The Stitched Journal Project is: Makers from around the world creating one "page" or piece of work per month and sharing. It is a project to get the ideas flowing, to process the days in a creative way, to try new techniques and to push past fears that keep us from making something. It isn't about perfection, or getting it "just right," it is about process and perspective.
July
Mixed Media
It all started with an antique Czech belt buckle made of wood that my mother sent me over a year ago. The short version of the long story is that I got an idea, and then another one. Which led me to dig out some wooden game pieces I picked up at my local thrift about 100 years ago.
I drilled some holes - using the Engineer's tools while he was out. I stained them and waxed them. Then I tried to teach myself... with only my mind's eye to guide me... how to weave directly onto a very small wooden button using waxed embroidery thread.
Clearly, I need a little practice. I did however, learn lots of things NOT to do. Even it's roughest form, I'm liking where this is going, and I have some grand crafty plans indeed.
The background is an amazing antique linen, as in - at least 100 years old! Each piece was aged in an infusion of various teas. As luck would have it, my good mate, occasional glamorous assistant, and all around crafty inspiration, Jane from Flaming Nora; has just done a lovely tutorial on aging fabric with tea!
So, I've tried all sorts of new techniques with this piece and feel a bit of inspiration. Plus it has lovely muted colors just in time for back to school.
Below you will find links to the wonderful makers and their Stitched Journal Project pieces for August. Please keep your eyes on this spot in the next couple of days as more add their links. Be sure to visit them and leave comments!
If you think you would like to join in as well, it's not too late! We will be sharing our pieces the last Friday of every month at least until the end of the year. We'd love to have you.
All of you wonderful Stitched Journal Project participants please link up below! Remember to add your photos to The Stitched Journal Flickr Group! and be sure to share with Facebook, Twitter, etc!
I love the wooden pieces and the aged linen.I love how you had the idea to weave and just try and the result is most satisfactory It has encouraged me to experiment and not worry about finished pieces! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI love it - natural colours and natural material...
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful and unique.
ReplyDeleteI am intrigued by your evolving haberdashery creations. Yes, the antique buckle is lovely, and your seeing the possibilities offered by the game disks made a great connection.
ReplyDeleteA friend once brought me a little kit including materials to make traditional Dorset Buttons. Of course, she knew I would love this ...and I did. What you are doing with your tiny weaving is lovely.
Do you know of Karen Barbe's beautiful textile designs? I love what she does to give new twists to traditional South American textile elements.
I also thank you for the link to Nora's place. I had a fine visit there. xo
Ah thank you my lovely!
ReplyDeleteAnd Augusts piece is truly stunning. I love it and has got me thinking about how to take the old tea dipping further.
Such an artistic use of weaving and stitching! I would love to try this!
ReplyDeleteThe button weaving is really interesting. Very unusual and very striking.
ReplyDeleteI'm actually hoping I might manage a Stitched Journal post next month, fingers crossed.