Sunday, January 12, 2014

Another little beaded piece

This is a little piece that I have done (it's finished now and properly edged).  This was done for the Kemshall course and I've varied a bit from the course requirements.  Here I've used thickened procion MX dye and, as instructed, have flicked it from a toothbrush, through a stencil that I had made earlier.  I didn't think I would like the technique but in the end I think it's ok.  I'm afraid it's a bit too out-of-control for me.  But perhaps it just feels that way because it's winter and I had to do the flicking in the house, in my guest room/studio.  It's the 'guest room' part of the activity that had me a bit stressed but in the end I think it was all right: I placed the fabric inside a box and flicked the dye onto the fabric and managed to keep most (all??? I hope) of the dyes inside the box.  I've used cotton sateen and it was a dream to stitch through and didn't show any stitch marks, so unlike the other cottons I've been using. I might have to switch!

But now I've stalled a wee bit in my textile endeavours while I tend to some of my resolutions.....to empty out some of the clutter that I have all around.  I'm a great collector of books, but I seem to have collected way past my shelves' ability to contain, so I am culling.  Oh my goodness, it's hard to weed out  my books, but I'm determined to make some space, if only to get some of these piles of newer books under control.  So I have four boxes ready to go out the door but still don't seem to have made much of a dent in the piles lying around.  I shall persevere.....

And, of course, I'll be back....

11 comments:

  1. Good solution to yourr splatter !
    I have also been de-cluttering … to the point that I have to limit my blogging and blog-reading !
    My space is nearly, completely culled … and I'm starting to feel free ! And in spite of major projects sitting on the ironing board glaring at me.

    ReplyDelete
  2. OOooo, good work on the de-cluttering. I am hoping I'll get to the 'feeling free' part before too long! It does tend to clutter up the brain as well, doesn't it? Another thing I'm trying, an idea from my friend Joan, is to put away two things every time I walk into my studio (or any room just now, for that matter!). It really does make a difference, and it's not too overwhelming. Baby steps, but they still get you there! Tks for stopping by...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Another de-cluttering idea: do it with a friend. Donna and I are de-cluttering together...we phone each other each evening to report on the day's cleaning out of boxes, drawers, shelves, whatever. It's fun and it does encourage one to do 'something' every day...more baby steps that really work...

      Delete
    2. Excellent ideas … will definitely try the first every day !

      Delete
  3. Marny, I love what you've done with the spattering technique. And I am so impressed with the decluttering project too.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Marny, have you gone 'cold sheep' in your effort to declutter?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lesley, alas I'm not familiar with the 'cold sheep' concept....is it a special New Zealand thing, perhaps a new de-cluttering technique? or is it what one tries, after too much Christmas turkey??
      I'm still weeding out my books, a painful process indeed!!! Honestly, they're like little friends!! parting, sweet sorrow, etc.

      Delete
    2. You have heard of 'cold turkey', right? 'Cold sheep' is when you quit buying and make the commitment to use only what is in your stash.
      Don't be too ruthless with your beloved books. Remember they are good house insulation when stacked against walls.

      Delete
    3. Ah yes. then yes, 'cold sheep'. I'm giving it my best shot!!! And according to your theory, that would explain why my house has been so cozy and warm for years!!! I'll have to make myself something warm to wear,....from my stash, of course!!

      Delete
  5. I really like the idea of 'baby steps' to decluttering and tidying - not frightening! I need to cull and sort too and the two things away each time I go into my room sounds really manageable.
    I can't get rid of books ... and fabric ... and old tubes of paint ... and all that equipment I bought for a workshop and never used again ... so much stuff and my husband is offering extra shelves so I may not be able to avoid it for much longer

    ReplyDelete