October 2012
Inma Lorente
October 31, 2012 - 10:32am | Melvix
Custom Portrait: Long Beach Livin'
October 30, 2012 - 8:48am | Cristy
I like doing custom pieces. It is a challenge to capture the qualities that make that person who they are. The image always changes a bit but hopefully the element that makes that person recognizable is still there. And, it can be a challenge to work through whatever photo limitiations you get (low resolution, dark picture, tiny image, etc.) Each piece is unique and that makes it interesting.
Here is a bit more about the process.
Old Bay Embroidery II
October 29, 2012 - 10:11am | Cristy
When you are self-taught and stubborn, it can take a while to learn things.
Here is a good example. I do not do counted cross-stitch. So, I beleived that I did not need the aida or even weave fabric used by cross-stitchers. I wanted to do an embroidery of an Old Bay can. I drew it and re-drew it and got it ready to transfer to fabric to sew. I used the linen-like fabric that I have tons of (thrifted) and regularly use for all my stuff. I liked it OK but it did not come out with straight lines and was sort of wonky looking. It looked hand done, it looked interesting but it was not exactly what I had envisioned or wanted it to be.
So, I realized that in my stash of sewing supplies I had some even weave fabric. And, I decided to do a second Old Bay embroidery. Being able to count the threads meant that the proportions never skewed. I could ensure that the lid or the blue section stayed the same width all the way across. It was fantastic. The fabric worked with me, not against me. The right tools work to help you achieve the desired effect rather than thwarting you and making you curse every stitch. And, I do mean that literally. Who knew? Well, lots of people actually but now I know it as well-- having stubbornly learned it the hard way.
Side by side-- see what I mean?
(Left) Original Old Bay on linen (Right) Second Old Bay on even weave fabric
The Birds of Catherine Frere-Smith
October 27, 2012 - 7:18am | Cristy
I love the embroidered birds of Catherine Frere-Smith. The detail is spectacular. I love the feet! I swear that any minute they will start warbling and singing and cock their heads.
I also love her textile designs. If you look closely, you can see how well the fabric works with the stiching to create the depth of detail. The fabric used is her own design. Side note: it would make me happy to make something with the fabric that has badgers and sheep.
She currently splits her time between making stitched and embroidered items, and more commercial printed textiles. Check out her Etsy shop!
One more, because I love owls!
Polish sausage recorder by Adam Niklewicz
October 25, 2012 - 9:43am | MelvixAmong other amusing artworks having a Polish theme.
It says it's fully-functional. Here it is in action.
