I recently wrote a post about a new-to-me method I wanted to explore. Should I touched on the topic of using stretched canvas to finish an art piece. I’ve heard and read so much about the concept that I decided to give it a try.
The first specimen for my experiment was this one.
Experiment # 1
Before I could proceed I had to make a number of decisions:
Determine current size
What should the final dimensions be
How much extra fabric would I have to add
Should I add batting behind the extra fabric
Did I want to quilt the extra fabric
Should I finish the raw edges of the added fabric
Once I answered all those questions I had to implement my plan. The process of checking off each of the items on my list went rather smoothly.
The next hurdle was the actual mounting on the canvas. I watched several YouTube videos and read quite a few blog posts about this topic. The videos were the most helpful. The video by Leila Gardunia was my favorite. I lost track of the number of times that I watched it. When I felt confident I could actually attempt to proceed I located our staple gun and extra staples and set the wheels in motion. Being a perfectionist I took a few try’s before I was satisfied. In the end I was rather pleased with the outcome. This is how my canvas mounted art quilt looked when I was finished.
A For Effort, Art Piece # 200
Completing my first go-around with this method gave me the confidence to proceed with my second and third, and well you get the picture. Who knows…this just might be my go-to technique for all my fiber art creations.
This probably isn’t the last time you will hear me mention the topic of canvas mounted artwork. If you want to stay up-to-date with my progress then subscribe to my blog.
Thanks to Pam Beal and her Minimalist Design, Maximum Impactclass my explorations in minimalistic art quilting continue.
Being shared today is my latest project measuring only 8 3/4 x 5 3/4″. Known as Ragged Edges, it was created using small stacks of raw edged fabrics. The stacks themselves are barely over 1″ square. Each small grouping has been anchored to a white fabric background with a grid of black machine stitching, a row of teal hand-applied stitches and a single teal French knot. Each stack was then surrounded with rows of hand quilting using white thread. Say hello to Ragged Edges, AP # 83.
The older I get the stronger my desire to explore and experience the many forms of art. I’ve been very fortunate to have the opportunity to attend numerous classes—each one exposing me to techniques or philosophies I have not tried.
One of the classes I attended was Pam Beal’s Minimalist Design, Maximum Impact. If you click on the link attached to the class name you will be taken to the blog post she shared once our class was complete. Within that post is numerous photos of her own work as well as the work of her students. Photos # 7, 8 and 10 show a few of my projects. Photo # 8 is the subject of today’s story.
Let’s Begin!
1973 was the year I graduated from high school. My graduating class contained 400+ students—way too many to remember them all by name.
Our official school colors were cardinal and grey. Often times they were referred to as red and grey by our cheerleaders. I can still recall one of the chants—
Red and grey,
red and grey,
fight, fight!
The Name Is…
Recently I put finishing touches on a small art quilt started while attending Pam Beal’s class.
After adding the last detail I always give my art quilts a name. Sometimes the process turns very slowly—in this instance it was quick and painless.
My Assistant
My husband is very familiar with my class colors and the year of my graduation. When I proudly shared my finished piece he instantly named the quilt
1973
in honor of my high school graduation and my class colors.
1973, AP # 74
Distinguishing Features
Pam Beal’s quilts primarily contain straight line piecing. On occasion she adds an element of surprise through circles or curved pieces.
Following in Pam’s footsteps, 1973 was assembled with geometric, straight-line shapes. Added for pizazz were two gently curved strips—one each in the upper and lower quadrants.
These wavy lines add interest and movement by drawing your eye from one side to the other. Pam emphasized that a well-balanced piece will
keep your eye moving.
One way of providing movement is to
bring your elements (i.e. colors, piecing, quilting) off the page,
or in this case, off the mini quilt.
I think 1973 has achieved that feature through the addition of those strips.
Color Pallet
Since the theme of the class was minimalism I kept my color pallet simple. Chosen were grey, both light and dark; fuchsia; white and black. The grey tones are not part of my normal color family. In fact, grey is one of my least favorite colors. Given that this class was supposed to help me reach outside my comfort zone I made the decision to challenge my norms by adding colors unusual to me.
Another Door
Minimalist Design, Maximum Impact taught me the qualities of a well-balanced art piece. Learning these traits opened my eyes to new opportunities to analyze my own work. These revelations, in essence, swung open another door.
Doorway Features
Just as with Blue Doorthis mini art piece also reflects the imagery of a doorway.
The doorway was assembled using strategically placed rectangles of color.
Standing outside looking in you will notice a window made from fuchsia cotton fabric.
Radiating from the window is additional rectangular shapes fashioned from a soft grey, more fuchsia and white. These added fuchsia and white fabrics give the door interest.
Emphasizing the image of a door knob is the oversized silver snap.
Strips of fuchsia colored cotton lead your eye to the outer right edge of my piece. By leading your eye in that direction I am enticing you to reach for and turn the door knob.
To add even more interest and encouragement of motion I added hand quilting. The stitched lines in and around the door bring your focus to the opportunity for discovery. An open door can lead to new and exciting experiences.
The grey stitches reaching from the left edge outward to the right give my piece even more movement. A movement that should also tease you to open wide the door.
The Final Details
1973
Measures: 11 7/8” L x 9 3/8” W
It Contains: Cotton fabrics
Is bound and backed with: Black fabric
Is sandwiched with: Warm & Natural Batting
In Conclusion
This was the second of many art quilts to develop during the Minimalist Design, Maximum Impact class. I will continue to reveal the other ones in future posts.
I hope that you have enjoyed reading about and seeing my latest art piece. Perhaps the tips shared will help you when analyzing your own works of art.
Please Share!
If there were aspects of my quilt or techniques that you found interesting, please share those thoughts. I learn so much from your comments.
Thank You!
Thank you for visiting! I look forward to our next opportunity.
