Free Style Fabric Paint - Progress Photos!

In a quest to expand and explore my approach to art I'm using fabric paint in a more free style manner! I'm trying to be loose and not worry so much about the end result. I find I have to talk myself through not being fussy in order to stay loose. My brain automatically wants to "correct" my work. I didn't realize it would be such a challenge to be free! 

The working title for this piece is, "Lavender Farm". I had an image in my head and just went for it painting directly onto the fabric! I started to quilt the piece and will keep a circular theme going throughout the design. 

I'm happy to say the free style approach is keeping me calm and patient as I quilt. In the past I just wanted to get stuff done and hurried through the different phases for creating a piece of art. This time I take breaks, work on a section and then jump to another without feeling the need to be methodical... it's a new happy place for me! 

I'll post more progress photos and continue to explore the free style journey later! Right now there are Christmas cookies to bake!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 

The 'Ole Dawg Learned a New Trick!

Now that I have more time available to pursue my passions I took a Tiny Tapestry class at the Denver Student Arts League. It was a great experience and I was thrilled to work in a new medium. 

My ultimate goal is to create free form tapestries but FIRST I must learn weaving basics! What I quickly discovered is that it takes a really long time to weave - I had no idea! I tend to be an instant gratification gal but I'm finding great joy in methodically working the soft fibers. 

This was the cardboard loom and tool the instructor gave us during the class. They aren't much to look at but they were effective and a great starting point for learning. 

Try not to giggle at my first creation! It took HOURS to weave and was enough to get me hooked on the technique. I have to say I've shown unaccustomed strength in resisting the urge to buy every fiber that I fall in love with! I am taking it step by step and putting in my hours to get better and try to master a few techniques so I can spin off into a more freestyle design approach.

To get started I purchased a small 10" loom at Shuttle, Spindles & Skeins, a local shop in Boulder, CO. I also bought a book titled, On the Loom, A Modern Weaver's Guide. It shows the basics for getting started along with instructions for non-traditional projects. I borrowed, Tapestry Weaving by Kristin Glasbrook from the library. That was a great find - it clearly explains a variety of weaving stitches along with great photos. I'm thinking of buying a copy. After the experience of creating a few small pieces I purchased other tools for my new adventure; a wooden beater and a couple of 12" pick-up-sticks. 

I am off to complete two more little coaster rugs... it's the holidays and a great way to learn a new technique while checking off my Christmas gift giving list! HO, HO, HO!