Week 15 - in the Studio

Ups and downs this past week! The grandsons were visiting during March Break so it wasn't too easy finding time alone....

So we did a couple art projects together and had fun learning about "spinner art" - now I need a new salad spinner! After a couple YouTube videos, it was easy to tackle.

We needed:

• card stock cut into circles to fit the inside of the basket - white and black paper
• inexpensive craft/acrylic paints - we didn't use my Golden paints!
• salad spinner, I have a cheap Ikea one so didn't feel bad about using it

Put the paper inside the spinner and dribble a few colours - just a little, we used too much!

Put the cover on top, make sure it's secure.

Turn the spinner handle one way a few times and then in the opposite way.

So simple...

And so much fun! We dyed T-shirts as well but no photos!

I did get some canvas painted for sketchbooks and totes - happy, spring colours! I'll be putting them together next week - an easy but repetitive job.

I spent this afternoon learning about WaterColour Grids with Wendy Welch, online with the Vancouver Island School of Art https://www.vancouverislandschoolart.com

Nothing fabulous was created but I did learn a lot and saw some possibilities for collage and maybe cutting some of them with my Scan n Cut - particularly this one, no redeeming qualities otherwise!

I quite enjoyed this one - one colour and then lightening and darkening and using analogous colours:

Wendy mentioned other artists who used grids in their work: Paul Klee, Ralph Lemon, Agnes Martin and Gunta Stoltz - a weaver during time of the Bau Haus whose work I find particularly intriguing!

You can see more of her designs here: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search?q=Gunta+Stölzl&sortBy=Relevance&pageSize=0

Here is a couple more I made:

And that's about it! How was your week?

Week 8 1/2 in the Studio

 Well, those days just whizzed right on by! A couple trips into the city took up the better part of a couple days....even if its just there and back, it still takes several hours. 

But I was able to spend a good chunk of time in the studio and was so pleased to finish up the top of my latest Industrial Shoreline piece. It's smaller than some of my more recent ones and went together in a well behaved fashion! There's still lots of work but I need to get into the city(again) to get the batting, though Ive just finished dyeing the backing. Once its sandwiched then I'll add more details with stitch and couched lines.

Here it is and the photo that inspired it, taken at Port McNeill, in the northern part of Vancouver Island:

I spent a day filming a new segment for my Cloth to Codex Workshop, the lesson was focused on "vessels and structures" such a difference working in 3D! I made several different prototypes, trying different shapes and cuts to see how units might fit together. My plan is to develop another workshop that focuses on just this topic, there's so many possibilities to explore! But the number #1 rule it to always create a prototype to see how it can work (ask me about all the paper failures on the floor!)

I'm also working on a group of bowls/plates/vessels to submit to a local exhibition. The theme is Food and I'm creating three that will be Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner with collage, painted papers and text.

First one is Breakfast and will be bright and sunny with eggs scattered over the surface....here are the first steps...

Painted tissue paper, cut out and ready...

The circles are glued to painted watercolour paper...

I've also made a stack of sketchbooks, ready for my Etsy Shop and local vendors....

So that was fun!

Week 3 in My Studio

Welcome back to the studio - it was energizing to be back at work, visiting family and celebrating Christmas was so special - even with an "unusual to us" snowfall....that kept me at home for a couple days. But we kept the fire burning, hummingbirds fed and just enjoyed the rest!

I'm working on creating small vessels that combine paper and fabric with a bit of stitch - its been challenging to figure out the sizing and where to cut - lots of paper mockups were made and destroyed! I have a busy week as some of these will be going into the next exhibition at our local gallery.

I'm planning on a video tutorial on the process soon. With a bit of research I also discovered many other shapes that can be made - endless possibilities!

Last week I showed some images of painted sweeps of black across some vintage linen, I had cut them up and was playing with the arrangement. I got one that I was totally happy with and sewed it together. I am planning to "quilt" it with small x stitches across the surface rather than using more traditional machine or hand quilting.

The other pieces have not played well together and still require some work....we will see!

 I'm happy with this one, the hint of a large X in the middle is appealing and it seems well balanced.

This one is not behaving and I have already made adjustments from this image, it will end up smaller and may even be smaller still.....coasters, anyone?

I have some new Art to Carry Textile Totes set up in my Etsy Shop - they are so much fun to make, each one is different and its a great way to experiment with surface design ideas...

You can check them out here: Art to Carry

There's still time to register for my Cloth to Codex Workshop, I would love to share my ideas and inspirations with you....here's a little video that explains what you'll be learning: 

https://vimeo.com/658057548

You can sign up HERE

Screen, Print and Stitch - Online Workshop is Open!

Screen, Print and Stitch

Are you looking to build your skills as a surface design artist? Do you want to learn specific techniques that will help you to create beautiful fabrics for your art? Perhaps you are new to the world of mono printing, thickened dyes, screen printing and stamping and would like a solid foundation of knowledge that you can refer to again and again?

Then “Screen, Print and Stitch” is made just for you! In the past, these lessons have been separate workshops, but since so many of my students enroll in more than one of my surface design workshops it made sense to build a special group package with tons of value-added information. So now “Screen, Print and Stitch” is a more extensive journey into helping you build those skills that you’ve been wanting for your textile art!

Early Bird Registration
Sign up NOW for only $120.00

 

 

In this nine session workshop you will learn:
• to make your own “homemade” gelatin plate. You will use stencils, doilies, kitchen tools and more with textile paints and explore all the possible ways to get colour onto cloth.
• to make your own hand carved stamps as well as using found objects for more layers of colour.
• different ways of creating roller prints with cardboard tubes, texture and sponge rollers for amazing effects, take out the rolling pins!
• to make simple, basic silk screens that will meet all your needs and the appropriate paints and tools to use.
• to use freezer paper stencils and other masks, then move on to using soy wax on the screens with thickened dyes.
• other screen printing techniques will be demonstrated including Thermofax screens, using gel mediums for foil and special effects and how regular “blue gel glue” can be used as a resist!
• creative ways you can make pattern and colour on fabric using resist techniques such as PVC pipe and other tubes with painted and immersion dye baths
• and one lesson will be focused on the exciting results that can be achieved with stitched resists

Does this sound like a lot? Remember each lesson is paced so that you can learn at your own speed, you can download the video to watch anytime and to keep forever! With “Print, Screen and Stitch” you will get:
• all nine videos with over 5 hours of information packed value
• two Thermofax screens mailed directly to you with a creative design for printing
• a bonus lesson on compiling your creations into a unique and special fabric journal
Plus:
• pages of written notes with all the dye recipes, resources, tips and hints that you’ll find so valuable for future reference!
• you have the option to join a private Facebook group that’s just for you to post pictures, see others inspiring fabrics and much more. It’s the best and most immediate way to get together!

Sign Up Now and get a Bonus!

A Private One-on-One Surface Design Mentoring Session – just for you!

30 minutes of conversation, advice and more….that will move you along your Surface Design journey! I’ll work with you to decide the best way to spend those 30 minutes together….it might be Skype, email, phone or ??

I’ve been a dyer and surface design artist for over 15 years. I’ve taken loads of workshops, I have advanced diplomas in textiles and art. Name a technique, I’ve tried it. Sometimes it takes lots of skill and practice to achieve success. And I get that….its part of being an artist!
Now, I want the same for you! I don’t keep anything back, I’m willing to share everything I know and I want you to have the value of what I’ve learned.

All of this is just for you because I know that colour and beauty is what we crave and having it on fabric just makes life so much better, right?
Be part of the fun and learn all about the new ways to create those gorgeous fabrics!

Learn More and Register HERE

Come and Learn with Susan!

Do you like exploring different ways of putting design onto fabric? Maybe you've been inspired by The Printed Bee posts I've done? Or is fabric dyeing something that you just can't do at home?
Then come to one of my Studio Workshops that I've set up for 2015!

I've developed several surface design workshops open to small groups of students in my own studio, located in Victoria, BC.
There are a variety of topics and techniques that we will explore together and I would be happy to tailor a workshop to meet your needs. Workshop size is limited so you can be assured of comprehensive and dedicated instructional time!

Here's the schedule, registration will open on November 18th!

Colour Play

9:30-12pm - January 13 & 20, 2015  $75+GST

Colour Blocking

9:30-12pm - January 15, 2015 $60+GST

Print It, Print It

9:30-12 pm - February 3, 10, 17th, 2015 $90+GST

Screen Print with Success

9:30-12pm - February 5, 12, 19, 2015 $110+GST

Gelatin Plate Printing

9:30-12pm - February 26, 2015 $60+GST

Super Simple Shibori

9:30-12pm - March 3 & 10, 2015 $75+GST

Workshops  include all dye recipes and excellent written step by step instructions and there will be a focus on safe studio habits.

Fee includes all dyes and chemicals, plus most additional supplies. Your supply list will be sent when registration is complete.

I hope to see you in a workshop! You can get further descriptions here:  http://susanpm.com/studio-workshops/

Plus, if you sign up for three workshops, you get a 20% discount, great news! And if you sign up before November 25th, you'll be eligible for a FREE workshop of your choice!

You're Going to Love It......Resist to Stitch

Its not about disliking or being resistant! Its all about creating resist on fabric. You're going to love it, I promise! A special 3 session online workshop developed just for you. Lots of colour, lots of pattern and lots of exciting new designs to make YOUR fabric so perfectly unique!

In  Lesson One we will explore pole wrapping and Shibori and I have lots of great ideas for easy, simple techniques for you!

In Lesson Two, we'll work with both wax and glue resists for  dyes and diluted paints and play with flour resists as well! You will learn lots of ways to create interesting textures onto fabric!

And in Lesson Three we will focus on a unique and creative way to use stitching to create a resist before dye painting. It's not exactly what you might think....

Would you like to learn more? Then check out the sign up page here: http://susanpm.com/online-workshops/ Read over the Supply List (click on the Green Button)
I also include:

•  an opportunity to discuss, comment and ask questions with fellow students and the teacher (that's me) on the workshop page.  

• There's a photo sharing site thats designed just for you to see what others are creating. 

• Plus you'll have a chance to download all the videos to watch at your convenience....forever! How cool is that??

All of this for a VERY resonable cost! Remember, just go to: http://susanpm.com/online-workshops/
And Register for Resist to Stitch. Hurry! The workshop opens June 19th for a limited number of students, just like you!

Latest from the Printed Fabric Bee

I'm a bit late in posting this but here's the sample of swatches that was won on Gerrie Congdon's blog
http://www.gericondesigns.com/weblog/?p=13228
I promise I'll be more up to date with the next one!

 

What have you done with your fabric lately?

Online Learning with Susan!

After a very steep learning curve, the FIRST part of my Online Workshops is up for viewing! I am thrilled to be able to offer a variety of Surface, Design, Dyeing and Printing Techniques for my students.
I love to teach and share with you but I can’t always be at your guild or conference. So I’ve developed the next, best way to inspire you. So, invite me into your home or studio to learn new ideas and techniques.

You can see a short video at:  http://susanpm.com/online-workshops/

Pictures from Print It, Print It!

 My workshops are multi-lesson formats that combine PDF documents to print out – such as dye recipes and resources – and videos for you to watch and learn exactly so many of my techniques are done. You can watch them at your own pace, download them for future reference and work alongside me or take notes with a cup of coffee beside you! There will be opportunity for you to ask questions and post pictures and to meet other students and chat.

Pictures from Colour It, Fuse It!

 Each workshop will be open for six months from the start date and you will be able to keep the links to the videos forever.
Browse through the workshops below, see which dates fit your calendar and sign up! You are welcome to email  me with any questions. I hope you will join me on this exciting new adventure!

So check out all the details at:  http://susanpm.com/online-workshops/

Pictures from Screen Printing with Success!

Soy Wax Film Set - Day Two

Just as we've been known to change our clothes to suit the occasion, so does the film set need to change based on what I might be demonstrating for the DVD.

In the course of one day, we had three 'wardrobe changes". This was for the Thickened Dyes segment, lots of rich colour and texture!

The next set was Soy Wax with DeColorant Plus, coloured discharge paste!

And the finally, Soy wax with Dye Na Flow and Setacolor paints and sunprinting!

More excitment coming tomorrow, stay tuned! Same Soy Wax time, same Soy Wax channel!

Books on Sunday

Once again delving into my library, I found my copy of The Surface Designers Handbook by Holly Brackman. I bought my copy several years ago in Houston and remember reading the entire book on a very long flight back home. I couldn't wait to begin exploring some of the 'new to me' techniques that Holly very carefully introduced and explained.

 

 

The author has written 16 chapters exploring virtually every dyeing, printing, and fabric painting method that most surface designers are likely to come across. She also spends the first two chapters discussing safe studio practices, fabrics, fibers and dyes. There are excellent appendices including a dye worksheet for tracking steps in ones projects, calculating stock solutions and color mixing as well as weights, measures and water temperatures, important factors in achieving and repeating good results.

I would recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about surface design. It is also a good companion to Art Cloth by Jane Dunnewold, another must have in my library.

ISBN9781931499903

 

New Work

At the exhibition in Ladysmith our Surface Design group has a smaller exhibition entitled Undercurrents, a grouping of 10" x 10" work in matching frames. These pieces are all for sale for $195.00 which makes them a wonderful price for any collector.
My submissions are entitled Stitch and Space #1, #2 and #3 and are hand dyed, printed, stamped and stitched. I hope you'll be able to come to the show!