Fabric Paint + Clothespins = Cool Texture!

As you can see I am totally enjoying my summer outdoor work space! I'm also enjoying the pace of summer and with that comes less frequent blog posts... but my artist creations continue and when I am forced back indoors I will have plenty of material for tutorials and techniques to share! 

This is the finished fabric paint + clothesline piece. Since my work space is embedded in a garden the colors used were in my line of vision! 

Prior to applying the fabric paint I twisted and clipped the fabric with a clothespin. Next I misted the fabric with water and then simply slopped paint across the surface! When it dried and the pins were removed I thought it was a little drab. I heat pressed the fabric and thought about how to make it more interesting.

I decided to take the fabric back outside. I applied more fabric paint... just a little here and there to make it pop. I find the texture created by the clothespins and the spontaneous colors a fun element. 

Have you experimented with creating a textures look with fabric? How often do you go back to a piece and add another technique?

Outdoor Studio Space!

 I firmly believe everyone should establish a little nook for themselves outdoors to create art. It's just a different experience to be outside - for one you don't have to be as neat! I spent most of Sunday cleaning up my space! I had to replace the landscaping fabric this year and that combined with a tree falling and crushing my Honeysuckle structure I decided to enlarge the space - tons of work alone on a humid day - but it's done and I'm delighted with the extra room. All that's left is to set up my tables and I'm good to go! It will make it easier to have my buddies over for play time!  

This picture is from last summer when the Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective came over! I look forward to hosting again this summer... with more room! 

 My hubby helped me set up a clothes lines next to the tables. I can't believe how excited I was for a clothesline! 

This picture is also from last summer to lure YOU into creating an outdoor space. See how pleasant it is to create art among the flowers and grasses - how could you not be inspired! 

I'd love to see pictures of your outdoor space!