Saturday, May 15, 2010

Hidden Treasures - Judy


My initial list of new techniques to explore with my challenge piece was too long and ambitious.  "Oh," thought I, "you could be opening a can of worms."  So I resolved to focus on stitching by machine and painting.
 
I liked the idea of adding to the needlework journal I started a few years ago (two pages started, none finished) and I had a template for the shape.  It measures about ten inches square.  I'll decide how to bind it when I have a few more pages.

I searched out all the textured, neutral fabrics in my stash, chopped them into rectangles and collaged and fused them onto batting and heavy-weight interfacing.  I like the texture that the close quilting adds.  I then mixed green paint with gel medium and gave the whole thing a wash, followed by some foliage-like streaks and stencilled posies.  I wanted the background to reflect the ungainly, cartoonish hen I had planned.  I threadpainted the hen (a first!) and finished just as I was getting the hang of feathers.  Is there a sweet little bluebird or a regal rooster to come? 

9 comments:

  1. This is great -- your thread painted rooster is very well done.
    I really liked the way you quilted it and your thread painting is very well done. I like the way you did your background. Isn't this fun? Shirley

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  2. What a delightful picture, it makes me smile. Your thread painting is wonderful!

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  3. Great job on your thread painting! That is on my next to do list. Maybe the next challenge piece. Your hen is too cute!

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  4. I love that this will go in your journal. I like how your painting worked in with the background. Your hen is great!

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  5. You have to smile when you look at the hen. I like your painted background and the quilting on your piece.

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  6. I love everything about this piece. There is so much detail! I love the feathers binding the piece. You do fabulous thread work!

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  7. Your thread painted hen is beautifully done. Nice that it is going into a journal.
    Delia

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  8. I too love everything about this piece. Please don't do anything else to it. It is finished - don't bind it. I really must try some of the techniques you mentioned. Fresh colours, delightful subject - totally enjoyable.

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  9. oops! I called it a Rooster! it is so well done I don't want to insult her! Shirley

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