mounting fiber art onto stretched canvas

Abstract Log Cabin, Art Piece # 38

Bubbles, AP 38
| Cindy Anderson

Operation Renovation:

On my agenda today is the continuation of Operation renovation. I began a series earlier this year to adapt several of my fiber art pieces for mounting on stretched canvas frames. The candidates chosen were items that had been completed months or even years ago. In my opinion, all of them had a mediocre existence.

To prepare my subjects for a make-over I first stripped away their bindings and other finishing touches. Once that was complete the renovation process could begin. Some of the changes were subtle while others were quite dramatic; watching each one morph from its original status to a freshly refurbished fiber art piece was amazing.

In The Beginning:

This specimen was originally created as a building block for Neighbors, Art Piece # 37.

Neighbors, AP 37 Neighbors, Art Piece # 37

 

After struggling to fit it into the design I made the decision to keep it as a solo specimen.

Bubbles, AP 38 Bubbles, Art Piece # 38

 

 

 

The center of the block was a leftover scrap from one of my earlier art pieces. Thankfully I saved the remnant because it made a great building block for this one. The pieced center is surrounded by two borders; the first is a shade of magenta and the second a faded denim. In it’s original version, the fiber art piece was quilted with a straight-line motif using a variegated thread.

The Renovation:

During my quest to repurpose/reinvent a number of my specimens I chose this one as a candidate. Not too much had to be done to adapt it for mounting on a stretched canvas frame. The original facings were stripped away. The resulting raw edges were then trimmed to freshen them up. A new border was added to adapt it for mounting on canvas. To blend the original faded denim border with the new addition I chose to use the same color fabric. Once the size was adequate for mounting I added a layer of batting and backing, then attached the sandwich to the frame.

Hand-Stitching:

Typically once the fiber art quilt is attached no further stitching is required; however, lately I have been adding a variety of hand stitches to some of my smaller pieces. The hand stitches add an element of design that would not be possible with a sewing machine. When the items are small they are easy to work with because the wooden frame acts as an embroidery hoop, giving the fabric stability.

Essential Element:

For this item hand stitching was essential. While the colors of the specimen were interesting they lacked the luster I desired. To initiate my embellishment process I selected an overly large button with numerous holes. Rather than stitching it to the frame with the button perpendicular to its edges  I chose to place it on the diagonal. Next I secured the button in place by running a few simple stitches through the holes; which by the way are difficult to see now.

Drizzle Stitch:

Sue Spargo has a book called Creative Stitching, Second Edition. I enjoy reading through and experimenting with some of the stitches in her book. One of my favorites is the drizzle stitch. The three dimensional stitch creates twisted protrusions that extend above the fabric surface. The holes of my added button seemed like the perfect place to insert them.

Look closely and you will see that I used a variety of thread colors and lengths of drizzle stitch to fill in the holes of the button. The combination of the on-point button and the drizzle stitches reminded me of a flower’s center. To capitalize on that idea I added four groupings of hand-applied stitching along the sides of the button. Each of the lines is capped-off with a matching colored French knot. The added lines represent the petals of a flower.

Wow:

With the addition of the button, and hand stitching this composition went from ho hum to WOW; which makes this operation renovation project an obvious success. I’m so glad I decided to give this small fiber art piece a second chance.

New Identity:

Originally titled Bubbles because of the circles seen throughout many of the fabrics, I decided the title no longer applied. While pondering the many available options,  I very easily could have selected something with a floral theme; instead I chose to identify the structure of the original block as the basis for the new name. This block has the essence of a log cabin design. Going with that as my significant feature I have named this item Abstract Log Cabin, Art Piece # 38.

This is how my newly renovated project looked when she left the studio.

Abstract Log Cabin, AP 38 Abstract Log Cabin, Art Piece # 38

 

Final Details:

In it final form Abstract Log Cabin measures 12” x 12” x 1 1/2”. Added to the back of the frame is a paper barrier to protect the art piece from dust and bugs. Two d-rings and wire were attached to make it easy to be hung on a wall. Also added are silicone bumpers to help with stability and encourage ventilation.

Opinions Wanted:

So, what do you think? Was this a worthwhile project? Does the composition look better now than she did before?

Thank You:

Thank you for reading to the very end!

Have a grand day!

Cindy Anderson

Fiber Art By Cindy Anderson

Art Pieces 192-199

One Eyed Monster, AP 192
| Cindy Anderson

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!

One Eyed Monster, AP 192
One Eyed Monster, Art Piece # 192

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.

EcoPrint, AP 193
EcoPrint, Art Piece # 193

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.

Shiny Blue Moon, AP 194
Shiny Blue Moon, Art Piece # 194

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.

Navel Orange, AP 195
Navel Orange, Art Piece # 195

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.

Raspberry Orange Slush, AP 196
Raspberry Orange Slush, Art Piece # 196

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.

Hashtag, AP 197
Hashtag, Art Piece # 197

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.

Bruised, AP # 198
Bruised, Art Piece # 198

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.

Floating Triangles, AP 199
Floating Triangles, Art Piece # 199

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!

Fiber Art By Cindy Anderson

Up, Art Piece # 19

Up, AP # 19
| Cindy Anderson

The Odd One, AP 17
The Odd One, Art Piece # 17

Ahoy, AP # 18
Ahoy, Art Piece # 18

Do you remember The Odd One, Art Piece # 17 and Ahoy, Art Piece # 18? I wrote about their adventures recently. Both were part of a reassignment project that focused on turning boring art pieces into something much more attractive. The composition I am showing today was part of that process. Let’s take a look.

The Beginning:

Three different fiber art pieces were dismantled for this renovation project. They were: The Chosen Nine, Four Friends I and Four Friends II. The reassignment process netted 17 different blocks and of those two were singled out for this specimen. Both were chosen because of their similarities. A close look at the two blocks will show that they appear to be arrows. Also of interest is the fabrics found on the right side of each arrow; look closely and you will see that they are identical. These similarities made putting them together a natural choice.

Simplicity:

Aside from trimming each block down to 4 1/2” x 4 1/2”, not much else needed to be done. I selected a gorgeous blue fabric to act as a spacer between the two blocks as well as borders for the outside edges. Before attaching it to a 11” x 14” stretched canvas frame I layered the new quilt top with batting and a backing. The quilting in the arrow blocks was already present. To the surrounding blue fabric I added lines of straight-line quilting with a variegated thread. Notice how they add an interesting design element of their own.

The Finish:

Long before I added the last quilting stitch I decided what name I would give to this item. Given that the two blocks looked like arrows, I purposely arranged them to point in an upward direction. The upward movement inspired me to name this fiber art piece Up, Art Piece # 19.

As with all my other frame mounted art projects, this one was given a protective paper backing. The backing serves as a barrier from dust and bugs. A hanging system of two d-rings and wire was attached to aid in display. To provide for ventilation and stability silicone bumpers were added.

I think the appearance of this fiber art piece is far more appealing now that it was before. See for yourself.

Up, AP # 19
Up, Art Piece # 19

Thank You:

I appreciate your interest in my activities and your willingness to read this journal to the very end! Your participation has made my day!

 

Cindy Anderson

Fiber Art By Cindy Anderson