Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Making Tomes....

I've spent the last few days experimenting and trying out ideas to prepare for my Iceland residency (more about that later) and since the residency is titled (my working/focus title) A Textile Narrative, I've been playing about with some book formats....


I started by cutting random triangles into some painted paper -a large 12" x 18" sheet of newprint - and then folded it into half one way and quarters in the other direction. You can see a how to here:
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/314689092708144588/

I didn't worry too much about where the triangles were placed and was pleasantly surprised and the windows that appeared in an intriguing way.

The next one was a large sheet of newsprint where I had glued down strips of marked fabric ( I should have taken a photo of that). I tore the strips after the glue dried and and stitched them together in a long, long strip, adding free motion stitching along the way....


I then folded the strip up as an accordion fold, playing around with the length between each fold....




I tried to take some "glamour" shots on the slate beside our wood stove.....I loved the way the little book stood up but obviously need to work on the photography! But as a trial I think it was entirely successful!


Right now my studio is a mess as kitchen renovations have pushed boxes and shelving into my precious space....but that's another story! I noticed a rumbled strip of cloth on the table, ironed it flat and then folded it with an accordion fold and stitched the folds together on one end..... viola! It's my "Teeny Tiny Textile Tome" - a little more than 1" high!

Lastly I glued some painted papers into one long strip and folded it into even lengths. Then started cutting out windows - starting with large ones and getting progressively smaller. Again, I'm happy with the results - although this one rather predictable - it certainly offers up further explorations....
And I spent last night watching YouTube videos on photographing 3D objects....




Now here's some fun! Would you like to come along (in a virtual way) on my Iceland Residency? I'm planning an exclusive opportunity to share my adventure through videos, blog posts, photos and much more. I'd love it if you would consider being a Sponsor for my Residency, there are three levels of support, starting at just $15.00 CDN. You can read all the details here:
https://www.susanpm.com/an-iceland-narrative/

Þakka þér fyrir (that's Thank You in Icelandic)

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Colour Blocking Online Workshop

I'm gradually moving my wide selection of online workshops to an "on demand" setting. Why? I'm finding that students want to access workshops when they see them, rather than waiting for a set date. Plus, I'm on the road a bit more these days and find a different selling platform to be helpful.

So, I've just finished setting up Colour Blocking within my Etsy Shop, meaning that you can get immediate access to the workshop as a downloadable lesson.
In Colour Blocking you will get a thorough PDF with hints, tips and dye recipes and a separate supply list with sources for buying dyes and chemicals.
There's a 40 minute video that you can watch at your convenience, plus you can download and keep the video for as long as you like...my workshops NEVER close!



You might be wondering what Colour Blocking is....? It's a term I use to describe the process of screen printing with thickened dyes rather than the more common textile paints.



Why thickened dyes....these dyes do not change the hand of the fabric, allowing the fabric to remain soft and supple despite repeated applications, plus thickened dyes are transparent, so layers of dye will change intensity, value and colours, giving you a wide range of possible uses for their created cloth.
The colours can mix within the screen during applications and you can also paint over the screened images so additional colours and values can be achieved.
It's also possible to mask out areas of the screen (I use soy wax) and create amazing secondary or layered imagery.
Circles painted on screen with soy wax
You can also layer fabrics, sheer organza on top and cotton or linen underneath and get fabulous depth of colours. Or mask out sections of the fabric with freezer paper.....


In the workshop you are welcome to ask questions and I'm only a mouse-click away!
 
Masking with soy wax plus mixing colours in the screen
All of this  - plus enter the code: BLOGPROMO for 10% off the workshop....

Here's the link, I hope to see you in the workshop: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/676048561/colour-blocking-online-workshop-printing?ref=shop_home_feat_4