I really enjoy working creating visual art. Vintage buttons, tattered cloth, well-loved quilts are items I try to incorporate, whenever possible, into my projects; polyester stretch velvet would never have entered my mind. While participating in the Susan Lenz class in May, 2019, at Woodland Ridge Retreat I learned to appreciate its many possibilities. The small item I am sharing today was initiated during Susan’s class.
Soft and fuzzy are adjectives used to describe, among other things, texture. The name chosen for this fiber art piece, Soft and Fuzzy, was selected because of the various velvets used. All five layers were adhered together with a fusible webbing. Unlike several of my previous items, this one was not covered with a layer of mesh which left exposed the soft and fuzzy feeling of the velvet; hence the inspiration for the name.
Soft and Fuzzy, AP # 102
Soft and Fuzzy measures 7 3/4” x 9 3/4”. Staying consistent with the other members of this series, this item was framed with a black cotton border. Except for the nine French knots all of the quilting was added with my sewing machine. Since the velvet fabrics were fused together I saw no need for stitching over their raw edges. Soft and Fuzzy, the seventh of fourteen polyester stretch velvet projects, makes a wonderful addition to my portfolio.
If someone had told me I would use polyester stretch velvet in an art piece I would have thought them crazy. Now look at me; I’m about to share my sixth specimen. I guess stranger things could happen.
I began today’s art piece while in attendance at the Susan Lenz class at the Woodland Ridge Retreatcenter. Around the Square, AP # 101 measures 7 3/4” x 9 3/4”. Contained within are three layers of polyester stretch velvet. All were secured to together with a light fusible webbing then covered with a very fine mesh. Giving the three inner rectangles, as well as the outer black border, definition is a similarly themed stitch pattern.
Around the Square, AP # 101
Around the Square, AP # 101 is currently offered for sale at Raven’s Wish. If you are interested in making an inquiry you may do so by contacting either myself or them directly.
Let’s celebrate! Well, not quite yet. Before we pop the cork on the champagne let’s turn the calendar pages back a bit.
Not too long ago I made the choice to turn the wheels of my art cart in a different direction. The course change meant giving up my customer-based longarm quilting business for total focus on my own endeavors. The decision, although very hard, was a longtime in the making.
As was shared in a previous visit, selling my art to fellow enthusiasts meant finding an outlet for the transactions to take place. The location I selected was Raven’s Wish. Just because I chose them didn’t mean they would mutually agree. On a very exciting day in January, my husband and I packed items from my portfolio into the truck of our car and headed to the gallery. Upon arrival I popped in to see if the owner, Alicia Reid, had time to visit. Alicia was currently visiting with an individual but was willing to divert her attention to my direction. After returning to my car, where my husband was patiently waiting, we retrieved my belongings and proceeded inside.
Shared with Alicia were samples of my small fabric art pieces, my meditative hand stitching items and my newly created greeting cards. Alicia carefully examined the items before her. As she pondered I presented my application and inquired about the jury process. With a smile on her face she announced that the jury process was complete. She was more than happy to display selected pieces of my art in her gallery and offer them up for sale. I’m sure you can imagine the elation I felt. How wonderful it was to have someone give value to my art. After mutually agreeing on pricing we entered into a contract.
Alicia now has nine of my polyester stretch velvet projects, four of my meditative hand stitchery pieces and three of my improv fabric art creations. All of the above are available for purchase on a commission basis. Purchased outright were twelve of my greeting cards.
Tuxedo, AP # 84
X’s and O’s, AP # 75
1973, AP # 74
Raspberry Lemonade, AP # 152
Rolling Down the River, AP # 155
What’s Not to Like, AP # 159
Some of the items on sale at Raven’s Wish
During our discussion I mentioned the solo art exhibit I was privileged to experience at Blue Bar Quilts last fall. If Alicia was aware of the event I thought it would give her the opportunity to visit my blog and peruse the other items in my portfolio. At the mention of my previous event Alicia then offered me the opportunity to do the same at her gallery. After discussing several options we decided to schedule a show for the month of August. I think my heart skipped several beats when Alicia made the suggestion. Internally I was flabbergasted! I’ve been happily working with fiber arts for decades always wondering if it was worthy of appreciation. Having another well-known establishment acknowledge my endeavors was something I had never thought possible.
When I left Raven’s Wish, on that very memorable day in January, I believe I floated out the door. My decision to change course had been validated. Along with it came an even stronger desire to expand my portfolio. Alicia’s nod lifted my spirits and gave my ego the boost it desired. I know that life is not always filled with champagne bubbles and roses but for now I’m going to bask in the glow of this sweet, sweet experience.
