When I got home last night (at regular time, thankyouverymuch) I was still bummed out. After feeding the dogs I decided to go play in the barn for awhile. The gorgeous silk that I paintstik'd has been calling out to me for days. After doing some quick measuring, I cut off 8 postcard sized pieces and started pulling fabrics to make some fusible-applique leaves. Don't cut fabric on a cluttered table - we all know why, right? You cut the stuff under the other stuff. Duh. It was another opportunity to make lemonade... I got one of my very favorite leafy fabrics and pieced in a hunk of it, and did another crazy cut and added some more. I fused and thread painted, and couched down a hunk of the cat barf fibers.... and voila'. It may not be quite finished (so it could be a WIP!) - I'm considering throwing a few beads on it for good measure, but witness my very first postcard:
Y'all, this took me about 2 hours because there was a LOT of hem-hawing around. It takes awhile for me to make a decision. What I don't like: the appliqued leaves are in the center (bad composition) and the edges are a bit plain, and the end of the thread-painted stem shows (needs beads or another couched fiber). What I do like: the fuzzy fiber border (I've got a lot of yarn like this, yay!!) and the colors. Isn't the fairy-frost fabric on the back pretty? What is only so-so: the olive green thread. I like the color but its a very fine (50 wt) thread (I used it for all the stitching) and should have done two rounds of satin stitching on the edge to give it more substance. Anyone willing to offer tips? Constructive criticism? How would you have done this one different?
My next ones will be made with just the painted silk background - I only chopped up one by mistake. I think there will be 3 leaves (hopefully not centered), and more of the same kind of fibers on it (maybe some more if I can dig some up). I'm also thinking there's a need for some hand-embroidery like a dainty feather stitched vine...
I'm really studying the mixed media techniques in that big journal quilts book I bought at Houston this year. Even though the 4" x 6" size is small, it may take a little more time to make the first few cards since I'm doing something new and different. And if I have to do some handwork, which I love, it will take a few extra minutes. :) But oh, my gosh, do I ever have a head-full of ideas.
The 12x12x12 challenge is a Quilt Studio Webring project for next year. The concept: A 2007 challenge consisting of 12 quilted pieces in a 12x12 inch format due on the 12th of each month. You can read the guidelines by following the link above. I think it will be fun - and the larger size offers a good amount of space for composition and detail. I wonder if I could have a vague theme like "Mixed Media" rather than plan a year of some VERY specific theme? I have a lot of techniques I'd like to try, and this could be a good way to learn. I like the theme that Fran chose - Nature Through The Year. This obviously requires more thought; there's still plenty of time to make that decision.
To wrap this up, I'll show you the poinsettia I bought this year for my office:
As you can see by the few green leaves on this baby, I'm well on my way toward killing it off. :) That watering thing is so important!!!
I agree with Debra--cards are fun. What I sometimes do is not finish one if I don't like it. I just put the top away to save, maybe to finish later in a revised version, or not. That makes it a bit more relaxed. I like yours, by the way. And anyone you send it to will love it.
Posted by: Kay | December 20, 2006 at 12:34 PM
Very nice! I intend to do one of those "one of these days".
Posted by: Beth | December 17, 2006 at 02:42 PM
very nice! Never made one myself, but it's on my to do list.
Good job!
Posted by: Beth | December 17, 2006 at 02:41 PM
Your PC's are great and I think Mixed Media is a great 12.12.12 theme - That is what I choose too and it will be interesting to see what differnt techniques we can come up with - to compare and contrast.
Posted by: Pam Patton | December 17, 2006 at 06:39 AM
I'm glad to hear you will be doing the 12X challenge. I am looking forward to it!
I like the postcard!
Posted by: DebGeyer | December 14, 2006 at 08:56 PM
That looks like a great first card! I think beading would be a beautiful addition. I'm thinking about the 12 X challenge, too.
Posted by: Susan | December 14, 2006 at 06:40 PM
What a gorgeous postcard! Wow! I'm excited about the 12 x 12 journal challenge, too.
Posted by: The Carolina Quilter | December 14, 2006 at 01:49 PM
The worst is using the rotary cutter and discovering a stray pin that nicks the blade. Well, maybe not the worst...but annoying.
My postcards always take a long time. I think I'm going to dash them off, but it never happens. Love the fairy-frost fabric.
Posted by: jenclair | December 14, 2006 at 12:22 PM
I can't tell you how many fabric tape measures I've sliced in half because they were buried under whatever I was rotary cutting at the time. Love the postcard!
Posted by: sueb | December 13, 2006 at 06:48 PM
First hint on the postcards: Relax and have a good time! They do get faster as you make more of them. I never worry about them much--I think of them as instant art! You will have a blast with the 12x12x12 Portfolio Challenge. Mixed media is vague but you will probably fall into a style soon with your ideas.
Posted by: Debra Spincic | December 13, 2006 at 05:40 PM