One Eyed Monster:

Halloween is only days away. All around me I see the holiday decorations of my neighbors. The most prominent of which are the inflated images of pumpkins, monsters and ghosts. Typically we join up with our children and grandchildren to share a meal and walk about trick-or-treating. Given the ever-present pandemic the visit to neighboring homes will be eliminated. In place of those festivities we have plans for games and other activities. Our group is small and the home at which we will gather is large enough for social distancing. I’ve even surveyed my grandchildren to learn about their favorite candies. Even though they won’t fill their bags with candy from the neighbors I will make certain I do my part.

The closeness of Halloween makes this the perfect time to reveal my art piece called One Eyed Monster. I have been spending the last several postings talking about my 8”x10” finished projects; today’s entry continues on that same track.

Fabric Background:

Originally my small art  pieces were attached to a stretched white canvas frame. I used the undisturbed canvas as the background for my pieces because I liked the starkness of the white canvas and the rough texture. Even the rustic appearance of my name printed on the canvas was pleasing to my eyes.

As time went by I decided to add more elements to my compositions. Incorporating fabric as a base for my projects gave me the chance to do this. All of the fiber art pieces that I am sharing today, except for One Eyed Monster, and in the future will begin with a fabric background.

The Layers:

As you could tell by the title of this journal entry, I will be revealing fiber art pieces 192-199. They continue with the shift I made from using plain white backgrounds to fabric. Each project begins first with the stretched canvas frame. If I were creating a typical quilt the first layer of the sandwich would be a fabric backing; in this instance it is the canvas frame. Next to follow is a layer of batting, white or black depending upon the color intensity of the next fabric; the batting helps to give the frames edges a more rounded appearance. The third element is the fabric that will serve as the composition’s background. This addition holds a very important function as it sets the theme for everything else that will follow.

Once the three layers of the sandwich have been established it is time to start assembling the decorative features. The parameters for those items is wide open; the only limitation here is your imagination. I’ve been known to use as many as four layers of fabric and or embellishments. I also like to include a variety of doodads such as lace, buttons, beads and snaps, to name a few.

Finishing Touches:

The finishing touch is the hand or machine stitching. This process can make or break your final outcome. It also can be the most enjoyable step. Here is where you can either stay low-key or go hog wild. I let the initial image of the fiber art piece sink in for a while. This gives me a chance to get a feel for the possible avenues I might follow. Once my thought process is complete I gather up the thread colors I will use, thread my needle and get to work. Even though I map out a plan of attack for my stitching that doesn’t mean I can’t change my mind along the way. There have been many times when I have decided to go in an entirely different direction. All that matters is that the final outcome looks wonderful.

Without Further Ado:

Let me introduce you to items 192-199!

My One Eyed Monster is a cute little guy. He is all dressed up in his multi toned blue garb with his single blue eye, his two outstretched arms and his four spindly legs. Added for extra flair were a series of red beads, numerous French knots and a sea of seed stitches.

This item has been titled EcoPrint because I have included a section from my private stash of eco dyed fabrics. Layered beneath the earthy fabric is a rust colored cotton, a deep green wool and a multi-colored cotton. The eco dyed material received the majority of the decorative stitching. Zoom in and you will see French knots, outline stitch, a single, thread wrapped, wire bead as well as many other stitches.

For obvious reasons, the name chosen for this composition was Shiny Blue Moon. This project was fashioned from a warm brown cotton, a grassy green wool, a textured blue wool and a blue plaid. The blue moon button as well as the decorative stitching all work together to add interest to this art piece.

The shades of orange represented by the fabrics in this project remind me of a sweet and juicy naval orange. This association was the inspiration for its chosen name. Combined together are five separate layers of cotton, wool and burlap. Added for embellishments are a single green button along with a variety of stitches.

This project is one of my favorites. I just love the reds, raspberry, orange and teal. All of them combined together create a cheerful appearance. Near the center is a shiny pink bead. This bead along with a variety of multi-colored stitching adds a level of pizazz unattainable by fabric alone.

The Hashtag, or pound sign, is a nationally recognized symbol. The symbol, found printed on the included white fabric, was the inspiration for the title of my composition. Also included in the list of features for this project is a navy blue woven fabric, a grey plaid and a sky blue cotton printed with stars and orbs. Added for embellishments are a variety of decorative stitches and a single navy blue button.

Everyone has been bruised at least once during their life. The colors found in this item remind me of a bruise. Beginning with a very lively cotton and branching out to the green and bright orange wools along with a very dark, multi-colored strip of sari fabric they all replicate varying stages of a bruise. A single plum button and decorative stitching were added as embellishments.

I assigned the name Floating Triangles to this art project because of the random dotted triangles which appear to be suspended in mid air. This piece with the linear printed black on white background, the black wool, the white material with triangles and the single red wool circle has a geometric theme. Added as embellishments is a series of black French knots along with lines of varying lengths.

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!