Stitch and Play - Part 3, Material Mondays

 

Welcome to Material Mondays, this week I am completing the project and will share with you how I had the borders and additional beading to the project.

These projects are great fun, and I usually have an audio book or music playing in the background while I work.  I also think it is important to be able to step back and come back refreshed to a project.

There are some lovely areas of stitching that are my favorite.  I haven't yet chosen the next project to work on.  I will be sharing a sneak peek on my Patreon

Did you miss the previous episodes, you can see how the project went through the creative process.

Part 2

Part 1

Before you go

Slow Stitching: Completing Textile and Fabric Artwork

Welcome to Material Mondays! Today, we are delving into the world of slow stitching and completing textile and fabric artwork. You can check out the accompanying video below, I'm excited to share with you the process of working with different materials and adding intricate stitches to create textile art pieces.

Last week, we looked at an incomplete piece that I've been working on, in this video and I'm happy to say that it's now complete! I added additional stitching along the figure's body and clothes, defining the edges and creating shadows with darker threads. The completed piece measures nine inches by nine and is titled "Rest A While."

I'm considering framing it, but it will also be available for purchase unframed on my Etsy shop or website.

Here is last weeks video if you missed it

New Textile Art

Working on small stitches, is something I find incredibly enjoyable. It allows me to add intricate details and textures to my artwork, giving it a unique look and also enables me to experiment with various stitches, threads, and materials.

I enjoy working on multiple projects and I find that when I come back to these unfinished pieces, that I am able to look from a new perspective. Stepping away from a piece can be a refreshing way to gain new insights and inspiration.

Slow stitching and completing textile and fabric artwork is a journey and It's about finding joy in small details, experimenting with materials, and letting inspiration guide your hand. I hope this glimpse into my artistic process has inspired you to pick up your needle and thread and embark on your own creative adventure.

Join me next time on Material Mondays as I continue working on this piece and explore more stitching techniques. Until then, stay inspired and keep crafting!

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Embracing the Seasons - Tropical Garden Tour

Hello and welcome to the Garden! I'm Amanda, if you are new here and I'm thrilled to share another enchanting garden tour with you. As the seasons shift from dry to rainy, and maybe even hurricane season, my little oasis transforms into a lush haven of greenery. Join me as I update you on the latest garden growth and some of my favorite plants.

The rain has been abundant lately, breathing new life into the garden. I couldn't be happier with the progress. There is always something in the garden that surprises and delights from plants that the birds have sown to discovering some of the ways that the plants can be used to improve on health and wellbeing.

We have a lovely selection of scented plants and as you walk through the space you get wafts of sweet aromas which offsets the  challenges that arise, like dealing with pests, but I take each obstacle as an opportunity to learn and improve. 

As the garden continues to flourish, I encourage you all to find joy in growing, whether in pots or large spaces. Embrace the seasons, and discover the beauty of nature's gifts in your very own green haven.  Do take a look at the video, and thank you for joining me on this tour, and until next time, happy gardening!

Before You Go, Check out this Garden inspired Course - How Does Your Garden Grow 

Material Mondays - Stitch and Paint Part 3

Welcome back,  It's time for another edition of Material Mondays, where we delve into the world of slow stitching and painting on fabric. If you've been following along, you know that this is the third week I've been working on this project. It's been a delightful journey of progress, and I can't wait to share the latest updates with you!

As always, this project is all about taking our time and enjoying the artistic process. Instead of rushing, we've been adding small bits here and there, allowing the piece to evolve organically. It's a great way to stay in touch with our creative flow and not feel pressured to finish everything in one go.

In this installment, I'm excited to focus on adding some additional stitching and beading.  I will share the following:

1. Defining the Shirt: I'll start by adding more stitching around the neck to emphasize the shirt's bead details. 

2. Moving on to the head and body area adding more stitching

3. Bird and Beads: Our figure has her arm around a bird, and I'm eager to enhance it with possible beadwork in and will look at what colors I have. 

4. Detail on arm: To distinguish her arm from the body, I'll focus on adding intricate details between the existing stitches.

Throughout this project, I've discovered that it's essential to let go of the notion that everything must be finished in one sitting. Embracing the artistic process means allowing the piece to breathe and grow. It's been a learning journey to give myself the freedom to step away and return with fresh inspiration.

Adding extra beading on the collar

I have found when working on the fabric pieces, that rather than having a pre-drawn plan, I prefer letting the piece guide me. It's like an unfolding story where every stitch and bead adds a new chapter. This spontaneity allows for unexpected surprises and takes us on a journey of discovery.

We are approaching the finishing line with a few additional touches and completing this piece is my focus for the upcoming week, and I'm eager to see it all come together.

Remember as you go forward in your creative walk that art is about embracing the journey and enjoying the process. Don't rush; savor every stitch, bead, and brushstroke. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting, the creative path has something extraordinary to offer each one of us.

I hope you've been inspired to dive into your own artistic projects. Until next time, when we return to reveal the final masterpiece, happy creating!

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Before you go:

Free Course - Recycled Stamps and Stencils