Showing posts with label slow stitching. Show all posts
Showing posts with label slow stitching. Show all posts

Monday, 17 February 2025

Making a Kawandi - Material Musings

 


I managed to get my first Kawandi completed.  I decided to use all the fabric that I had been hand dyeing or creating batik and wax resist pieces with.

It was lovely to reconnect with all the fabric that I had been working on over time.  It was slightly challenging with the more heavier cotton fabrics as they were so thick, and the needle kept finding ways to maneuver into my finger. 😂


You can check out the video above for Material Musings to get a closer look at the Kawandi so far.

What is a Kawandi?

A Kawandi is a type of hand-stitched quilt traditionally made by the Siddi women, who are descendants of African enslaved women taken to India. Kawandi are distinctive because of their vibrant, designs and the way they are constructed. They are made from layers of Saris, fabric scraps, often brightly colored, and sewn together with running stitches. 

Key Features of Kawandi's

  • Kawandi 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, with all layers securely held together.
  • 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.
  • 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.
Kawandi's are made for practical purposes, such as providing warmth, but they also reflect the Siddi community's history and artistry.  


Check out these Fiber Artists on Instagram









Sunday, 16 February 2025

Leaf Arts - Day 7 Reflection and Encouragement

 


Day 7: Reflection and Encouragement

I have really enjoyed this creative journey looking at the different ways that you can create on dried leaves. I invite you to take what you’ve learned and bring your own artistic voice into the process. 

Working with leaves as a medium is both grounding and inspiring, connecting us to nature while pushing creative boundaries. If you’re excited to explore this art form, don’t forget that my Leaf Art Course is available 

Learn More and Enroll Today!

Thank you for following along this week—I’d love to hear which technique inspired you the most! Leave a comment below and share your creative journey!


Exploring Sea Grape Leaf Art


Want to Learn How to Create with Leaves?

If you’re curious about working with dried leaves as an artistic surface, I teach techniques that allow you to incorporate them into your own projects. My Leaf Art Course covers everything from preparation to design, giving you the tools to explore this unique medium with confidence.

Sign up before February 16th 11.59pm to take advantage of the discounted price! 

Learn More and Enroll Today!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the next featured design in this exciting week of leaf art exploration!

CHECK OUT THE LEAF ARTS COURSE HERE



Saturday, 15 February 2025

Creating Clusters and Layering Technique - Day 6 - Exploring Sea Grape Leaf Art

 

Day 6: Layering Techniques 


Layering multiple techniques—stitching, painting, and burning—allows each element to shine while complementing the others. 


There are some fun ways to bring the small leaf clusters together to create some interesting designs.

Today’s piece show how using some of the skills taught can help you create a rich and dimensional work of art. 


Tomorrow, we wrap up the series by reflecting on the process and encouraging you to experiment with your own leaf art creations.


Exploring Sea Grape Leaf Art

Want to Learn How to Create with Leaves?

If you’re curious about working with dried leaves as an artistic surface, I teach techniques that allow you to incorporate them into your own projects. My Leaf Art Course covers everything from preparation to design, giving you the tools to explore this unique medium with confidence.


Learn More and Enroll Today!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the next featured design in this exciting week of leaf art exploration!

CHECK OUT THE LEAF ARTS COURSE HERE



Thursday, 13 February 2025

Woodburning Designs onto Leaves: Day 4 Exploring Sea Grape Leaf Art

 


Day 4: Woodburning Designs onto Leaves

Woodburning on leaves is an intricate process that requires a gentle touch. By etching fine lines and patterns into the surface, I create a beautifully rustic effect that highlights the leaf’s organic qualities. 

You can get a range of patterns and designs by using the different heads that you get with the wood burning tool, but you also need to know how to adapt the tool so you can use it to the maximum and achieve different looks.


Tomorrow, I’ll share how painting and mixed media techniques can further enhance these natural canvases.


Exploring Sea Grape Leaf Art


Want to Learn How to Create with Leaves?

If you’re curious about working with dried leaves as an artistic surface, I teach techniques that allow you to incorporate them into your own projects. My Leaf Art Course covers everything from preparation to design, giving you the tools to explore this unique medium with confidence.


Learn More and Enroll Today!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the next featured design in this exciting week of leaf art exploration!

CHECK OUT THE LEAF ARTS COURSE HERE



Wednesday, 12 February 2025

Weaving Across the Surface: Day 3 Exploring Sea Grape Leaf Art

 


Day 3: Weaving Across the Surface

Combining fibers and dried leaves brings a whole new dimension to mixed media art. In today’s designs, I’ve used weaving techniques to add layers of texture and depth.  It is quite a meditative act, weaving on a material so delicate - you are forced to slow down and take it all in as you work.



The result that you can achieve are gorgeous, it is amazing to think that you can fuse nature and fiber art in this way. With the varieties of yarn and threads, the possibilities and combinations are endless.

In tomorrow’s post, I’ll introduce woodburning as a way to carve delicate patterns onto leaves, and share some of my designs.


Exploring Sea Grape Leaf Art

Want to Learn How to Create with Leaves?

If you’re curious about working with dried leaves as an artistic surface, I teach techniques that allow you to incorporate them into your own projects. My Leaf Art Course covers everything from preparation to design, giving you the tools to explore this unique medium with confidence.

Learn More and Enroll Today!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the next featured design in this exciting week of leaf art exploration!

CHECK OUT THE LEAF ARTS COURSE HERE



Tuesday, 11 February 2025

Crochet on Leaves - Day 2 Exploring Sea Grape Leaf Art

 


Day 2: Crochet on Leaves

Crochet isn’t just for fabric - it can beautifully frame and enhance natural surfaces. Today’s piece features crochet work on the sea grape leaves, giving a lace-like effect on the leaves. 


This technique adds strength while keeping the organic elegance of the leaf intact. By adding different color yarn and fibers you can create different looks.  I also use the crochet to join leaves together.



Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing examples of my weaving on leaves!


Want to Learn How to Create with Leaves?

If you’re curious about working with dried leaves as an artistic surface, I teach techniques that allow you to incorporate them into your own projects. My Leaf Art Course covers everything from preparation to design, giving you the tools to explore this unique medium with confidence.



Learn More and Enroll Today!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the next featured design in this exciting week of leaf art exploration!

CHECK OUT THE LEAF ARTS COURSE HERE



Thursday, 12 December 2024

Material Musings - Slow Stitched Fabric Projects



Join us for a session of Material Musings as we delve into projects that are still waiting to be finished before the year's end. While it might feel ambitious, the growing excitement for these creations keeps the momentum alive!


Here’s a peek at some projects that have been lingering in my project bag. By taking time to review them, identifying the next steps, and breaking them into manageable tasks, I’m optimistic about making progress and finally bringing them to completion.  


I also share with you some of the projects that I have done by other teachers on Making Zen, You can see the project that I taught HERE  You can also join me on my course - Embellished and Stitched and see how to create them yourself.


This is one of the projects from one of the teachers on the course -  Paula MacGregor, she showed us how she stitched her calico houses, I did mine in backing fabric and emphasized the stitches.

Stitched Houses

How do you get your projects complete then?

Here are 3 Quick Tips for Completing Your Stitched Projects:

  • Set Small, Achievable Goals: Break your project into bite-sized tasks. For example, focus on completing one section, stitch, or layer at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.  I work on several projects at a time so it helps to have small tasks that you can do, and move them each along.
  • Schedule Dedicated Time: Carve out specific time slots for working on your project, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day. Consistency can lead to big progress.
  • Reignite Your Inspiration: If you’ve lost motivation, revisit what excited you about the project in the first place. Lay out your materials, journal about your vision, or seek inspiration from others’ work to reignite your creative spark.  I like doing this periodically and it always keeps you feeling inspired and motivated.

Let’s transform those “in-progress” projects into completed ones together, check out the video and let me know what you are working on!

Join us on Patreon for FREE and see behind the scenes content.






Sunday, 28 July 2024

Creativity Meets Craftsmanship at Embroidery Extravaganza



Mark Your Calendars for August 8, 2024!

I am thrilled to share a bit about Embroidery Extravaganza with you.  It will be a day where creativity and craftsmanship come together. 


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.



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!





Monday, 17 June 2024

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.




Before You Go

Embroidery Extravaganza - save $20 Use the code ee24reality




Tuesday, 4 June 2024

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!


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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.


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

Sunday, 2 June 2024

Welcome To the June Free Digital Papers!! VIP Pass - Making Zen and More


Welcome June, it is the first day of the month and a great time to think about some of the creative projects that you can do. Here are a few examples of what you can do in your art journal and mixed media creative projects:

  • Nature-inspired Collages: Collect leaves, flowers, and other natural elements to create intricate collages in your art journal. Use different textures and colors to add depth and interest to your compositions
  • Watercolor Landscapes: Experiment with watercolors to paint serene landscapes or vibrant cityscapes. Let your imagination wander as you blend colors and create dreamy scenes.
  • Found Object Sculptures: Gather everyday objects like buttons, keys, and old jewelry to assemble unique sculptures. Combine them with clay or wire to create three-dimensional artworks that tell a story.

For more ideas, join us on Patreon as a FREE member to see the remainder of the really helpful list of creative activities.  

Remember, the beauty of mixed media and art journaling lies in the freedom to experiment and express yourself without constraints. Let your creativity flow and have fun exploring new techniques and ideas!


FREE Digital Downloads for June! 

New papers available - Get Yours HERE for FREE on Patreon

Each month I give away a free set of papers, you join Patreon as a FREE member and you can download it for your art journals and creative projects.


Included in the Free papers is a background sheet and tags for you to use in your creative project.


Making Zen

It is the last day to get access to the Making Zen Courses



Get the VIP Pass for Making Zen - You will get:


❤ Lifetime access to all classes, presentations and tutorials (value $1,000)
❤ Extended playback options
❤ Exclusive premium bonuses from our artists (value $554)

This exclusive offer disappears at midnight ADT on Sunday, June 2, 2024!


Some of the bonuses include


Kawandi Style Quilting

Create a Lucious Silk Sketchbook Cover


Sashiko Hydrangea Pattern Stitch Guide

There is something for everyone, so come and check it out and Grab your VIP PASS will you are at it!

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