Art Piece # 168: Pleated (MHS)

Art Pieces 184-191

Dressed to Party, AP 189
| Cindy Anderson

Let’s Review:

Over the past six weeks I have been sharing photos and stories of my recently finished art pieces. Included below is a list with links to all of the items. A lot of time and effort went into those projects. If you have a little extra time I hope that you will explore some of the stories.

 

Art Pieces 184-191:

Included in this next grouping is eight new items. All of them were attached to an 8”x10” stretched canvas frame. Let’s take a look.

New Life For A Discard, AP 184
New Life For A Discard, Art Piece # 184 (SOLD)

This very unusual composition began with a layer of yellow gauze stretched around a canvas frame. Directly above that is a band of hand dyed green gauze. The next two layers, one of orange dotted cotton and a harvested remnant from a former adventure, provide the third and fourth elements. Adding panache is a variety of hand-applied stitches along with a single bone colored button.

Reclaimed Fabric Scrap, AP 185
Reclaimed Fabric Scrap, Art Piece # 185

I am not above scrounging through donated scrap baskets to look for useable specimens. Situated somewhat near the center of this item is a row of pieced together fabric strips. The combined grouping was once part of a much larger creation. I found the wrinkled mass stuffed inside a bucket of scraps. Imagine my surprise at the discovery. The otherwise unwanted structure was adopted into my family of art quilting supplies. Being able to utilize a small portion in this project was absolutely thrilling. Not to be overlooked is the other design features. The first to be incorporated was a base layer of hand-dyed yellow gauze. Directly above that is a square of black on green polka dot fabric. Next came the aforementioned fabric scrap and a single large green button. A variety of stitches were added to both secure the items in place as well as incorporate an artistic flair.

Polka Dot Dance, AP 186
Polka Dot Dance, Art Piece # 186

Polka Dots hold a prominent place among the elements of this project. Their abundance was the reasoning behind the title of the art piece. Serving as a base for the dotted materials is the orange on orange cotton fabric. Added as an embellishment is a single peach button. Protruding from its holes are cascading strands of cotton thread adorned with square metallic beads. The entire fiber art piece was saturated with a variety of hand stitches. Among them are numerous French knots.

Quotations, AP 187
Quotations, Art Piece # 187

Can you guess why I titled this item Quotations? If your answer is the orange fabric, then you are correct! There is, however, one more reason…the pieced fabric strip that runs diagonally across the orange fabric is the second reason. The shape is my abstract interpretation of a quotation mark. To bring more attention to the fabrics I added oodles of hand stitching. Look closely and you will see a zigzag stitch marching around the perimeter of the orange square. The zigzags replicate the triangular image of the handmade quotation mark. At the top of each zigzag peak and inside each center are French knots. Traveling around the perimeter of my handmade quotation mark is a row of running stitch. These stitches give more definition to the shape. All three of the fabrics that form the punctuation mark have their own set of markings. To the brown dotted material I added grey French knots. The white polka dot and the rust triangle both were embellished with seed stitch. All combined the elements create a very interesting composition.

Reach For The Stars, Art Piece # 188
Reach For The Stars, Art Piece # 188

This composition is an abstract interpretation of the sun with its revolving planets and the billions of stars inour galaxy. The sun is the large button. The planets, although more numerous than our own, are the metallic teal square beads. The small white dots are the distant stars. If you can visualize my concept then I think you can understand why I chose to call this art piece Reaching For The Stars. The only fabric used in my design is a single square of dotted grey cotton. This one piece of material provided the base from which everything else blossomed.

Dressed to Party, AP 189
Dressed To Party, Art Piece # 189

Who doesn’t like to get all dressed up to go to a party! This fiber art piece, with all of its glitzy spender, is dressed and ready to celebrate. First to be added was a lively green and white chevron fabric. Stacked on top is a variety of fabric pieces; each adding its own element of flair. The finishing touches of lace, beads, French knots and other assorted stitches all help to pull together an outfit unlike any other.

Mirror Image, AP 190
Mirror Image, Art Piece # 190

This fiber art piece contains four design elements: a deep brown wool, a red checked wool, twin pieces of crocheted lace and decorative stitching. The twin sections of lace were placed next to one another to make them appear as is they were one. The process of doing so gave me the inspiration to title this piece Mirror Image.

Christmas Memories, AP 191
Christmas Memories, Art Piece # 191

This composition began with a candy striped cotton fabric. The design of the fabric also includes intentional markings that give it an antiqued appearance. Layered above is a red and a green piece of wool. Giving the project even more of a Christmas theme is the yellow, green and red ribbon. A combination of French knots and other stitching were incorporated to add the sparkle the composition deserves.

thank you!

Before closing let me thank you for showing an interest in my activities. I am grateful for your participation and look forward to your comments.

Best wishes for a wonderful day!

Fiber Art By Cindy Anderson

Art Pieces 168-175

Pleated, AP 168
| Cindy Anderson

Have you ever heard of a purple leopard? I have; of course that’s because I created one. Whenever possible I like to give my fiber art pieces an unusual name. I had so much fun designing and executing the eight projects I’m sharing today, however, I think Purple Leopard was the most entertaining. All of today’s items were mounted on an 8”x10” stretched canvas frame.

Pleated, AP 168
Pleated, Art Piece # 168

The base for this item is a square of blue grey wool. The second layer is a woven blue and white cotton. I stitched several pleats in the fabric to give it an extra punch. The fabric elements as well as the elongated, color coordinated, glass bead were all hand stitched to the canvas. The title of this piece was assigned because of the added pleating.

Purple Leopard, AP 169
Purple Leopard, Art Piece 169

Acting as a base for this jazzy art piece is a loosely woven rectangle of blue wool. The wool was attached to the stretched canvas with a row of running stitch. Layered above the wool is a piece of hand painted dryer sheet. I used an alternating row of orange x’s and green French knots along with two rows of running stitch to secure the dryer sheet in place. The third fabric layer is a rectangle of spotted purple. A row of zigzag stitching was added to draw more attention to this fabric. To adhere the spotted fabric I used two rows of a black running stitch and a row of blue and green French knots. On top of the fabrics three beads were added. The first a square purple, the second an oblong blue and the third a tiny blue seed bead. The final design elements to be incorporated are the four dangling knotted threads with secured yellow beads. The spotted purple fabric was the inspiration for this project’s name.

Ruffled, AP 170
Ruffled, Art Piece # 170

The single strip of ruffled lace provided the inspiration for this project’s name. Beginning with a royal blue square of warm wool this project has four different layers. The second is an oddly shaped, reclaimed section of sari fabric. The third is the previously mentioned lace. The fourth and final feature is a two-tone blue button. Each of the fiber elements were attached to the canvas frame with matching colored threads using a simple running stitch. The button was secured in the usual fashion.

The Owl, AP 171
The Owl, Art Piece # 171

The silver and gold button situated near the bottom of the yellow carrier rod has, in my opinion, a resemblance similar to that of an owl. This association was the inspiration for the title of this art piece. Aside from the previously mentioned yellow carrier rod and the owl faced button, this small art project also contains two pieces of wool, the first one tan and the second a rust plaid. Except for the yellow carrier rod, the remaining fabrics are held in place with rows of a simple running stitch. The tan layer also contains two groupings of French knots. The carrier rod was attached with a rust colored thread.

The Caterpillar, AP 182
The Caterpillar, Art Piece # 172

I named this fiber art piece The Caterpillar because of the thread-wrapped wire bead located atop a large purple button. This small art project began with a square of purple wool. Added for a pop of color is the multi-colored, hand painted dryer sheet. The button and the wire bead make up the final additions. To secure the wool and dryer sheet to the canvas frame I first added a single row of running stitch bordering the perimeter of the fabric. The final embellishment is a circular pattern of stitches echoing around the button.

Sunshine Rose, AP 173
Sunshine Rose, Art Piece # 173

Near the top of this composition is a square, gold colored button with the image of a sun. This button, along with the rose colored sari fabric upon which it rests, provided the motivation for the title of my project. Serving as the base for the fiber art piece is a layer of red wool. To the fabrics I added multiple rows of running stitch. The hand stitching is what secures the fabrics to the stretched canvas frame.

Peach Surprise, AP 174
Peach Surprise, Art Piece # 174

I titled this multi layered fiber art project Peach Surprise because of the peach coloring. Beginning with a layer of peach colored wool this item has three other layers. The first is a scraggly edged, recycled strip of kantha cloth. A much smaller multi-colored section was layered directly above that. The final layer is a very unusual, fabric wrapped bead. Using rows of running stitch, strategically placed French knots and randomly applied X’s I was able to secure the fabrics in place. The fabric button was stitched in place with cotton thread.

Scrappy Tartan, AP 175
Scrappy Tartan, Art Piece # 175

I created this item using a layer of red wool, a multi-colored blue plaid, a scrap of kantha cloth with dangling fabric fringe and a single red button. Rows of French knots, running stitch, and carefully placed X’s help to secure the elements in place. I titled this item Scrappy Tartan because of the blue plaid wool and the scrappy edges of the kantha cloth.

After reading the stories of my newest projects I hope that you will be inspired to share your thoughts. Your participation makes this journey even more rewarding.

Thank you for visiting and sharing in my enthusiasm!

Fiber Art By Cindy Anderson

Good News Keeps Rolling In

| Cindy Anderson

Not too long ago I announced a change in my business. The shift in direction took my focus away from longarm quilting and steered it instead toward the marketing of my art. With more pieces in my inventory than I have room to display it seemed only natural to reduce my wares through sales.

Before I could make my first transaction I needed to research the available options both online and through local vendors. After treading through the maze I decided to initially direct my attention to the businesses around me. The business I chose is Raven’s Wish in Janesville, Wisconsin. Raven’s Wish is a locally owned gallery offering items for sale from 75 regional and national artists.

To become a registered artist Raven’s Wish requires a completed application as well as a review of the proposed works of art. In preparation for my visit I first scoped out their establishment to get a feel for the environment, then picked up an application. Even though I had the document in hand I still wanted to ponder all of the steps and ramifications a mutual sales relationship could/would entail.

I’ve been actively engaged in the creation of fiber art for a very long time. Until now all of the items have been assembled using a typical quilt sandwich (a quilt top, a filler/batting, and backing). Since I am dipping my toe into the retail world I thought it would be a great time to stretch my wings and offer a few other items.

Newest to my repertoire is the practice of meditative hand stitching and the creation of greeting cards. Meditative hand stitching involves the slow process of mindfully applying stitches to fragments of cloth. These items can vary in size as well as detail. My practice of participating in this form of stitchery produced towering stacks of finished pieces. Being emotionally attached to each and every one meant the thought of parting with them difficult to fathom.

My meditative hand stitchery (mhs) projects were not created with a quilt sandwich in mind. They consist of a base fabric, typically a 5” x 5” square of wool, along with additional fabric scraps and perhaps an embellishment or two. To secure the items together I apply a variety of stitches using several weights of Perle Cotton and Valdani threads. The lack of batting and a backing fabric mean the small items are flimsy in nature. In order to be able to market them to the public I began a search for suitable foundations.

After completing my research I decided to utilize 8” x 10” white artist canvases. I chose 8” x 10” because decorative frames are readily available for that size. I also chose them because they provide a sturdy area to stitch on and a great surface to adhere my previously created items. This is a sample of one of my completed MHS projects.

Art Piece 168: Pleated, (A Meditative Hand Stitchery)

Let’s talk about greeting cards. Being an avid fiber artist I have an enormous inventory of leftover scraps. Those scraps were the inspiration for my cards. With a desire to pepper my pursuit of art with projects less involved I decided to try my hand at greeting cards. Using eco friendly card stock for the base I began sorting and organizing my scraps into pleasing combinations then stitched them directly to the paper with my sewing machine. Below is a sample.

Machine stitched greeting card

I found the entire creative process invigorating. In less than a day I was able to make 24 cards. Each of my cards is accompanied by an envelope. The duo is protected inside a protective cellophane bag.

I’ve spent this entire time blabbing about my decision and my new direction in art but nothing in reference to whether I was successful at enticing Raven’s Wish to market my products. Guess what! I’m not going to reveal that answer today. Let’s save that discussion for a future visit.

Warm regards for a healthy and productive day!