Some sewing at last

I haven't had the chance to blog over the last week or so. I thought it best that I use my time to work really hard on my samples and then blog when I actually had something interesting to post. I have now completed 3 out of 5 samples for this module, so getting there! All the samples are based on different applique techniques, which literally means 'applying' motifs to a base fabric.  Reverse applique is where you cut away part of a fabric to reveal a design. So here are my first two samples, and I have included the designs that they are based on, otherwise they look a bit weird on their own and out of context.

Collage based on the double-headed serpent

Basic applique sample

Another design

Reverse applique sample

I also have to do some experimental samples, using unconventional materials such as sweet wrappers, felt, organza, etc.  So below is my most recent and time consuming but fun piece, based on a ceremonial headdress...

Detail on a ceremonial headdress

My experimental applique interpretation

Spot the chocolate coin wrappers - all in the name of art!

So now it's back to the drawing board planning and creating my next two samples, which are an experimental reverse applique sample and a free choice experimental sample.  I want to attempt something called 'stained glass applique' which as the title suggests, is applique that looks like a stained glass window.  I have a few ideas but I need to put them into action!  

My Colour Collection

Well here it is at last, all of my colour work as a collection.  There are still a few loose ends to tie up and I have to photograph everything and put it into a powerpoint presentation, which I am slowly doing (it takes hours) but I feel that the last 5 months have been worth it , and that I have actually managed to achieve something after all...

And here is my final design for this module, which I then made into a large collage...

Whole collage

Close up

In detail

In case you are wondering if they are beads that have been stuck on, then the answer is yes they are!  I think there are well over 250 of them, and it took me quite a long time with a pair of tweezers and some PVA glue.  I did it while watching Kirsties Homemade Britain (which I am enjoying so far, has anyone else seen it? Although I think it is a bit of a coincidence that she is famous and wins a lot of the time) so it was not such a chore after all. 

Right, must get on, still loads to be done but I hope you like my final pieces. 

A Busy Week and a Big Birthday

I haven't posted for a week or so, not because I have been slacking off, but because I have been so busy working on designs and drawings for my colour module related to the Aztecs. Here are a few pictures of my sketchbook and collages, which I will need to mount into a portolio. 

An Aztec Eagle painted in Acryllics

Painting rearranged and cut up into a collage 

Sketchings

A headdress

An attempt at watercolour (it's difficult!)

In detail

Collage based on the two headed serpent (see previous post)

Sketching of an Aztec God

Acryllic painting of same god

Close up detail - experimenting with colour

More colour experiments

The final design, and my favourite.  Will make into a collage and perhaps a quilt??!

I have also embarked on a few other little projects. The first was to re-organise all my craft things, and I now have two cupboards full of baskets, with (badly!) embroidered labels.  Here is one of the cupboards;

Also, last weekend was a big weekend for me, as I turned the big 3-0.  I was thoroughly spoilt by all my friends and family and I was lucky enough to get some birthday money, which I have put to good use and spend on, you guessed it, lots of craft things.  Here is a little selection of the delights that have been arriving through the post...

More Hungry Caterpillar fabric - I love it!!

And a Christmas one - I couldn't resist

The DVD I have wanted for ages - I watched it online, so inspirational

And finally, I have been making a curtain for the utility room, as it is a very boring, functional room and I thought it needed brightening up.  It is still a work in progress but I did quickly make a runner for the top of the tumble dryer in the same fabric...

Watch this space for the curtain!  Well I think that's enough for one post, but I will post again soon with details of a gorgeous crafty birthday gift that I recieved from a special friend of mine...

One Direction

Well I am finally back from our lovely holiday in Crete, and also the Hay Book Festival in Wales, and ready to continue with my work. Good news is I have had my feedback on Module 2, and it was really positive, with some very encouraging comments.  My tutor said that she is 'delighted with my progress' so that has really spurred me on.  She commented that she really liked my Nelson collage,and that she wanted me to develop it further by putting it into computer software and manipulating the image and creating a few more designs.  This I have done, and it has been very interesting.  The other thing she said was that the stripes in my Ohio star should all be going in one direction, and that I should amend/or redo with this in mind.  So here is my second, and ok, yes, better (!) attempt... 

Ohio Star - Stripes in One Direction!

And now I am working on module 3.  I have ordered myself a lovely A3 red sketchbook, (in keeping with the colour theme) and I have started my research on Bridget Riley, my chosen artist to study.  It seems that for this module there is mountains of work and outcomes, all of it so interesting, I just wish there were more hours in the day!  I have put a 12 week plan together and I am going to do my best to stick to it...but we shall see.  Sometimes life gets in the way...

Freya joins in the collage creativity

True to form I have been working hard again today, this time to create a collage.  But before I show you the pictures of what I have been creating, perhaps you would like to have a look at Freya's attempts at collage this afternoon too...a heart, to go on the front of her great grandmother's birthday card for next week.

Not bad for a 2 year old! 

My collage is not a great deal more sophisticated, it is based on a photograph I took of Nelson's Statue at HMS Victory.  I had great fun tearing up this summer's John Lewis Catalogue (very disappointing collection this year) while watching Radio1's Big Weekend on the internet, and reminising about when I was there three years ago.  

Nelson Statue

My collage

I made lots of mess but it was good fun!

So all in all quite a productive day.  I am so close to finishing my portfolio, but as usual I have run out of things, this time, blue card, and double sided tape.  Again.  So it's back to the shops for me, then full steam ahead.