and Foam Stamps

Come and join me in Material Musings today.  I have been playing around in my fabric art journals and experimenting with my foam stamps. I had created a set of foam stamps from the last 100-day project, and really liked how some of them came out.

Here is a selection of them.  I have been working on using them on fabric and incorporating slow stitching which I will be doing in this current fabric art journal that you will see in the video. 

I really like some of the foam stamps I created and will be sharing more of them. The foam stamps digital images are going to be available as digital stamps that you can incorporate in digital art work on my Etsy Store Here.

Take a look at the video and you will also catch some information about other things that are happening in the studio and some of the FREE courses that are available on my course platform. You can check it out HERE

These bold foam stamp designs are some of my favorite and look really effective on an art journal page and can be used to decorate your art journals and create prints on fabric.

I will keep you updated with the progress.

Check us out on Patreon HERE

Material Musings - Mixed Media Art Dolls

 

In todays episode I share the work I did with some art dolls.  They were part of a lesson on the Making Zen art Retreat and were fun to create.

The Lesson was taught by Mirjam Glieben, you can check her out on Instragram HERE   They were a lot of fun to create and I would love to experiment with them. These pieces had been slow stitched and I added embellishments such as broken jewelry and other additions.

I also completed one of my projects that had been wax resisted and dyed with conventional dye, then I added slow stitching to it.  The final stage is adding beading to it, which you can see me add some seed and bugle beads to the project.  Both the slow stitching and beading are such a relaxing activity, check out the Info graph below which shares the benefits of slow stitching.

Check out the post HERE for more information

Before You Go

Embroidery Extravaganza - save $20 Use the code ee24reality

Benefits of Slow Stitching Projects, Words and Figures - Material Musings

 

The Benefits of Slow Stitching Projects

Welcome to Material Musings! Check out the new video where I some of my latest slow stitching projects. These projects bring me a lot of joy, and I'd love to show you what I've been working on. Plus, I have a little technique to share on creating words with stitches that we'll get into at the end of the video.

Slow stitching is an art form that emphasizes mindfulness and creativity over speed and perfection. As I’ve worked on these projects, I’ve discovered many benefits of slow stitching.  Check out the three key benefits of slow stitching projects on my Patreon Page for FREE HERE and also find out how you can add contrast to your slow stitch words

READ MORE HERE

Slow stitching is not just about creating beautiful art; it’s about the journey and the joy found in each stitch. Whether you are adding fine details to a large piece or working on small, slow stitching offers a world of creative and mental benefits. I hope you’ve been inspired to start or continue your own slow stitching projects. I would love to see how you get on, so feel free to share your creations. Until next time, happy stitching!

CHECK OUT THE 3 KEY BENEFITS HERE

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Before You Go - Join us for Embroidery Extravaganza - 8 August 2024

Creativity meets craftsmanship at Embroidery Extravaganza on August 8, 2024!

Join us for ten expert-led workshops to ignite your imagination and elevate your embroidery skills. Whether you're a novice or a pro, there's something for everyone. Connect, learn, and get inspired!  Students get access to all event presentation recordings with no expiration date BUT only if you get your ticket before the event date. Don’t wait! Space is limited.

Learn More 

To get $20 Off using my code: ee24reality  Sign up HERE