Turning a Pigs Ear into a Silk Purse!

 

"Cathy's Flowers" - The silk purse

 

Have you ever heard the above phrase before?  It means that from something so common or ugly as a pigs ear you can create beauty.  My Mom would often use this phrase when she would miraculously create a beautiful garment from cast down fabric.  Anyway, this project started as a Wearable Arts Challenge (below) that was going no where, into successful (?) Wall Art.  A big improvement!  The belt was wide and at my age I do not need a "belly band"!  This piece is named "Cathy's Flowers" for my friend Cathy.  Her favorite comment is that something needs more Shinny S...t.  While making the flowers and background from upholstery fabric I could see that all the colors were the same intensity and that they really needed a spark.  Then I heard Cathy's voice in my ear!   What a difference and just what the piece needed.

The Pig's Ear!

Just a little note, I am going to Houston for the huge quilt/quilt art show so I won't be doing anything to show you for a spell.  I expect to come back with lots of inspiration and new techniques to try, so it shouldn't be too long before you will be seeing more posts.

The Promise

The Promise... MAQ Challenge

Here is the almost finished MAQ Challenge.  What a challenge !  After selecting a beautiful picture of sunflowers we divided it up into five sections and then each of us did all five sections.  We all wanted a finished product and the challenge was to see what each of us would create.  Everyone did a beautiful job.  It only took 15 minutes to exchange all the sections with each of us having one from each person.  The curve lines were my idea and I hope the others forgive me!  The center line had four curves so that meant taking it in and out of the machine four times.  As I said I hope they forgive me!  Then came the tricky part ..... what to do next?  After a couple of ideas - adding black crows and maybe stained glass look.. I came up with the idea of the seed packet.  It seems a little out of proportion but I couldn't bear to cut anybodies work.  So, next Wednesday, the MAQ group will have the big reveal and I can't wait.  There is so much talent in the MAQ group.

Do you like the mane?  The Promise      If you have a better name just add it to the comment below.

Vicky and Gail

Jo and Marylee

Wearable Art or at least wearable!

Here is another instance where I can hear my Mother laugh!  I have avoided sewing for most of my life.  Mom always was there to teach me, but for some reason it just never clicked.  I mostly made fabric rags.  Well here I am and with the help and patience of several friends I can actually wear the product.  And there is more!  Soon on these pages you will see a truly amazing sweater!  Anyway, I find this somewhat enjoyable and am starting on another art jacket for another Rachel Clark Exhibit.


First is my coat from a pattern by Indygo Junction - Amy Barickman #IJ885.  I had to narrow the sleeves and eliminate the pleat because of the fabric.  It should be fun to wear this winter.

 

Fall Jacket

Second is a sweater that I bought because of the pockets and zipper, but then felt it was too plain.  At a Needle Arts meeting last year, Claudia Knous gave a presentation on her beautiful felt pieces.  I just had to have one.  It was felted leaves that you would wear around your neck and shoulders.  Loved the piece but didn't like it on my neck!  What to do... so I combined the pieces and I do hope that Claudia doesn't mind the liberties I took with her work.  But now I have something I will wear for sure.

Just a note.  You might have noticed the new bar at the top.  It indicated how many of you kind people review this blog.  I was shocked and so pleased at how often it is reviewed!  Don't worry, I have no idea who you are.  In another area, a map displays in which countries/states visitors reside.  I hope to find friends all around the world and you can help.  If you have an out-of-country friend, please forward my blog site.  It will only take one per country!  Thanks again for your visits and I hope you are all enjoying your own creative journeys.

Lincoln Internal Medicine Exhibit

Sharpie Demo

Several months ago a good friend suggested that I join the Lincoln Hills Art Association and what a great idea that was!  So far I have won a prize (including money), shown at Mina's in Lincoln, and gave a talk on my Sharpie Pen art work.  All for the low price of membership.  Thank you to the officers and members that are so generous with their time.

This next month the Association is showing at the Lincoln Internal Medicine @ 801 Sterling Parkway.  I'm not sure you can just wander around to look at the art, but one of my Sharpie pieces is in the exhibit. 
You have most likely seen it before, but it is a good example of the technique.

Raspberry Flowers