Signa Antica.....Ancient Signs

I found some wonderful grave markers at a church in Travestere that I thought would make wonderful Thermofax screens. Especially if you are looking for old or Roman text and intricate stone carving. I've done three of them and they are available here: http://fabricimagery.com/category/signa-antica/  Be sure to click on the picture to see how they print out onto fabric!

Appia

 Palantine

 Celio

These are pictures of the church and town square where I took the photos:

Here are a couple more that I'm working on:

 

Those two and a few more will be up on the website soon!

Crazy, Busy, and Lots of Fun!

Imagaine a Christmas holiday with eight adults (including two sons in law), two 3 year olds, a 3 month old, a 6 month old Labrador puppy and a very timid cat! That's what our house has been like for the past week or so! But it has been a wonderful holiday. The dinner table was a little crowded, the washer and dryer have been working over time and I've not had much time in my studio.....
I got to do this:

 And finally this:

The studio time will happen and that will be good. I have been snatching bits of time to read, walk and swim. And also plan some great new things for 2015. New products, new workshops and new ideas..... stay tuned!

New Colour Play Packs

I love to play with colour, fabric and threads! And I've just posted some new packs in my shop. I think you'll agree that they are quite luscious? If you'd like to learn how to do colour gradations like these, then hop on over to my video here: https://vimeo.com/89749580

You can buy them all here: http://fabricimagery.com/category/colour-play/

Are you interested in learning more about dyeing? Then my Colour Play online workshop is open here: http://susanpm.com/online-workshops/

Quick and Easy Fabric Design Using Fresh Produce and Found Objects

Who would have thought that fabric printing could be so easy? A new book by my friend Julie Booth, Fabric Printing at Home shows us that setting up a workspace and finding supplies is simple and affordable. This book is suitable for many levels of experience and the excellent step by step instructions and clear photos will encourage even the most timid artist to try many of the printing techniques.

The book is full of terrific additional tips throughout the book, such as "One Paint Job - Two Fabrics" that shows how to make additional copies of one print, showing that the author is thoroughly knowledgeable about her subject and is eager to share with her readers.

One of my favourite chapters is "Beyond Potato Printing" an excellent chapter on printing with a wide range of vegetables. Who knew that corn on the cob could look so stunning?

                  

 Readers will be looking at kitchen utensils, styrofoam, twist ties and rubber bands in a whole new way.....making printing plates with found objects can add interest and detail to fabric, but also items for home decor, accessories and art. While the author focuses on using fabric for her printing, many of the techniques could be used on paper and art boards, widening the range for possible applications.
 
In addition, I think that most of the techniques would be perfect to engage children in learning about art while seeing how simple items from the house, as well as recycling cardboard, foil and other discards, can create unique and stunning patterns.


“Excerpts used/ photos used with permission from Quarry Books”

This book is definitely a "must have" for my library.
You can get ordering information here: http://www.qbookshop.com/products/214861/9781592539529/Fabric-Printing-at-Home.html