tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24078780819893126852024-03-13T03:19:39.215-04:00Cathy Spivey Mendola~my journey through fiber art, jewelry & life~Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.comBlogger215125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-64569056699258430292020-04-30T02:00:00.000-04:002020-04-30T02:00:03.723-04:00Art Elements April Theme Reveal-BeesWell here we are again at the end of another month and still dealing with the coronavirus crisis-stuck in our homes and learning how to deal with life in new ways. In some ways it feels as though 6 months have past in the last 6 weeks. We are all trying to navigate this by staying busy whether that means making art, baking, reading, exercising, bingeing on Netflix or just watching tutorials or silly videos on YouTube. Whatever you're doing to stay busy and stay sane-keep doing it. Hopefully we are closer to getting back to socialization, however limited it may be, in the next few weeks.<br />
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For this month's theme over at <a href="https://www.artelements.net/bees-the-art-elements-theme-for-april/">Art Elements Niky chose Bees</a>! I wanted to do several projects but only managed to get one finished. I had planned 2 stitched pieces and one beaded piece-but it just wasn't meant to bee. LOL<br />
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I did however search through my photos to find these bee pics. The above photo was my inspiration for the only stitched piece I was able to create.<br />
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This photo dates back several years when I had an abundance of purple coneflowers all around my yard in Illinois. They were beautiful. They never failed to give me tons of spectacular blossoms. The ones in my front yard were much more prolific than the ones in the backyard. I made the mistake of planting some at the edge of the pond behind my house and the Canadian geese loved to snack on them. They kept them very well pruned so I didn't have quite so many blooms. The ones in the front yard were always full of bees and butterflies.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bee hive at Burt's Bees in Durham, NC</td></tr>
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The next photos are from the Burt's Bees corporate offices in Durham, NC. They have painted a wonderful mural on the side of the building and almost every time I go I take pics. The live bees above are in a window on the side of the building as well. The hive is sandwiched between glass so the public can view them working.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the quote-'The Good of the Hive"</td></tr>
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Now-on to the stitch project that took up WAY too much time. I wanted to stitch a purple coneflower with a bee. I didn't want the bee on the flower but flying to the flower so that you could actually see the bee better than blending in with the center of the flower. Also I figured it would be much easier to stitch separately rather than sitting on the flower.<br />
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I sketched what I wanted in my sketchbook, then I sketched it again on linen that I had colored with Aquarelle crayons. I just used the crayons as though I was coloring across paper- back and forth overlapping some strokes and leaving blank spaces in between. Very loosely coloring it in then I used a wet sponge brush and smeared the crayon across the fabric to blend as though I was watercoloring. I went back over it in areas with more crayon and more wet sponging, then let it dry and ironed with parchment paper on top so I didn't mess my iron up. It dries much lighter than it looks when wet but I just wanted a faint color on the background.<br />
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Once I got ready to sketch my design on I realized it was way too light so I added just a faint wash of watercolor paint on top of the crayon. I let it dry & was happier with the new colors.<br />
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After sketching I began stitching and did the darker color pink stitching first then began the lighter pinks. I was using 2 strands of thread and it was not looking at all how I had planned. Soooo, ripped & cut out all the stitches and started over. I used one one strand of thread the second time. I was much happier with the look when using 1 thread. Then I stitched the stem, not bad. Then I started stitching the leaves-ugh. Not happy so I ripped the first half of the first leaf out and started over! I don't know why this piece gave me such a hard time. I stressed out so much over this piece that I took several breaks and worked on a new piece using some mindless kantha style running stitches to ease my anxiety.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower, stem are done, leaves in progress</td></tr>
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Once the flower, stem and leaves were done I let it sit for a few days before sketching the bee as I had waited until the flower was done before figuring out exactly how close I wanted the bee.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of bee after stitching a second time!</td></tr>
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I stitched the bee while referring to photos of real bees and then the wings had me stumped. How to stitch those to get a transparent quality? Or just use artistic license and stitch them however the heck I want to? Well I stitched them like I wanted and then when I was done I liked them. I felt like the flower and the bee just weren't enough. I stewed and wrung my hands and perused Pinterest looking for inspiration as to how to give this a little bit of oomph. I pondered a circular border of leaves/vines or flowers. Then I thought about some sort of honeycomb pattern with stitches. Then I just settled on added some 3-d grasses with a stitch called 'turkey work' and some flat stitches to mimic grasses and weeds. I love the fluffy grassy area.<br />
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Close-up of fluffy grass using turkey work stitching </td></tr>
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I thought I was done until I took photos and uploaded them to add to this blog post. Well, I really don't like the wings now. So yes, I am ripping out the stitching on the wings and will be re-doing them tonight. Photo of close-up of bee is after ripping out the first wings and re-stitching.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jCRPmKInrE08eBWshWKkDiJka4cHKnnu357bjoLtzFWkwprVeliwbAf-wSunbMC22sPAydDmVN1kaqQoRYjRy9U-Hcezf05uOOsJf6WfKUzIYJ7s5jT3xuU3padk-zkI63-_BDywnVY/s1600/IMG_0371.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jCRPmKInrE08eBWshWKkDiJka4cHKnnu357bjoLtzFWkwprVeliwbAf-wSunbMC22sPAydDmVN1kaqQoRYjRy9U-Hcezf05uOOsJf6WfKUzIYJ7s5jT3xuU3padk-zkI63-_BDywnVY/s640/IMG_0371.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of grasses/weeds at the base of the flower</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIOwUgAtWp0cHb-mgVQocARlEa9cj2xUvKOP5zYzNbhPPNxPBBWumdfOHndUjHUUi3nZ99PV9rqHhnDO_pyUjbSiUPkZBnWlypZvVLXHuDPWVn-k5ry6JkzlGn6uVh9sYMR632f-my-4/s1600/IMG_0367.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1518" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIOwUgAtWp0cHb-mgVQocARlEa9cj2xUvKOP5zYzNbhPPNxPBBWumdfOHndUjHUUi3nZ99PV9rqHhnDO_pyUjbSiUPkZBnWlypZvVLXHuDPWVn-k5ry6JkzlGn6uVh9sYMR632f-my-4/s640/IMG_0367.jpeg" width="606" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full view of the hoop. I love the nubby texture of the linen I used, especially once I painted it. It really seemed to raise and highlight the texture even though it''s minimal color. The bonus was the crayons plus watercolors didn't leave the fabric stiff at all.</td></tr>
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Whew! For some reason this piece stymied me. I think it's time to do some beading and take a little break from stitching for a while.<br />
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I can't wait to see all the bee-autiful projects that everyone has come up with.<br />
This is a blog hop so grab a beverage and enjoy the creative tour. What else do you have to do right now?<br />
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Here are the list of participants this month;<br />
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<b>AE Team:</b><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://silverniknats.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1588257510637000&usg=AFQjCNHcIv-X7TJaTTFsCwsXmK737cw3og" href="https://silverniknats.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Niky</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://susankennedy.net/&source=gmail&ust=1588257510637000&usg=AFQjCNFlouyOwIDZaLJFwOm_wfoqAvWc5w" href="http://susankennedy.net/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Sue</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://jdaviesreazor.com/blog/?fbclid%3DIwAR3gM4844eBkKMce5c-IDqLA6DDziQRpnVw7lOJELymlxof_5yRGg8cIGQk&source=gmail&ust=1588257510637000&usg=AFQjCNENBUJH3gYqC-gmygO-06i7vb6pZQ" href="https://jdaviesreazor.com/blog/?fbclid=IwAR3gM4844eBkKMce5c-IDqLA6DDziQRpnVw7lOJELymlxof_5yRGg8cIGQk" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Jenny</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://jencameron.net/march-theme-reveal-gnomes/&source=gmail&ust=1588257510637000&usg=AFQjCNFCCh0Iut_YHT5T5iHPlEl4C8eTXA" href="https://jencameron.net/march-theme-reveal-gnomes/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Jen</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://cmendola.blogspot.com/?fbclid%3DIwAR0ddWSb1zS7Ccql3iBwsmpv1wHColr4Mtu26selshhQJw_SgSkJJvervgw&source=gmail&ust=1588257510637000&usg=AFQjCNGTydovzFRWVPk8rdEDx3rJ2nNr_g" href="https://cmendola.blogspot.com/?fbclid=IwAR0ddWSb1zS7Ccql3iBwsmpv1wHColr4Mtu26selshhQJw_SgSkJJvervgw" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Cathy</a> You're here!<br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://blog.marshanealstudio.com/?fbclid%3DIwAR0pg5KkbfFTH_MKhYT1mF5T-0RMcmVvS5vKF6B7frDFj80qn45PdTB0BsE&source=gmail&ust=1588257510637000&usg=AFQjCNFcLioSJ5q4Fut6FrlaAyTakw8Rwg" href="http://blog.marshanealstudio.com/?fbclid=IwAR0pg5KkbfFTH_MKhYT1mF5T-0RMcmVvS5vKF6B7frDFj80qn45PdTB0BsE" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Marsha</a><br />
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<b>Guests:</b><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog/&source=gmail&ust=1588257510637000&usg=AFQjCNG7kOjgUlih4y0BYoBXTMmL-4ei-A" href="http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Tammy</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://catswire.blogspot.de/&source=gmail&ust=1588257510637000&usg=AFQjCNFAHyr_A8yguzBx_hDbXQlCeMo9Lw" href="https://catswire.blogspot.de/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Cat</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://chicchixnchampagne.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1588257510637000&usg=AFQjCNEAXCkKBn8C1i-ks9fSjK3biyGX0g" href="https://chicchixnchampagne.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Alysen</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1588257510637000&usg=AFQjCNENfx8ayG2JxLhU1yjyIt2o5Bj_yg" href="https://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Kathy</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/2020/04/art-elements-theme-of-month-april-2020.html&source=gmail&ust=1588257510637000&usg=AFQjCNGarXmrb_P7_6_NyRsvmjAvnl2BsA" href="https://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/2020/04/art-elements-theme-of-month-april-2020.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Sarajo</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://meanderingwithkelly.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1588257510637000&usg=AFQjCNHAXZTcTqYYDU6_t-lHvZyjSEReDw" href="https://meanderingwithkelly.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Kelly</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1588257510637000&usg=AFQjCNFWZKIE3WxVzyK9tDwOoCJ7wgI_KQ" href="http://ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Evie and Beth</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://craftyhope.com/&source=gmail&ust=1588257510637000&usg=AFQjCNEtgarta5CGSGveuCrpjZmzC0jC_A" href="https://craftyhope.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Hope</a><br />
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Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-65161583575175672372020-03-28T02:00:00.000-04:002020-04-30T14:10:52.642-04:00Art Elements March Theme-GnomesFor this month's<a href="https://www.artelements.net/gnomes-the-art-elements-theme-for-march/"> Art Elements' theme Jenny chose gnomes</a>. I love this theme and was so excited that she chose these little magical creatures. I remembered that my mother-in-law had given our daughter a book about gnomes when she was a toddler. So I went in search of the book for inspiration. When I found it packed away in my daughter's childhood books I realized it is the exact same book that Jenny referenced in her original gnome theme post. <i>Gnomes</i> is written by Wil Huygen and beautifully illustrated by Rien Poortvliet. I also searched Pinterest for inspiration and came across quite a few gnome illustrations from Fritz Baumgarten.<br />
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I didn't do all this searching and researching about gnomes until almost mid month as I was busy working on wedding favors for our daughter's wedding during the first few weeks. The anxiety of whether the wedding may end up being postponed or altered in some way is wearing heavily on me, so I decided to stop work on the wedding favors and concentrate on some cute little gnomes.<br />
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First I sketched the above version, based on an illustration by Fritz Baumgarten.<br />
It isn't exact but very similar. I didn't like his hands, I hate drawing hands and I thought stitching them would present an even more difficult task. The drawings were done to use as a pattern to transfer to stitching.<br />
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Since I didn't want to copy Baumgarten's painting exactly I drew up another similar but different enough to not be copying. And I hid the napping gnome's hands beneath his beard! The first drawing became a practice piece for watercolor. I decided even though I didn't love his hands to use this as an opportunity to get my watercolor paints and brushes out. I haven't painted since late summer/early fall. I like the soft colors of the watercolors in this one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr56uUTWn_S4vgnkBEmrsL8mzKWpVDaWPfPow6oAMSns21VnxQ1TuaylZvwHzwamPPsp3FSh1VPZF4wu0Bg43lwUy2c7b3PLtXvad2L3bZ5tmi3l_PYkckTWJHN1WlbK8tVsZVb04JliA/s1600/IMG_9958.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1233" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr56uUTWn_S4vgnkBEmrsL8mzKWpVDaWPfPow6oAMSns21VnxQ1TuaylZvwHzwamPPsp3FSh1VPZF4wu0Bg43lwUy2c7b3PLtXvad2L3bZ5tmi3l_PYkckTWJHN1WlbK8tVsZVb04JliA/s640/IMG_9958.jpeg" width="492" /></a></div>
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The second drawing that I decided to use for my stitch pattern was a chance to play with my Arteza brush ink pens. I bought the set last year and have only played with them a few times. These will take some time to get used to blending and the pressure used when laying down the color. These are a much brighter color than the watercolors.<br />
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Okay so much for painting with watercolors and inks. I think my thread paintings are a little bit better! So here is the design sketched onto natural linen with all the thread colors I pulled to create this piece. In reality I did use all of those colors except 4.<br />
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Back in January when I created the little cardinal in the pine wreath with holly & berries, I transferred the pattern directly onto the fabric and it worked wonderfully. Well, this time it did not work! I used the exact same method:scan the sketch from my sketchbook into photoshop, mirror & size the image, darken the image, print. Once printed I used a graphite pencil to outline the entire drawing with very dark lines. In January I flipped the image onto the fabric and used a spoon to burnish over the design and the graphite transferred onto the fabric. This time nothing happened. I am not sure if the linen fabric this time was too rough. It has a very uneven thread count. Anyway, I had to draw it directly onto the linen. So it isn't exact but it is darn near close.<br />
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I did have to do some adjustments as I stitched but not too many. I really love the way it turned out. It is very Christmas-y with the reds and greens. And his little footed jammies make him look more like a little Santa-like elf. Maybe I should've sketched boots on him or at the least sketched the boots over to the side as though he pulled them off for his nap.<br />
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Oh well, I guess that means I need to draw another and stitch another!<br />
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Another project that I had in mind but never got it off the ground was a little pewter gnome that my mother-in-law gave our daughter about the same time that she gave her the book. The gnome hangs from a silver chain. She actually wore it to school on picture day in kindergarten so I have that photo of her somewhere in the archives. I had planned to removed the gnome from the chain and glue it to some bead foundation to bead around. Then I wanted to place the beaded gnome on some felt and embroider a little scene around him and of course add some beads! I got as far as putting him on the bead foundation. Maybe you will see that project finished in the future.<br />
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This has certainly been a month for the records! In one sense I can't believe we are at the end of March already but in another sense it feels as though we have endured 3 months in just one. The stress, anxiety and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 makes it seem like we have been dealing with it much longer than a few weeks. I hope everyone has been busying themselves with art and creativity.<br />
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I am looking forward to seeing all the magical little gnomes that everyone has created.<br />
Grab a beverage and hop along through the blogs to see for yourself.<br />
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Here's the list of participants:<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>AE team:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://blog.marshanealstudio.com/&source=gmail&ust=1585423449240000&usg=AFQjCNHIkrhWUL29TYeMUPh7Bq4TpL_lIA" href="http://blog.marshanealstudio.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Marsha</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://cmendola.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1585423449240000&usg=AFQjCNGJ19v3VvK4ihiw4u08-UZkeq3CPQ" href="http://cmendola.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Cathy</a> You're here!</span></div>
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<a href="https://jencameron.net/march-theme-reveal-gnomes/#comment-74">Jen</a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.jdaviesreazor.com/blog&source=gmail&ust=1585423449241000&usg=AFQjCNHAgxOQfkl-Hk3VhR6r7gE5DNq4Cw" href="http://www.jdaviesreazor.com/blog" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Jenny</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://lesleywatt.com/&source=gmail&ust=1585423449241000&usg=AFQjCNEqslxKIRrkf1s1qmUV50Lf1ILSSg" href="http://lesleywatt.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Lesley</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://silverniknats.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1585423449241000&usg=AFQjCNE6K8Dfy9f7ue2tURw7x0_8WAlbBQ" href="http://silverniknats.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Niky</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Guests:</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog&source=gmail&ust=1585423449241000&usg=AFQjCNGBm7QmcGNTpHIKjaVvy8vT81O_BA" href="http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Tammy.</a></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://lindalandig.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1585423449241000&usg=AFQjCNHjDzMS12ts8w4pmmrh4slXaDQ4BA" href="http://lindalandig.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Linda</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://craftyhope.com/&source=gmail&ust=1585423449241000&usg=AFQjCNHpmpXDwHf5j6l9rY9lbEpMVr6M5w" href="http://craftyhope.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Hope</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://catswire.blogspot.com/">Cat</a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1585423449241000&usg=AFQjCNF2nj7ogtn6o3c47LjB0ij9yv97vA" href="http://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Sarajo</a></span></div>
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Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-24859247601425056902020-02-29T02:00:00.000-05:002020-02-29T02:00:00.206-05:00Art Elements February Theme Reveal-LettersFor February <a href="https://www.artelements.net/february-theme-challenge-letters/">Jen chose 'Letters' for the theme over at Art Element</a>s. You could interpret this in any way you like. As usual I had a ton of ideas & I even pulled some fabrics together with text on them to coordinate with some eco printed and rust dyed fabrics. It would've been a great project! But it never quite got off the ground as they say. Maybe I can return to it in the future.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with a small brush tip pen using a cursive type of calligraphy. This is a full page in a sketchbook 8.5x11 so it's rather large and much easier to do rather than small tiny letters.</td></tr>
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The reason I didn't pursue the fiber collage/quilt/embroidery is because I had designated the month of February for addressing my daughter's wedding invitations! So actually it fell right inline with this month's theme. I was excited about practicing my stylized handwriting, calligraphy, fancy cursive with brush pens, etc. I used to play around with very traditional calligraphy years ago. I even penned my own wedding invitations with calligraphy and took the original draft to a printer to have them printed. So I was determined to get my nib holder, nibs and ink out to refresh my mind and hand for addressing the stack of invitations.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again a full page in the large sketchbook, practicing large cursive letters. I had some fun with this one and used the blank spaces within the letters to doodle some flowers, leaves & vines.</td></tr>
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So much has changed in the years since I used to write using traditional calligraphy methods. My bottle of ink was pretty empty, my nibs were put away without washing and the dried ink left on nibs made it impossible to use them properly. So I washed and dried but they still were not making me happy. No worries, I wasn't really sure I wanted to do formal/traditional calligraphy on the invitations anyway. I turned to Pinterest & Instagram to look at all the beautiful brush letters that artists are creating now. Then I researched pens used for all those fancy letters. I went down the rabbit hole and bought a variety of brush pens, and calligraphy felt tip pens as well as bought a new speedball fountain pen with screw on nibs and ink cartridges. Once I was well equipped I started practicing and playing with all my new supplies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQGPW25A_nSEuLA1UoBWg4FVId-SbBzJZtK6a210JZZwkZdkFih5qp1n1eMF0pPE0Bg7u9MNzw_SZ6teZY8Ft_J0pTcQmYD53T7LX0oqjdexJGglNvAq2xTQ-mgFeuFP_QPaWEMXRBcA/s1600/IMG_9593.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQGPW25A_nSEuLA1UoBWg4FVId-SbBzJZtK6a210JZZwkZdkFih5qp1n1eMF0pPE0Bg7u9MNzw_SZ6teZY8Ft_J0pTcQmYD53T7LX0oqjdexJGglNvAq2xTQ-mgFeuFP_QPaWEMXRBcA/s640/IMG_9593.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An assortment of writing pens:fountain pen, assorted sizes of brush tip pens & felt tip calligraphy pens.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRV32NcSwULhuFd-dH88HJ6EN0r231nK3IHnNdrhjrWiTpHeERw4oha8MVmJxMAkmlOji4S2UQy1zooQ7NjFW8PMbjIYANLjTVTgObwKM3lVJT61yZBz-EQx3Nuiw8eG2x59AVjMazPXo/s1600/IMG_9594.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1105" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRV32NcSwULhuFd-dH88HJ6EN0r231nK3IHnNdrhjrWiTpHeERw4oha8MVmJxMAkmlOji4S2UQy1zooQ7NjFW8PMbjIYANLjTVTgObwKM3lVJT61yZBz-EQx3Nuiw8eG2x59AVjMazPXo/s640/IMG_9594.jpeg" width="441" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My old traditional nib holder with a little bowlful of nibs in assorted sizes, ink cartridges, India ink, and all my writing pens. To be honest, I already had quite a selection of felt tip calligraphy pens in larger sizes but they were all larger than I needed. And a bit dried up...</td></tr>
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I spent days and days practicing different handwriting styles. I will be honest, I still can't quite handle the brush pens and the pretty writing that people are doing with those. I don't know if it's the years of practicing calligraphy that is throwing me off. The different way you hold the pen and the different pressure?? Anyway, I wasn't comfortable enough with that to use for the invitations, besides the larger brush pens that are easier to use for lettering are way too large to address an envelope.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sEnkC4zDgJZKPMrViggxvRnMiO6Is2t8wVBTQlV4KyAsgUl0_uHd6eTe4q59MyCsOTWm_BpGgwSRjaejBMk7mJfNdu5it-R0Wt8NjiGnGONcBlSb7uEN_rpNFYCvEPlURs59XB9Z6lM/s1600/IMG_9576.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1208" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sEnkC4zDgJZKPMrViggxvRnMiO6Is2t8wVBTQlV4KyAsgUl0_uHd6eTe4q59MyCsOTWm_BpGgwSRjaejBMk7mJfNdu5it-R0Wt8NjiGnGONcBlSb7uEN_rpNFYCvEPlURs59XB9Z6lM/s640/IMG_9576.jpeg" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made a chart with the different pens for quick reference</td></tr>
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So I settled on using the speedball fountain pen with the smallest nib (1.1mm) for the invitations. But I was worried that my 'muscle memory' for holding the pen properly and writing slowly but with a good flow still wasn't what it should be. So I grabbed a small sketchbook that I had eco-printed last fall-a great place to practice more writing. I save quotes all the time. I used to write them on pieces of scrap paper & save pages from inspirational quote calendars. Which means I have amassed a large pile of 'stuff'. I decided the little eco-printed sketchbook would be perfect for writing down all my quotes in one little book. Killing 2 birds with one stone. Clear up the mess from my desk drawer and practice writing all in one fell swoop.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoV7pbiF2K2KIt_GWgWl_v-3eV4XJUAf200pqdnspxjuZmzNweXs61f5bwYcpRiEEZkKy4OacAhKY3ykg1k06HAszfALFwj86Gvb9JLRLu7n7VHgT8E1xo1unY1gwoQ4TtKr2VnouW1XA/s1600/IMG_9637.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoV7pbiF2K2KIt_GWgWl_v-3eV4XJUAf200pqdnspxjuZmzNweXs61f5bwYcpRiEEZkKy4OacAhKY3ykg1k06HAszfALFwj86Gvb9JLRLu7n7VHgT8E1xo1unY1gwoQ4TtKr2VnouW1XA/s640/IMG_9637.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FYI, the pages of this eco-printed sketchbook got quite rumpled from the steaming process and makes for a very rough surface when trying to write 'pretty'. The leaf is a result of making a mistake spelling righteousness!</td></tr>
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Big problem- I did this a few nights while trying to watch tv. That doesn't work when you are trying to write 'pretty'. You really do need to concentrate on what you're doing and pay attention to the rhythm of your hand. Stay in the moment! So I slipped back into my normal handwriting a few pages and I also made some mistakes. But this is a sketchbook and so I just drew over my mistakes sometimes where I could.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0O7xCXd358fHKzU9ZElT6LQUnbye3eJMiwe3q2NqB0NleWJT3WWiOxM7sNh36lyAQ4HOy5I71dVwB1a0Y3EtodbkYxo1eiuvQmngLA6_Vy80eGT74H9Zpi0rMT-wfvh_1_Sq2-EBgVxc/s1600/IMG_9639.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="1600" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0O7xCXd358fHKzU9ZElT6LQUnbye3eJMiwe3q2NqB0NleWJT3WWiOxM7sNh36lyAQ4HOy5I71dVwB1a0Y3EtodbkYxo1eiuvQmngLA6_Vy80eGT74H9Zpi0rMT-wfvh_1_Sq2-EBgVxc/s640/IMG_9639.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is when I reverted back to regular handwriting both cursive and printing.</td></tr>
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When I felt confident with writing I finally tackled the wedding invitations. I decided on a blended version of calligraphy. Sort of cursive and sort of an updated style of Italic Chancery. I knew that I should break it down and only do a limited number per day so my wrist didn't get tired and my writing get sloppy. I took 3 days to get them done and I admit I did made a few mistakes (thank goodness they always provide extra envelopes). But the invitations were sealed with wax, stamped and addressed & went out on time! (sorry I can't show the invitations as I don't want to announce people's addresses)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAT0GO6sIy_reNpnd-l-403D-vqH0PtYk6wCESJ96s-XsIfGQW_XPjuMKTk5j8RSfOldwZldAQ9vksoBUbqRnrj51HMZAdjdMMhFRJq3wnj7nNt7E_h828xR20DTaQUnxo8hhpxgKQ5jA/s1600/IMG_9640.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAT0GO6sIy_reNpnd-l-403D-vqH0PtYk6wCESJ96s-XsIfGQW_XPjuMKTk5j8RSfOldwZldAQ9vksoBUbqRnrj51HMZAdjdMMhFRJq3wnj7nNt7E_h828xR20DTaQUnxo8hhpxgKQ5jA/s640/IMG_9640.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This particular page was very uneven and I had a very hard time keeping my calligraphy pen at the proper angle. But all these stumbling blocks were a good exercise before I did the invitations.</td></tr>
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I am really sorry I didn't get to embroider a quote or do any quilting with my text fabrics but I did plow through my stack of saved quotes, practiced lots of lettering & addressed 92 wedding invitations. So I do feel like I accomplished a few things.<br />
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By the way, I plan to write about the process for eco-printing an entire sketchbook for the Art Elements blog in a few weeks. So stay tuned for more photos of my 'quote book'.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniU87_pOI2wqPX-iLuqqKmw1IxORf8Vp-smGzd24O9wHL7o3un9ZvZh9AWXHKFBbyfGNtaqgoTwzwQA2C0Id55QHv-Tu98r0rrb3GO7JyJXOJ4ab5sCma5eN4lkCZUm4lFkH1E0ZT4gs/s1600/IMG_9645.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniU87_pOI2wqPX-iLuqqKmw1IxORf8Vp-smGzd24O9wHL7o3un9ZvZh9AWXHKFBbyfGNtaqgoTwzwQA2C0Id55QHv-Tu98r0rrb3GO7JyJXOJ4ab5sCma5eN4lkCZUm4lFkH1E0ZT4gs/s640/IMG_9645.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-ups of the large lettering from the top photos and some of my practice rounds of Mr. & Mrs. for the invitations.<br />
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The learning from this month's theme is practice, practice and then practice some more. But I think that's probably true of anything you want to master. I will keep practicing with the brush pens as I really like the look of that style writing. Plus, I am planning to paint a 'Welcome' sign for the wedding. (it's an outdoor wedding at a lodge in the Rocky Mountains!) Maybe I'll write the word 'welcome' about 100 times in the large sketchbook before attempting to paint the word on the wooden board I have designated as the sign ;-)<br />
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Can't wait to see how many ways the participants have interpreted this theme. You can take a tour of the blogs to see for yourself.<br />
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<strong>Art Elements Team</strong></div>
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Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-57754122708724231702020-02-01T02:00:00.000-05:002020-02-01T09:50:40.542-05:00Art Element's January Berry Theme RevealIt's the end of January which means it's reveal time! Karen chose 'berries' as the<a href="https://www.artelements.net/berries/"> theme this month over at Art Elements. </a> Is it January really over? Blew right past me.<br />
I was a slacker at the beginning of January, I didn't do any beading or stitching until well into the second week. I needed to recharge my batteries, clean my studio (which I haven't finished yet) and decide what I would like to focus on for this year as far as creativity goes.<br />
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Part of my plan this year is to NOT get too carried away with ideas so that I end up with a huge list of items that I start and never finish. I also wanted to learn more about thread painting and took a quick online course before deciding to start my first berry piece. The course was in Spanish but had subtitles and I figured it would be fine- more visual than verbal instruction. Haha, my mistake. I was so frustrated by the 3rd video I almost quit watching. The translation is horrible but I did learn a few new things so I guess it was almost worth the aggravation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxCilDQ96pP5dR_3AwLBgE4YHSHDIjgQmSjO6JlxVWiLmpsUHqg-by0iuyxEK-Qx9C02WTVIgLHzcSeURY2P8oUNjhyphenhyphenWihB2lPEGlLkDBRotf82YFxakZYHNNv-bfpbhJ6y1uPHpRkms/s1600/IMG_9205.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxCilDQ96pP5dR_3AwLBgE4YHSHDIjgQmSjO6JlxVWiLmpsUHqg-by0iuyxEK-Qx9C02WTVIgLHzcSeURY2P8oUNjhyphenhyphenWihB2lPEGlLkDBRotf82YFxakZYHNNv-bfpbhJ6y1uPHpRkms/s640/IMG_9205.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Itty bitty bird in a wreath of pine and holly berries.</td></tr>
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I made a quick sketch of a little bird in a wreath early in January b/c I was still in a Christmas-y frame of mind. It was inspired by a Christmas card. I did learn a new way to transfer patterns onto the fabric and learned a bit more about breaking down a pattern into color sections and 'blending' colors as though you are painting.<br />
Anyway, here is my little baby cardinal sitting in a wreath of pine and a few sprigs of holly with berries.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwOYtapCkpAVpHbZar5KlszXI7a1nWt5rTwNW9ad05eIW4SGUjlHbv2WEV8TzMZEeY_FnyqHTzmGsKe8t2UgHvQgR1EJWBkmSD1QxxqlGK-OYHouP5yf61laRhHhDb7Wmb-6kL8ZJOwWg/s1600/IMG_9203.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1529" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwOYtapCkpAVpHbZar5KlszXI7a1nWt5rTwNW9ad05eIW4SGUjlHbv2WEV8TzMZEeY_FnyqHTzmGsKe8t2UgHvQgR1EJWBkmSD1QxxqlGK-OYHouP5yf61laRhHhDb7Wmb-6kL8ZJOwWg/s640/IMG_9203.jpeg" width="610" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my husband asked why the birds wings were unequal-I said I was basing it on the bird on the Christmas card & also maybe he was ruffling one wing while the other was caught up in the pine needles;-)</td></tr>
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I struggled with the size of the above piece. In my mind I thought I could stitch it much quicker if I did a small piece- this is a 6" hoop. The little bird is only about an inch tall not including his tail feathers. In hindsight, smaller does not mean quicker, it means much <i><b>more</b></i> difficult when you're trying to thread paint with 3 different colors of red thread and 2 colors of gold. I spent an inordinate amount of time removing stitches and redoing stitches and colors. And I won't even tell you how many times I re-stitched his little feet. So it was a learning curve. Using only 1 tiny strand of floss for the stitching was also a first for me and it tried my patience as well as strained my eyes! When it came time to stitch the pine wreath I did use 2 strands of floss, but reverted back to one strand for the holly berries & leaves.<br />
I also tried something that I learned in the online course-wrapping the outer hoop with long strips of fabric to add a little interest and soften the wooden hoop frame. I like the ragged edges. I think I will try this in the future using either tea dyed or rust dyed fabrics.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EmfhNcC0pY8zadNp4h11jb3JslTKn_HuChuyNsCLsGLBIun0pkc263XKigS-u_npl8-WR0TQdkdZl6TdB3LCK_4J1w1ZWcEm8KBaCMN7tsyW83oLb85DZVskBWQp4nij-9sYlBaNrVE/s1600/IMG_9213.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EmfhNcC0pY8zadNp4h11jb3JslTKn_HuChuyNsCLsGLBIun0pkc263XKigS-u_npl8-WR0TQdkdZl6TdB3LCK_4J1w1ZWcEm8KBaCMN7tsyW83oLb85DZVskBWQp4nij-9sYlBaNrVE/s640/IMG_9213.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">close up of berries made from wooden beads wrapped in thread.</td></tr>
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I wasn't planning on creating another berry piece until I came across some 3-d berries on Pinterest. (Reminder:stay off Pinterest when you already have a long list of stuff you want/need to do. I slipped down the rabbit hole of berry projects and berry inspiration.)<br />
I decided to try making some 3-d berries using wooden beads. Another frustrating thing- b/c I used 6 strands of floss thinking it would cover the bead quicker-<b>nope</b>. All it did was fill the hole in the bead quicker which made it impossible to get the needle through the hole. So I resorted to weaving the threads through the floss that was already wrapped around the bead. It worked but took MUCH longer. Then I found some smaller wooden beads with larger holes so I created a few the correct way or rather a smoother finish for the berries. (although seeing them together-I do like the woven ones)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPganKoXQttinpLWX9j3qeR3zewoYSl1GD27a8s7jXbBixa5alEsld8go9u-E5iY58NO4xrIAqlcsgFqzHDIBicxwZwrcfbiJiO7bZTd5gjYvJSSS4aRrAuAzqLEU_JLoC_JqFSMHmqmc/s1600/IMG_9210.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1570" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPganKoXQttinpLWX9j3qeR3zewoYSl1GD27a8s7jXbBixa5alEsld8go9u-E5iY58NO4xrIAqlcsgFqzHDIBicxwZwrcfbiJiO7bZTd5gjYvJSSS4aRrAuAzqLEU_JLoC_JqFSMHmqmc/s640/IMG_9210.jpeg" width="628" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Currant berries.</td></tr>
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These are intended to be currant berries although the woven ones have so much texture they look like they should be strawberries. This was a simple but fun little piece.<br />
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So that's my berry projects for the month! I am looking forward to seeing what everyone else has created this month.<br />
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Grab a beverage and take a hop through the blogs of all the participants.<br />
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Art Elements Team</div>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://jencameron.net/&source=gmail&ust=1580654986239000&usg=AFQjCNGReQza5qVgJGoS1mZdJUnKx4IGTg" href="https://jencameron.net/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">Jen</a></li>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.anordinarymiracleday.wordpress.com//&source=gmail&ust=1580589886066000&usg=AFQjCNGi7ZlW1VwCzbbwLyVi_-IghwJqkw" href="http://www.anordinarymiracleday.wordpress.com//" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Sarah Raines</a></li>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.jewelsofsayuri.com/&source=gmail&ust=1580589886066000&usg=AFQjCNHg1kFicplgw4Ankr9VtQE89-2b4A" href="https://www.jewelsofsayuri.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Divya</a></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1580589886066000&usg=AFQjCNG9nykJEnNZ1NakptUxkdbj8Uyjlg" href="https://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Bay Moon Design</a></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog//&source=gmail&ust=1580589886066000&usg=AFQjCNE-krU3qutPjkNzdlLySUATnjNDlQ" href="http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog//" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Tammy Adams</a></li>
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Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-14290051930616582222019-12-28T02:00:00.000-05:002019-12-28T08:43:45.287-05:00December Theme Challenge-Handmade Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am finding it hard to believe that we are near the end of 2019. It feels as though I blinked and the year disappeared. Christmas has come and gone once again and we are plowing toward the New Year whether we're ready or not!<br />
I have been soooo busy the last few months with preparing for an art exhibit, finalizing projects & custom orders that were promised. I couldn't manage to participate in last month's theme challenge but when <a href="https://www.artelements.net/december-theme-challenge-handmade-christmas/">Lesley chose 'Handmade Christmas'</a> for this month it was perfect as I was already planning to make quite a few items for family & friends.<br />
I spent quite a few days in the kitchen baking goodies and then nights were spent stitching felt ornaments. I managed to make it to my studio and fire up the wood burning tool for a couple hours last week to do a couple of pyrography ornaments as well. I really want to spend more time perfecting that skill. It's certainly much different than painting on wood!<br />
So here are the ornaments I made this year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80HgSDG6J2Y30qFPaptP0gQL8VEJvM1ZNl_PoFWoGSsxlCGhGb7lrEseTKatoWd3Dhyphenhyphen39EeFplsYMwkBUDEHwZD8PhvjSfPFiAgheE-yreoohKngVVH1jdlHGxkJw9MCLyrwxTWvl2SI/s1600/IMG_8736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80HgSDG6J2Y30qFPaptP0gQL8VEJvM1ZNl_PoFWoGSsxlCGhGb7lrEseTKatoWd3Dhyphenhyphen39EeFplsYMwkBUDEHwZD8PhvjSfPFiAgheE-yreoohKngVVH1jdlHGxkJw9MCLyrwxTWvl2SI/s640/IMG_8736.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love how the hearts turned out.These 2 round ones are actually the exact same color felt and threads-poort lighting on one of them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5D0BOrgdnSSHkE8N9bk3l3JZqiQ2wRrLMB2gJiQf4kXZMsQFBM9R861Wv7EC7zpDO_r9dLUqCEz8a9BZ2E2u4rZ8b3K8JDjsSZEcT4LARx0QDRjJq96ciaZboL1794RfrpX4Rz54TatM/s1600/IMG_8735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5D0BOrgdnSSHkE8N9bk3l3JZqiQ2wRrLMB2gJiQf4kXZMsQFBM9R861Wv7EC7zpDO_r9dLUqCEz8a9BZ2E2u4rZ8b3K8JDjsSZEcT4LARx0QDRjJq96ciaZboL1794RfrpX4Rz54TatM/s640/IMG_8735.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this heart too! The 2 round ones are the same color felt and the same color threads but using different stitching and on the one upper left I used just a simple green circle of felt rather than the starburst pattern like the other 2. Amazing the difference it makes when using the different thread color around the edging. Top left has the burgundy thread for the buttonhole stitch, top right I used dark green thread for the outer stitching and the bottom left I used the gold thread.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3s5thtKmvYkBawAzci460SF0pzovr5v5zKaPwIrEKEYLlOTLKuTqBwrT35VX9_Dtv2j0akZTzheAjwevE7c8gdsMst5BYL_OG9sSJ17UglTghbyT0cKXmZTDMJMfQ5xbhZwwSqnWDf7Q/s1600/IMG_8737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3s5thtKmvYkBawAzci460SF0pzovr5v5zKaPwIrEKEYLlOTLKuTqBwrT35VX9_Dtv2j0akZTzheAjwevE7c8gdsMst5BYL_OG9sSJ17UglTghbyT0cKXmZTDMJMfQ5xbhZwwSqnWDf7Q/s640/IMG_8737.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top 2 are a dark grayish green felt. The upper left was stitched with 3 strands of floss and the top right was stitched with 6 strands of floss. I really like the chunkier snowflake with 6 strands better! The bottom 2 are done in traditional Christmas colors.</td></tr>
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<br />I had grandiose ideas when I first started making these felt ornaments this year. I wanted to make some birds (partridges) and pears. I also had a idea to make a little fox curled up in a circle. Plus I had a pattern from a few years ago where I made snowmen felt ornaments. Well, once I started stitching these circular ones & challenging myself to use the same color threads but mix it up with the stitches I got a little carried away. So the partridges and pears, the foxes and snowmen will have to wait until next year.<br />
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Every year at Christmas I always make chocolate covered peanut butter balls and chocolate mint squares. This year I got in the mood to bake and spent almost a week baking treats. So there's chocolate covered peanut butter balls, chocolate mint squares, pralines, Scottish shortbread, 7 layer cookie bars, pecan crescents (they have numerous names like Italian wedding cookies, Mexican wedding cookies) and then I made something called Christmas Crack-haha. It's like toffee but you use saltine crackers as the base to pour the caramel goodness over.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoVlWR7MJIzZdFv_C-TYzWBf1vSNYxl7kfbruW6y78stiYi3JxRDwNqX4muSGalHn6yRxycy1rA4JTZtf8ic9DGZuBwgHbUZmcDsbmQBTUkzrMPrs27l_rh0QtFJW9uHHWkJdPa0pzwQ/s1600/IMG_E8721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoVlWR7MJIzZdFv_C-TYzWBf1vSNYxl7kfbruW6y78stiYi3JxRDwNqX4muSGalHn6yRxycy1rA4JTZtf8ic9DGZuBwgHbUZmcDsbmQBTUkzrMPrs27l_rh0QtFJW9uHHWkJdPa0pzwQ/s640/IMG_E8721.jpg" width="518" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Im6PijMF9HJF7aMBeBLJ6tqev3zq1IMUY0SIJN36Tt-MjjKQ55tW9WdmHmaJo8zunG2PwCL19HIuqK4dVSKq2CwQYdxeUSDgO1WWnpj5zCzPAEdKUPLHrsM-0i7jjOFOyyvYBqeOXro/s1600/IMG_8738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Im6PijMF9HJF7aMBeBLJ6tqev3zq1IMUY0SIJN36Tt-MjjKQ55tW9WdmHmaJo8zunG2PwCL19HIuqK4dVSKq2CwQYdxeUSDgO1WWnpj5zCzPAEdKUPLHrsM-0i7jjOFOyyvYBqeOXro/s640/IMG_8738.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pecan crescent(wedding cookies) are my favorite!! Although the chocolate mint squares are super yummy as are the chocolate peanut butter balls. Actually the shortbread is a close tie as my favorite. It just melts in your mouth!</td></tr>
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I have actually made 2 batches of the Scottish shortbread and I may be making another batch of the chocolate peanut butter balls. I sent a care package to our daughter who couldn't make it home for the holidays plus I took my sister-in-law a batch of shortbread and a tray of cookies. I also plan to give my neighbors an assortment. And we have family coming in tomorrow for a few days.</div>
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My husband has a birthday on Monday so I get to bake a cake on top of all these sugary sweet treats!</div>
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He has requested a German chocolate cake. I will be glad when January gets here and I can get back on track with eating healthy. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaZzEWsCJIZsHFUOLSOqvkf8s0Y_8mE_ZK-aN58McUn5fHxL6tnIgeQk-sFD-KMMqY28RoNeOG0Q6WYFifYGhR79HFb-oHCtW1Y1gVGxuaXvq-Dt3hZg5DSLJuVQXO_M02GMvHvjbJ5g/s1600/IMG_8729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1235" data-original-width="1600" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaZzEWsCJIZsHFUOLSOqvkf8s0Y_8mE_ZK-aN58McUn5fHxL6tnIgeQk-sFD-KMMqY28RoNeOG0Q6WYFifYGhR79HFb-oHCtW1Y1gVGxuaXvq-Dt3hZg5DSLJuVQXO_M02GMvHvjbJ5g/s640/IMG_8729.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2 wood burned ornaments I managed to make but still haven't put ribbon or wire in the holes for hanging.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8BR5p13BXUPZnS9zqKpsttIwLYGXzK06J1vGjbQhuDyLZAISHReeAmOJEpab_Spl6r9VnicJk4ehmZBSII8Q_5zo7sqZqap7nEOi4cjFBIDrY_zyvwv1oR63U0eMS4Bacjyem2o9CXk/s1600/IMG_8718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8BR5p13BXUPZnS9zqKpsttIwLYGXzK06J1vGjbQhuDyLZAISHReeAmOJEpab_Spl6r9VnicJk4ehmZBSII8Q_5zo7sqZqap7nEOi4cjFBIDrY_zyvwv1oR63U0eMS4Bacjyem2o9CXk/s640/IMG_8718.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">This is me in my Falalala llama pajamas after Christmas was over. I had already warned my husband that I was going to flop down on the sofa with books, magazines a beverage and of course a cat. I said I wasn't getting up all day after the amount of work I had done over the past couple of months and I stayed true to my word. Thursday December 27 was my day of complete and total relaxation. I honestly didn't move for the entire day. The white blanket on the other side of me was where the dog had been sleeping beside me but she jumped up when she saw Pete stand up to take my photo.</td></tr>
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Looking forward to doing the blog hop to see what everyone has created for this month.</div>
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Here's the list of AE team members and our guest participants.</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>AE team: </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://phantasmcreation.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1577568347876000&usg=AFQjCNHPYtzGpNt8cY2UHZSXIFrHMSBH9Q" href="https://phantasmcreation.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Lindsay</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://saraccino.blogspot.com&source=gmail&ust=1577568347876000&usg=AFQjCNGwAZKmj4qFXHfEth9Hg8xaM9fMag" href="https://saraccino.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Claire</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/2019/12/art-elements-theme-of-month-december.html&source=gmail&ust=1577568347876000&usg=AFQjCNEpIf8Y7AETfJtTo0-tTI9zsMCA_g" href="https://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/2019/12/art-elements-theme-of-month-december.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Sarajo</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1577568347876000&usg=AFQjCNH7WnQ6EHAuxldURBMimB-dyscwfg" href="https://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Kathy</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.maryhardingjewelrybeadblog.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1577568347876000&usg=AFQjCNHqFTIQ2V6MsBOymD_f9-iqcH_5Cw" href="http://www.maryhardingjewelrybeadblog.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Mary</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://craftyhope.com/&source=gmail&ust=1577568347876000&usg=AFQjCNHjPUQD4nCrdgtMlHqDvnIm957x4A" href="http://craftyhope.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Hope</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.paisleylizard.com/&source=gmail&ust=1577568347876000&usg=AFQjCNEicr0rcCWyfp_RAKIfhHuS6A65Xw" href="http://www.paisleylizard.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Tammy</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://suntsan.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1577568347876000&usg=AFQjCNHk5vKSLPqa3y64h2wjuewVYkYtVQ" href="http://suntsan.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Merja</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.anordinarymiracleday.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1577568347876000&usg=AFQjCNH6XM4I5qYAiOqEgH27LzA8_wNoQA" href="http://www.anordinarymiracleday.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Sarah</a></span></div>
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Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-54165999339211797322019-10-31T02:00:00.000-04:002019-10-31T09:42:17.912-04:00October's AE Theme Reveal-EyesAnother month has flown by and here we are at Halloween already. Laney was in charge of this month's theme over at <a href="https://www.artelements.net/october-theme-challenge-eyes/">Art Elements and she chose 'eyes'</a>. What a fun theme this was to work with.<br />
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So many possibilities. I immediately knew that I was going to embroider this Hamsa hand. I actually drew it on the black linen back in July with the intention of stitching it then. As is always the case, I put it down to work on other projects. So it was a wonderful coincidence that Laney chose eyes and I had it already planned out. Just a matter of thread selection then I could get started!<br />
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The Hamsa hand is a palm shaped amulet and has been predominately used in Jewish and Islamic religions for protection & to provide defense against the 'evil eye'. It has also been called Hand of Fatima, Hand of Mary, Hand of Miriam and Hand of the Goddess. I just happened to be reading The Power when I drew this in July. It's a dystopian novel where young girls and women have an enormous electrical power. The main character calls herself Mother Eve and each of her hands are tattooed with an eye in the middle of the palm with tendrils extending out.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoS2KNuWP9OeFbPY9QE5r4itSI0MYC8KPHF5vMlZShI9Gx3JjuoWHFY9-Q_QMXyXOZACUEc8OkU9RdwO68mks8ZkrGGa7JAbXnM8AUq2cQ52x9WbX0beB1L1YeU_yyc0HeHKsVgKq3gQ/s1600/IMG_E7800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1386" data-original-width="1600" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoS2KNuWP9OeFbPY9QE5r4itSI0MYC8KPHF5vMlZShI9Gx3JjuoWHFY9-Q_QMXyXOZACUEc8OkU9RdwO68mks8ZkrGGa7JAbXnM8AUq2cQ52x9WbX0beB1L1YeU_yyc0HeHKsVgKq3gQ/s640/IMG_E7800.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of Hamsa hand</td></tr>
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Here's the full view of my version of the Hamsa hand<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAzr7XKeOrTC3xuMAQdv8jgLM-ZnPSzAJlQ1QW2sQlmF9PGziolj2jPzs164HBQTTbepsL6Qo0EAotqPh4923NydqE51dhWkX6qLTlSR6lyOYQjNrQUlYFw3N1uGUCM-cYUnA89S3TmE/s1600/IMG_E7797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1530" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAzr7XKeOrTC3xuMAQdv8jgLM-ZnPSzAJlQ1QW2sQlmF9PGziolj2jPzs164HBQTTbepsL6Qo0EAotqPh4923NydqE51dhWkX6qLTlSR6lyOYQjNrQUlYFw3N1uGUCM-cYUnA89S3TmE/s640/IMG_E7797.jpg" width="612" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hamsa hand framed in 10x10 frame</td></tr>
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While I was working on the above embroidery piece I was thinking about what else I wanted to create. I remembered that I had bought an amazing lampwork dragon eye from <a href="https://laney-mead.blogspot.com/">Laney</a> a while ago. I knew I had to use it for this month. It was perfect since Laney was hosting and the eye is truly a one of a kind piece. It is a bead but I decided to treat it as a cabochon and glued it to stiff stuff to do the initial beading. I did stitch through the bead hole to further secure it to the stiff stuff.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgZvRjTo2E8xVIUk_bRaa55xf9HfsC2LBarVpJf46J7Esx329YTHYTkgMXPVTfuJU-F9CCvUkVoyMBHE6rbzcInabLi-r-Ruldj1vqiy_wSHqT6not3JNza40scywcUp3dj2hyphenhypheniGW3z8/s1600/IMG_7822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgZvRjTo2E8xVIUk_bRaa55xf9HfsC2LBarVpJf46J7Esx329YTHYTkgMXPVTfuJU-F9CCvUkVoyMBHE6rbzcInabLi-r-Ruldj1vqiy_wSHqT6not3JNza40scywcUp3dj2hyphenhypheniGW3z8/s640/IMG_7822.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How about those fish scales? So cool for dragon skin, right?</td></tr>
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I happened to have some leftover fish leather from my octopus project from August. The green fish leather came from <a href="https://lisapetersart.com/">Lisa Peters Art</a> and was perfect for the green eyed dragon. The fish scales resemble dragon skin/scales.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4i-qiYXH2zsoHK0FjNc-zTDS3OiK4Ei-jWJ3kZBkYZhSG4SgZNFdaBtBtLhFbAwpq3_JtpgBZ2PO6aVhPOHxoEPpiEXuYoooJ5H4J2bavEp4vx0BY6bVK_EHAHBlYYkv6oM2WP0zw-0U/s1600/IMG_7819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1021" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4i-qiYXH2zsoHK0FjNc-zTDS3OiK4Ei-jWJ3kZBkYZhSG4SgZNFdaBtBtLhFbAwpq3_JtpgBZ2PO6aVhPOHxoEPpiEXuYoooJ5H4J2bavEp4vx0BY6bVK_EHAHBlYYkv6oM2WP0zw-0U/s640/IMG_7819.jpg" width="408" /></a></div>
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Sadly, the black matte size 11 beads I had to edge stitch were not Japanese they were Czech and not equal in size so the edging is a bit wonky. But it kind of goes with the asymmetrical shape of the fish leather and the asymetrical beading around the dragon eye. I was a bit stumped about how to create a bail since I had no idea what type of necklace I was planning to create to hand this pendant from. I got the idea of using the fish leather while perusing Pinterest. I figured I could either use leather as a necklace or some hammered metal. For photographing I used 5 strands of 1mm black leather cord and I really like this look, so I will use this for the necklace. I have some end caps that the 5 strands fit in perfectly. So it's almost finished!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PpxhIaVGwi0McLTBitKI0EB3yeYGvM9II1uY1bVPFghKsVgqe5qhtPrrvkFuNbBmIjPbJWbGh3VjA7nkI313Z1aIJtfOEXjZscKKvxHo2wWEmtJRwBI5eCmWmMe4LJ7UHzYg9gSMrQI/s1600/IMG_7823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PpxhIaVGwi0McLTBitKI0EB3yeYGvM9II1uY1bVPFghKsVgqe5qhtPrrvkFuNbBmIjPbJWbGh3VjA7nkI313Z1aIJtfOEXjZscKKvxHo2wWEmtJRwBI5eCmWmMe4LJ7UHzYg9gSMrQI/s640/IMG_7823.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJl3PfIJ5y2vJW9XPNKBuk0LEDvMMhKc24qIxEKwsELTx5ikZKXycT-xgNU-nX2hn99B3WKjRVHruo31uFK5nmj8Zc5Hy4CcCdvvf8OCCBFS65UYGcY6PAf4F5KAJ5qUWWW6qFvg4M7U/s1600/IMG_7821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJl3PfIJ5y2vJW9XPNKBuk0LEDvMMhKc24qIxEKwsELTx5ikZKXycT-xgNU-nX2hn99B3WKjRVHruo31uFK5nmj8Zc5Hy4CcCdvvf8OCCBFS65UYGcY6PAf4F5KAJ5qUWWW6qFvg4M7U/s640/IMG_7821.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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While trying to figure out the necklace portion for the dragon eye I was playing with some beads and pendants lying around on my work table. I sometimes have a habit of buying new supplies and not putting them away immediately. I bought this cute polymer clay skull pendant from Tammy Adams of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PaisleyLizardDesigns">Paisley Lizard Designs</a> and it was staring at me from my work table along with some blue evil eye headpins that I bought from fellow teammate Sue of <a href="http://suebeads./">SueBeads.</a> I decided the skull needed to have one of these evil eye charms dangling from her. She doesn't have a necklace yet to hang from but I think I will do a hand knotted necklace using a combo of white agate beads that have a hint of black in them along with some of the same dark blue & black glass beads like I used to dangle off the pendant with the eye headpin. The 'evil eye' or Nazar is really used as a talisman to protect against the evil eye. It encourages good karma.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1l18Mn_yLCyFocORC57UhbK41kI7WZkLQljWNIguX7Vy5E8LAJk2LQ-rzUhZPvHWUwVzhgxO9LpChkCyUTa6r-In5wdlWLO4sIXQySD6R7EHftKwg0WCjf3x8D6yJugZPfGCvE99ueJI/s1600/IMG_7826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="852" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1l18Mn_yLCyFocORC57UhbK41kI7WZkLQljWNIguX7Vy5E8LAJk2LQ-rzUhZPvHWUwVzhgxO9LpChkCyUTa6r-In5wdlWLO4sIXQySD6R7EHftKwg0WCjf3x8D6yJugZPfGCvE99ueJI/s640/IMG_7826.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
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In between working on the first embroidered piece and working on the dragon eye, I also wanted to create a couple of small embroidered eyes. So here is my thread sketched version of an eye.<br />
I really like the dramatic effect of the black on the natural linen. I used ONE single thread for most of the stitching so even though it's small it took longer than expected. I think I may be doing more of these 'sketches'.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8C4nGZQ3UNVhAIofueqAXAcNi2qiXSevnQ3W9vfVS7xGKTbuj0htJeQcsLc5alW4acfrMaYXqmePgHCqTzNpDuTLPvG6V8QSSvKo-uVLrv1JS7rEhY16HQ4sw3uygXCuJ3rr83IR8dNo/s1600/IMG_E7812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1430" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8C4nGZQ3UNVhAIofueqAXAcNi2qiXSevnQ3W9vfVS7xGKTbuj0htJeQcsLc5alW4acfrMaYXqmePgHCqTzNpDuTLPvG6V8QSSvKo-uVLrv1JS7rEhY16HQ4sw3uygXCuJ3rr83IR8dNo/s640/IMG_E7812.jpg" width="572" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thread sketch of an eye</td></tr>
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I haven't finished my last embroidered eye. It is going to be a Nazar or evil eye talisman of sorts. A stitched version on black linen like the Hamsa hand. If I finish it tonight I will add it tomorrow before blog hopping.<br />
Finished late last night-the final eye<br />
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I can't wait to see what the art team members and all the guests have created. I have seen a few sneak peeks on IG and FB so I know there will be some stunning pieces.<br />
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Grab a warm beverage and go have a look for yourself.<br />
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Here's the list of participants:<br />
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AE Team Members-<br />
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<br />Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-64996462433700483562019-09-29T08:34:00.000-04:002019-09-29T08:34:37.807-04:00Art Elements September Theme Reveal-Foliage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Another month has flown by and it's reveal time once again for the September Art Elements' theme challenge. For <a href="https://www.artelements.net/foliage-september-theme-challenge/">September Caroline chose foliage</a>. What a perfect theme for this time of year. Foliage just happens to be a favorite of mine and seems to appear in quite a bit of my work. In the spring it makes me giddy to see the first sprouts of leaf buds on the trees. It seems to happen almost overnight that trees which have been bare skeletons for months appear with a full plumage of bright green leaves. Even though the fall is probably my most favorite time of year I am a little sad to see the leaves change colors because I know they will be falling off soon and winter is just around the corner. But the colors of fall are so beautiful it's hard to be too sad about it.<br />
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I wanted to do something a little different this month. There were so many options I was overwhelmed so I thought I would go back and see if I could tax my brain with some altered digital photography. I happen to take a LOT of pictures of trees, foliage and just about anything I find in the woods behind my house. I scrolled through 100's of photos that I have taken and chose a few to play with in photoshop.<br />
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About 8-9 years ago I took a mini photoshop workshop online with <a href="https://susantuttlephotography.com/online-workshop-offering/">Susan Tuttle</a> and then I took another mini course with <a href="https://kimklassen.com/about-kim/">Kim Classen</a>. Kim used to have a weekly challenge called 'Texture Tuesday" which I participated in for about a year. She would offer up free textures to layer with your photos which I had learned how to use in her class. Sadly she no longer teaches photoshop classes but she does teach quite a few other types of classes and she still creates textures for sale and also Lightroom presets for altering photos. Susan still teaches online photo editing but now it's geared to iPhone photography and editing with apps.<br />
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So here are some of my photos I altered in photoshop. It was a bit of a learning curve due to the fact that I really haven't done a lot with PS in years. It taxed my brain but after a few sessions I was able to remember all the tools, options and settings.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2RD36gZ2sW5KEcAfgtCfCS_MgeiCduquHHvy2KpzzfCNhXXZN4MwVuDVlpQr3qcayZUaLtQbk7yivSQJqMJcrfmS3Eos7lOML7j3r4byN_dnpH1drQ-fXZLfdAYMrZ-HBuQ85cUhU9s/s1600/foliage5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2RD36gZ2sW5KEcAfgtCfCS_MgeiCduquHHvy2KpzzfCNhXXZN4MwVuDVlpQr3qcayZUaLtQbk7yivSQJqMJcrfmS3Eos7lOML7j3r4byN_dnpH1drQ-fXZLfdAYMrZ-HBuQ85cUhU9s/s640/foliage5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken on my walk along the river. I tried to create an almost painterly look with the trees. Played with hue and saturation and some photo filters to get the colors like I wanted them.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXGqTmJsbSnzoCwGhXdvvMLefhbfx8UfzAd5wy3hurTJj3NBMh7BKa9YReyAvvJDXxWPSpLV3m6APEBk5EYz6PFUXfbr6VmnVSq5GstPiKJq8JOaZEx_USWN-A6AmwprHVwdULa4FC4M/s1600/Foliage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXGqTmJsbSnzoCwGhXdvvMLefhbfx8UfzAd5wy3hurTJj3NBMh7BKa9YReyAvvJDXxWPSpLV3m6APEBk5EYz6PFUXfbr6VmnVSq5GstPiKJq8JOaZEx_USWN-A6AmwprHVwdULa4FC4M/s640/Foliage1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up through the trees. Bumped up saturation and made the leaves around the edges darker with the trees in the background almost 'spring green'. Then I highlighted the large green leaves in the left middle.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiI3BXl2qHO5C0st2_Y-gnscp0OskdmCQwc2zxh3I3x_-WX4gUeXEPUpeAWXhpNVrxartf80Ri0cc3ml9UWa2iF87EMufDBCKK_u0xMd17QZOcxsgomgzRvh-Uk7MG8TyxhHBuCcNhxBs/s1600/Foliage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiI3BXl2qHO5C0st2_Y-gnscp0OskdmCQwc2zxh3I3x_-WX4gUeXEPUpeAWXhpNVrxartf80Ri0cc3ml9UWa2iF87EMufDBCKK_u0xMd17QZOcxsgomgzRvh-Uk7MG8TyxhHBuCcNhxBs/s640/Foliage3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exact same photo as above but changing up the hues and saturation with some photo filters and textures.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3p_OATF6Gdif4HZeabi22N7rjGAPESyEKeOakXXwsANLWYM7iORlyLef_hFMmw12rzP_oZ9QQGhumobgcjMhuUSR1xuPggaf8SeIMqB7uuOq_nQk4y2WG1OzVTmpllCRiQ1CB-wC-DWs/s1600/Foliage4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3p_OATF6Gdif4HZeabi22N7rjGAPESyEKeOakXXwsANLWYM7iORlyLef_hFMmw12rzP_oZ9QQGhumobgcjMhuUSR1xuPggaf8SeIMqB7uuOq_nQk4y2WG1OzVTmpllCRiQ1CB-wC-DWs/s640/Foliage4.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of a fern. Changed hue and saturation, added some textures and filters.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Wdkq1KrtCVLMb51kZIPtlx65XAmR5KhfNLe_rD0flfW8mOstJrXbFtOMIGy9NV6KZzw2gPFr84WONy35ix8vgoQqLhm-Tjs0t19_cJkv-kXMFHE8M0sAacodTIQzxGIHNQA6hiTKPPs/s1600/foliage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Wdkq1KrtCVLMb51kZIPtlx65XAmR5KhfNLe_rD0flfW8mOstJrXbFtOMIGy9NV6KZzw2gPFr84WONy35ix8vgoQqLhm-Tjs0t19_cJkv-kXMFHE8M0sAacodTIQzxGIHNQA6hiTKPPs/s640/foliage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A photo I took when we lived in IL. Leaves on a pond which makes a really cool photo without altering. This has a layer added with text and some more layers with added textures and the hues were changed along with some filters added.</td></tr>
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I had so much fun playing with photoshop. I had forgotten how cool it is to alter photos. One day I would like to actually make some prints of some of my favorites. Or maybe note cards??<br />
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Okay, on to a few more foliage projects. If you follow the <a href="https://www.artelements.net/nature-is-my-canvas/">Art Elements blog you may remember when I stitched around some magnolia leaves </a>and also doodled on them with paint pen/sharpie.</div>
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I decided to use them in a project that has been on the back burner for a while-an eco printed journal using papers printed with leaves and also some fabric printed with leaves. The fabric will be used as journal covers.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg735ggymItfmix36d69n6dDM9m6aiF0xFWRF0ifyCJRN5y5Ku0PCmEuZKm0QqoHWMCMJoE9Q9nVj2pHG27AU4zmTGH4oprmWmVtdKD6Aw2LBSggSYP4c4WDMzLuEvLpKYmCDBDrSy3f20/s1600/IMG_7300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg735ggymItfmix36d69n6dDM9m6aiF0xFWRF0ifyCJRN5y5Ku0PCmEuZKm0QqoHWMCMJoE9Q9nVj2pHG27AU4zmTGH4oprmWmVtdKD6Aw2LBSggSYP4c4WDMzLuEvLpKYmCDBDrSy3f20/s640/IMG_7300.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Top left and top right are magnolia leaves that were stitched around the outer edge with buttonhole stitch. I used the same stitch to attach them to pieces of raw silk that had been previously eco printed & rust dyed. I also added some more stitching to the one on the left. Bottom left is another magnolia leaf that was edge stitched but I attached it to rust dyed paper with a fly stitch. The bottom right photo is a magnolia leaf that I doodled on with white paint Sharpie. I want to attach it to this eco printed page but haven't decided whether to hand stitch, machine stitch or glue it down. This leaf was not edge stitched and I am afraid it may be too brittle to stitch through now that it is thoroughly dry.</span></td></tr>
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Since it is fall and leaves have already started to drop due to the heat and drought around here. I figured I needed to do some more eco printing with leaves before the opportunity has passed me by.</div>
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I tried some new techniques this time and some new fabrics I have never used before. Let me just say that the <a href="https://www.dharmatrading.com/fabric/silk-wool-fabric-125mm.html?lnav=fabric.html">silk/wool blend fabric I bought from Dharma Trading</a> is my absolute FAVORITE now! I have always loved using raw silk noil because I always get pleasant results, but the silk/wool blend is amazing!1 It is very light but it really accepts the leaf prints so beautifully.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswJpVQUeCGHM85hPQd93vy05XZLEXx3-iBHJBqP-pE_h1DPEyHez1Kmvub7zrixlyhCblZzJrpXCEfsAoTSy7nEYGX-GiOUEROzPldBPCYQPaDInYnIOE-9dXxgO2YcZ_10zFyY8nl74/s1600/IMG_7303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswJpVQUeCGHM85hPQd93vy05XZLEXx3-iBHJBqP-pE_h1DPEyHez1Kmvub7zrixlyhCblZzJrpXCEfsAoTSy7nEYGX-GiOUEROzPldBPCYQPaDInYnIOE-9dXxgO2YcZ_10zFyY8nl74/s640/IMG_7303.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The above is silk/wool blend left side is the side the leaves were placed on and the right side is the shadow print from the fabric being folded over. I placed an 'iron blanket' around this fabric which really helped create these rich dark brown prints.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrRE9FaxmeBjoypKORi4zjTNiYFSwj4VfUD8r03w2vBFT8rn_HeWCULTb9M6yjbisEIAy7gQ_A8GP3ZNanEWKHzyia_HU6gTBm-dm1bFikksciVxnhyiz4cpwzlhsS3ZUzERpTZtYCGg/s1600/IMG_E7252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1178" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrRE9FaxmeBjoypKORi4zjTNiYFSwj4VfUD8r03w2vBFT8rn_HeWCULTb9M6yjbisEIAy7gQ_A8GP3ZNanEWKHzyia_HU6gTBm-dm1bFikksciVxnhyiz4cpwzlhsS3ZUzERpTZtYCGg/s640/IMG_E7252.jpg" width="470" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is also silk/wool blend but I did a quick dip in iron water before placing the leaves on. This fabric is so wide that I folded it in half and then in half again and you can see the iron water concentrated on the final fold which is a little upsetting but a learning experience. I do love these soft colors. It's hard to tell on this photo but the right side which is the shadow print from being folded over the leaves has shades of gold and pale green which are really lovely in person.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcLJm5Y6M99mnhHKEuLqV-_GFRsvtSaeWQj0sSHEUKle3YZwzsTD5A9Sv3CLcBZ9JhRf2FqvfgltrN_EA26oyaD1iCvWmu8xyqcD32dtPO4k37DnS7JbnuUupzIzMOSvYcs7pGp4Wq0s/s1600/IMG_7302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcLJm5Y6M99mnhHKEuLqV-_GFRsvtSaeWQj0sSHEUKle3YZwzsTD5A9Sv3CLcBZ9JhRf2FqvfgltrN_EA26oyaD1iCvWmu8xyqcD32dtPO4k37DnS7JbnuUupzIzMOSvYcs7pGp4Wq0s/s640/IMG_7302.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my go-to fabric:natural silk noil. I dribbled iron water down the center and spread it around with my hands and that's how I got splotches of dark gray around the fabric. Left side is the full piece it was folded in half lengthwise and it shows the dark print with shadow print on the left. Top right photo is a close-up of the right side and bottom left is close-up of the left side shadow print. I love the outline of the leaves. Also note that the bottom is very rusted looking. I rolled the fabric onto a piece of metal re-bar which adds more iron/rust to the fabric.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrrXC9AhRr2gqYDT9bxFl-cgxMpMDvha2P4t_arccgHFoQCi8Iz9naXU4enca3cwIELA-vg1jfYJU7CTVAzG5mUqSnnh0cFNxwyxXJKYxsaHWq48SlLf2zeiUQl2kqus_Gipf2Q4BGx8/s1600/IMG_E7250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1008" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrrXC9AhRr2gqYDT9bxFl-cgxMpMDvha2P4t_arccgHFoQCi8Iz9naXU4enca3cwIELA-vg1jfYJU7CTVAzG5mUqSnnh0cFNxwyxXJKYxsaHWq48SlLf2zeiUQl2kqus_Gipf2Q4BGx8/s640/IMG_E7250.jpg" width="401" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a previously dyed piece of dupioni silk. It was dyed with pale blue and tan dye, then I let it sit in a rusty bath for a few days. This piece was folded in half lengthwise and the right has the darker print from the backside of the leaves and the shadow print is from the top of the leaves where the fabric folded over.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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While I was working with fresh leaves I created some more pages for my eco print journal. I used sheets from an oversized sketch pad, tearing the sheets into quarters. I tried a method I have never tried before. I normally steam the stack of papers with a weight on top to press the stack firmly down. This time I wanted to try boiling in water that had some rust particles in it, some acorns, a few onion skins, and avocado skins. I sprayed the papers with straight vinegar, then placed leaves that had soaked in vinegar water between the pages. I used ceramic tiles to place the pages between but the tiles were smaller than the paper so trying to get them firmly pressed & tied with twine was difficult. I decided to wrap the whole bundle of pages & ceramic tiles in fabric that had soaked in iron water. Then I tied it all up and dropped it in the pot with all the onion skins etc. I boiled it for about 3 hours. Some weird results along with some cool results. The pages look smokey and also have an underwater type pattern on a lot of the pages. Some leaf prints are very subtle, some are very abstract and some like the sweet gum leaf in the upper left is 2 toned. I got a lot of green to greenish-gray prints from the leaves along with some dark gray/black prints. These will all be going into my journal. So be on the look out for a blog post over at Art Elements for my eco printed journal.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_FjAfJZgXNzV8efziR2ckJDit3zWfbcIAyHV0kPWwwcM_VRPNyModIOE6A9YMUoRRoSk98yxL8ycUjBtVdZ3lBoS_XGDBP28K3PEyuzgMiHKk52nZUpZNbytculdkt4GNqXqsPCzBZE/s1600/IMG_7305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_FjAfJZgXNzV8efziR2ckJDit3zWfbcIAyHV0kPWwwcM_VRPNyModIOE6A9YMUoRRoSk98yxL8ycUjBtVdZ3lBoS_XGDBP28K3PEyuzgMiHKk52nZUpZNbytculdkt4GNqXqsPCzBZE/s640/IMG_7305.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papers printed with leaves.</td></tr>
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Once I am done writing up this blog post I am headed outside to gather more leaves. I have a few more pieces of fabric begging to be printed on.</div>
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I am looking forward to seeing all the guests and AE member participant's foliage creations. </div>
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Here's the list:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://cmendola.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1569707056028000&usg=AFQjCNFTuGNly4NgeqZgb-yQZ7zlfmoVmA" href="https://cmendola.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Cathy</a></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> You're here!</span></span></div>
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Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-79562482159233386572019-08-31T02:00:00.000-04:002019-08-31T02:00:05.033-04:00Art Elements August Octopus Theme RevealThe end of August already? Where does the time go?<br />
I have had a super busy summer with physical therapy, a backyard living area project that seems like it will last forever, kitchen cabinets painted AND trying to play wedding planner for my daughter.<br />
So its not surprising that I didn't finish ALL the things I wanted to create, but I did manage to at least get a couple of octopuses finished.<br />
It was Claire's turn to host this month's theme at <a href="https://www.artelements.net/august-theme-challenge-octopus/">Art Elements and she chose the octopus</a>. Claire has quite a love for this sometimes gruesome looking cephalopod. They are quite amazing with their long arms with all those suckers and their ability to move so swiftly to capture their prey. I think they're pretty cool especially their ability to camouflage themselves in order to ward off predators. Some of the colors are amazing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUfMN3VByX60hA81b-Fye_wapt2V2RB4fttcZ-GRoF3p9jt0UXDtc-9Ado0-R7sbXLT8i_KldixlWqNFfQHrgVHnQG3yMQAns_RyB3Dask5kTPrabgnUmD9VPDk5k2WWBnbDw6BWn_A8/s1600/IMG_6831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUfMN3VByX60hA81b-Fye_wapt2V2RB4fttcZ-GRoF3p9jt0UXDtc-9Ado0-R7sbXLT8i_KldixlWqNFfQHrgVHnQG3yMQAns_RyB3Dask5kTPrabgnUmD9VPDk5k2WWBnbDw6BWn_A8/s640/IMG_6831.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">close up of my green goddess octopus</td></tr>
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As usual I had a bazillion ideas for what I wanted to do. But then reality set in and I decided I could only tackle small projects right now that I could mostly work on at night while bingeing on Netflix. The other projects that I did start are in the ever growing pile of UFO's (unfinished objects). Waiting for that day when I am at a loss of what to do. hahaha<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xfGF8MciOCOOyeM4_pd3I9I11h7PS0fTLXRBcDVpR4jRU_nPVPYsxZ5MEsDel8Gl5asRmPnt4D2IBY8olfWLds3KE2YRUwf2LV19wV4urbKzSb2hLtep8m2fukNVn6rzU52hi4KUwzo/s1600/IMG_6825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="1600" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xfGF8MciOCOOyeM4_pd3I9I11h7PS0fTLXRBcDVpR4jRU_nPVPYsxZ5MEsDel8Gl5asRmPnt4D2IBY8olfWLds3KE2YRUwf2LV19wV4urbKzSb2hLtep8m2fukNVn6rzU52hi4KUwzo/s640/IMG_6825.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I promise I cut this square but by the time I did the blanket stitch around the edges it distorted somewhat-ugh.</td></tr>
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Above is the first octopus I created. the base is an old wool blend sweater that I washed in hot water and dried in the dryer to felt. It wasn't tightly felted since it was a wool blend but it still gave me a good sturdy base to needle felt into. I used bright red merino wool roving along with some peachy color for some contrast in areas and then for the bottom portion of the arms that are flipped to see the suckers I used some tan merino. After needle felting I stitched around the entire body/legs with the sewing machine which made the octopus really stand out from the base. Then I used some cotton embroidery floss to hand stitch along the arms but the roving was so puffy and not fully needled into the base that I lost my stitches among the wool. So back to the cushion and more needle felting. Second time around for hand stitching I chose perle cotton rather than regular DMC 6 strand which was sturdier and you can see a bit more of the hand stitching.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevEOb95h35uNL8blTokvlVcCzOIyd3A6iY-RLY_3zSkC96FhPi62kwLF6FKYKs41E4p1rcyymQCwidmgXdlsaMbrCMpd383DC5Fk72-bMtf2M_fENJ9u6CzM3BFQOleaetX5y5naI0fU/s1600/IMG_6828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevEOb95h35uNL8blTokvlVcCzOIyd3A6iY-RLY_3zSkC96FhPi62kwLF6FKYKs41E4p1rcyymQCwidmgXdlsaMbrCMpd383DC5Fk72-bMtf2M_fENJ9u6CzM3BFQOleaetX5y5naI0fU/s640/IMG_6828.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up showing the O bead and seed bead suckers.</td></tr>
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Then came time for suckers. These O beads that I used are a picasso finish in tan and I thought they'd be perfect. Well, I couldn't find them so I initially beaded the suckers with copper O beads and it was just way too flashy. Then while I was looking for beads to do my second octopus I found the picasso tan beads. Sooooo, I cut off all the copper beads and re-beaded. I am much happier with these colors. Forgot to mention that I backed the green sweater base with a piece of solid black felt before machine stitching, so I used a blanket stitch around the perimeter to capture the felt backing to the front base. This bright red guy is eventually going to be placed on a mixed media background which I didn't have time to work on. I envision using a canvas to paint & collage then attach the felted piece. So stay tuned to see what transpires.<br />
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Next up is my green goddess octopus That you see in the close up in the first photo. She took some time to figure out exactly what I wanted to do. I had bought this lovely green fish leather from<a href="https://lisapetersart.com/"> Lisa Peters Art </a>last month. Lisa is the one who actually suggested I use fish leather for the octopus project so Thanks Lisa!<br />
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I drew a pattern for the octopus then transferred it to black stiff stuff beading base. Determined what sections I wanted to bead and got those beaded before I added the fish leather. After doing the beading I cut as close as possible around the entire drawn octopus before I adding the fish leather. I cut my original pattern up to use as a template for cutting the fish leather but added extra so I could stuff some of the legs to make them more dimensional. I used leftovers from the green felted sweater from the first octopus to place on the stiff stuff base before I applied the fish leather. Then I added a few more beads along one side of the legs to suggest some suckers and voila!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcCogSP83HDI21awcwteg-2ZpKSOGFWcmFU4M1tLHYn5BkYxOQJx5wc0g-N7P_fIOwEOigNnJRnIepTlkm350x_4f6qm6RQypBPqA5gqH-oqvxUnAUA8SR9jLfcgXT08Vusr5f9b3Uk8/s1600/IMG_6832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1600" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcCogSP83HDI21awcwteg-2ZpKSOGFWcmFU4M1tLHYn5BkYxOQJx5wc0g-N7P_fIOwEOigNnJRnIepTlkm350x_4f6qm6RQypBPqA5gqH-oqvxUnAUA8SR9jLfcgXT08Vusr5f9b3Uk8/s640/IMG_6832.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green goddess with fish leather & beaded arms.</td></tr>
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Again this green octopus is going to be placed onto a background that is started but not finished.<br />
The back is multi layered and still has beading and possibly hand stitching left to do. The creation of this background may be a future blog post on AE since it's a major project! But here's a glimpse.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuk67a5F8hGSlYzCIkRjG0kZT04BRbZ61Obip5YgSNqNElZw8BQ1qjXG6x5FHQmWK5tgg9y9trWly6uFA9KbZ9qxs6Ah4Y-l-51v01aTuJ1fkqVoE82ggmaLOQGh49tSM07lNyqmG6bFM/s1600/IMG_6833.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1377" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuk67a5F8hGSlYzCIkRjG0kZT04BRbZ61Obip5YgSNqNElZw8BQ1qjXG6x5FHQmWK5tgg9y9trWly6uFA9KbZ9qxs6Ah4Y-l-51v01aTuJ1fkqVoE82ggmaLOQGh49tSM07lNyqmG6bFM/s640/IMG_6833.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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This was such a fun project even if I didn't finish or get to do all the things I wanted to do. I hope I can get the background for my green octopus finished in the next few weeks.<br />
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I am looking forward to seeing all the octopus creations from the AE team members and guest participants. Grab a beverage, sit back and do a blog hop to see what everyone made this month.<br />
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;">Guest artists:</span><br style="font-family: -webkit-standard;" /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.catswire.blogspot.de/&source=gmail&ust=1567280800259000&usg=AFQjCNHJ5RPqHklc94Vs0zM1YOo0i3F10A" href="http://www.catswire.blogspot.de/" rel="noreferrer noreferrer noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard;" target="_blank">Cat</a><br style="font-family: -webkit-standard;" /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1567280800259000&usg=AFQjCNGIRsG3iYMoNqtFrHsoKSCEK6e-jg" href="http://ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com/" rel="noreferrer noreferrer noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard;" target="_blank">Evie and Beth</a><br style="font-family: -webkit-standard;" /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.craftyhope.com/&source=gmail&ust=1567280800259000&usg=AFQjCNFu0WfoZuBCRdhh67GmbXONVjw8HA" href="http://www.craftyhope.com/" rel="noreferrer noreferrer noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard;" target="_blank">Hope</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.ginkgoetcoquelicot.fr&source=gmail&ust=1567280800259000&usg=AFQjCNEyqLlsfv9V5OXQTXUOc06KIOsrPA" href="http://www.ginkgoetcoquelicot.fr/" rel="noreferrer noreferrer noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Karen</a><br /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1567280800259000&usg=AFQjCNGM_2lucOmbRQbbjrvaSJY9aQelYQ" href="https://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/" rel="noreferrer noreferrer noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard;" target="_blank">Kathy</a><br style="font-family: -webkit-standard;" /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://beadrecipes.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1567280800259000&usg=AFQjCNHVcvHb2HchUidlw1KKf0k-mQwzeg" href="https://beadrecipes.wordpress.com/" rel="noreferrer noreferrer noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard;" target="_blank">Melissa</a><br style="font-family: -webkit-standard;" /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bijoubeadboutique.com/blog&source=gmail&ust=1567280800259000&usg=AFQjCNGVw9woBNvyy4ZLJVexw7A87p4OOg" href="https://bijoubeadboutique.com/blog" rel="noreferrer noreferrer noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard;" target="_blank">Michelle</a><br style="font-family: -webkit-standard;" /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bairozan.blogspot.com/2019/08/fantastic-creatures-octopus.html&source=gmail&ust=1567280800259000&usg=AFQjCNFnQ-VVxC_QTXYzzcvG0jH7_K5ozg" href="https://bairozan.blogspot.com/2019/08/fantastic-creatures-octopus.html" rel="noreferrer noreferrer noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard;" target="_blank">Rozantia</a><br style="font-family: -webkit-standard;" /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/2019/07/art-elements-theme-of-month-flowers.html&source=gmail&ust=1567280800259000&usg=AFQjCNGe622xNaHqu32pxtsZYAJUpe1OXg" href="https://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/2019/07/art-elements-theme-of-month-flowers.html" rel="noreferrer noreferrer noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard;" target="_blank">Sarajo</a><br style="font-family: -webkit-standard;" /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog%25C2%25A0&source=gmail&ust=1567280800259000&usg=AFQjCNFSSXGfTqs16OoCalXN2XJL0EvU8w" href="http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog%C2%A0" rel="noreferrer noreferrer noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard;" target="_blank">Tammy</a><br style="font-family: -webkit-standard;" /><br style="font-family: -webkit-standard;" /><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;">Art Elements Team:</span><br style="font-family: -webkit-standard;" /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://cmendola.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1567280800259000&usg=AFQjCNEe42fF9YmM2cv_2hx-hA9H57zuFw" href="http://cmendola.blogspot.com/" rel="noreferrer noreferrer noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard;" target="_blank">Cathy</a> you're here!<br style="font-family: -webkit-standard;" /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://saraccino.blogspot.de/&source=gmail&ust=1567280800259000&usg=AFQjCNGeRtH6XtXCFR8pcQpQ8VVj9qLFJQ" href="http://saraccino.blogspot.de/" rel="noreferrer noreferrer noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard;" target="_blank">Claire</a><br style="font-family: -webkit-standard;" /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.jdaviesreazor.com/blog&source=gmail&ust=1567280800259000&usg=AFQjCNHWdrAZ7ksCRm9cLqyhcWzkMFixYw" href="http://www.jdaviesreazor.com/blog" rel="noreferrer noreferrer noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard;" target="_blank">Jenny</a><br style="font-family: -webkit-standard;" /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://laney-mead.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1567280800259000&usg=AFQjCNF-LfXUUIjwct-Zj_XLjl4f2YjAgA" href="https://laney-mead.blogspot.com/" rel="noreferrer noreferrer noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard;" target="_blank">Lane</a>y</div>
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Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-18164547498037360012019-07-30T02:00:00.000-04:002019-07-30T13:58:02.940-04:00July Art Elements Theme Reveal-FlowersHard to believe it is the end of another month-which is a milestone for me as I am now 4 weeks post-op! Yay-I'm getting there.<br />
<a href="https://www.artelements.net/july-theme-challenge-flowers/">Marsha chose this month's theme</a> and she chose flowers. Such a perfect theme for mid summer. I am a huge lover of flowers and grow a variety of perennials as well as annuals. They are always an inspiration.<br />
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I was a bit late in even thinking about what to create this month. Early in July I was still under the influence of pain medication and was only able to do some watercolor washes and doodling for the Art Elements post. I created several flower doodle drawings that you can see <a href="https://www.artelements.net/flower-filled-pages/">here if you missed it</a>.<br />
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Finally when the fog of medication wore off I realized I needed and wanted to create something that had been on my mind for a while. I created some cyanotype prints on fabric a couple years ago that I wrote a <a href="https://www.artelements.net/cyanotype-experiments/">blog post about here.</a> This particular piece has been sitting near my sewing machine begging for my attention. I knew I wanted to either use it as a centerpiece for a larger quilted wall hanging or alter it and do some hand stitching.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRZOLUzhP5xi2XgqNUPeNZYo6PSLpb0LpeAEasiC3sMo6plX5a6d7DbNU77dVSl5B3su_kuMgxKbXu-Qlxr8rPcbmeYjfS5vv_yJgTtPdQ1jQxUNTN9srvizy2Zb-sVaEQHVYdf4OikU/s1600/SJSY7564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRZOLUzhP5xi2XgqNUPeNZYo6PSLpb0LpeAEasiC3sMo6plX5a6d7DbNU77dVSl5B3su_kuMgxKbXu-Qlxr8rPcbmeYjfS5vv_yJgTtPdQ1jQxUNTN9srvizy2Zb-sVaEQHVYdf4OikU/s640/SJSY7564.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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I opted for hand stitching-the only thing <i><b>is </b></i>I didn't think any of it through before I starting stitching.<br />
Perhaps there was still some brain fog going on. I picked my thread colors and started sketching some flowers across the top of the skull. About half-way through with embroidering the flowers I realized I had no idea what the end results were going to be. The fabric piece was approximately 9.5x11". So did I want to just frame it? Nope. How about just cutting out the skull and flowers and fusing it to another piece of fabric to mount on a canvas or frame? Maybe BUT I was almost half finished with the flowers and knew that if I cut around the stitched flowers I might end up cutting the stitching or I would end up with some ragged edges. What to do???<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMK0nF9G1TPXtFz6KsHuXukia3wZixKKl84MxC5CUj4OV_rKjMKlgMifc9MV7KUj_MYs5VQyos6YGMtQ-WFxAOfYSz1qxjgu-7hNvQh56fUzzKCedL1cC9EluT68GbPXQhveY0p-DUcA/s1600/IMG_6457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMK0nF9G1TPXtFz6KsHuXukia3wZixKKl84MxC5CUj4OV_rKjMKlgMifc9MV7KUj_MYs5VQyos6YGMtQ-WFxAOfYSz1qxjgu-7hNvQh56fUzzKCedL1cC9EluT68GbPXQhveY0p-DUcA/s640/IMG_6457.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Before going any further I decided to see if I could use just a little watercolor to cover the white lacy looking pattern at the top of the fabric. It was actually a plastic placemat that I used for the cyanotype print. It looked cool until I started stitching and the stark contrast of white was too busy with the flowers. So I tried watercolors and of course I got it a little too wet and the watercolors started to bleed into the stitched flowers. YIKES!! So lots of flushing with water to try and remove the color before it set. Lots of blotting and lots of cursing. This was definitely a lesson in 'what not to do"! When I finally removed all the color from the stitched areas I was able to tone down the bright white with just a small amount of watercolor. I let the fabric dry thoroughly and decided it was time to make a decision on cutting and fusing to another piece of fabric before I did anymore hand stitching.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4YE-DnDnLeRZF_w06wl1PPvdDGZ1afNcaW_ZEzCNi3HS_3yfbS4eW6VRaLmIIhFZ4p0g_q0k6MMQ0326ruJq_W8VmAbntzz3N72FTowtOd9CwuiGBLX9iZVpafPCexIuqRcrLJCM1k0/s1600/IMG_6484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1390" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4YE-DnDnLeRZF_w06wl1PPvdDGZ1afNcaW_ZEzCNi3HS_3yfbS4eW6VRaLmIIhFZ4p0g_q0k6MMQ0326ruJq_W8VmAbntzz3N72FTowtOd9CwuiGBLX9iZVpafPCexIuqRcrLJCM1k0/s640/IMG_6484.jpg" width="552" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see from the previous photo to this one, I kept adding flowers and leaves as needed. My initial sketches just didn't quite seem to be enough.</td></tr>
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I knew that black fabric would really set off the colors well so I delicately fused some wonder under to the back of the cyanotype being careful to not put too much pressure on the embroidery so it wouldn't flatten it out. Then I decided on a somewhat oval shape so I could almost cut out all the areas that I didn't like on the cyanotype print. Once it was fused down to the black fabric I stitched around the perimeter with fly-stitches and then went back to finishing the flower wreath on the skull. I decided to have the flowers spill over the edges of the cyanotype onto the black background to ensure that the cyanotype was fully incorporated onto the black. When I was happy with the flowers I decided it needed just a few beads. So I used some size 8° beads with an 11° as an anchor bead to scatter around the feather stitching along the edge of the cyanotype.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJBRGuFo-eQMjSt09qhcjtqqp3BwEH016KvKdPr7A9rosjJ_UQsy85bM_VGgbaQtZJm_dSQBGQ5zuV_GbtkIzsbuXeqZgrkAxfL-TW0Xywkjrwh1Z6N9VEn2v6VusT1azRSjtCcHxtL0/s1600/IMG_6480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJBRGuFo-eQMjSt09qhcjtqqp3BwEH016KvKdPr7A9rosjJ_UQsy85bM_VGgbaQtZJm_dSQBGQ5zuV_GbtkIzsbuXeqZgrkAxfL-TW0Xywkjrwh1Z6N9VEn2v6VusT1azRSjtCcHxtL0/s640/IMG_6480.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I have ironed the black background but have not yet stretched it over a canvas and stapled it to the back. I typically put some quilt batting or a couple of layers of felt between the fabric and canvas before folding over and stapling. So that is on my agenda for later this week. In the meantime I plan to blog hop and see what everyone else created for this challenge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfe8PiyJGfkm7-K0WHcz5-upEydwWU3F9H8ucrHb7u6Bhj-gmfC29Xcsn0MtM4OFI6LISUiOO1NEAo-2VE8lu-fshrAdaQOkApI6c9cwOf8gPjc4ajMXtAOTpN1X-giPHnAXSIVpYLd0/s1600/IMG_6477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1576" data-original-width="1600" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfe8PiyJGfkm7-K0WHcz5-upEydwWU3F9H8ucrHb7u6Bhj-gmfC29Xcsn0MtM4OFI6LISUiOO1NEAo-2VE8lu-fshrAdaQOkApI6c9cwOf8gPjc4ajMXtAOTpN1X-giPHnAXSIVpYLd0/s640/IMG_6477.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to be layered over quilt batting & stapled to a canvas for framing</td></tr>
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Thanks to Marsha for pulling me out of my post-op doldrums to get my creative juices flowing again. This was fun and I have a whole series of embroideries planned after this one!<br />
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Here's a list of the guest participants and the Art Elements team members. Please enjoy the blog hop.<br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="background-color: white;">Guests Participants:</span></span><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://chicchixnchampagne.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1564512532520000&usg=AFQjCNHb_Q-0pGI-IeOp2DvRQcVk5cQGUA" href="http://chicchixnchampagne.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Alysen</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.catswire.blogspot.de/&source=gmail&ust=1564512532520000&usg=AFQjCNE_vLe3KzBq9bBCPhMOR5TE3wwpzg" href="http://www.catswire.blogspot.de/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Cat</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.jewelsofsayuri.com/&source=gmail&ust=1564512532520000&usg=AFQjCNGC8LdxjXH1Cq3iDHfietewcfETpA" href="http://www.jewelsofsayuri.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Divya</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1564512532520000&usg=AFQjCNE2VWgS76dOElujOptNzbHe-tU7bg" href="http://ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Evie and Beth</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://kilnfiredart.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1564512532520000&usg=AFQjCNF2Np615BlezoNw8V92lxqs9bV6NA" href="https://kilnfiredart.wordpress.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Jill</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.craftyhope.com/&source=gmail&ust=1564512532520000&usg=AFQjCNHX-U4o1Av6FOYBuh4xEtV2Y49eEQ" href="http://www.craftyhope.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Hope</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1564512532520000&usg=AFQjCNHeWp5jzQUVPhhUzqlvMEr-d5hAzQ" href="https://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Kathy</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://lindalandig.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1564512532520000&usg=AFQjCNFK0yfVbXXXqrkY29A2fPW006WdcA" href="https://lindalandig.wordpress.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Linda</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://louiselittle.com/blog_test/&source=gmail&ust=1564512532520000&usg=AFQjCNGXXC4llHsJn8VxoGUXcHS-eb6M1Q" href="https://louiselittle.com/blog_test/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Louise</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://ornamento.blog/&source=gmail&ust=1564512532521000&usg=AFQjCNGOwK2qFdaUlnmOt0uqKHq88teJQQ" href="https://ornamento.blog/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Martha</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://beadrecipes.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1564512532521000&usg=AFQjCNEurYIbzmP1o8O9MNaAkuN0c-32BA" href="https://beadrecipes.wordpress.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Melissa</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bijoubeadboutique.com/blog&source=gmail&ust=1564512532521000&usg=AFQjCNHEVEyXsrAz5Nl-w9uEQ5h_hp49_A" href="https://bijoubeadboutique.com/blog" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Michelle</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bairozan.blogspot.com/2019/07/life-is-more-beautiful-with-flowers.html&source=gmail&ust=1564512532521000&usg=AFQjCNFM_9Dcy3gxXCORVleHOA4i5ltXWQ" href="https://bairozan.blogspot.com/2019/07/life-is-more-beautiful-with-flowers.html" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Rozantia</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.anordinarymiracleday.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1564512532521000&usg=AFQjCNEpeCqeciYgdrgbzuDG4ntqWE9Q8g" href="http://www.anordinarymiracleday.wordpress.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Sarah</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/2019/07/art-elements-theme-of-month-flowers.html&source=gmail&ust=1564512532521000&usg=AFQjCNFfjiarWMTmKtSuoyKr8uEsCtMaeQ" href="https://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/2019/07/art-elements-theme-of-month-flowers.html" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Sarajo</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog%25C2%25A0&source=gmail&ust=1564512532521000&usg=AFQjCNEY552k5pIRfxjlJbC8obwGcm0UbA" href="http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog%C2%A0" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Tammy</a><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Art Elements Blog Contributors:</span><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://blueberribeads.co.uk/&source=gmail&ust=1564512532521000&usg=AFQjCNE4ZNcC7-CH2JMbeDMrqo2U-TBTtw" href="http://blueberribeads.co.uk/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Caroline</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://cmendola.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1564512532521000&usg=AFQjCNEUFk3vDrhNPqxz_bNiQXeitFMzuw" href="http://cmendola.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Cathy</a> You're here!<br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://saraccino.blogspot.de/&source=gmail&ust=1564512532521000&usg=AFQjCNGi66Pd2VfgqcAmZMN2DuBofzDRFQ" href="http://saraccino.blogspot.de/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Claire</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.jdaviesreazor.com/blog&source=gmail&ust=1564512532521000&usg=AFQjCNEz49ISm5dFVu2aYlQZJrd5yy53nA" href="http://www.jdaviesreazor.com/blog" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Jenny</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://laney-mead.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1564512532521000&usg=AFQjCNF7510LRqErp0KgiBtOX3kiaYUbqg" href="https://laney-mead.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Laney</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.lesleywatt.com/&source=gmail&ust=1564512532521000&usg=AFQjCNE9tMFoTp1emPeKJitjXT_lpDc3zw" href="https://www.lesleywatt.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Lesley</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://blog.marshanealstudio.com/&source=gmail&ust=1564512532521000&usg=AFQjCNEyZfQfO7w5pZOhzG97mfnL1_i-xA" href="http://blog.marshanealstudio.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Marsha</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.susankennedy.net/&source=gmail&ust=1564512532521000&usg=AFQjCNElcwhFDDNxTNJ_JJXktMDA9WPZTA" href="http://www.susankennedy.net/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Susan</a>Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-38654633978582243412019-06-30T02:00:00.000-04:002019-06-30T02:00:00.578-04:00Art Elements June Theme-SelkiesWhen Jenny chose <a href="https://www.artelements.net/selkies-and-the-sea-the-june-theme-challenge/">'selkies' as the theme for this month's challenge over at Art Elements</a> I was thrilled. I happened to remember that I had gotten a ceramic seal from <a href="https://jdaviesreazor.com/">Jenny</a> a while back so this was the perfect time to create something with this cabochon!<br />
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Now, for those who aren't familiar with selkies...selkies/silkies/sylkies/selchies are born from Scottish mythology. There are also a few folk tales from Ireland regarding these creatures, but the 'selkie folk' seems to have originated in the northern Scottish isles of Orkney & Shetland. They are creatures capable of changing from seal to human form by shedding their seal skins. The human form may be female or male. I found this website quite interesting: <a href="http://www.orkneyjar.com/folklore/selkiefolk/selorig.htm">Orkneyjar-The Heritage of the Orkney Islands</a>. It gives the origins of the selkie folk.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBQSTjxYKKzqwBdgy9lyjTaKpHBKtilbdttKopzQgEa3RUVKsmf5kvDorWsX1FYeHyy5UyzEsnwsRiHXoA7AHB9NqblgaRx5vQrdEIuZpm0awpoLWHdx9iTm6p2fMDVjTUrAxwshpj74/s1600/IMG_6279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1376" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBQSTjxYKKzqwBdgy9lyjTaKpHBKtilbdttKopzQgEa3RUVKsmf5kvDorWsX1FYeHyy5UyzEsnwsRiHXoA7AHB9NqblgaRx5vQrdEIuZpm0awpoLWHdx9iTm6p2fMDVjTUrAxwshpj74/s640/IMG_6279.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seal cabochon by <a href="https://jdaviesreazor.com/">Jenny Davies-Reazor</a></td></tr>
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As soon as I pulled Jenny's seal cabochon out from it's hiding place I remembered I still had a small scrap of fish leather in the perfect gray color. (Sorry I failed to take a pic of the cabochon prior to glueing down to the leather.) The leather scrap was an odd shape so I had to figure out what/how to proceed. Eventually I glued the cabochon to the fish leather to create an asymmetrical pendant for a necklace. I chose freshwater pearls to serve as the rocky shore and some shimmery white and pale blue/gray beads for splashes of water around the seal who has not shed her skin just yet. She has just begun her journey to land by flopping amongst the rocky shores of Scotland. She will begin to peel her skin away once she's through the rocks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzk54CIW59k9LZgL-ZZlI-6uKOIGzel5j54-3sMWCoYpi57UXpU0aXACB0wdydpWS2dFgbtr2Vt1GZuwqKqr80i7bc3GMNVV8fFBNlHasprRw2Kvx6Z3gQZLFVjYfUF4N-x21v7t9RrI/s1600/IMG_6272+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1397" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzk54CIW59k9LZgL-ZZlI-6uKOIGzel5j54-3sMWCoYpi57UXpU0aXACB0wdydpWS2dFgbtr2Vt1GZuwqKqr80i7bc3GMNVV8fFBNlHasprRw2Kvx6Z3gQZLFVjYfUF4N-x21v7t9RrI/s640/IMG_6272+%25281%2529.jpg" width="558" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selkie splashing up across the rocky shore before shedding her skin.</td></tr>
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I chose a small stick/driftwood to hand the pendant on. The bottom fringe was created to mimic the foamy waves rolling up against shore. I haven't created the necklace portion to hang it from just yet. Still contemplating the direction I want to tackle for that part. It will definitely be a statement piece!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIu2OA5q3aGO1TCoNrN_kFSJj7TkmCfbwa7vQlk4FW0a-nDwWpSvX7UZ3eBo6qrJLbVYSkOIqKcmYoWi5XjLpkoC2uPdimkjezcEEvlfyAhQ8wTfTf02n7NhIrqDRZXuintJdTtsPJLts/s1600/IMG_6263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIu2OA5q3aGO1TCoNrN_kFSJj7TkmCfbwa7vQlk4FW0a-nDwWpSvX7UZ3eBo6qrJLbVYSkOIqKcmYoWi5XjLpkoC2uPdimkjezcEEvlfyAhQ8wTfTf02n7NhIrqDRZXuintJdTtsPJLts/s640/IMG_6263.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough draft of selkie sketch per Stephanie Pui-Mun Law's book. I had to go back and fix her jutting chin and her ridiculour right hand!</td></tr>
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Next selkie piece is a result of wanting to learn more about watercolor. I have taken a few online workshops and watched some YouTube videos. I also just happened to have <a href="https://www.shadowscapes.com/">Stephanie Pui-Mun Law's</a> book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1600618170/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i7">Dreamscapes:Myth & Magic</a>. It's a wonderful how-to book for painting mythical creatures with watercolor. She even has a selkie painting in the book with specific instructions on painting this marvelous creature. I opted for a slightly different sketch to paint than her painting, albeit it was still a sketch from her book on how-to sketch selkies. I loosely followed her guidelines for painting. Her color suggestions were mostly colors I did not have in my collection of watercolor paints so I improvised. I learned quite a bit about moving paint around and about layering watercolors to get these effects. All in all, I am pleased with my Stephanie Pui-Mun Law selkie. I highly recommend this book. I really want to purchase more of her books. She does fabulous work!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhtnNpu3rJDX1BXQkI85-YkdgAeheyktW-asaR6ih3_GL843gOIrWp-iGwJXrzKWebrcJ8TZOFFjW0JYJp-6kt1_vn6OLvdH8wOhFjOo8ivp3fBWuTo7gwpKJ0AACv5C8Uubruod-1l0/s1600/IMG_E6268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1177" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhtnNpu3rJDX1BXQkI85-YkdgAeheyktW-asaR6ih3_GL843gOIrWp-iGwJXrzKWebrcJ8TZOFFjW0JYJp-6kt1_vn6OLvdH8wOhFjOo8ivp3fBWuTo7gwpKJ0AACv5C8Uubruod-1l0/s640/IMG_E6268.jpg" width="470" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After first layers of watercolor washes on the background.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_ONbzEhd7oQFmPss-Y2HOaM2S3kzFcuiqtXwNOh3feZEy9tJ61Pko2tJvL0r3L3KASqvgZOD797a-IB69CoIeKHlhLzPJIkJE3nuS5a-IKl1Fxr1Ev0lPFdPYwFPoubClAKAKLhIocM/s1600/IMG_6287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1177" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_ONbzEhd7oQFmPss-Y2HOaM2S3kzFcuiqtXwNOh3feZEy9tJ61Pko2tJvL0r3L3KASqvgZOD797a-IB69CoIeKHlhLzPJIkJE3nuS5a-IKl1Fxr1Ev0lPFdPYwFPoubClAKAKLhIocM/s640/IMG_6287.jpg" width="470" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I finally had to stop myself from adding more layers. I was having so much fun building up color.</td></tr>
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I had originally thought I might do an embroidery piece as well & I even wanted to do a faux scrimshaw piece using a broken seashell to sketch a selkie with black ink. Well, none of those things happened. We had a family beach vacation earlier in the month and I have been in the midst of mentally & physically preparing for surgery this week. By the time this blog post goes live my surgery will be over and hopefully I will be able to blog hop to see everyone's creations.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pM6fXhtmCYnPswPxd-7shEbSN2YRPw-zwKcCljhS_m05BKolsRsipks-kcwfVoXoyjahvnS5iCthEpNrzoagE8prXang9Rxvedci2pBICgKjetaX_zxWS8cJcAyuxVjpU4mdxtTzCAw/s1600/IMG_6291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pM6fXhtmCYnPswPxd-7shEbSN2YRPw-zwKcCljhS_m05BKolsRsipks-kcwfVoXoyjahvnS5iCthEpNrzoagE8prXang9Rxvedci2pBICgKjetaX_zxWS8cJcAyuxVjpU4mdxtTzCAw/s640/IMG_6291.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Definitely a learning experience. I see some areas where I could've done a better job of extending color. Funny how you don't see that until you zoom in. But I had to stop myself before I totally screwed it up.</td></tr>
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<br />
Please go check out all the wondrous selkie creations by team members & guests!<br />
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<blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" type="cite">
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<b>Guests: </b></div>
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<a href="http://paisleylizard.com/blog">Tammy </a></div>
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<a href="http://anordinarymiracleday.wordpress.com/">Sarah</a> </div>
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<a href="http://ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com/">Beth </a></div>
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<a href="http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/">Kathy</a> </div>
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<b>AE team: </b></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://lesleywatt.com&source=gmail&ust=1561664104410000&usg=AFQjCNGaB2vA9FXCPxgYQ8nZWKWyMLV17Q" href="http://lesleywatt.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Lesley</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://jencameron.net&source=gmail&ust=1561664104410000&usg=AFQjCNHAfYX7eWW6RkNrs_A54FaQIw6oOw" href="http://jencameron.net/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Jen</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://blueberribeads.co.uk&source=gmail&ust=1561664104410000&usg=AFQjCNEMe51a7L80h5NGEiyZy8OqsGAK1g" href="http://blueberribeads.co.uk/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Caroline</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://saraccino.blogspot.com&source=gmail&ust=1561664104410000&usg=AFQjCNEbobh7Sq43WeRLLL8wJrt6NXZ45w" href="http://saraccino.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Claire</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://Laney-mead.blogspot.com&source=gmail&ust=1561664104410000&usg=AFQjCNH5984ClDbAvEpvo2JLIkKNjuXSgQ" href="http://laney-mead.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Laney</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://cmendola.blogspot.com&source=gmail&ust=1561664104410000&usg=AFQjCNFuTuAiv_NPStbrq5YNVHuYPgFcEA" href="http://cmendola.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Cath</a>y You're here!</div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://silverniknats.blogspot.com&source=gmail&ust=1561664104410000&usg=AFQjCNEIVnC5UvyBgQDJl3nUYUshRHTTqg" href="http://silverniknats.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Niky</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://phantasmcreation.blogspot.com&source=gmail&ust=1561664104410000&usg=AFQjCNFvh_UvbwwWvddsif6Z1XwQUseEnQ" href="http://phantasmcreation.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Lindsay</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.jdaviesreazor.com/blog&source=gmail&ust=1561664104410000&usg=AFQjCNHopvMwqgX3U1p9WfBZMQaLn27r6w" href="http://www.jdaviesreazor.com/blog" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Jenny</a></div>
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Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-64805818089012061732019-05-30T02:00:00.000-04:002019-05-30T02:00:01.322-04:00Art Elements Forest Theme RevealWow! I blinked and May has disappeared. This <a href="https://www.artelements.net/may-theme-challenge-forest/">month's theme over at Art Elements</a> was chosen by Sue. I absolutely LOVE this theme. I have so many reference photos from my walks in the woods. I had grandiose ideas for this theme but only managed a few. If you follow the Art Elements blog you can see what consumed most of my time for the past month and a half on yesterday's post.<br />
<br />
I did a #30daychallenge last month so I figured that this month I would have tons of extra time to create forest themed projects as well as finish some watercolor workshops I enrolled in. Well....guess what? I made it through one workshop, halfway through 2 more workshops and have very little to show for it. I also made the decision to halt my goddess/spirit doll this month. I had planned at the beginning of the year that would be an ongoing project with one doll per month. I even sketched a greenwoman doll for this month to coincide with the forest theme. But there are only so many hours in a day and I realized I am putting too much pressure on myself right now. So I am trying to relax and only work on things that really inspire me and get my juices flowing. I plan to <b><i>not </i></b>force myself to create if I'm not 'feeling it'. New me-we'll see how far I get with this new process.<br />
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Okay, with that said, here are my forest projects.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtLWgeYrUPNGadwgAjPJ5epZLkagDceoBYsj_Nr5_CJ-aN_6nqyrnrlnIBESyexqIfjwdXhpP48cdRz2A1lj4GmI4GjW7JyWuzIvZSzJJE4Ys69gYTvUmMK792B9Uez6Wr5obXDGkBh8/s1600/IMG_6015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1276" data-original-width="1600" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtLWgeYrUPNGadwgAjPJ5epZLkagDceoBYsj_Nr5_CJ-aN_6nqyrnrlnIBESyexqIfjwdXhpP48cdRz2A1lj4GmI4GjW7JyWuzIvZSzJJE4Ys69gYTvUmMK792B9Uez6Wr5obXDGkBh8/s640/IMG_6015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like I should name them day & night. </td></tr>
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I started the lighter one first. Using a small piece of driftwood as a fallen tree with moss covering it. I then created the stumpwork tree fungi (actually the proper terminology is 'Stereum Ostrea' fungi) that you see on the other darker piece to have growing on the tree. Well that didn't work like I planned. Mainly because I didn't want to glue them and also because I didn't match up my colors very well. I used a reference photo for the fungi and went with those colors rather than something to blend with my lighter piece. So naturally I had to create something just for the fungi. Plus the fungi looked so much better on a darker background.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3fGKu34XmZD6slIE1hLdbqxqnmXKm7UAjFx7GuKTnlA0hO_E8wnJF-WaNWcOaB4sxLatEylQZXtLtiu_PMIeSMs948-DnSBnSkehxbWIrzVJSdsLMViyfxhP_tsT2Hs4qKFHKUI02OY/s1600/IMG_5996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3fGKu34XmZD6slIE1hLdbqxqnmXKm7UAjFx7GuKTnlA0hO_E8wnJF-WaNWcOaB4sxLatEylQZXtLtiu_PMIeSMs948-DnSBnSkehxbWIrzVJSdsLMViyfxhP_tsT2Hs4qKFHKUI02OY/s640/IMG_5996.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
The first piece above got a different kind of fungi in the form of button mushrooms scattered about an another stumpwork piece at the top-a single leaf with the stitched leaves below. This one was created on eco-printed cotton. The print was very faint in areas, but the leaves were fairly distinct. I just outlined the leaves and did minimal stitching. The stumpwork leaf was created on a piece of felt and cut out to stand out from the flat surface.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5n3G-RkgM4GBIojQs1dia_058MendZxkyuV5nPPCfM_X_zgHTlPbtn8q6UR_tGp9zX-opDXrLFUcpWBLW8eVNe1xBeuEu_UTCpBkJZyJ6DygRqy2BFHLBOypG6jRGhyXpke673tmcWGE/s1600/IMG_6001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5n3G-RkgM4GBIojQs1dia_058MendZxkyuV5nPPCfM_X_zgHTlPbtn8q6UR_tGp9zX-opDXrLFUcpWBLW8eVNe1xBeuEu_UTCpBkJZyJ6DygRqy2BFHLBOypG6jRGhyXpke673tmcWGE/s640/IMG_6001.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side angle view. The dark tan mushrooms were stitching directly on the fabric using a couple of circles of felt under the stitching to keep the stitches elevated. The small white mushrooms were done on felt and then cut out to add to the flat fabric. The curly, feathery lichen is painted cheesecloth. Painting makes it stiffer than dyeing so it stands up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKg3850UAW35U97nsFQzEvAgPJqAuy4GnCDaKTbas4BxcrhZ_9-ds9MhyphenhyphenvHyPBa8dnYtOJ3tK3XqBzRs6Vy93sHQDOoHwY6v-I6XOBZckBTz_kIKkNkCnsq6GdqqWUKcLDg9VnuVOgUM/s1600/IMG_6003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKg3850UAW35U97nsFQzEvAgPJqAuy4GnCDaKTbas4BxcrhZ_9-ds9MhyphenhyphenvHyPBa8dnYtOJ3tK3XqBzRs6Vy93sHQDOoHwY6v-I6XOBZckBTz_kIKkNkCnsq6GdqqWUKcLDg9VnuVOgUM/s640/IMG_6003.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little better view of the stumpwork leaf. And the millions of french knots!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zn4YnrbLYE-ibccN_upcuBHEHoJvpoeetK-eu6IKHdty7hoSHXus1O7rJvmhO5RyXgSU7WTnWw68Ndci7wpBCaqTseI_o9iXSXKalJMcLnEetjW4z0iD8Wnddq265JPFtFAuVIDLLa8/s1600/IMG_6011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="993" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zn4YnrbLYE-ibccN_upcuBHEHoJvpoeetK-eu6IKHdty7hoSHXus1O7rJvmhO5RyXgSU7WTnWw68Ndci7wpBCaqTseI_o9iXSXKalJMcLnEetjW4z0iD8Wnddq265JPFtFAuVIDLLa8/s640/IMG_6011.jpg" width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is eco-printed silk and it's so dark that you can barely see my decaying log that the tree fungi are attached to.<br />The fungi were intended to e the stars of this piece so I didn't do a lot of stitching on the background fabric. Plus I love the colors of the eco-printed fabric. The silk was pre-dyed with a teal blue dye then printed using rust soaked leaves so the dark gray/black areas are from the rust water.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10a99stzUBMxqjxj2wHyEc_m3j4zJX8KmID6LpGVQ9GksKsKSc0-wBih2YSUV6sENVrXxb7G6yXV7-CqPAFxygKCDc2G3qNxBU5SBbjezOiiIusZrDISlmfd_K2zYLi1Fc4YMKeDYML4/s1600/IMG_6012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10a99stzUBMxqjxj2wHyEc_m3j4zJX8KmID6LpGVQ9GksKsKSc0-wBih2YSUV6sENVrXxb7G6yXV7-CqPAFxygKCDc2G3qNxBU5SBbjezOiiIusZrDISlmfd_K2zYLi1Fc4YMKeDYML4/s640/IMG_6012.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hopefully you can see my little needle felted log under the crest fungi. I rolled some wool in a piece of felt, then needle felted it all together to form the log. I stitched the fungi on at intervals tacking it down with tiny stitches to make it curve around the log.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPrC1ji1Uauk2OQpDlSLC5A6zQeC5ZJgVUdaSIwe2gCS5bBoKFGLvywgep02slWGjkeGH6URB7Oxgr-vgJQZyWeeY4J-MX12KUpTgq5-x5O5o4V-ZbnhZFGMvp4WE7vwEL5XDP8bKb8Y/s1600/IMG_6016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1600" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPrC1ji1Uauk2OQpDlSLC5A6zQeC5ZJgVUdaSIwe2gCS5bBoKFGLvywgep02slWGjkeGH6URB7Oxgr-vgJQZyWeeY4J-MX12KUpTgq5-x5O5o4V-ZbnhZFGMvp4WE7vwEL5XDP8bKb8Y/s640/IMG_6016.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And these were going to be mushrooms only. Never got there but I plan to. I want to really do an up close look at some mushrooms and highlight just one or two on each of these hoops.</td></tr>
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So that's it for my 'Found on the Forest Floor' series for now. I enjoyed these and it really makes me want to focus in on smaller items to embroider. Maybe get a lot more detailed with my stitching.<br />
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I am really excited to see what everyone has created with this theme. It's such a broad subject that it could encompass so many things. So grab a beverage and read along.<br />
Here's all the participants;<br />
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Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-88165061829875241232019-04-30T02:00:00.000-04:002019-04-30T02:00:21.079-04:00April Art Elements' Theme Reveal-RepurposingAnother month has flown by which means it's time for the <a href="https://www.artelements.net/april-theme-challenge-repurposing/">Art Elements' repurposing theme challenge</a> reveal. Lesley chose this theme and it's quite appropriate for April when we celebrate Earth Day. We have become such a 'throw-away' society. I am just as guilty as most. While working on this theme I thought a lot about the effects it's having on our environment and I hope to be a better steward going forward.<br />
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My parent's and in-laws both lived through the 'Great Depression' and they were so reluctant to throw anything away-repurposing and reusing as much as possible. My paternal grandmother never threw out old clothes. Instead she mended the garments until they were too threadbare to be repaired and then she cut them up and made quilts for the beds. She also used them for cleaning rags.<br />
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With that said...I went through our closets and found some clothes that didn't make their way into the last clothes donation to Goodwill. I also had been saving my husband's neckties for quite a few years now. The neckties I have used for these projects have been in bags in my studio for close to 20 years. I knew that one day I would figure out what to do with them. This challenge seemed like the perfect opportunity.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxN-MMPsIfTs0pdLhu5IYhxIE0ntHSsLSy6yMKaH3032TA17blCryn4HaC94d1cDblnSB-Y5vxR2vKczOk-QioVWcS9RV-MQXPtGYs4yr4oKHSClhB9TI7jq83BbJLlo7aYbaEKXktfE/s1600/IMG_5282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="826" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxN-MMPsIfTs0pdLhu5IYhxIE0ntHSsLSy6yMKaH3032TA17blCryn4HaC94d1cDblnSB-Y5vxR2vKczOk-QioVWcS9RV-MQXPtGYs4yr4oKHSClhB9TI7jq83BbJLlo7aYbaEKXktfE/s640/IMG_5282.jpg" width="330" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First necktie on the cutting board. This one is rayon. I love the pattern and colors!</td></tr>
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First quick project-I used the pointed end of a necktie to create a small little business card holder. I am forever forgetting to carry business cards with me. Now I can tuck this little pouch in my purse and take it wherever I go.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_aVoBafWqQBNqZKioEJ2_NRPOtIazvLy-3qN4zgxmr2et83bTojE4R2rOLUpmxrXg5oBiYvVc5aROXPGsESGsH-LS9jjNFT4fJ6Uz2uxEKI8_Hqbrk6X4TiqAVQqvytd02aydrqGplY/s1600/IMG_5301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1472" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_aVoBafWqQBNqZKioEJ2_NRPOtIazvLy-3qN4zgxmr2et83bTojE4R2rOLUpmxrXg5oBiYvVc5aROXPGsESGsH-LS9jjNFT4fJ6Uz2uxEKI8_Hqbrk6X4TiqAVQqvytd02aydrqGplY/s640/IMG_5301.jpg" width="588" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Business card holder</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPgAru_UQvachdBCP1lHH0iQRbSNGUTVKxDxus-l0htGUlfYfEmLJFp_EZNBNsKN1sdEvz5S6zhm4D25g3nODp1hj4k24_EYqszK1tfpJOkQxAkD48DgBMdn0MnGfa4kqyhAhQj0gg-o/s1600/IMG_5468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPgAru_UQvachdBCP1lHH0iQRbSNGUTVKxDxus-l0htGUlfYfEmLJFp_EZNBNsKN1sdEvz5S6zhm4D25g3nODp1hj4k24_EYqszK1tfpJOkQxAkD48DgBMdn0MnGfa4kqyhAhQj0gg-o/s640/IMG_5468.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Business cards fit snuggly inside. The button on the flap is even a vintage button.<br />
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Next is also a single necktie. I made this one into an eyeglass case for my sunglasses.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3OlYEXsPP_LJcQ1x3wNDdaxsDhLfXgDMzdlX7tpEOP32e2CaBybgFKAt6sFmW7X9hd_gvYjykNo5x3epuK5K2HLfP5T4ZRJUZq7Kn6mQHKwBLUdFpx-fUmm1U_dMrR2HocO3iE852Ss/s1600/IMG_5467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3OlYEXsPP_LJcQ1x3wNDdaxsDhLfXgDMzdlX7tpEOP32e2CaBybgFKAt6sFmW7X9hd_gvYjykNo5x3epuK5K2HLfP5T4ZRJUZq7Kn6mQHKwBLUdFpx-fUmm1U_dMrR2HocO3iE852Ss/s640/IMG_5467.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then I decided to use 3 neck ties to create a small purse. I chose 3 with similar colors and interesting patterns.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWkbjNdMG_NR5ltnjwoPGyJGMHYoemweYlTyL1Y6sC1FrD6n-jGz-bhZNPm9JNDXdK_QRx8T3rJ0sfLOFVUl-KpeBmMMZIXWwDLQCXpGkn-1JW68Z9Jz-NO6rzg829OS44FlygcS48CM/s1600/IMG_E5398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="1600" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWkbjNdMG_NR5ltnjwoPGyJGMHYoemweYlTyL1Y6sC1FrD6n-jGz-bhZNPm9JNDXdK_QRx8T3rJ0sfLOFVUl-KpeBmMMZIXWwDLQCXpGkn-1JW68Z9Jz-NO6rzg829OS44FlygcS48CM/s640/IMG_E5398.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6k0n44FSyBBKXW9eK0JbUE5qBEK1b3994uX3y1qblSjMxw2uGmObuuNb7qTphZ3rTlB3KmezaZBKhD5iZRSKRoynq5gBoeDCkj5XDJDx7voQUod2kz4_ngud3TjuK8n8Rab0uUSXBP0/s1600/IMG_5421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1144" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6k0n44FSyBBKXW9eK0JbUE5qBEK1b3994uX3y1qblSjMxw2uGmObuuNb7qTphZ3rTlB3KmezaZBKhD5iZRSKRoynq5gBoeDCkj5XDJDx7voQUod2kz4_ngud3TjuK8n8Rab0uUSXBP0/s640/IMG_5421.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
Then I decided that I just had to make a pillow out of 4 neckties.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHpAWvZZkSw8svUzZyEXL5KcYka_vvsEUprGpdFNIxr1yVcwwuo6WYju4YCuCTjiQJqqoVOC8WGfGVRNzZIsfKZZk-TI5PW9yXA9KZFkytNZxuNs1MTy6gnuSRisMLF6w-C_xSrRbG-M/s1600/IMG_E5339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1329" data-original-width="1600" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHpAWvZZkSw8svUzZyEXL5KcYka_vvsEUprGpdFNIxr1yVcwwuo6WYju4YCuCTjiQJqqoVOC8WGfGVRNzZIsfKZZk-TI5PW9yXA9KZFkytNZxuNs1MTy6gnuSRisMLF6w-C_xSrRbG-M/s640/IMG_E5339.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love these colors and patterns! Yes, my husband wore some bright & funky ties in the late 80's & early 90's</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICGXiAU2lpBxcrLLWZRjkdedZzzYti82gFDyEdWw9Y3kMjs2FQrJCxvnvsjCYK2ebffKxjNfYmP-60sDr3jbhxBg0hiCnXbaf8VueK1QslhcdQ7AtIHLTqd4rG8vS47GaD7Gg2_ijSok/s1600/IMG_5461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1518" data-original-width="1600" height="606" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICGXiAU2lpBxcrLLWZRjkdedZzzYti82gFDyEdWw9Y3kMjs2FQrJCxvnvsjCYK2ebffKxjNfYmP-60sDr3jbhxBg0hiCnXbaf8VueK1QslhcdQ7AtIHLTqd4rG8vS47GaD7Gg2_ijSok/s640/IMG_5461.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">16x16 pillow.</td></tr>
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Then I stared at the pile of clothes I had pulled from my closet and decided it was time to try something other than neck ties. So I pulled a denim skirt from my stash and decided to make a tote bag. The denim skirt was never worn. One of those 'what was I thinking purchases'. And when it came time to put handles on the tote-I turned to what else-a couple of similar red neckties! Hopefully they hold up. I sewed them pretty securely. Silk is a pretty strong fabric so maybe they will be ok.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bn5lvH_L5f_nhxs7SdkvOMm7ybtIgCm0ZK2KM_asz1u9SxwJk7dXy6RbNT84ZHShjO3_lP_8PESE8HjrqJrfHFjP5Mb0A7vBjOY9e4rtu1OIrskdgJa4qWHV27aFZ-oO3SQfHsmMW00/s1600/IMG_5462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="1600" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bn5lvH_L5f_nhxs7SdkvOMm7ybtIgCm0ZK2KM_asz1u9SxwJk7dXy6RbNT84ZHShjO3_lP_8PESE8HjrqJrfHFjP5Mb0A7vBjOY9e4rtu1OIrskdgJa4qWHV27aFZ-oO3SQfHsmMW00/s640/IMG_5462.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished denim skirt tote. Sorry I failed to take a 'before' photo.</td></tr>
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As soon as I finished stitching this tote bag I realized it was the perfect place to stitch my patches from<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tinycup_/?hl=en"> Tiny Cup</a>. I found her on Instagram. She does skeleton embroidery and her pieces are amazing. She periodically offers patches done with her designs. I bought these over a year ago and was waiting for just the perfect place to put them.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kkUQENNa4QK7Yl0vccA8y_yZmfORN7Lgnuo11FOlVVBVOIyw-XmQXlA5nwsdIiJ0zFtmnPbBzrKyCT9XyUZ0ZkYz9BwU9laOEBaH7hFcnSX36HMTrLymblv6kjnDLQwHMlBNRQtbcGY/s1600/IMG_5469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kkUQENNa4QK7Yl0vccA8y_yZmfORN7Lgnuo11FOlVVBVOIyw-XmQXlA5nwsdIiJ0zFtmnPbBzrKyCT9XyUZ0ZkYz9BwU9laOEBaH7hFcnSX36HMTrLymblv6kjnDLQwHMlBNRQtbcGY/s640/IMG_5469.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top photo-My Tiny Cup patches on the pockets. I love having the outside pockets on the tote bag. Bottom photo-inside the tote I have smaller bags filled with some sketchbooks, pens, pencils and watercolor pens.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One last project I created was a bracelet using a piece of the same necktie I used for the business card holder.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7HZwkeJmujP_VwHJIG4wqDKnXYlSh4JxU99S_PwzcOHez_GVpLPJ7rl_WMdQVfFKhFQACBhXKZSUbUqtdaDJK4r437aV-guZWOYKJBSHG5w-KqyLhK4fGxtgZV3Fzka2RCjLrF34uJs/s1600/IMG_5508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7HZwkeJmujP_VwHJIG4wqDKnXYlSh4JxU99S_PwzcOHez_GVpLPJ7rl_WMdQVfFKhFQACBhXKZSUbUqtdaDJK4r437aV-guZWOYKJBSHG5w-KqyLhK4fGxtgZV3Fzka2RCjLrF34uJs/s640/IMG_5508.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Necktie bracelet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I am planning to do a mini tutorial on a few of these neck tie projects over at the Art Elements blog where I'll give a few tips and suggestions. So keep watching. It's a great way to repurpose neck ties especially if you happen to have a large stash of them.<span id="goog_551711278"></span><br />
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I am really looking forward to what our team members and guests have come up with for this theme.<br />
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Here's the list of all participants:<br />
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Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-19945112134916465482019-03-31T02:00:00.000-04:002019-03-31T13:19:43.865-04:00AE March Theme Reveal-Luna MothThe March theme over at <a href="https://www.artelements.net/march-theme-challenge-luna-moths/">Art Elements</a> was chosen by teammate <a href="http://www.glassaddictions.com/blog">Jen</a>. She chose the beautiful, luminous Luna Moth. I have never seen one alive-only found dead ones-but I do love them. I didn’t know that their adult life span is so short only 7-10 days. Maybe that’s why they’re so elusive.<br />
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I knew I wanted to do an embroidery piece for this month’s theme. I wanted to keep a series going that I started with the fairy theme back in September which is an embroidery piece with the moon in the background. I also did an embroidery piece for January’s Moon theme. So here is my Luna Moth Moon piece.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzyjhwBZDRko0DkspIRBRxq6HsegQ6TU39AQoc0wRdDTUqzZ3nfFd3VDuv7pU_Pg0Czl1OJN1qDUvCrczBsGXorqaKj4b4g4-OSI5M6lSBoRKuSBW9tSvCwOwcrbjiCWL9wm2jMXWtns/s1600/IMG_E4947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1582" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzyjhwBZDRko0DkspIRBRxq6HsegQ6TU39AQoc0wRdDTUqzZ3nfFd3VDuv7pU_Pg0Czl1OJN1qDUvCrczBsGXorqaKj4b4g4-OSI5M6lSBoRKuSBW9tSvCwOwcrbjiCWL9wm2jMXWtns/s640/IMG_E4947.jpg" width="632" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Embroidered Luna Moth- 12x12 on stretched canvas</td></tr>
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I have never tried using watercolor paint on fabric, only textile paint or acrylic with textile medium. For this piece I decided to try Daniel Smith watercolor paint in Buff Titanium. It has such a luminous finish on paper and when painted on the black fabric it created a pretty cool moon surface. I sketched a Luna Moth on paper the size I wanted my embroidery to be & used it as a template to trace around the design onto the black fabric using a white gel pen. Then I gathered threads and started to work. Once the embroidery was done, I backed it with several layers of quilt batting and stapled it over a 12x12 canvas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5LfzPM3QhMAbyXy7Fir95VoQf0Vw6AEljPxgiGy6Tvq8V-UMUPJIYxEsmr4R4FjpolxSyOtbMOYIVYK6he_RCA7kIW92P8IRLUZtjwHgW5rKC7FkzEd69Losx9HnHHmXzFsBK_SaTbE/s1600/IMG_4952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1516" data-original-width="1600" height="606" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5LfzPM3QhMAbyXy7Fir95VoQf0Vw6AEljPxgiGy6Tvq8V-UMUPJIYxEsmr4R4FjpolxSyOtbMOYIVYK6he_RCA7kIW92P8IRLUZtjwHgW5rKC7FkzEd69Losx9HnHHmXzFsBK_SaTbE/s640/IMG_4952.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">close-up of embroidered Luna Moth</td></tr>
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My second & smallest piece probably took the longest to create. It started out as a two dimensional beaded Luna moth but then I changed my mind and decided she was going to be a 3-d small art doll. I sewed the backing on as you normally would if making a bead embroidered pendant but left one end open so that I could stuff it with a little polyfil, then finished beading it closed. Now this next step is where I almost lost my mind...I wanted to make her wings from a wire frame and then bead the wire frame. Ha! I got about 50 beads wired on and had barely covered one tip of a wing when I decided nope not gonna go this way. Changed course and decided to created some shiny cellophane wings over the wire frame. First of all I used the original frame which had wire that was way too large in gauge, secondly I used a heat tool to try and melt the cellophane onto the wings and used it way too close in areas. The wings were okay but just did not make the cut. So back to the drawing board. Final attempt was lighter, airier and much better for this little Luna baby. I used bits of fabric snips, yarn and snippets of cellophane sandwiched between tulle. I placed all this on water soluble stabilizer and used a satin stitch to get all the bits stitched together. I dissolved the stabilizer then let it dry. I didn’t use wire to help the wings hold their shape instead I used a small amount of fabric stiffener. Once dry I glued her wings on & gave her some beaded antennae.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gQt4NUGaMQf1DWTPn_Ntz20CTGDkEniVlmpVEOffDb2zVrm9csle3sqXJXoZUy3ffgGczJfgaUi0RThEGz7qHFzwNhjyzIRlBYOnWEe2CFWuDDpH-6b1yNkE6PzBzJvH6tZKPoin_bo/s1600/IMG_5008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gQt4NUGaMQf1DWTPn_Ntz20CTGDkEniVlmpVEOffDb2zVrm9csle3sqXJXoZUy3ffgGczJfgaUi0RThEGz7qHFzwNhjyzIRlBYOnWEe2CFWuDDpH-6b1yNkE6PzBzJvH6tZKPoin_bo/s640/IMG_5008.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceramic Face Cabochon is by teammate <a href="https://jdaviesreazor.com/">Jenny Davies-Reazor</a></td></tr>
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I painted a wooden base and glued flat glass marbles to the bottom to compensate for the screw head (since I didn't use a router to allow the screw to be flush with the wooden base)which I used to attach the wooden bead which holds up the baby Luna. I inserted a heavy weight piece of wire into the doll at the bottom of her body to glue into the wooden bead.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgK9GCAcC77l8HS8DYYIwFLf-79Op1iAsZS1An0z3n8saaTrRUsXmWjC9-qj4pb0GPXMk2Wh9PbGF-TCElNBXRFhyphenhyphen_-OZRLgDT7SKFT7kPkDXxaGGSYRCnX56WygQeshpP6wM0DoY_-0/s1600/IMG_5005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1138" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgK9GCAcC77l8HS8DYYIwFLf-79Op1iAsZS1An0z3n8saaTrRUsXmWjC9-qj4pb0GPXMk2Wh9PbGF-TCElNBXRFhyphenhyphen_-OZRLgDT7SKFT7kPkDXxaGGSYRCnX56WygQeshpP6wM0DoY_-0/s640/IMG_5005.jpg" width="454" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Beaded Luna Moth</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiC1hMz2DD3RzcPr4fiMeARxd2xOa5WOKclL6hGJr2QphMSV0pGjdZXUWZW48pfHALiN1UJ1UOu52isipqgFkGNAqgkbPHwpFmAgc2xrzE9IO0cSnddJjn1SbUENWds2Dwkia4HWJnjI/s1600/IMG_5007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1428" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiC1hMz2DD3RzcPr4fiMeARxd2xOa5WOKclL6hGJr2QphMSV0pGjdZXUWZW48pfHALiN1UJ1UOu52isipqgFkGNAqgkbPHwpFmAgc2xrzE9IO0cSnddJjn1SbUENWds2Dwkia4HWJnjI/s640/IMG_5007.jpg" width="570" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back side of Baby Luna-You can really see how transparent her wings are</td></tr>
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Next up- March goddess/art doll. She is ‘Queen Mother of the Luna Moths’. I used/repurposed one of my old Barbie dolls to create this creature. I used apoxie sculpt clay and a face mold to cover the original Barbie face & inserted copper wire into the clay before it set up. She was painted with several layers of paint-first a brass color, then lime green with a smudging of verdigris ink over her face. I used a gold paint pen to color her lips and highlight the eyes. She has dyed & distressed cheesecloth draped and glued around her body, arms & head. I created her wings in the same fashion I created the baby Luna wings. But I added extra fabric and I used wire to help stabilize and bend these huge wings. I also used the fabric stiffener just to add extra strength to the wings. She is perched on a chunk of wood from our woodpile out back. She is queen of the silk moths, even though she isn’t wearing any silk!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvttJq5A69OmIn1Y7MpUu-ZIEQ1eKzo3bTYq9how3mG88OAO1NcP6I_w6Y08p1BP-8MSdru_Yha7MNe_-rm2cS44dhChCKX1qjJVoIDDCbJBkpQluxS9GOd7FPXFiUXAvAFccDnxeH90/s1600/IMG_5030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="728" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvttJq5A69OmIn1Y7MpUu-ZIEQ1eKzo3bTYq9how3mG88OAO1NcP6I_w6Y08p1BP-8MSdru_Yha7MNe_-rm2cS44dhChCKX1qjJVoIDDCbJBkpQluxS9GOd7FPXFiUXAvAFccDnxeH90/s640/IMG_5030.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Mother of the Luna Moths</td></tr>
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Using/repurposing an old Barbie was quite fun and since the April theme is repurposed/recycled items I may have to do that again!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAzYkdoDkc4FAm8AzULoehhf6nblc__uX3fyjaoourQp0ZBsYRkveyJMpL9mA3DxPI3tti9q0JfdBrrP-lkOfRGarlFTQSfg6kWgozrjPX6ori9zOhZixUxcf3lvr9WM1kIDgwzvulQk/s1600/IMG_5031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAzYkdoDkc4FAm8AzULoehhf6nblc__uX3fyjaoourQp0ZBsYRkveyJMpL9mA3DxPI3tti9q0JfdBrrP-lkOfRGarlFTQSfg6kWgozrjPX6ori9zOhZixUxcf3lvr9WM1kIDgwzvulQk/s640/IMG_5031.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the Queen of Silk Moths-she definitely has a bug-like face;-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX27NdNl2ONv4j3XaPKl1JGdxnqpMzT57FjWk1zO6X3gLRHJRyHN6UFTA68ExwtdUW1o944wsozYMRZ32bkNf57HUEai3QoFQJpOK-j30tbDOCPOGvVfMFXJSgxMj6wYB1OIFOaqj8n1w/s1600/IMG_5035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX27NdNl2ONv4j3XaPKl1JGdxnqpMzT57FjWk1zO6X3gLRHJRyHN6UFTA68ExwtdUW1o944wsozYMRZ32bkNf57HUEai3QoFQJpOK-j30tbDOCPOGvVfMFXJSgxMj6wYB1OIFOaqj8n1w/s640/IMG_5035.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For comparison-Baby & Queen side by side</td></tr>
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Looking forward to seeing all the participants Luna Moth creations. I have seen glimpses on social media but really looking forward to the full reveal. Thanks to Jen for such a fun theme.<br />
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Here’s the list of team members participating this month and our guest:<br />
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<b>Guests:</b></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog&source=gmail&ust=1554049346726000&usg=AFQjCNH5ExUjc6evfbaK1YNW2-xITwquAA" href="http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Tammy</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1554049346726000&usg=AFQjCNGagJpw8W0MoiXAbUTtG3HO46soLQ" href="http://ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Beth and Evie</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://chicchixnchampagne.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1554049346726000&usg=AFQjCNExWViTVL_GNldC-j79prn6nj4cRg" href="https://chicchixnchampagne.blogspot.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Alysen</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bairozan.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1554049346726000&usg=AFQjCNFmTsn6Q2DIJA4KjqwnVSyK8SYkcQ" href="https://bairozan.blogspot.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Rozantia</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/2019/03/art-elements-theme-of-month-luna-moths.html&source=gmail&ust=1554049346726000&usg=AFQjCNGXw8Q7AsixDeGMTbxfaTbqxrFoAA" href="https://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/2019/03/art-elements-theme-of-month-luna-moths.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Sarajo</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://ginkgoetcoquelicot.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1554049346726000&usg=AFQjCNGmwjPAlj9x4N2f0EEZNaSblNg9rg" href="https://ginkgoetcoquelicot.blogspot.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Karin</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://anordinarymiracleday.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1554049346726000&usg=AFQjCNEqQq1ht68LjRZOOdYTuAJatTG3YQ" href="https://anordinarymiracleday.wordpress.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Sarah</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.jewelsofsayuri.com/&source=gmail&ust=1554049346726000&usg=AFQjCNH6ExFFrZZdcEtz2tV8mdN4vLP2eQ" href="http://www.jewelsofsayuri.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Divya</a></div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.fogbarrow.com/blog&source=gmail&ust=1554049346737000&usg=AFQjCNHHq3MeQ978qOMNK9-Iny-gXYQZAA" href="http://www.fogbarrow.com/blog" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="background-color: #e5f5fa; border-radius: 2px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #006589; font-family: "Noto Serif"; font-size: 16px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 2px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">Colette</a><br />
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AE Team Members:</div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://silverniknats.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1554049346726000&usg=AFQjCNFuoeNT6JUlIlqbC5UJH2HawmgG1A" href="http://silverniknats.blogspot.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Niky</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://blueberribeads.co.uk/&source=gmail&ust=1554049346726000&usg=AFQjCNFxQJgYxInlxFcOrsFXuhQ9ibU_DQ" href="https://blueberribeads.co.uk/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Caroline</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://cmendola.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1554049346726000&usg=AFQjCNE9edbvJOJJpxuT2u9gbXrM2yrLdg" href="http://cmendola.blogspot.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Cathy</a>You're here!</div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://jdaviesreazor.com/blog/&source=gmail&ust=1554049346726000&usg=AFQjCNHH4DyFP3qb4sWc1f2dTdqyeKqyWg" href="https://jdaviesreazor.com/blog/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Jenny</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.lesleywatt.com/&source=gmail&ust=1554049346726000&usg=AFQjCNFMhfHKXjTQiL9YkHg4XsGcokw0zg" href="https://www.lesleywatt.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Lesley</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://blog.marshanealstudio.com/&source=gmail&ust=1554049346726000&usg=AFQjCNEljMmw7ILQcwrz3xIF2VkowCjOsA" href="http://blog.marshanealstudio.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Marsha</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://phantasmcreation.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1554049346726000&usg=AFQjCNG5-dhjV2T-apsM9_oCcYGFGvoXQA" href="http://phantasmcreation.blogspot.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Lindsay</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://saraccino.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1554049346726000&usg=AFQjCNFE6X-blQlRqPXIPdfK70ZBtJ2zNg" href="https://saraccino.blogspot.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Claire</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.glassaddictions.com/blog&source=gmail&ust=1554049346726000&usg=AFQjCNEkzE8-EQ1G7-Q-DqueM0sEf63IsA" href="http://www.glassaddictions.com/blog" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Jen</a></div>
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Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-31366923898751523722019-02-28T01:30:00.000-05:002019-02-28T11:42:29.141-05:00Art Elements Birds Of Prey Theme Reveal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This month's theme over at Art Elements is <i>Birds of Prey</i>. I was the lucky host for this theme and chose it particulalry because I love owls, hawks and eagles. But specifically owls!! I know many people who share my obsession so I figured it was time for this sort of theme challenge.<br />
I had sooooo many ideas for projects that I wanted to create this month but here it is the end of the month & I finished a few but not nearly the list I had in mind.<br />
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The first thing I started was a VERY lengthy freeform peyote beaded piece. That consumed quite a bit of time. I generally only bead at night for 3-4 hours while watching tv. So this piece was created mainly at night for about 9 consecutive nights plus I spent a Saturday & Sunday afternoon beading as well. All in all it took about 45-50 hours of beading. I probably could've done it quicker if I had known what I was doing-haha. I had never tackled anything quite like this. So here is Athena's Owl.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVd8d8U0T0sYaGV6vI1nWLH6KUq5sXypGY9sUCZw8GII75vGIFpL1WJe9YUQHtwVD0mAy_GYbYhn4BMwPzKy580wvXSro7HLIVVjbv_W0X305Dl8yFRUkdjTBbgFLsxRHZgk3kOICw38/s1600/IMG_4527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVd8d8U0T0sYaGV6vI1nWLH6KUq5sXypGY9sUCZw8GII75vGIFpL1WJe9YUQHtwVD0mAy_GYbYhn4BMwPzKy580wvXSro7HLIVVjbv_W0X305Dl8yFRUkdjTBbgFLsxRHZgk3kOICw38/s640/IMG_4527.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I glued the porcelain cabochon (by Laura Mears Designs) onto stiff stuff & beaded around it. I cut the stiff stuff as though I was going to make a pendant out of it then started some free form peyote around the beaded owl. Once I had enough beading I wrapped it around a stick and kept doing freeform peyote.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6U78y5LK40FejkjyOC7NX9m6aYah2lgtkgjCyUW_6NaaIf5gqIsZ482QVxFrCiFngMC5XX8nfQLVeWLwJY1xa_9MGqxsbdDzJGpJnRE3isZDYrs3ALtAy5NmbXhmqLIBNlRiPp1RV8lw/s1600/IMG_4509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6U78y5LK40FejkjyOC7NX9m6aYah2lgtkgjCyUW_6NaaIf5gqIsZ482QVxFrCiFngMC5XX8nfQLVeWLwJY1xa_9MGqxsbdDzJGpJnRE3isZDYrs3ALtAy5NmbXhmqLIBNlRiPp1RV8lw/s640/IMG_4509.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stick was nice an smooth with a 'Y' shape. There was one knot on the branch that I left open for the knot to poke through. There is a slight ruffle around the wing area of the owl. It's been awhile since I attempted a ruffled peyote piece. I need to work on that a little more, but this was enough of a ruffle to mimic the wings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWno1E5j_QnP6w6OOZvuwXM6oXLQL8Y_LklssL2fmD18WZkj7iEMEx_LInmfgDZSv8YH1WaZo4Tgx6xuLxbAgSxNaCVPTnu49mAVsHSbp8uPL0cmWBQbNypku36wni5hzxWuAM7y7_jk/s1600/IMG_4630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWno1E5j_QnP6w6OOZvuwXM6oXLQL8Y_LklssL2fmD18WZkj7iEMEx_LInmfgDZSv8YH1WaZo4Tgx6xuLxbAgSxNaCVPTnu49mAVsHSbp8uPL0cmWBQbNypku36wni5hzxWuAM7y7_jk/s640/IMG_4630.jpg" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Athena's Owl perched in a tree</td></tr>
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Next piece was also a Laura Mears Design cabochon. I paired it with a teardrop labradorite and a moon snail shell almost the same color as the owl. Originally I was going to make a necklace but had a change of plans.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignlDmPDYRABXVdM3naf3YmYVOIhTm3vR0nVQr0d9raqLIq_3LXqpQaxkgc_Qqc4O4JaRQVCJt94XS7kwKxF6FlRErc20GX0MEg21OJUkP5GCGiS2PLAAhmVkeKSsK_lBKHCVB4Q6arTI/s1600/IMG_4673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignlDmPDYRABXVdM3naf3YmYVOIhTm3vR0nVQr0d9raqLIq_3LXqpQaxkgc_Qqc4O4JaRQVCJt94XS7kwKxF6FlRErc20GX0MEg21OJUkP5GCGiS2PLAAhmVkeKSsK_lBKHCVB4Q6arTI/s640/IMG_4673.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Various views of the beaded pendant placed on wet felted fabric and embellished</td></tr>
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I decided that this piece needed to be a mixed media wall 'jewelry'. I
created a wet felted piece approximatelly 12' square and placed it on
tan wool (thanks to teammate Jenny's upcycled skirt). I did some free
motion machine quilting then stitched the beaded owl pendant in the
center. Added some hand embroidery and beading, then stapled the tan
fabric backing to a stretched canvas to hang on the wall.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyFZe3upijfMDLtZl55oeuTphNEqbEaIHS0IymV1n8V88vJgcIE11Xcmg1RU-q95SZcbBwvkmjcl1svYTHNKP6LEY1QxIUj_SAkkkw2GjDfrpVBLVc3XwJ7LfL6T6ayvPh7nrU_cPq3U/s1600/IMG_4665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1575" data-original-width="1600" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyFZe3upijfMDLtZl55oeuTphNEqbEaIHS0IymV1n8V88vJgcIE11Xcmg1RU-q95SZcbBwvkmjcl1svYTHNKP6LEY1QxIUj_SAkkkw2GjDfrpVBLVc3XwJ7LfL6T6ayvPh7nrU_cPq3U/s640/IMG_4665.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full view. The color is distorted in this full view. The above collage is much more accurate.</td></tr>
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If you follow me or our monthly challenges you know that I am creating a goddess or spirit doll eacah month. So this month's doll is Athena-goddess of wisdom & war with her faithful owl riding on her shoulder.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxuGyHlkgSLQ9DzuOcU0juXJiHMgdTIKJIi7GU5S1H8i0WIeYReZBG5E8oYMVS9eNGFw4i4Ic4-XIgSN0LnBRt-cUycXVfuKr1ZQKBMl8xONO_c5Oz0AvXYY2UDpcF4SlvGCpVeM5lfs/s1600/IMG_4671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxuGyHlkgSLQ9DzuOcU0juXJiHMgdTIKJIi7GU5S1H8i0WIeYReZBG5E8oYMVS9eNGFw4i4Ic4-XIgSN0LnBRt-cUycXVfuKr1ZQKBMl8xONO_c5Oz0AvXYY2UDpcF4SlvGCpVeM5lfs/s640/IMG_4671.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Various stages of the doll development</td></tr>
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I used a pattern that I had never used before from Patti Medaris Culea's book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Cloth-Doll-Making-Approaches/dp/1564969428/ref=sr_1_21?keywords=cloth+doll&qid=1551127964&s=books&sr=1-21">'Creative Cloth Doll Making'.</a> I have had this book for years and had never made one from her patterns, so this was another new thing for me. Especially since I hate following patterns. I prefer to wing it. About halfway through the process I did ditch several of her ideas in favor of 'doing my own thing'. I made mistakes galore but learned quite a bit in the process.<br />
Making the needle-felted owl was another 'new' thing for me this time. I have never attempted anything 3-d so this little guy was one of those things where I watched a YouTube video and then did my own thing. I 'winged it' no pun intended-haha!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHOo5iGHGxspUO_8i_VVM3-p-5gWU_yjciOpFC-7oK1u1CV26SB6o3vbLFfYlVuQ7Xc9GzQkQC2EKzo7LXTrXCxLE76OqxzWKIjcPQVAcIM7FiuYHV-wIBHZnZVRqPQdfTsdnKv_rJJk/s1600/IMG_4674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHOo5iGHGxspUO_8i_VVM3-p-5gWU_yjciOpFC-7oK1u1CV26SB6o3vbLFfYlVuQ7Xc9GzQkQC2EKzo7LXTrXCxLE76OqxzWKIjcPQVAcIM7FiuYHV-wIBHZnZVRqPQdfTsdnKv_rJJk/s640/IMG_4674.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red headed Athena with her owl on her shoulder. Complete with warrior shield and spear</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkDrAvGr_fpiCvm_OaolFXeWBhGN3mLmmRnx9-CG8y6J7AC6jTBVED1XQLHy_o2MdwCAwZrOU4EDstETATzCI4N_Qsvsoi4bJrRpdBRPcQZSTC6umjdHnbeFWOt6PcDTV3pubmJcsO5Q/s1600/IMG_4659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1261" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkDrAvGr_fpiCvm_OaolFXeWBhGN3mLmmRnx9-CG8y6J7AC6jTBVED1XQLHy_o2MdwCAwZrOU4EDstETATzCI4N_Qsvsoi4bJrRpdBRPcQZSTC6umjdHnbeFWOt6PcDTV3pubmJcsO5Q/s640/IMG_4659.jpg" width="504" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Athena in her full glory sitting on a pedestal. I am really jealous of her gray velvet cape. That turned out better than I expected. Maybe I'll have to make one for myself.</td></tr>
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Last but not least. I tend to procastinate when tackling something that is new and daunting-like the art doll and the needle-felted owl. So while pondering how I was going to go about making her I ended up making a quickl little journal cover using the needle-felted owl I showed you all in the theme announcement post. It was gifted to me by team mate Caroline.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfhejUv-7AMCZ_-XvV4gM7mNxewOk84XIHhMh4ySSTbU9yP0TnijnFzrL3PsfuWcgiw5X3D-5JbMg7EB4-sp6SeWmLxYjXgufsD4nEGQVr5KIq-RoSfy57ftKjCUXRCgIs_MoUtuoJBw/s1600/IMG_4672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfhejUv-7AMCZ_-XvV4gM7mNxewOk84XIHhMh4ySSTbU9yP0TnijnFzrL3PsfuWcgiw5X3D-5JbMg7EB4-sp6SeWmLxYjXgufsD4nEGQVr5KIq-RoSfy57ftKjCUXRCgIs_MoUtuoJBw/s640/IMG_4672.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I actually made it to fit a small sketchbook/journal. The leather strips slip over the outside covers. Took about 15 minutes!</td></tr>
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I thoroughly enjoyed this month's theme, but then again I love every month's themes and the whole creative process.<br />
I do hope you will all take some time to visit everyone's blog and see all the creations from this month's theme.<br />
Here's the list of participating guests and team members.<br />
<br />
<b>Guests:</b><br />
<a href="http://paisleylizard.com/">Tammy</a><br />
<a href="http://ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com/">Beth</a><br />
<a href="http://catswire.blogspot.com/">Cat</a><br />
<a href="https://beadscharmsandwire.wordpress.com/">Anita</a><br />
<a href="http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/">Kathy</a><br />
<a href="http://chicchixnchampagne.blogspot.com/">Alysen</a><br />
<a href="https://lindalandig.wordpress.com/">Linda</a><br />
<a href="http://bairozan.blogspot.com/">Rozantia</a><br />
<a href="http://drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com/">Jennifer</a><br />
<a href="http://craftyhope.com/">Hope</a><br />
<a href="http://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/">Sarajo</a><br />
<a href="http://beadrecipes.wordpres.com/">Melissa</a><br />
<a href="http://anordinarymiracleday.wordpress.com/">Sarah </a><br />
<br />
<b>Team Members: </b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blueberribeads.co.uk/">Caroline </a><br />
<a href="http://cmendola.blogspot.com/">Cathy</a> You're here!<br />
<a href="https://saraccino.blogspot.com/">Claire</a><br />
<a href="http://www.glassaddictions.com/blog">Jen</a><br />
<a href="https://jdaviesreazor.com/blog/">Jenny</a><br />
<a href="http://starryroadstudio.blogspot.com/">Karen </a><br />
<a href="https://laney-mead.blogspot.com/">Laney</a><br />
<a href="https://www.lesleywatt.com/">Lesley</a><br />
<a href="http://phantasmcreation.blogspot.com/">Lindsay</a><br />
<a href="http://blog.marshanealstudio.com/">Marsha</a><br />
<a href="http://silverniknats.blogspot.com/">Niky</a><br />
<a href="http://suebeads.blogspot.com/">Sue</a>Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-48725042354738002752019-01-31T02:00:00.000-05:002019-01-31T02:00:10.967-05:00Art Elements January Moon Challenge RevealIt's that time of the month again-Art Elements theme reveal. It was Lindsay's turn to choose the theme and she chose the <b><i>moon</i></b>. I was so thrilled! I love depicting the <i>moon</i> in creative projects and have used it as inspiration for many past fiber art pieces.<br />
This time around I had soooo many ideas I was torn as to which ones to try and accomplish. Plus I also created a rather long list at the beginning of the year of various projects I wanted to make during the course of 2019.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig81NDyDkDvU9RXiZQlfosQs5lrBnleJS2YNTe7r7tryzNz20GThMUdnwqS9ZI1YYwORnbeacrWBs1fGUhGBIdZsqnufQq2CfQv9T4bfD2IAWkfM2Os4gdNsoPHz6P9FmIZGTp20kdeoQ/s1600/IMG_4251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="800" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig81NDyDkDvU9RXiZQlfosQs5lrBnleJS2YNTe7r7tryzNz20GThMUdnwqS9ZI1YYwORnbeacrWBs1fGUhGBIdZsqnufQq2CfQv9T4bfD2IAWkfM2Os4gdNsoPHz6P9FmIZGTp20kdeoQ/s640/IMG_4251.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a photo I took about 8 years ago when I lived in Illinois. The moon was FABULOUS. Plus I played around with it in photoshop and added some texture layers .</td></tr>
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Some of my <i>moon</i> pieces were accomplished, some are in the process and I have realized that my year-long list is just a tad too grandiose and overhwhelming. So I reworked my to-do list and worked on my moon pieces while trying to overhaul my studio.<br />
First moon piece was something I had been thinking about for a while. I do a lot of rust dyeing and eco-printing on fabric so I can have a supply for random projects. Rust dyed fabric was the perfect thing for a <i>moon</i>. So I rummaged through my bin of rusty linen and found the perfect piece.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzaHxpimjd7uMXu7bWDoYcYy0UngsMhETZzOUCq6Dj_QwExKfhrgGjpvpabbpEuAB6OhI9izogIQpeyv0-bASeOPqAPgc-LBee_WOFIQUV0vd-i11Em-QmuqAuLWUnBirER4vWkad7xY/s1600/IMG_3905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzaHxpimjd7uMXu7bWDoYcYy0UngsMhETZzOUCq6Dj_QwExKfhrgGjpvpabbpEuAB6OhI9izogIQpeyv0-bASeOPqAPgc-LBee_WOFIQUV0vd-i11Em-QmuqAuLWUnBirER4vWkad7xY/s640/IMG_3905.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rust dyed fabric cut in circle and fused to solid black cotton.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYquPHF3yS3PaVX_9uFdr5jAeZ-IdMN-VBR5EedqLhCPBCYIvTkUU1dp5SCERTgapE6ybbBWv9y2zcXtCTAiUnw-gwj9geb_l_rRQVz4pDAtKXPkxJwnh-8bFuKQx9rkjk8cHU2J2pqqI/s1600/IMG_E4107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1571" data-original-width="1284" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYquPHF3yS3PaVX_9uFdr5jAeZ-IdMN-VBR5EedqLhCPBCYIvTkUU1dp5SCERTgapE6ybbBWv9y2zcXtCTAiUnw-gwj9geb_l_rRQVz4pDAtKXPkxJwnh-8bFuKQx9rkjk8cHU2J2pqqI/s640/IMG_E4107.JPG" width="522" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then I started stitching trees onto the fabric to be in the foreground of the moon.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTBlRRuGtd5Bai20ywFRDhq_hYhwoKi45Fxv6mxkk7hVm4QowL_87L789Nm2PvAe99hvV4YwOaESMSQ8_-whIP-igk4S1gSbPEA2P3GocH2nOD99BoNSasvcwnNaIRLdK66a-0LP86VM/s1600/IMG_E4137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="1600" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTBlRRuGtd5Bai20ywFRDhq_hYhwoKi45Fxv6mxkk7hVm4QowL_87L789Nm2PvAe99hvV4YwOaESMSQ8_-whIP-igk4S1gSbPEA2P3GocH2nOD99BoNSasvcwnNaIRLdK66a-0LP86VM/s640/IMG_E4137.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love how this turned out! I stitched some dark gray over the black threads along the branches so the moon appears to glow between branches. I stitched a random 'ground' below the trees and added some french knots for start. It is mounted on a 12x12 canvas and framed.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZwdmxKIAg6HXHTzQXwtjvQOC7rgS0cGTT9Q-htttr78gbT_7Qrpg9MoVS1O0a87myIdqJECmG-v25uF8_8pH1acrqlxETueEsafDFMrK6D9QHWaC7qrLp3TgNDUZmMAOBIYOCA9JfuI/s1600/IMG_4186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZwdmxKIAg6HXHTzQXwtjvQOC7rgS0cGTT9Q-htttr78gbT_7Qrpg9MoVS1O0a87myIdqJECmG-v25uF8_8pH1acrqlxETueEsafDFMrK6D9QHWaC7qrLp3TgNDUZmMAOBIYOCA9JfuI/s640/IMG_4186.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
The above <i>moon</i> cabochon is from fellow AE team member <a href="https://blueberribeads.co.uk/shop/">Caroline</a>. Perfect for this theme. I had almost forgotten that I had it. I beaded around it and it hangs off a brass metal tube.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7b5z82PAHxX2q_npmiSVdtdEzl1EHjuCzSXHHtQOzVRKukNCQF71RVfKrpcERJsiPzEEbYpw3tii5u73A4WyJXsTpRHVuJ6qPqUv2Eb3mSyM14PKoUv7QzqaFynw62RFzXZ-JQQbwuU/s1600/IMG_4187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1126" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7b5z82PAHxX2q_npmiSVdtdEzl1EHjuCzSXHHtQOzVRKukNCQF71RVfKrpcERJsiPzEEbYpw3tii5u73A4WyJXsTpRHVuJ6qPqUv2Eb3mSyM14PKoUv7QzqaFynw62RFzXZ-JQQbwuU/s640/IMG_4187.jpg" width="450" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> I added the same seed beads I used in the bezel to create the necklace along with some coin or moon shaped freshwater pearls.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The next piece is a cabochon I got from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/search?q=jdavies-reazor">Jenny</a>, another fellow team member. I actually beaded the cabochon sometime last year and never created a necklace for the cab, so I decided I just had to make a necklace to finish off this lovely lunar hare.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaP3L8p_gCMEvpm2VcXWoDouV-mLcV9zEdQ66UgSuaIBPRdcVxmXKWkSMOFUR3eziuOd6GTZmLttJolbIZ1-J6CWTnoNjWBpta5acd1kqYD6Qkzy2d7k3EIZDTihIpVuRnfK1httmACI/s1600/IMG_4188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaP3L8p_gCMEvpm2VcXWoDouV-mLcV9zEdQ66UgSuaIBPRdcVxmXKWkSMOFUR3eziuOd6GTZmLttJolbIZ1-J6CWTnoNjWBpta5acd1kqYD6Qkzy2d7k3EIZDTihIpVuRnfK1httmACI/s640/IMG_4188.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beaded lunar hare cabochon hanging from silver metal tube.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PvLFhYnSEafiDAQN4JhXTvzqdtx8ZqG5rG1kd2wNJGlJ0u5W2Vgqmol-LCx_1OWdZsjGWP1GpxtTTXZVvhjrlnNh7no3_D9NHyZYh6bAqjwLmaUM-M9D5sowdjqyO2S5xKlXG9hOesw/s1600/IMG_4189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PvLFhYnSEafiDAQN4JhXTvzqdtx8ZqG5rG1kd2wNJGlJ0u5W2Vgqmol-LCx_1OWdZsjGWP1GpxtTTXZVvhjrlnNh7no3_D9NHyZYh6bAqjwLmaUM-M9D5sowdjqyO2S5xKlXG9hOesw/s640/IMG_4189.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full necklace created with amazonite beads and silk cord from another team member's Etsy shop-<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MarshaNealStudio?ref=shop_sugg">MarshaNealStudio</a> </td></tr>
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My final (completed) <i>moon</i> piece is part of my 2019 year-long series that I have planned for the year. I am creating a 'spirit doll' each month. I am going to attempt to blend our monthly theme with each doll. I want them to have some beading, maybe some stitching and lots of character and <i>possibly</i> relate the spirit doll to a particular mythological goddess.<br />
In honor of this month's full/wolf <i>moon</i> my spirit doll is loosely based on Artemis, daughter of Zeus & Leto. Artemis was a shapeshifter who morphs into a wolf. Artemis is also a <i>moon</i> goddess. I also thought of calling her Lupa which means she-wolf in latin. In Roman mythology Lupa was a she-wolf who nursed Romulus & Remus. There is a bronze statue in the Piazza dei Conservatori in Capitoline Hill in Rome (I failed to photograph that statue while I was there last October). The she-wolf suckling the twins has been a symbol of Rome since ancient times.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfx4IE8PBDyfM8MvkMWfPb_20FJbYTDwUxO-FzlawyseCd1cYsWJMfARzOulNoLC2IKp8X_hwZtUQryNibBwx0NPt636VGWH7Q_e9FhP0eI5cZgFmK4giu73b5C87Uxh4agYI0nMrMCQ/s1600/IMG_4249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfx4IE8PBDyfM8MvkMWfPb_20FJbYTDwUxO-FzlawyseCd1cYsWJMfARzOulNoLC2IKp8X_hwZtUQryNibBwx0NPt636VGWH7Q_e9FhP0eI5cZgFmK4giu73b5C87Uxh4agYI0nMrMCQ/s640/IMG_4249.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The fabric on the left is a piece of black fabric that I found in my stash of discharged fabrics. This particular piece was created by laying an old crocheted doily over black fabric and spraying with Tilex (yep the cleaner with bleach) let is sit a few minutes and then pull the doily off and rinse the fabric well in vinegar water then plain water. The wolf cabochon is from Laura Mears Designs and the carved wood crescent moon is from cabcabana on Etsy.<br />
I beaded around the wolf and the moon cabochon separately. Then I stitched the beaded wolf onto the fabric that I cut out in my goddess shape.<br />
Here is my January 'spirit doll', Artemis-shapeshifter and moon goddess.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7Jl0LALojspzr7nyVcsQ0DH9XztUHZBZ1Zaf1lRq4z6dO8CIhFbB0HQo9otj5T6wsY_SjqmNsTJufSfwsgDOZkDcOnWM9CwgiSrvNB4ASzua6kcepYU8tn_Ypwkg2NY8AUM-_aMfxZo/s1600/IMG_4258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7Jl0LALojspzr7nyVcsQ0DH9XztUHZBZ1Zaf1lRq4z6dO8CIhFbB0HQo9otj5T6wsY_SjqmNsTJufSfwsgDOZkDcOnWM9CwgiSrvNB4ASzua6kcepYU8tn_Ypwkg2NY8AUM-_aMfxZo/s640/IMG_4258.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She has extra long wool locks for hair and a white fur hooded wrap. She has captured the moon above her head.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TEnIADrb0pZ6HGGOjuCgII_EWNMwwH6wAPCdxUyc3RtUkc_ny6_eSwyzbY9IlK8D8sDqc3_eajaQcURLRzA_tWT8kqFLUgt1TMFIQGGD3nrDLoCRmbosRTVK0jUC7Bhc-B8l5ldcmDA/s1600/IMG_E4256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="854" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TEnIADrb0pZ6HGGOjuCgII_EWNMwwH6wAPCdxUyc3RtUkc_ny6_eSwyzbY9IlK8D8sDqc3_eajaQcURLRzA_tWT8kqFLUgt1TMFIQGGD3nrDLoCRmbosRTVK0jUC7Bhc-B8l5ldcmDA/s640/IMG_E4256.jpg" width="340" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full view of the wolf moon goddess</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I left a portion of her body unstitched on the bottom. I think I am going to insert a wooden pole/stick and mount it on a wooden base. Unless I can find a decent shadow box to house her in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Q87PGdGxeuF_clnKQ4ON29cav3llph_IZsNCGU7YRC9Fm54lMAuRJmSLLLEhvv7GZQ7l_AK1QqAxd9JsbGxmDCJnc2T84T1B1kLiubhyphenhyphenkYIVaM7oFqHfNsVqR-UbYJOZ-vX4xCf07PI/s1600/IMG_4259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Q87PGdGxeuF_clnKQ4ON29cav3llph_IZsNCGU7YRC9Fm54lMAuRJmSLLLEhvv7GZQ7l_AK1QqAxd9JsbGxmDCJnc2T84T1B1kLiubhyphenhyphenkYIVaM7oFqHfNsVqR-UbYJOZ-vX4xCf07PI/s640/IMG_4259.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">close-up of her body using the discharged fabric</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />
The white fur wrap is a rabbit pelt that I bought at the Cherokee Indian Reservation at the western NC/eastern TN border about 24-25 years ago. I have been waiting for just the right project ;-)<br />
I didn't use the whole pelt so this white fur may show up on another spirit doll later in the year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktHhAxEIT_5FxkQGgYwS5hrKODqPHWMzzeU7eC1P7O2toNNH57dp8lJTfbX9sJW_Fj0fAbJeHDWHxcapECx5ncGFH9XKWoAfi2gTpfAP-1RlzBZFt6Wf1AZAH-VMXgnkhDR9OVxR9ufI/s1600/IMG_4261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktHhAxEIT_5FxkQGgYwS5hrKODqPHWMzzeU7eC1P7O2toNNH57dp8lJTfbX9sJW_Fj0fAbJeHDWHxcapECx5ncGFH9XKWoAfi2gTpfAP-1RlzBZFt6Wf1AZAH-VMXgnkhDR9OVxR9ufI/s640/IMG_4261.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her backside. Long wool locks hanging out from beneath her fur wrap.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I had so much fun with these projects this month. Thank you to Lindsay for choosing such a perfect theme to start the new year! I am anxiously awaiting the reveal so I can see everyone's creations.<br />
Here is the list of guests and AE member participants-<br />
<br />
<div>
<b>Guests:</b></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://anafiassa.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1548968540392000&usg=AFQjCNEoDPTxMNgx5gGeWMBgpAFVim1E3Q" href="http://anafiassa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jenny</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1548968540392000&usg=AFQjCNF15ioen1gu52sv_kJEP05ufklt3A" href="http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Melissa</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/2019/01/art-bead-scene-super-blood-wolf-moon.html&source=gmail&ust=1548968540392000&usg=AFQjCNFF6mMMxKhwfFaF2n1xt-2-xdCDaw" href="https://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/2019/01/art-bead-scene-super-blood-wolf-moon.html" target="_blank">Kathy</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/2019/01/art-elements-theme-of-month-moon.html&source=gmail&ust=1548968540392000&usg=AFQjCNGp0JtDi4HR6VxqdPSIsjCnBpSh0Q" href="https://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/2019/01/art-elements-theme-of-month-moon.html" target="_blank">Sarajo</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://craftyhope.com/&source=gmail&ust=1548968540392000&usg=AFQjCNHL97BlQKq5smbPpxQbnOxPz4j5uQ" href="http://craftyhope.com/" target="_blank">Hope</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.anordinarymiravleday.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1548968540392000&usg=AFQjCNEkAxu214TIQaoKmdSseuJ02TpAmA" href="http://www.anordinarymiravleday.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Sarah</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://rebecca-cameron.com/&source=gmail&ust=1548968540392000&usg=AFQjCNEq95aicAr9n52a4S3mhQY5xiryDw" href="http://rebecca-cameron.com/" target="_blank">Rebecca</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.jewelsofsayuri.com/&source=gmail&ust=1548968540392000&usg=AFQjCNEzAxF38xu8drXoCm0NroDANjzxBg" href="http://www.jewelsofsayuri.com/" target="_blank">Divya</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://beadscharmsandwire.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1548968540392000&usg=AFQjCNFSy2JusQMCKB-ziXuSPxp3GZYrnA" href="https://beadscharmsandwire.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Anita</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bairozan.blogspot.com/2019/01/moon-inspired.html&source=gmail&ust=1548968540392000&usg=AFQjCNGSWsxBdZKKFKPtxLKM1-28BIzu6g" href="https://bairozan.blogspot.com/2019/01/moon-inspired.html" target="_blank">Rosantia</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.catswire.com/&source=gmail&ust=1548968540392000&usg=AFQjCNFsjT2CXV-hw_7iU5D9O4n8fqzRNA" href="http://www.catswire.com/" target="_blank">Cat</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://mixed-upcreations.com/art-elements-moon-challenge/&source=gmail&ust=1548968540392000&usg=AFQjCNF3u1wnpmAfZ6BXt8WzoLkok8flBQ" href="http://mixed-upcreations.com/art-elements-moon-challenge/" target="_blank">Evia</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://chicchixnchampagne.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1548968540392000&usg=AFQjCNEyxSEo-rLquUgycD96A62HATPE0g" href="http://chicchixnchampagne.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Alysen</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1548968540392000&usg=AFQjCNH8u6WPgGmCBKl6CxrJvHpGcYq-pg" href="http://ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Beth</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.paisleylizard.com/&source=gmail&ust=1548968540392000&usg=AFQjCNE0N9n6BffO3NH01ubL9Gb0lQVQaQ" href="http://www.paisleylizard.com/" target="_blank">Tammy</a></div>
<div>
<b>Art Elements Crew:</b></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://saraccino.blogspot.com/2019/01/moon-art-elements-theme-challenge.html&source=gmail&ust=1548968540392000&usg=AFQjCNEYcrlcdyUDhpSpmYYlkt0AJCLKHg" href="https://saraccino.blogspot.com/2019/01/moon-art-elements-theme-challenge.html" target="_blank">Claire</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://laney-mead.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1548968540392000&usg=AFQjCNFXDiagzmmp6NM0LvSSMsCjsGnf1Q" href="https://laney-mead.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Laney</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://blueberribeads.co.uk/&source=gmail&ust=1548968540392000&usg=AFQjCNGDpxoQQQimlI93Mk_LHw1HvTKeIw" href="http://blueberribeads.co.uk/" target="_blank">Caroline</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://cmendola.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1548968540392000&usg=AFQjCNGKQ1NZU11AsO9gZLAeWnJjD3M67g" href="https://cmendola.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cathy</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://suebeads.blogspot.com/2019/01/january-art-elements-theme-challenge.html&source=gmail&ust=1548968540392000&usg=AFQjCNE86UmHJD1rmoXm7Qhu6BBqPkrA9Q" href="https://suebeads.blogspot.com/2019/01/january-art-elements-theme-challenge.html" target="_blank">Sue </a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://silverniknats.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1548968540392000&usg=AFQjCNGWKqsF7-Ob0BGZaxe0uj_BTlHp3A" href="https://silverniknats.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Niky</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://jdaviesreazor.com/blog/&source=gmail&ust=1548968540392000&usg=AFQjCNE7AWcRZ0f2qlojAqIwa6hoDvqlbw" href="https://jdaviesreazor.com/blog/" target="_blank">Jenny</a></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.glassaddictions.com/blog&source=gmail&ust=1548968540392000&usg=AFQjCNFJmB7wBTtscOTWFoXSv_0BkdDzRg" href="http://www.glassaddictions.com/blog" target="_blank">Jen</a></div>
<br />Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-85543512889438659232018-12-29T02:00:00.000-05:002018-12-29T02:00:06.490-05:00Art Elements WhiteTheme RevealIt's that time again...Art Elements theme reveal. December's theme challenge was hosted by team member Claire and she chose white. I am a huge fan of a monochromatic palette and have done numerous pieces in shades of white/ecru/beige so I was really excited about this theme.<br />
<br />
Per usual, I wrote down about 5 ideas that I thought I would create. Yet again, I did not get a chance to create them all.<br />
<br />
First piece was created on natural colored linen and I chose an array of white, ecru, winter white, beige & tan threads to use. I was gifted some lovely natural cheesecloth by my Art Elements' Secret Santa so I just had to incorporate that. I also found the ceramic cabochon in my Secret Santa package. The colors are perfect and it appears to be a goddess. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjX57Yz5Wm51y6TdfjVtxKoFkU1TfkY2QbjetZ9D_QtcwJf3fMNUrAY5W2fziAfCuVTHiCwZ3O0xfH9J22veVaWPElXRXIWmYsBiyjCZBC8rqEQdPk3qR64_wUFa8pqfzLUIcmrCM0-Ag/s1600/IMG_3786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1563" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjX57Yz5Wm51y6TdfjVtxKoFkU1TfkY2QbjetZ9D_QtcwJf3fMNUrAY5W2fziAfCuVTHiCwZ3O0xfH9J22veVaWPElXRXIWmYsBiyjCZBC8rqEQdPk3qR64_wUFa8pqfzLUIcmrCM0-Ag/s640/IMG_3786.jpg" width="624" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full view of 'Climbing the Tree of Enlightenment'</td></tr>
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When I started this I had no idea where I was going with it. I just took the cheesecloth, ripped it, stretched it and started stitching circular motifs. Then I ruched the cheesecloth around the goddess cabochon (with a tad of glue on the back) placed some more stitching around it and said, "what now?" I had no idea what I was making. Just stitching intuitively and randomly. Then I got the idea to create a tree with the goddess sort of sitting on a limb. This whole thing would've probably worked much better if I had planned in advance. I just tend to fly by the seat of my pants without a lot of forethought. Anyway, the tree started to grow and it is very chaotic and busy on one side with the tranquil tree on the other side. I decided to name it 'Climbing the Tree of Enlightenment'.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWX9gAHRIvmx7dk83mmcOXdzl49cJiASQqALnryrPCSb3HCPjBIhvIB8KvaA52hKKFixwjF57L3eJEG1Yvlo1yPOVldlaoeluZDxSpH9eQWOoTjGDWsLoehAelhpSA7anQ1uPPB-zdEw/s1600/IMG_3787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1333" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWX9gAHRIvmx7dk83mmcOXdzl49cJiASQqALnryrPCSb3HCPjBIhvIB8KvaA52hKKFixwjF57L3eJEG1Yvlo1yPOVldlaoeluZDxSpH9eQWOoTjGDWsLoehAelhpSA7anQ1uPPB-zdEw/s640/IMG_3787.jpg" width="532" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of tree, cheesecloth and the background linen which is a linen/poly blend.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCPBqAuLlApbZctb1JEJoodQuVJQFcNrYZAs07xFIAsxtPEhUn5EWn4N23Zg3rsDucS6EqWOiGMB800AgY0h7WoxzjgWA6f3FT6-Z_7BoXlk3ZdFr6Hqm_tTW99oxjQk_MKPFD6WpJAI/s1600/IMG_3791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCPBqAuLlApbZctb1JEJoodQuVJQFcNrYZAs07xFIAsxtPEhUn5EWn4N23Zg3rsDucS6EqWOiGMB800AgY0h7WoxzjgWA6f3FT6-Z_7BoXlk3ZdFr6Hqm_tTW99oxjQk_MKPFD6WpJAI/s640/IMG_3791.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of cabochon and a better view of the cheesecloth</td></tr>
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I love the colors and shades of white & tan that are in this piece. Very calming.<br />
<br />
Next up is a small little wintry scene done in some of the same color threads. I really wanted to create a wet felted piece in winter whites/beige and pale gray that I could stitch on, but ran out of time. My Secret Santa gifted me with some gorgeous undyed merino, silk tussah, silk hankies and silk ribbons.<br />
I know that I will have to create a wet/dry felted piece with those beauties! So stay tuned for that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQm64VJqjp_OtFNTLhXLjWv5IKVF_ocM1nikv3vO8kkZ1EVw6SPYynd5L1HqxIsM_8PEcatBT8EnRcDxWoiC2LKFpUOjLImpeJgu5lScRh-KXXxWsSaHVxG0R8cnJOlKeYhHEi1JK13Ro/s1600/IMG_E3794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1383" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQm64VJqjp_OtFNTLhXLjWv5IKVF_ocM1nikv3vO8kkZ1EVw6SPYynd5L1HqxIsM_8PEcatBT8EnRcDxWoiC2LKFpUOjLImpeJgu5lScRh-KXXxWsSaHVxG0R8cnJOlKeYhHEi1JK13Ro/s640/IMG_E3794.jpg" width="552" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The linen I used for this piece is a higher quality 100% nautral linen. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-a3egEpbAzFWbzL0DJ7Ox7rs7Jk1uV3CfGMEMylhW46odPheLVPpL678lGRBUt7mzvpCqRDJs4-j4qOUILa2lMU49nTiSJbjIUtDBWkeAr6_EXMABsE3klBJVjwA0W5t6wgRIu9lUUKg/s1600/IMG_3831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-a3egEpbAzFWbzL0DJ7Ox7rs7Jk1uV3CfGMEMylhW46odPheLVPpL678lGRBUt7mzvpCqRDJs4-j4qOUILa2lMU49nTiSJbjIUtDBWkeAr6_EXMABsE3klBJVjwA0W5t6wgRIu9lUUKg/s640/IMG_3831.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Since this is a small oval hoop I decided to keep the stitching very simple and the design very simple.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8jcwe3MNNpn4wkhOsXGdW7w6e6jX2QIFchf7NJDfdmFF54GPa-t02SVo0EfSYLXq-FKI7q6NjN5U45kvT77TWv77HjylBltA_DcQvsnwKyzp3_Pc5s9UYPYpUecdRGVv6mbgZI3Ncjk/s1600/IMG_E3829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1248" data-original-width="1600" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8jcwe3MNNpn4wkhOsXGdW7w6e6jX2QIFchf7NJDfdmFF54GPa-t02SVo0EfSYLXq-FKI7q6NjN5U45kvT77TWv77HjylBltA_DcQvsnwKyzp3_Pc5s9UYPYpUecdRGVv6mbgZI3Ncjk/s640/IMG_E3829.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full view of wintry scene</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I had fun with this as always and I know for sure this color palette is one that I will continue to return to.<br />
I am looking forward to seeing eveyone's white creations. Please have a look for yourself.<br />
Here's the list of guests and AE members.<br />
enjoy~<br />
<br />
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<span lang="DE" style="font-size: 10pt;">Guest Artists</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://chicchixnchampagne.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1546131779510000&usg=AFQjCNFhJxfllPUQ6mo9RJS1L_YY-PKMvQ" href="http://chicchixnchampagne.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0563c1;" target="_blank">Alysen</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://beadscharmsandwire.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1546131779510000&usg=AFQjCNFb4FumXN7-6PClDiMdmXNuPDQn0g" href="https://beadscharmsandwire.wordpress.com/" style="color: #0563c1;" target="_blank">Anita</a></span></div>
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<span lang="DE" style="font-size: 10pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1546131779510000&usg=AFQjCNEmhgoN2mpPgrf7TT47GZ_L9wzxNw" href="https://ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0563c1;" target="_blank">Beth</a></span></div>
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Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-68953371015302265442018-11-29T02:00:00.000-05:002018-11-29T02:00:08.414-05:00Art Elements Star Theme RevealI know I sound like a broken record BUT are we already at the end of another month?!?<br />
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Laney is the hostess of this<a href="https://www.artelements.net/star-theme-draft/"> month's theme at the Art Elements blog</a> and she chose stars. What a fun and appropriate theme for this time of year. It prompted me to make a few Christmas ornaments as well as an embroidered piece.<br />
First thing I made was a star/pentagram & moon design. I drew the design I wanted and cut out a pattern. Traced it on muslin and started stitching. I began stitching the moon first, then my original plan was to do the star/pentagram in beads as well as the little squiggly designs in the moon. As usual the more I stitched I changed my mind about doing the star in beads and just went with a stitched pentagram. I was still planning the areas of the moon to have sparkly beads but when I started stitching beads on I really didn't like it. So about a third of the way through, I ripped the beads out and just used french knots that kind of mimic beads. I like this version better than my original plan. I have seen some pentagrams interwoven with the moon but I left mine in front of the moon and just stitched the pentagram as though it's interlocking. The pentagram/pentacle is supposed to represent Mother Earth, prosperity and protection. The crescent moon is representative of intuition and the feminine nature. Supposedly, when pentacle & moon are layered together they represent wisdom and intuition.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-WJ-li_A-V-s3NzV086kU4ycuV_Xg8Sk6CzUadSWsTrBX511XfSJFed_AlSx3EvOAK6HmdDRPklUcd-GLJhgDhXyrPx23hpJDo3khsDVsIsKtTFZ7gFZk4SJrMyF9yYyHrEf9Xt6Ld4/s1600/IMG_3572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-WJ-li_A-V-s3NzV086kU4ycuV_Xg8Sk6CzUadSWsTrBX511XfSJFed_AlSx3EvOAK6HmdDRPklUcd-GLJhgDhXyrPx23hpJDo3khsDVsIsKtTFZ7gFZk4SJrMyF9yYyHrEf9Xt6Ld4/s640/IMG_3572.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of the collaged embroidery hoop and stitching</td></tr>
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I thought the muslin looked a bit too clean & new so I saved some black coffee and let it sit for a few days then 'painted' the background with coffee to lightly stain it and tone it down. Normal people would have stained the fabric BEFORE embroidering! Then I decided to use a technique I had seen on IG from one of my favorite artists, Andreia of Black Cat Creative Studio. She collages and sometimes paints her embroidery hoops which really finishes it off nicely. I used some leopard print tissue paper to collage onto the outside embroidery hoop. Making sure to give it a couple coats of mod podge to seal it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JMyc7HQeR6FFyMSrsF0_RtgYyRJ_ZVi1Yir37OCgPOOa_uPg8VkpUTVxOp_gMICRfILIiYYptmXbvkN7MKPSRnXzcsHzIgSRjyJim-oTPKRduCAsD4lLf47OHSClKSIhyQ-zy6n_UoM/s1600/IMG_3568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1573" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JMyc7HQeR6FFyMSrsF0_RtgYyRJ_ZVi1Yir37OCgPOOa_uPg8VkpUTVxOp_gMICRfILIiYYptmXbvkN7MKPSRnXzcsHzIgSRjyJim-oTPKRduCAsD4lLf47OHSClKSIhyQ-zy6n_UoM/s640/IMG_3568.jpg" width="628" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full view of hoop</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6iaXJXLUy3jJpHzFPr9FFeo0fyYLz75A-wVSFZy6cb7CpGALGalSxNi49vSsJmWg94JIS5JUbYecI-0CaKIrQ04vKe5XMpbRMT4DWwVbYlYv3ghCSHM7e4DAVis9wwAUCTSy1pF8qvo/s1600/IMG_3574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6iaXJXLUy3jJpHzFPr9FFeo0fyYLz75A-wVSFZy6cb7CpGALGalSxNi49vSsJmWg94JIS5JUbYecI-0CaKIrQ04vKe5XMpbRMT4DWwVbYlYv3ghCSHM7e4DAVis9wwAUCTSy1pF8qvo/s640/IMG_3574.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of my French knot 'beads'</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While I was working on the above piece I started thinking about making Christmas ornaments.<br />
I made a bunch of felt ornaments with embroidery last year and I also made some wood burned ornaments. I decided to do the same this year. So I'm trying out some new designs and ideas for both the felt and wood ornaments. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaI8RxYN-iII52cApW8-35jUpjWirv46LV8AYcpijtAN3URLNDNy28ctFyKO4CDPkvx3M4qcE_l8g_spezLj5n6jCwHow3MQbwijAkUwo-C016UiohNeDPUY1pTcbe5I8ACLrmMqQSL4/s1600/IMG_3561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1600" height="613" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaI8RxYN-iII52cApW8-35jUpjWirv46LV8AYcpijtAN3URLNDNy28ctFyKO4CDPkvx3M4qcE_l8g_spezLj5n6jCwHow3MQbwijAkUwo-C016UiohNeDPUY1pTcbe5I8ACLrmMqQSL4/s640/IMG_3561.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Star themed embroidered felt ornaments</td></tr>
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I failed to make any sort of pattern when I made these. So they are similar but not exactly the same since I just cut the star motif out freehand.<br />
Next up, some thin balsa wood stars that I bought then drew designs on with a felt tip marker and wood burned. I used a brown stamp pap to 'antique' around the edges of the stars.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrCJ2Y_TbFTPAMEIjtDaReknxZzvmWP2unjgnq_1FvFRrHY7RO3eRqKHEro-0okVW1Lep2TTIkXUtTJkul0bAulC5pMvPOHcrxRLGd7JSCwGN3j7OVLV51ZIlYViRDSCEgA7qUFKILLI/s1600/IMG_3557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1466" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrCJ2Y_TbFTPAMEIjtDaReknxZzvmWP2unjgnq_1FvFRrHY7RO3eRqKHEro-0okVW1Lep2TTIkXUtTJkul0bAulC5pMvPOHcrxRLGd7JSCwGN3j7OVLV51ZIlYViRDSCEgA7qUFKILLI/s640/IMG_3557.jpg" width="586" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood burned ornaments with wire hangers</td></tr>
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The final ornaments are actually a kit I bought probably 30+ years ago. I made a couple ornaments when I purchased the kit and then tucked it away. The kit has moved with me from PA to KY to CT to GA to IL and now here with me in NC. Luckily I was able to locate the paper strips and instructions since these are PERFECT for the star theme.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MvUIoLdWVAinYhntNDNAOfegfNIVaOstjxd5s0I2tVywhoJLIXGyK_gZbH0QGSPneDi6K3xy7s6QimvP9olEQ-zM1RewTF95_dT8gPB6_PkYHqeKiwvdBco3qfdRrxr5BcuGWgAY1Eo/s1600/IMG_3555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MvUIoLdWVAinYhntNDNAOfegfNIVaOstjxd5s0I2tVywhoJLIXGyK_gZbH0QGSPneDi6K3xy7s6QimvP9olEQ-zM1RewTF95_dT8gPB6_PkYHqeKiwvdBco3qfdRrxr5BcuGWgAY1Eo/s640/IMG_3555.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instructions for German Folk Art Stars</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I guess these little stars could be considered origami stars as well. But I bought the kit in PA in an area where the Moravians settled back in the 1700's. These are supposed to be Moravian Stars and according to the kit it is considered German Folk Art. My husband's hometown actually had a Moravian church that was so lovely to visit on Christmas Eve for their 'love feast'. Almost everyone in that town puts up Moravian stars on their porch or doorway during the Christmas holiday.</div>
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We used to have one we put on our porch also but all those moves took its toll on the star.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFklkqw0gU9X78hLu5_4BrpnJ-hhWIJUzN4BRJGmPmT_IHnMIGuDgBPmL_VpHWxJZpn0UTGx9hUP8ODxzNnNKxR6IUOfsKPNyWQxZHoS0dC_378vT5CcSdYdWWE6KArIPdm8JA9hd7O0/s1600/IMG_3558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1403" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFklkqw0gU9X78hLu5_4BrpnJ-hhWIJUzN4BRJGmPmT_IHnMIGuDgBPmL_VpHWxJZpn0UTGx9hUP8ODxzNnNKxR6IUOfsKPNyWQxZHoS0dC_378vT5CcSdYdWWE6KArIPdm8JA9hd7O0/s640/IMG_3558.jpg" width="560" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moravian Star ornaments </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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When I first pulled the instructions out, I forgot how tedious the process was! At least for the first couple of stars. It took me a while to get the hang of folding, turning and tucking so the first several are a bit wonky. I ended up using all the paper and am happy to report that I think I may have it mastered. I say <i><b>may</b></i> because I'm sure if I don't make any more this year, I will forget by next year-haha! Fortunately there are a ton of websites with these instructions as well as YouTube videos.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7itkE_WZjvrhHDGe4UzWjWm8INnfrUhf5EuEJJZNJKWBBt8t-_7aDjnPOn-4Q5YkKHyH4xCkPozLKM85iDkRkOFzB-Ll8TnKq3CBK_x-NkzDjClH-wT3BDSPgYrfSLzrb2ck98f2zKDM/s1600/IMG_3576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7itkE_WZjvrhHDGe4UzWjWm8INnfrUhf5EuEJJZNJKWBBt8t-_7aDjnPOn-4Q5YkKHyH4xCkPozLKM85iDkRkOFzB-Ll8TnKq3CBK_x-NkzDjClH-wT3BDSPgYrfSLzrb2ck98f2zKDM/s640/IMG_3576.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of Moravian Stars.</td></tr>
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I am so glad I was able to find this little kit. I can now cut paper
strips to any width, length & color to create more. I think a small tree with
nothing but these little Moravian stars would be so cool!</div>
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I am really looking forward to blog hopping to see all the starry creations. I am sure there will be a wonderful variety represented by all our members and guests. Thank you Laney for hosting this theme.</div>
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So come along and let's do a blog hop!</div>
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Here's the lists of guest participants as well as our members who are joining in the fun:</div>
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Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-87215804275716886112018-10-30T02:00:00.000-04:002018-10-30T13:24:25.698-04:00Art Element’s October Theme Reveal-Petroglyphs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This month over at <a href="http://www.artelements.net/october-theme-challenge-petroglyphs/">Art Elements Karen chose the theme</a>. She decided on petroglyphs. And as usual I love the theme. This lends itself to so many art forms. I actually did a mixed media piece last year inspired by the cave paintings in Lascaux, France. You can<a href="http://www.artelements.net/playing-with-mixed-media/"> check it out here</a>.<br />
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This time around, I considered doing another mixed media piece similar to the Lascaux one but I was out of town the first 2 weeks of October and when I returned I suffered from jet lag and re-entry to the real world. And then we did a silly thing & got a new puppy---I know, we’re crazy!<br />
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My plans for this month’s theme got sidetracked. I knew I wanted to use rust dyed fabric regardless of what direction I went. The first thing I did was grab a Speedball Speedy Carve Block that I had laying around. I drew a design I had seen on Pinterest and started carving. Well....as you can see I never finished. Those darn circles got the best of me when I started carving around them. I have to say that the pink carve block is easier than the gray lino blocks for carving but small circles are ridiculously difficult when you have limited time. I intend to finish this one of these days. Then I will use it to stamp images on rust dyed fabric and either machine stitch or hand stitch around the images.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WIu3S8ndh2UhcUF7CkfPkiE1xNr4Ar6YOn2m06fhGd4ZofKcik06KNYpxodERkCnGzO-h25SMJLeR2OZ2KbPeylH4aB4VVrTBpwxySpcmTxmDL92lxrHIhaw18SDBq2arjqTGjEYIf0/s1600/IMG_3224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1220" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WIu3S8ndh2UhcUF7CkfPkiE1xNr4Ar6YOn2m06fhGd4ZofKcik06KNYpxodERkCnGzO-h25SMJLeR2OZ2KbPeylH4aB4VVrTBpwxySpcmTxmDL92lxrHIhaw18SDBq2arjqTGjEYIf0/s640/IMG_3224.jpg" width="488" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">stamp carving in progress</td></tr>
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On to the next idea-I grabbed a smaller piece of rust dyed fabric that I did back at our <a href="http://www.artelements.net/summer-camp-art-retreat-art-elements-style/">Art Elements Art Retreat</a> back in August. I love the colors and the patterns the rust created. It made it the perfect background for some petroglyphs. Again, I used some images I saw on Pinterest (mostly Native American symbols from Utah rock carvings). I used symbols for the sun, a heron, a rain dancer/rain maker shaman and the. Then some symbols for water or possibly lightening and a labyrinth. I did a quick sketch directly on the fabric with a white gel pen then started stitching. I didn’t like the solid ‘new’ look of the thread so I used some pan pastels in red oxide and burnt sienna to smudge it up in places to age my ‘cave drawings’.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZpXyGH-lNYtLfzsnySYH5lW9U2VTPM1q7jQElQbs7swu8u5U1mb_1xQ4dWLVw7akTA5go_X-96iSL7oxd0_bWBcXMnvrxjHuEjdUgmdGJI1UIueuRxI_8BpInVHlUET280vZXRXwzS4/s1600/IMG_3211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1416" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZpXyGH-lNYtLfzsnySYH5lW9U2VTPM1q7jQElQbs7swu8u5U1mb_1xQ4dWLVw7akTA5go_X-96iSL7oxd0_bWBcXMnvrxjHuEjdUgmdGJI1UIueuRxI_8BpInVHlUET280vZXRXwzS4/s640/IMG_3211.JPG" width="566" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">close up of rain dancer shaman petroglyph</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpg7dy6iJEkaXOo1hfNwOzbtodmVLSfr3BOkHAiX_uHC431rEOKiUp_DWFOyC74AZ_JX4Bjs8wxp05_CWjOyNh612vK4tmsPgq5qXOxXeUSuLCzLwPH16uzbCnAsAwnGKr8IU4qaBWNpY/s1600/IMG_3220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1268" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpg7dy6iJEkaXOo1hfNwOzbtodmVLSfr3BOkHAiX_uHC431rEOKiUp_DWFOyC74AZ_JX4Bjs8wxp05_CWjOyNh612vK4tmsPgq5qXOxXeUSuLCzLwPH16uzbCnAsAwnGKr8IU4qaBWNpY/s640/IMG_3220.jpg" width="506" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raindancer, water/lightening and labyrinth symbols</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdV0rx6VFIXJkOA8BKMTbXZ7ub7remPfHspKmcHAj7QsovvUe_-C9L3wNQVNBCaOCV6gR1gLwPn48ZS4Qw2OaBIWdAbcoUXIRqyLyWbZGTXb06gkyfxsTCRKdG1JFui45zYKKLBLBoRJ4/s1600/IMG_3222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1397" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdV0rx6VFIXJkOA8BKMTbXZ7ub7remPfHspKmcHAj7QsovvUe_-C9L3wNQVNBCaOCV6gR1gLwPn48ZS4Qw2OaBIWdAbcoUXIRqyLyWbZGTXb06gkyfxsTCRKdG1JFui45zYKKLBLBoRJ4/s640/IMG_3222.jpg" width="558" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun and heron symbols</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUURmoqCnbFMvOulK8NQUIpptcLt6TJVTz4nyBsuqhhqe5oni0ZOHg5MNR0pJ41_hyUbBXMfUJI50IOFiEL5gATXB6IrBjQ1R431jO29GQ6mSW7Cc8M7MKGh6_jzaICxUexT0uw7De8Y4/s1600/IMG_3223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1600" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUURmoqCnbFMvOulK8NQUIpptcLt6TJVTz4nyBsuqhhqe5oni0ZOHg5MNR0pJ41_hyUbBXMfUJI50IOFiEL5gATXB6IrBjQ1R431jO29GQ6mSW7Cc8M7MKGh6_jzaICxUexT0uw7De8Y4/s640/IMG_3223.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full view of rust dyed fabric with hadn stitched petroglyph symbols</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I think I will still go back and do some random background stitches
around the images. Mainly just stitching to highlight ‘cracks &
crevices’ in the ‘rocky’ texture of the rust dyed fabric.<br />
I am looking forward to checking out everyone’s creations. Sit back and take a a tour of all the participants.<br />
<br />
<br />
Art Elements Team:<span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> Lesley Watt: <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lesleywatt.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2j2iOHCrxI55iccQ4twKKFowDSD8Y3XtGVbkkI5DpDz-9EH7zkISYC-9M&h=AT39fqLIKoru3dmCke8ZRI_LgGwbI5qG5tAZxU1B__qfWBbCeyT2alLgKYfg1LWK0GPSk9gL1DCVBn1La3GhIJHvnw6MZfJ-27PPEBS7TzE1gR9VV72_F5vLS2B-wGm0J3BgkWOUCicjuHEzNpxLsi29priF5Y6cqjsgL7fm" href="http://www.lesleywatt.com/?fbclid=IwAR2j2iOHCrxI55iccQ4twKKFowDSD8Y3XtGVbkkI5DpDz-9EH7zkISYC-9M" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.lesleywatt.com</a><br /> Jenny Davies-Reazor: <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fjdaviesreazor.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0Hej-lrphGactykDAxPLyVaikgh_8pdljqeSKnruPz0xrPoRw8qvrQsOQ&h=AT1XNLUIDq58pEwqq-k52-hBMDM5cIpkd-ufHt5cI_x5Kxe1W27ym8SJd4LkuHfLBE0JewTXAlx2iKZXL-R6-bjv0NcTGvfxCBZSwG-qecp7hWwJObYskz5dPrlcKjwnxdd_xMUo5jyk8dKVd7B-YB_bZvzZ1xVAVZbNixNL" href="https://jdaviesreazor.com/2018/10/30/petroglyphs-the-art-elements-theme-reveal/comment-page-1/#comment-12525" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://jdaviesreazor.com</a><br /> Cathy Spivey Mendola: <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcmendola.blogspot.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1f5BEiHAB3_g9J2tBylWeTp8xxd8H5wwVHCJizXV5DD1azLaUpHQRn5UY&h=AT2_UUqHGe4ydbHC3TSvQluOjtbFle8fixgi32jg-DieAF53_ezaBhekK0OU535AlADTLy5tDnTleHWJ6e6hH4gp08bPjwvI9r-P6pbHnExu3-9gvKfY_tDbdkUP9noLmYVcTX4CUM2dsX2CGyu99NmDgO5V1goDceeYC9L7" href="https://cmendola.blogspot.com/?fbclid=IwAR1f5BEiHAB3_g9J2tBylWeTp8xxd8H5wwVHCJizXV5DD1azLaUpHQRn5UY" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://cmendola.blogspot.com You are here!</a><br /> Sue Kennedy: <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.suebeads.blogspot.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2hw3qH1JxBXM62i4kxLwFEVTz9A2ytDGeWfHa0EKcNhpf41Cxb48Oe8fs&h=AT1TMq_HZI67-cbt5rvjYB62Qt3o9pkDHe7ulgL2rRyN20ozxnGgsuS6QUOeply31NYp-79HB30eXWbmRfW5bHqbQnhxXB7jju7YLWcj50-I_5c0uIxYzUGX4KPLUa7Y_uhdzUgHbDdrNBJSazV4va6xlSTOZQ07AvMTCddg" href="https://suebeads.blogspot.com/2018/10/october-art-elements-theme-challenge.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.suebeads.blogspot.com</a><br /> Caroline Dewison: <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blueberribeads.co.uk%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR18xur73IPRQvD4yCEsnvyNur2eVaArGtaLwxM-2i3YkD2EOZAjHi7luzk&h=AT0d00FqhNK31olnhYkUR9t0jVbvSoGB9821RCYXHrkLObpOhRCmey8nG5tpEPrJfMvbfWXlulOUniGR_nQc58UuCjYbgKAxYeCSrC3w7eE5db8HPQ887td49v__2BnVRTojOcPVfTCErBGlT-KKIf9MDS3eUjvHbe1WBZAP" href="http://www.blueberribeads.co.uk/?fbclid=IwAR18xur73IPRQvD4yCEsnvyNur2eVaArGtaLwxM-2i3YkD2EOZAjHi7luzk" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.blueberribeads.co.uk</a><br /> Laney Mead: <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Flaney-mead.blogspot.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0DkV3xK_DuEA2vu-iELQhuAFjmiCq_th_nFWzWjJN3xgMyFU-53voJwCk&h=AT15nPikZK5B2DsQDtisOvcxxwkNP9pbvIkmSr4mlDj4_o0H92CCwYKqOG-6k0n92-PFAEADAgctarnbVdizmKBCiLYCLqJt0QyYaN5iuNAk7UtGH64BsdxnFZhM88xpq32cGQzWVwh2tfXpWkeRDR2nYDcP-Sb3gYMeiLUS" href="https://laney-mead.blogspot.com/?fbclid=IwAR0DkV3xK_DuEA2vu-iELQhuAFjmiCq_th_nFWzWjJN3xgMyFU-53voJwCk" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://laney-mead.blogspot.com/</a><br /> Marsha Neal Minutella: <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.marshanealstudio.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2Z9L-chdU2QKIIWojfQzcWeOMobslGGbYKgeKeW6Lsw-YuPc0hu5QJNhM&h=AT10F4ntZx2PswlUDRxrwj6pLBynLvjvB68VCx9-M4nSxhSvoSPxmHgZvNVCr0wlBYawmKvCAmjD2wwrY3B6WeUc1R8xvBIPBnoeHYttJNb6f2lN7cXUICtTxKM3ZHfj1jiCpUcq0w5m3YLuMA13JyV0JLr2maw1H42pOQca" href="http://blog.marshanealstudio.com/?fbclid=IwAR2Z9L-chdU2QKIIWojfQzcWeOMobslGGbYKgeKeW6Lsw-YuPc0hu5QJNhM" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://blog.marshanealstudio.com</a><br /> Claire Fabian: <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsaraccino.blogspot.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2WJmKUpSmXp_yuWNXvyc3KFvpzlxzYzv20FZ0HkhaKJ2hjQgtSU53F5PU&h=AT1eLvOnRpoAj-VlwgebMpkO7oKXxGz8qh0XYPS_PEbi1o6ILhhCCCW3Ss8ogyMe-Y-QsBa-pQnr_ZFfBpxIR9B1_fgVr48HwdZTVa9D_CN248JsfF1SVMWySo7_2HFOVe58I3JKBqwk2ekStas4CJEJtzCPjk36f6Nwg9wC" href="https://saraccino.blogspot.com/?fbclid=IwAR2WJmKUpSmXp_yuWNXvyc3KFvpzlxzYzv20FZ0HkhaKJ2hjQgtSU53F5PU" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://saraccino.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
Our Guest Artists:<br />
Jill Egan: <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fkilnfiredart.wordpress.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1f_dQXacZeeUgQK_nNsNve2s1JrGNZvvFRGQdzorL0Xt-IbhNgCiaAcxo&h=AT10rN6NnKPI2-DfbX5MDBGP5EQSwyjFp15dcwf48dpArHQQwEV9TWCzav3_2NqP7Ap6IZtmhVnUQuzSAYxrYTsEZB69noip2s3u6IZtO_R87NJuVT5jD3yk9VoaQQa0d9zYlfoVKWAKkpxn7il1cV_Q0Zl6xDeTvdgYH5WC" href="https://kilnfiredart.wordpress.com/?fbclid=IwAR1f_dQXacZeeUgQK_nNsNve2s1JrGNZvvFRGQdzorL0Xt-IbhNgCiaAcxo" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://kilnfiredart.wordpress.com</a><br />
Tammy Adams: <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paisleylizard.com%2Fblog%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3SfE-LTGasn8HpK4VcFmev3GH-SjJbDDuYxn3UwS-jm5ijax9MG3Igju4&h=AT2UmCBVpXLDJj74_aR__lAxl4QN28wa9isXkh_zFuqZ3F3yXM_eOw1VqQt020WNcYBygXq0RXYqBLRNWFXoKzV_S-AtSfDM3qyTeLQid8NhqgWmEuOGgyeq1lq-rep3naXiMns8ZEcVJmdts_x5ADOSTYkjFjzjRmiRtf-v" href="http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog/?fbclid=IwAR3SfE-LTGasn8HpK4VcFmev3GH-SjJbDDuYxn3UwS-jm5ijax9MG3Igju4" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog/</a><br />
Alison Herrington: <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2FAlisonAdorns.blogspot.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0gMVNWLU1KxMJvcMp43jFuhMmiGX_KnbwbU-7mRjr41MdzRrrWTJwaBC8&h=AT3oJaKo5ASNw_ALwf3slUw66rUGTqOr0cyEZmDLz2aj7-N6CsNWY1WYUZoJ2-bU0JF0HJVzab_pBXLDX3jpl7glqyH7Cd9c9vAxEq1VYdz2-rK07HWB7ecpw5N3P88SR_X9g1EnAWIwfKMFU2Am0HAmR81WV1YX-9EKQw7g" href="https://alisonadorns.blogspot.com/?fbclid=IwAR0gMVNWLU1KxMJvcMp43jFuhMmiGX_KnbwbU-7mRjr41MdzRrrWTJwaBC8" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://AlisonAdorns.blogspot.com</a><br />
Alysen: <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" href="https://chicchixnchampagne.blogspot.com/2018/10/petroglyph-reveal-blog-hop.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">chicchixnchampagne.blogspot.com</a><br />
Sarajo Wentling: <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1GKc4nQvpfVmQ8PiWPulr4W2yVXnmYtlXrA574LNPagwb4gQXY5XUklFQ&h=AT0z7_XmjzzK3FJWRdzphuzpLdckWMgW8qLeYwiyS1tVtfm_ZVSc17W9n5KyAYSICUdCsWtiv4Ga6vYb2Vr0VhkOXOefvA4sKJ_aBRMiQ-rRLOfmHTfvFHfcjTkzyBsQkrW88UJ1hHRgG5b_wm0juvHO2ONow7Q1ssw62LAF" href="https://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/?fbclid=IwAR1GKc4nQvpfVmQ8PiWPulr4W2yVXnmYtlXrA574LNPagwb4gQXY5XUklFQ" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com</a><br />
Jenny Kyrlach: <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fanafiassa.blogspot.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1z8-HAv8vzT74bwTdro2kK0LbGcUsTI8N4Y7X7dU0H72Bhs2_Z6J9upHs&h=AT0SxTfC9uMZLcgC5QgEHo_citua6Kb0aj4mcWpXCWSFg0iy6ZcUZ5MPxZzyDovspmFkWFJmP6tLdBdWBknvYeajls-qoB9kWYbUNElcO8nimTpAUcUyzWFxVSiFiUnQjONcUP0dWO0Vw6LyYdMqubFMJ2d4CESGmIXozYWb" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://anafiassa.blogspot.com</a><br />
CraftyHope: <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" href="http://www.craftyhope.com/2018/10/petroglyph-inspired-jewelry-designs.html#more" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://CraftyHope.com</a><br />
Kathy Lindemer: <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbay-moon-design.blogspot.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1Keb1h-pPEpa72xrJ-ZXFpX_-pQZriVNGSXUBIALSSVQ2MhLoDUguXZFs&h=AT2qyfPaV31VTwTWM6gGw_VYfcsqRWGcoCPvuAFn8NLZOE9m-Ara0MJFBr-1YhOoT94Z7D_j76fTer91EcXzuFoTR6aAlD7sSQv1mNumHR2gnkfWP5Msb_2Q3LA3g8cT5sSZuHQO13fiiZgCvl8X0De3TqQcoxoWKzsxUufV" href="https://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/?fbclid=IwAR1Keb1h-pPEpa72xrJ-ZXFpX_-pQZriVNGSXUBIALSSVQ2MhLoDUguXZFs" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br /></div>
Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-88116657021222017302018-09-30T02:00:00.000-04:002018-09-30T02:00:07.749-04:00Art Elements' September Reveal-FaeriesCaroline chose the <a href="http://www.artelements.net/september-theme-challenge-faerie/">Art Elements' theme for this month--Faeries!!</a> I was so excited until I realized that this was such an enormous category and I didn't know where to start. I mean, do you create a typical fairy, water sprite, wood nymph, dragon, druid, mermaid, troll, toadstools, etc. Such a fascinating amount of creatures and objects that could fall into this theme. My head was spinning....<br />
<br />
So I pulled out my wonderful book by <a href="https://www.amazon.com/DreamScapes-Myth-Magic-Characters-Watercolor/dp/1600618170">Stephanie Law titled 'Dreamscapes-Myth & Magic'</a> I adore this book. I love to study how she draws and paints these mythical creatures. I still have not attempted to use this book for painting lessons because I am afraid I will fail miserably. But I did use it as inspiration for some very quick sketches to try and jumpstart some faerie magic!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wOf6f9isDdZSAk7kUqHLXSgpSMdE0Sq-KJ2Bzvz4bQ3e0FgggZxIQRdN2Iwons4GfnLJj9caEwV-APO0CTy-m_LI2jD4IlVzwLqAIipYcxOIN_0JY7xGOV3PwcBbVl2XOFaJx4CSpHU/s1600/IMG_2712+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wOf6f9isDdZSAk7kUqHLXSgpSMdE0Sq-KJ2Bzvz4bQ3e0FgggZxIQRdN2Iwons4GfnLJj9caEwV-APO0CTy-m_LI2jD4IlVzwLqAIipYcxOIN_0JY7xGOV3PwcBbVl2XOFaJx4CSpHU/s640/IMG_2712+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick sketches of dryads and water sprite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As soon as I drew the water sprite I knew what I wanted to create. I found some beautiful mottled black/charcoal gray print fabric in my stash that looked a little like branches against a night sky. That was my inspiration for creating the moonlight over a lagoon surrounded by brambles and branches with the silhouette of the water sprite in front of the moon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ybkJjQqpPcfIHdjJ36o_JG98hX8plCeld41TtVq0iVjnKJlLO_ZI-UvYbaPRnGPLwHx6bg_wxW99fXUJogYhuRdv_fQNHf1df-lUOxXq2pymnAh6vv0fqiC_rwDRcjr9y77MUmOuJRo/s1600/IMG_2701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ybkJjQqpPcfIHdjJ36o_JG98hX8plCeld41TtVq0iVjnKJlLO_ZI-UvYbaPRnGPLwHx6bg_wxW99fXUJogYhuRdv_fQNHf1df-lUOxXq2pymnAh6vv0fqiC_rwDRcjr9y77MUmOuJRo/s640/IMG_2701.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moon and night sky with hand embroidered water sprite</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I painted the fabric with textile paint. The water sprite was scanned, enlarged and printed on cardstock to create a template. Once the paint on the fabric dried I used the template to trace the water sprite onto the fabric. Then I hand embroided the sprite-body was done in black and wings in charcoal gray.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DvLXtrYBRSHPoqAiAWjvdZMFcD02j8WRofdFJ0nfiof_cNEk65pUrWoHem8WN77ZqLKebC5iCXvpNIZ2WUbE3y2Hyn_hgHlzbmU1wCqiLZUSTb1nEwPvWY14vCULVnXQM1dXvZcqRwQ/s1600/IMG_2700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DvLXtrYBRSHPoqAiAWjvdZMFcD02j8WRofdFJ0nfiof_cNEk65pUrWoHem8WN77ZqLKebC5iCXvpNIZ2WUbE3y2Hyn_hgHlzbmU1wCqiLZUSTb1nEwPvWY14vCULVnXQM1dXvZcqRwQ/s640/IMG_2700.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of machine stitching on the water</td></tr>
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After hand stitching was done, I backed the fabric with quilt batting and used my sewing machine for some free motion stitching. I stitched a horizon line between sky and water with some stitching on the water. Then I added trees and marshy grasses to frame the lagoon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59LV7zoultdk16C49EAk553VbHdtCY3W4NQ3FBlp5mgco1UpppRdMtYfFQ4v-hel_oKZC75FWzdc3EipBTRKZaVjtoal0yo8-kRI28aNdnCUWJHzcYkt2IRne6gnz0ppvwGDkqHUbQ2I/s1600/IMG_E2699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1227" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59LV7zoultdk16C49EAk553VbHdtCY3W4NQ3FBlp5mgco1UpppRdMtYfFQ4v-hel_oKZC75FWzdc3EipBTRKZaVjtoal0yo8-kRI28aNdnCUWJHzcYkt2IRne6gnz0ppvwGDkqHUbQ2I/s640/IMG_E2699.jpg" width="490" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Sprite in the Moonlight</td></tr>
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Once all the stitching was done, I stretched the piece on a stretched canvas and stapled it on the backside. Voila, textile art-ready for hanging. Finished size-16"x20" I am really happy with how this turned out.<br />
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While waiting for the paint to dry I decided to grab a stick and make a magic wand. Faerie wand, or witchy wand? Maybe it depends on how I use this wand. But I have been wanting to make one since we had the <a href="http://www.artelements.net/december-theme-challenge-reveal-dragons/">Dragon theme at AE </a>a few years ago. I wanted to do one with a dragon claw on the end. I still may have to do one like that but this one has a huge optical calcite crystal with a labradorite stone on the end.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69dv8jD4z2__pVDkGTrHlqhdg9bM1F__lzDuDNStXUgaav0A3YWmnWrT6G6ApUSqY6KMi2uIhJI_i31OFD8WoFQ43hkoDH2xMsCdaHkFBLy0hTxXoqTK5Knrsm24OcdHe9A-EKR-kO04/s1600/IMG_2682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1417" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69dv8jD4z2__pVDkGTrHlqhdg9bM1F__lzDuDNStXUgaav0A3YWmnWrT6G6ApUSqY6KMi2uIhJI_i31OFD8WoFQ43hkoDH2xMsCdaHkFBLy0hTxXoqTK5Knrsm24OcdHe9A-EKR-kO04/s640/IMG_2682.jpg" width="566" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Optical Calcite with Labradorite stone</td></tr>
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I used apoxie sculpt clay to create the bezel and hold the crystal on the end. I texturized the clay and created some sort of medallion beneath the labradorite. Once the apoxie sculpt cured I played with SO many different colors and paints, inks, etc. Trying to get the color and ageing just right. I tried alcohol inks, regular inks, Pinata paints and StazOn ink pads. In between all those applications I would sand it down with fine sandpaper and try a little more color using different products. Finally, I had to tell myself to just STOP. Leave it alone!! Then I used the Midnight Blue StazOn ink to dab on the stick. I also used Deco Arts Metallic luster in Rose Gold to rub over the painted areas and then buffed it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kzU_Nb9b5Cj4T4TSCwEXx0rGXTk-wIbiwImOwMUvEzoyI_Buf5sG8TR1oSFnU6ERXIKwDl3MN3uo7LhsjK_qOY1tSj6TrLsPzCl-Fz-zbhxgAcRlpPnfWMgXQ6d_VF1qayFkIYBjP9s/s1600/IMG_2708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kzU_Nb9b5Cj4T4TSCwEXx0rGXTk-wIbiwImOwMUvEzoyI_Buf5sG8TR1oSFnU6ERXIKwDl3MN3uo7LhsjK_qOY1tSj6TrLsPzCl-Fz-zbhxgAcRlpPnfWMgXQ6d_VF1qayFkIYBjP9s/s640/IMG_2708.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see all the different colors that I used-midnight blue, lime green, denim blue, verdigris, dark brown and the metallic rose gold.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVA-QHHIBlPiXIJalIXhhE0q-d9oDr9U9x7DOLqLbHMV8aL-k5jb7ziYEF7IJeiI_FvsnU6-FrMpmvWbmhVIwXG1_Q-qcZYQeEWcZAz_R8rYdlASUByFYSv6C60ho4SmPN6FhP8OmstU/s1600/IMG_E2684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="665" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVA-QHHIBlPiXIJalIXhhE0q-d9oDr9U9x7DOLqLbHMV8aL-k5jb7ziYEF7IJeiI_FvsnU6-FrMpmvWbmhVIwXG1_Q-qcZYQeEWcZAz_R8rYdlASUByFYSv6C60ho4SmPN6FhP8OmstU/s640/IMG_E2684.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My magic wand</td></tr>
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It's about 12" in length. That little nubby area I have my finger on above is where I broke off a stem. I used it as a design element (it's like a magic button;-) I used extra Metallic Luster on that area.<br />
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The month slipped away as it always does and I didn't get to make anything else, but I am happy with the pieces I did create. The wand was super fun to make. I really want to make a whole bunch of them. And I always enjoy creating with fabrics and threads!<br />
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I can't wait to see what all the AE members and our guests have created for this month.<br />
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Here's the list of participants, so go take a look at everyone's creations.<br />
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Guest Artists</div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://Cornishdragon.blogspot.com&source=gmail&ust=1538254674639000&usg=AFQjCNEFJaPIHAhOzTeOg_g58u8vhiZosw" href="http://cornishdragon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Vic</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://jewelsofsayuri.com&source=gmail&ust=1538254674639000&usg=AFQjCNFFQ6WP993f58iMtbxodzowyz7mtA" href="http://jewelsofsayuri.com/" target="_blank">Divya</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://chicchixnchampagne/blogspot.com&source=gmail&ust=1538254674639000&usg=AFQjCNFXzV_nPKemIdkJpnkbX22QzYNUyw" href="http://chicchixnchampagne/blogspot.com" target="_blank">Alysen</a><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: #e4af0a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1538254674639000&usg=AFQjCNH-4fBtGoWXEkQOk8kFoPQT9yh3ig" href="https://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kathy</a><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: #e4af0a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog/&source=gmail&ust=1538254674639000&usg=AFQjCNGXEH9TbXeO9vDNI2lEuWGwpIU1XA" href="http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog/" target="_blank">Tammy</a><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: #e4af0a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://bahamadawn.com/&source=gmail&ust=1538254674639000&usg=AFQjCNH5wsEyaaEfbmLpfyhoW7aEOVYN5w" href="http://bahamadawn.com/" target="_blank">Kimberly</a><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://craftyhope.com/&source=gmail&ust=1538254674639000&usg=AFQjCNEs_RKd4_Kr38c4NwdCFAPDTjIMzg" href="http://craftyhope.com/" target="_blank">Hope</a><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: #e4af0a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://alisonadorns.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1538254674639000&usg=AFQjCNEyBq_dGThgY6FkFGUqR2LHrOi5vQ" href="http://alisonadorns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Alison</a><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: #e4af0a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://catswire.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1538254674639000&usg=AFQjCNG-AzPRAQjjV1oKQtyUaMKWQKKijQ" href="http://catswire.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cat</a><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: #e4af0a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.anordinarymiracleday.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1538254674639000&usg=AFQjCNHxJUf8t4SoYyWQiUBTOrO8L7v8mQ" href="http://www.anordinarymiracleday.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Sarah</a><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">Art Elements Team</span></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.glassaddictions.com/blog&source=gmail&ust=1538254674639000&usg=AFQjCNGV4iLJ92l602hdaO_aloYntbsBrw" href="http://www.glassaddictions.com/blog" target="_blank">Jen</a> </div>
<div style="color: #e4af0a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://jdaviesreazor.com/blog/&source=gmail&ust=1538254674639000&usg=AFQjCNEw4sUK4mElN41KC4uAYDmOPtMKzA" href="https://jdaviesreazor.com/blog/" target="_blank">Jenny</a><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: #e4af0a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://silverniknats.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1538254674639000&usg=AFQjCNGKAqWW47Msli9Vk1zucqg3B7wbwQ" href="http://silverniknats.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Niky</a><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://laney-mead.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1538254674639000&usg=AFQjCNHpHkKr02Qd8JryxibeGIxZN09r0Q" href="https://laney-mead.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Laney</a> </div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://saraccino.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1538254674639000&usg=AFQjCNH9VXvkEQvKyMsI60q-oHSxOI_t0Q" href="https://saraccino.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Claire</a> </div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://cmendola.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1538254674639000&usg=AFQjCNGu2XjA2b-1tNSSwJvV-xHC-l0Z-A" href="https://cmendola.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cathy</a> That's me!</div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://blog.marshanealstudio.com/&source=gmail&ust=1538254674639000&usg=AFQjCNEvLVT-iltiUWBd8n7cp_veDvRaEQ" href="http://blog.marshanealstudio.com/" target="_blank">Marsha</a>Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-31472744582645689572018-08-30T02:00:00.000-04:002018-08-30T02:00:00.269-04:00August Swirl Theme RevealOur AE team member Marsha chose swirls for this month's theme challenge. What a fantastic theme as it opens it up to so many ideas. Only problem as usual...not enough time to do it all.<br />
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My go to components for swirls/spirals are shells and ammonites. I have collected tons of moon snail shells from the shores of east coast beaches and I have bought quite a few ammonites over the last few years. They both look so lovely when you combine them with bead embroidery.<br />
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So naturally, I grabbed a snail shell and an ammonite to create pendants.<br />
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Here's my moon snail shell paired with a lovely flashy blue labradorite and seed beads. I didn't complete the necklace yet but will more than likely create a bail that will attach to a small deer antler and leather straps.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1UGz3WAsRW2Ynm2HtKWgBs-lBabuy7diESY2DSBa0ZdlkLAJfCcp0mNqNUXJMwklUSdsegvAcjsNKhZXgX73s8fCyunxtpRsRSCXmq0Dz0n1yHMYsEs0PHMtjWoRbC4MB7GjIPsYZDE/s1600/IMG_2279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1UGz3WAsRW2Ynm2HtKWgBs-lBabuy7diESY2DSBa0ZdlkLAJfCcp0mNqNUXJMwklUSdsegvAcjsNKhZXgX73s8fCyunxtpRsRSCXmq0Dz0n1yHMYsEs0PHMtjWoRbC4MB7GjIPsYZDE/s640/IMG_2279.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moon Snail Shell with Labradorite</td></tr>
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Here is the second pendant-using an ammonite fossil paired with a chrysocolla cabochon that has some beautiful coppery accents in the stone that goes well with the ammonite.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIG1vslB3NhTH5u91okDQZVuS1AQKrkyliU25ysbcr1i_LhwKbR69yk0JAh_DMKBzuMb-LkHM8upJYmS7CkdiIZWllgM4bI1hhXOMskx4XFx4eBMjpXwTU8_tJTcB99HSGo1xdJoGQieM/s1600/IMG_2283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIG1vslB3NhTH5u91okDQZVuS1AQKrkyliU25ysbcr1i_LhwKbR69yk0JAh_DMKBzuMb-LkHM8upJYmS7CkdiIZWllgM4bI1hhXOMskx4XFx4eBMjpXwTU8_tJTcB99HSGo1xdJoGQieM/s640/IMG_2283.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ammonite fossil paired with green copper Chrysocolla stone</td></tr>
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In between beading these I took a break to draw and relax the brain! Here is my swirly zentangle<br />
I created.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEima_jGUFdBG0-WW3eiiA1_QUW8gdjA_HtKDT8bQaqO2sdwnxCIHCvdI-TNCMAEvx0J4GivHPq914KPhOP5hzj1VIGEOpJoi-WvA8HjF70x3GBQL-YiZoEsaZZNOEtd9VGtbVmjrMN5RA4/s1600/IMG_2173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEima_jGUFdBG0-WW3eiiA1_QUW8gdjA_HtKDT8bQaqO2sdwnxCIHCvdI-TNCMAEvx0J4GivHPq914KPhOP5hzj1VIGEOpJoi-WvA8HjF70x3GBQL-YiZoEsaZZNOEtd9VGtbVmjrMN5RA4/s640/IMG_2173.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swirling spiral zentangle</td></tr>
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I feel extremely slack for not finishing my pendants so I am sharing previously created pendants, wall art & a purse using moon snail shells, the swirly spiral tops of whelk shells and an ammonite with bead embroidery.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVy0BnHYOhhhDo9o74a364dgRXkfSXmnQrpH0BPhSF7WNI6m7iMTwNoZGj8ZjN_Mg-jurwsfAUAWDhFPWxHegGGCZg8luNLDgE4tYlaMBVvq8BBPY9tOzxFMhK6Wbg0L7ZQzlHeedExPU/s1600/IMG_5005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVy0BnHYOhhhDo9o74a364dgRXkfSXmnQrpH0BPhSF7WNI6m7iMTwNoZGj8ZjN_Mg-jurwsfAUAWDhFPWxHegGGCZg8luNLDgE4tYlaMBVvq8BBPY9tOzxFMhK6Wbg0L7ZQzlHeedExPU/s640/IMG_5005.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ammonite with fossilized shark tooth</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3nn2q6yhsw_Z7IFKuyMs278HPgR57ezn-zZWlnmyMmG4cjkrnbp7zQGEs3wmGW6pObJwApXhXDfupLvfWutM0Y4y2nOOQmOzRPc1bVgyRG0oU4in49vBmGTHE7ctwsmqLiNkBLR7PJs/s1600/Moonsnailnecklaces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3nn2q6yhsw_Z7IFKuyMs278HPgR57ezn-zZWlnmyMmG4cjkrnbp7zQGEs3wmGW6pObJwApXhXDfupLvfWutM0Y4y2nOOQmOzRPc1bVgyRG0oU4in49vBmGTHE7ctwsmqLiNkBLR7PJs/s640/Moonsnailnecklaces.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-Moon snail shell with moss agate cabochon; R- Moon snail shell with coppyer in rhyolite cabochon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HGJDxGRuUAAPbWGSQm1q6uwG6qUjtxE2BwIe6fkBQvEffejs406BspflQkm28uDBFf7sgd8aKCD1spxrUlY8_CzrdqfbXG94AqOFfnHOuX08ym8aoWIEZ8Ojo_gsdKy-w6uLr7IM4Xg/s1600/JewelryAffairjewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1001" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HGJDxGRuUAAPbWGSQm1q6uwG6qUjtxE2BwIe6fkBQvEffejs406BspflQkm28uDBFf7sgd8aKCD1spxrUlY8_CzrdqfbXG94AqOFfnHOuX08ym8aoWIEZ8Ojo_gsdKy-w6uLr7IM4Xg/s640/JewelryAffairjewelry.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-Moon snail shell with Sonoran dendritic rhyolite cabochon; R- Top of conch/whelk shell with fosillized coral.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsr6oop5-UyAamsY-LBRn1Lm6a37XhVrQzpMBs8gGrNgL2CGSF_5-113ECPJCwjZWrIbQDY_V5R-aRTdvlgd0WwMFi6f6AvIHoBf0k6VE_9ZiSeWuMXKqfn1gYBAja-BhUPvDwl4TeSk0/s1600/Goddessjewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsr6oop5-UyAamsY-LBRn1Lm6a37XhVrQzpMBs8gGrNgL2CGSF_5-113ECPJCwjZWrIbQDY_V5R-aRTdvlgd0WwMFi6f6AvIHoBf0k6VE_9ZiSeWuMXKqfn1gYBAja-BhUPvDwl4TeSk0/s640/Goddessjewelry.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-Brooch using polymer goddess with small moon snail shell; R-Pendant using polymer goddess with top of whelk on L and snail shell on R.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuNeVfuCHcSvRFtGmajdxyyGNZphl23-8X40M_ebb74ASC_BKhUTlMIeCg1U_ItLdRKgKlp_v4k_9MFuiX3_G4qZ9WhsogZEBuXNCQI3RNxBpjYNJjkc4MPUntcmrK2fUNKXz2yJ6wxc/s1600/goddessart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1200" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuNeVfuCHcSvRFtGmajdxyyGNZphl23-8X40M_ebb74ASC_BKhUTlMIeCg1U_ItLdRKgKlp_v4k_9MFuiX3_G4qZ9WhsogZEBuXNCQI3RNxBpjYNJjkc4MPUntcmrK2fUNKXz2yJ6wxc/s640/goddessart.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-Wall art with polymer goddess with moon snail shell; R- polymer goddess with black moon snail shell on a leather purse.</td></tr>
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All the lovely polymer goddesses above were created by AE team member <a href="https://jdaviesreazor.com/">Jenny</a>.<br />
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I am looking forward to seeing all the swirly creations from the AE team as well as our guest participants.<br />
Here's the list with links, so go check everyone's blog and see what lovely things they came up with this month.<br />
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<strong>Guest Artists:</strong></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://alisonadorns.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1535544915404000&usg=AFQjCNFDJiX_3Z8TPmma-w6_j17zAdFJiA" href="http://alisonadorns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Alison</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://beadscharmsandwire.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1535544915405000&usg=AFQjCNEetiVrnJa0-iOgXKgD8noPwQwIAw" href="https://beadscharmsandwire.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Anita</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://catswire.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1535544915405000&usg=AFQjCNF7t3QiRML1daYoNrYaCAmU4aMg9g" href="http://catswire.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cat </a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://thecraftychimp.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1535544915405000&usg=AFQjCNHn7p0G-IBJPh4LIjTifpJ_zf0SLA" href="https://thecraftychimp.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Caroline</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://kilnfiredart.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1535544915405000&usg=AFQjCNFIH3WTS7wgTV60zH3z48bP4qsD2A" href="https://kilnfiredart.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Jill</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1535544915405000&usg=AFQjCNHFtSE-5TWZR8V_RT9UmRcGqppneQ" href="https://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Kathy</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://ginkgoetcoquelicot.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1535544915405000&usg=AFQjCNFA2SnXfPlmvFW3Aslg7g0TnCFebg" href="http://ginkgoetcoquelicot.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Karin</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bahamadawn.com/&source=gmail&ust=1535544915405000&usg=AFQjCNFr9CqfgTRv1hpzUb6vmPB-MlJySA" href="https://bahamadawn.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Kimberly</a> </div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1535544915405000&usg=AFQjCNFPpUO-QCM1xAs40mXE6j7fUUL3Kw" href="http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mischelle</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://ravenscraftynest.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1535544915405000&usg=AFQjCNE1k9-MxvkMTzbYKRzUytbhz4N0dg" href="http://ravenscraftynest.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Raven</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog&source=gmail&ust=1535544915405000&usg=AFQjCNE8yAzMWsCaG5pBrMqKiIw7ap4zhw" href="http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Tammy</a> </div>
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<strong>Art Elements Team: </strong></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://cmendola.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1535544915405000&usg=AFQjCNEeutORvk5c6W42DJiTDyu9Lc9yNw" href="https://cmendola.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cathy- You're here!</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://blueberribeads.co.uk/&source=gmail&ust=1535544915405000&usg=AFQjCNEYW7Kh3SLYd5xFPlmd98-HBybbJg" href="http://blueberribeads.co.uk/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Caroline</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://saraccino.blogspot.com/2018/08/swirls-theme-of-month-challenge-at-art.html&source=gmail&ust=1535544915405000&usg=AFQjCNH4wuhGBIn9SXNF7AmhktEcAUey8Q" href="https://saraccino.blogspot.com/2018/08/swirls-theme-of-month-challenge-at-art.html" target="_blank">Claire</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.glassaddictions.com/blog&source=gmail&ust=1535544915405000&usg=AFQjCNFY58QJ3XiirZHcMh0nS2lUKpcgMg" href="http://www.glassaddictions.com/blog" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Jen</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://jdaviesreazor.com/blog/&source=gmail&ust=1535544915405000&usg=AFQjCNEpzzfkFidSjDpQxPYe1lPEVwKD7w" href="https://jdaviesreazor.com/blog/" target="_blank">Jenny & Lesley </a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://laney-mead.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1535544915405000&usg=AFQjCNHE8Uvo3eeA7GF8CyH7y40x01xl0Q" href="https://laney-mead.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Laney</a></div>
<div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://wp.me/p3arhM-g2&source=gmail&ust=1535544915405000&usg=AFQjCNFh5Vakx7OP3-HfPJMV4OTANPm8ag" href="https://wp.me/p3arhM-g2" target="_blank">Marsha</a></div>
<div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://suebeads.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1535544915405000&usg=AFQjCNE1WMXm8AlLrUyiRdDnkTmEB8PI0A" href="http://suebeads.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Susan</a></div>
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<br />Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-35007581576992798492018-07-31T02:00:00.000-04:002018-07-31T08:31:34.333-04:00Seed Pod Theme RevealI think I say this every month but it's so true..."I can't believe time flies so quickly and we're already at the end of another month!" So here we go again with <a href="http://www.artelements.net/seed-pods-july-theme-challenge-reveal/">Art Elements' reveal</a> of another fun month of creating-- <a href="http://www.glassaddictions.com/blog">Jen's</a> theme for the month-seed pods.<br />
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I<b><i> also</i></b> always start with grandiose plans and life inevitably gets in the way. The creative juices start churning and the biggest problem is that I have so many ideas brewing that I can't get to them all. I find myself starting numerous pieces and then realizing I can't finish them all, so I console myself with concentrating on one or two pieces.<br />
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First off, I ordered some natural silk cocoons. I have used some in the past for previous projects that were already dyed., but I wanted to dye my own and then use them in some way to depict seed pods.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-cvrglQzVlQBghd8ywZ5TiGvsPAxIKS2NNzXCYr2PEroT4VYACsKh7t7JrXNCrUcOOZSzzBGBvPuNSHwcoiHYNomi441WS7ehW7hQi40SmrgbA8cPsuu3Qn6xB3EiJcqDwn8jD4mYEU/s1600/VQWA8454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-cvrglQzVlQBghd8ywZ5TiGvsPAxIKS2NNzXCYr2PEroT4VYACsKh7t7JrXNCrUcOOZSzzBGBvPuNSHwcoiHYNomi441WS7ehW7hQi40SmrgbA8cPsuu3Qn6xB3EiJcqDwn8jD4mYEU/s640/VQWA8454.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natural silk cocoons on left. Fiber reactive dyes & dyed cocoons top right, lower right cocoons still in dye bath.</td></tr>
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Once they were dyed, I decided to create some seed pods with bits of a nuno felted scarf I made but never really liked.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK59MekgBXq-ewzD2K3oI5BOUcpW5o2EVJlnsNcqSAGb6tcX2XiyLJc6Pr7XvxCNWHTA5lZOFmydAH8EGczloa8yFx2UCM7BgGrR-uNPZUEF-m2j4Bg2YP3X8r59TylnVAOYmzgHgSBhM/s1600/IMG_1575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK59MekgBXq-ewzD2K3oI5BOUcpW5o2EVJlnsNcqSAGb6tcX2XiyLJc6Pr7XvxCNWHTA5lZOFmydAH8EGczloa8yFx2UCM7BgGrR-uNPZUEF-m2j4Bg2YP3X8r59TylnVAOYmzgHgSBhM/s400/IMG_1575.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First nuno felted scarf I made and didn't really know what I was doing. Perfect color for seed pods!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I wanted the pods to look a bit like lotus seed pods, so I cut the scarf up and used it to gather around some silk cocoons. I stitched it all together, gathering fabric where needed and stitching through seed pods as well. Once I did that, I needed to figure out what the heck I was going to do with the pods.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfd0o9WnJN3J-qPY3MPJGR_CDYsgAGPjsuLz2l1eouQengIwAdZdkfcnlb5D2CJwAmQkdDugimlwRIIZvzAVQK0i1v5oLu3Yk6o4eFBJorND7Vv5IxcSCrQMq16lEGOyDf6Vwaeu_xU8/s1600/FFMO4104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfd0o9WnJN3J-qPY3MPJGR_CDYsgAGPjsuLz2l1eouQengIwAdZdkfcnlb5D2CJwAmQkdDugimlwRIIZvzAVQK0i1v5oLu3Yk6o4eFBJorND7Vv5IxcSCrQMq16lEGOyDf6Vwaeu_xU8/s640/FFMO4104.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seed pods made from nuno felted fabric and silk cocoons.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-MVgm3v5hQe7YUyCnOfGh920tL1AdFi61iyV-x7GFeLM3d9U2XyHcqfBvtTLg_ZGdWYT8o2tpQTLJDFTUiPR0qpvqmNhNnm41rorgwYO-bd3uIsDRNmwHbkZYd0VUVVHe1dJqX5SPhk/s1600/IMG_E1716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1161" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-MVgm3v5hQe7YUyCnOfGh920tL1AdFi61iyV-x7GFeLM3d9U2XyHcqfBvtTLg_ZGdWYT8o2tpQTLJDFTUiPR0qpvqmNhNnm41rorgwYO-bd3uIsDRNmwHbkZYd0VUVVHe1dJqX5SPhk/s640/IMG_E1716.jpg" width="464" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seed pods created with nuno felted fabric and silk cocoons. </td></tr>
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Once the seed pods were stitched I used some 28g wire to wire them directly onto a twig. The thin gauge will easily thread directly through the felt to attach it firmly. Then I used some <a href="http://woolywireetc.com/">wooly wire</a> to create some tendrils along the branch around the pods. It didn't turn out exactly like I envisioned but it's definitely something I would like to explore more in the future. I really like created in 3-d with felt and the silk cocoons really a fun element.<br />
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The beautiful red pods in the first photo actually dried to such a deep red that they almost look black. I left them in the dye bath a tad too long. I had intended to make a necklace with those red 'pods' and will probably get to it sometime later. But they got put on the back burner while I played with my lino and carving tools.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQzaKry4qo7Wsc4yQOwJi5jSqfzdoYsDh7uLUbu3Oik2Xc2GN_FIp_v_vfaVBeNuHe2AUNf5BNjqO668B9AFbhswp8X3DtqTsEnASY1J4-x-1mx0t7EY44aLLHlmmKJ7k9AKC8rHymYQ/s1600/LQKA0634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQzaKry4qo7Wsc4yQOwJi5jSqfzdoYsDh7uLUbu3Oik2Xc2GN_FIp_v_vfaVBeNuHe2AUNf5BNjqO668B9AFbhswp8X3DtqTsEnASY1J4-x-1mx0t7EY44aLLHlmmKJ7k9AKC8rHymYQ/s640/LQKA0634.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lino carved poppy pods left upper, left lower-inked with brown fabric ink. Right side a mono print onto eco dyed fabric.</td></tr>
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This was the first time I have made a lino print since high school. I realize my tools are not that great, I should invest in some higher quality but I was still pretty pleased with how it turned out. My initial plan was to print onto fabric and then do some stitching and possibly beading. Then I got the idea to use a piece of fabric that I had eco printed on last fall. It was the perfect background for the poppy pods.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrX7Rq2-NSvfpAT78SyyWHM56s7f2T9aja1xIbpZAPi3SIl51Uf2NzXvDNziUpeFdi0UNIWRvRKv6qU93Xn3TD-SDbVwcBC5aDio2mKqGhhK2Ag7sFej5NGDAZE7pcJzj4Fhr-N3bBZo/s1600/RKTG0563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrX7Rq2-NSvfpAT78SyyWHM56s7f2T9aja1xIbpZAPi3SIl51Uf2NzXvDNziUpeFdi0UNIWRvRKv6qU93Xn3TD-SDbVwcBC5aDio2mKqGhhK2Ag7sFej5NGDAZE7pcJzj4Fhr-N3bBZo/s640/RKTG0563.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lino printing onto previously eco printed fabrics.</td></tr>
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The top fabric above was my first 'test' print on muslin fabric with speckled leaf prints. The second printing onto heavy cotton that had very subtle ghost prints left by leaves was the one I chose to start stitching on. After the lino prints were done I also used a thermofax screen to print the Queen Anne's Lace seed heads on with Jacquard's Lumiere paint in bronze and silver. Then I used a carved wood block to add some more elements beneath the plants/pods along the 'ground' level.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkjN-pnN2b_xaPUugsxPsODdLnoAWSeOV5z7JIWjSIVfDnnesGIm25PmlEpUXkvo_P2QJDu7ABVCOMQ9RyQSjzaak_g1lhpyvT2we8pI1JONuysnTXkR9nD4i8inAZ5opH1Mmg6QjU8g/s1600/IMG_1800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkjN-pnN2b_xaPUugsxPsODdLnoAWSeOV5z7JIWjSIVfDnnesGIm25PmlEpUXkvo_P2QJDu7ABVCOMQ9RyQSjzaak_g1lhpyvT2we8pI1JONuysnTXkR9nD4i8inAZ5opH1Mmg6QjU8g/s640/IMG_1800.jpg" width="497" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of left side of printed fabric. This was the first poppy pod printing with ink.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9GyIeguaIg6AiMUe225Tz92LHg67V90_SZ4tsc1TIXW61Xnbc05bGmISbKxvzIc1ZgMhHtZE91YYdQ4jravvWC-KQpvLm_Xz2DsH0oTa_ebNAhQNv0SWPplSqsiTqfh-GfIyqJ3EFo8o/s640/IMG_1801.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of right side of fabric. These poppy pods were printed with the leftover ink from the first printing.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhiaYuXOekkYYJaEidq4OUyxN5f0rnzMFHSHqm9I-t66hbR4xDHdbo6oB10h_2GaY0gYV7UkxRbYtRuCY2gYKJEyxfb3A3tY-EPkEGcZFfDR-eAJr7JZlMVfINb_HaafAEDzrpW0P-Dw/s1600/IMG_E1798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhiaYuXOekkYYJaEidq4OUyxN5f0rnzMFHSHqm9I-t66hbR4xDHdbo6oB10h_2GaY0gYV7UkxRbYtRuCY2gYKJEyxfb3A3tY-EPkEGcZFfDR-eAJr7JZlMVfINb_HaafAEDzrpW0P-Dw/s640/IMG_E1798.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is as far as I've gotten with stitching. </td></tr>
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I initially planned to just cut the fabric beneath the ground level above but I really like the bottom half of the eco printed fabric so this is probably one of those pieces that will continue to 'grow'. I think I need to stitch some deep roots on the pods and a whole underground network. So stay tuned to see how this gets finished.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tHtY0Fx7k6DdQHf9R83w7tJadtMijxnHJn-n5wM1vYXPzKZhBxTzaBenhJwgJINkBNXoWZf17j9Q0xfg0l5TUTRmt3Q5xNUCSfYjTA6YI9ajuBr8tl2bXT9yPyCaKKVojhT-JWvE_tw/s1600/IMG_1799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1425" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tHtY0Fx7k6DdQHf9R83w7tJadtMijxnHJn-n5wM1vYXPzKZhBxTzaBenhJwgJINkBNXoWZf17j9Q0xfg0l5TUTRmt3Q5xNUCSfYjTA6YI9ajuBr8tl2bXT9yPyCaKKVojhT-JWvE_tw/s640/IMG_1799.jpg" width="570" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the whole piece here with the shadows underneath the plants/pods just begging for lots more stitching!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdwfyraHgrAGBo55hMAR_vLc6CTfpmeHdT_CZ263YVBL3CE7KI7MUwaBXQrzMM-U4ruIvDSWPoU5F5kxa4H-OKN9SVSdzdls46rZzXs9sv6ljpPrEdORIqtaT9nma1-gZutBQqE68EMY/s1600/WNAU1692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdwfyraHgrAGBo55hMAR_vLc6CTfpmeHdT_CZ263YVBL3CE7KI7MUwaBXQrzMM-U4ruIvDSWPoU5F5kxa4H-OKN9SVSdzdls46rZzXs9sv6ljpPrEdORIqtaT9nma1-gZutBQqE68EMY/s640/WNAU1692.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lino prints on paper.</td></tr>
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I also had to try my lino cut with some paper and my gelli plate. Above photos are: top left black ink directly on lino and printed on paper. Above right I put way too much blue ink on my gelli plate then re-inked my lino with black ink and stamped it onto the gelli plate over the blue ink, then pressed my paper over the gelli plate. Lower left, is the second pull off the gelli plate which I really like! Then the bottom right is the third print I pulled from the gelli plate. It may be my favorite!</div>
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Now I understand why everyone is so gaga over monoprinting and gelli plate printing!!! Who knew it was so much fun? </div>
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I was determined to keep playing with this little lino cut, soooo I found an old paper that I had printed using transfer paints to transfer to fabric. I had painted this in a workshop using stamps (leaf & spiral)I made years ago with plumber's rubber sheeting and mounted on wood.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEl-klAMdGGkXmmMx97BTtXmgXkTrTUghsMMIJNp-uCCsC2LUUeQl62GGOqeMZU5yFOlo2nKmQNrhcMVha7vVfY2yL1Vu1XUUsoxaXFv9mPdDVebnH7-9aEfsE87dabYgUsr2ikMB7H0/s1600/IMG_1720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEl-klAMdGGkXmmMx97BTtXmgXkTrTUghsMMIJNp-uCCsC2LUUeQl62GGOqeMZU5yFOlo2nKmQNrhcMVha7vVfY2yL1Vu1XUUsoxaXFv9mPdDVebnH7-9aEfsE87dabYgUsr2ikMB7H0/s640/IMG_1720.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poppypods printed onto previously painted surface</td></tr>
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And last but not least, I had some lovely little pod like ceramic pieces from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Foxpaws">foxpaw beads.</a> </div>
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I have been wanting to use them somehow/someway, so this was the perfect time to play with making a necklace using one of the pods.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQhw-eKFXgWKkCqXHf4tpo0l-J7qEj44RJd54-8nvk1vwBsJTfLD_l7nzCAeQaB-Rx0P6rnV2bI83Akd9qW4I70v4zFv4MLfn1zWoi6zlEM6iv2RGxLEybuuHkcErOsubjVS4Nxvjs_k/s1600/IMG_1608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQhw-eKFXgWKkCqXHf4tpo0l-J7qEj44RJd54-8nvk1vwBsJTfLD_l7nzCAeQaB-Rx0P6rnV2bI83Akd9qW4I70v4zFv4MLfn1zWoi6zlEM6iv2RGxLEybuuHkcErOsubjVS4Nxvjs_k/s640/IMG_1608.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely textured pod hanging from a hand knotted necklace.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDi6l9AsFkS3k0ebLfHrkn21DFBJtXzbvLgIjtma9Po5tho9YolZl8_tXDXl1Njmbx3HwUFqp7FLYVys347f6IG-OI8NWJY0qgENxi9RvE0Y95q5BtqkdQ4b8G9eLptaQM1q-x7gtOIZM/s1600/IMG_E1655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="886" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDi6l9AsFkS3k0ebLfHrkn21DFBJtXzbvLgIjtma9Po5tho9YolZl8_tXDXl1Njmbx3HwUFqp7FLYVys347f6IG-OI8NWJY0qgENxi9RvE0Y95q5BtqkdQ4b8G9eLptaQM1q-x7gtOIZM/s640/IMG_E1655.jpg" width="354" /></a></div>
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I used some thin nylon cord to string on some seed beads to hang from inside the pod. The mala type necklace was created using a combination of matte African turquoise beads and black lava beads strung onto the same nylon cord, then hand knotting between the beads.</div>
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I still have lots of seed pod ideas swirling in my head. Maybe I will get to them one day along with all the other stuff I want to create.</div>
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I can't wait to see the seed pod creations from the AE members and all our guests that are playing along this month.</div>
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Grab a cuppa and settle in for some inspiring artwork.</div>
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Here's the list:</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<b>Guest Artists:</b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog&source=gmail&ust=1533050249957000&usg=AFQjCNH2YskcWsOOlv_obDAAKm1K2UEWhg" href="http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Tammy</a> </div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://ravenscraftynest.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1533050249957000&usg=AFQjCNEq6Q7_MgBIMKHEgt_AjrlExl22Ew" href="http://ravenscraftynest.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Raven</a> </div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://chicchixnchampagne.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1533050249957000&usg=AFQjCNGYkWCXQwjzaI5u5cNcMGJcCqkFjQ" href="http://chicchixnchampagne.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Alysen</a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://beadscharmsandwire.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1533050249957000&usg=AFQjCNHRpOZViRERvMk7Q0OO4CVdww8Fxg" href="https://beadscharmsandwire.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Anita</a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://catswire.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1533050249957000&usg=AFQjCNGDP4obej7oY7mjt8jtKfKC4PgNPQ" href="http://catswire.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cat </a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://bahamadawn.com/&source=gmail&ust=1533050249957000&usg=AFQjCNFgxmdbVldigW1T4ZrsDrZKpqgqcw" href="https://bahamadawn.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Kimberly</a> </div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://bairozan.blogspot.com/2018/07/seed-pod-jewelry.html&source=gmail&ust=1533050249957000&usg=AFQjCNEcxiAy30kvF8v3r--8ChCwBfuAAw" href="https://bairozan.blogspot.com/2018/07/seed-pod-jewelry.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Rozantia</a> </div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/2018/07/art-elements-theme-of-month-july-2018.html&source=gmail&ust=1533050249957000&usg=AFQjCNGkm8cANBo0dzdljx_Cy-QyDWa3kg" href="https://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/2018/07/art-elements-theme-of-month-july-2018.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sarajo </a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.jewelsofsayuri.com/&source=gmail&ust=1533050249957000&usg=AFQjCNFkovhNBM-xQeoUGEh-VgJxYPhxvA" href="http://www.jewelsofsayuri.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Divya</a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://thecraftychimp.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1533050249957000&usg=AFQjCNEiQhh1Eb2J7-NrcFcbGIPdvQ9dzg" href="https://thecraftychimp.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Caroline</a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1533050249957000&usg=AFQjCNFKyP9agg-aJj5UNj07uIzJ1lF4jA" href="http://drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Catherine</a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1533050249957000&usg=AFQjCNFOmeXFZTZWuLY7Q_z2QS_Sffi7dQ" href="https://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Kathy</a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://kilnfiredart.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1533050249957000&usg=AFQjCNFRSELVh1ARPgNRx9o3fRTiMDkDAg" href="https://kilnfiredart.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Jill</a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<b>Art Elements Team: </b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://saraccino.blogspot.com/2018/07/seed-pods-art-elements-theme-of-month.html&source=gmail&ust=1533050249957000&usg=AFQjCNFWRbyROJWoG2Bvq1XmqK5DY2txFQ" href="https://saraccino.blogspot.com/2018/07/seed-pods-art-elements-theme-of-month.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Claire</a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://blueberribeads.co.uk/&source=gmail&ust=1533050249958000&usg=AFQjCNG12dI4KvPMhb1RoM6aaUp2PGESGQ" href="http://blueberribeads.co.uk/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Caroline</a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.lesleywatt.com/&source=gmail&ust=1533050249958000&usg=AFQjCNEzL-QUAzZJZ_9CshzuywefV0Bs8g" href="http://www.lesleywatt.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lesley</a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://silverniknats.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1533050249958000&usg=AFQjCNGw66vHcX65nTzTCVSA7VTH_o156A" href="https://silverniknats.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Niky</a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://laney-mead.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1533050249958000&usg=AFQjCNF2cqZxnnSatoSTj-rG_95nB6iVBg" href="https://laney-mead.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Laney</a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://suebeads.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1533050249958000&usg=AFQjCNFq8uo-nbNDYI5b1MfEQ7eHWwCubw" href="http://suebeads.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Susan</a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://blog.marshanealstudio.com/&source=gmail&ust=1533050249958000&usg=AFQjCNEh0I5bdbtQU9LCFViXMHh_refinA" href="http://blog.marshanealstudio.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Marsha</a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://jdaviesreazor.com/blog/&source=gmail&ust=1533050249958000&usg=AFQjCNFCzma4AhvJEWhvExpei9YO2TixmQ" href="https://jdaviesreazor.com/blog/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Jenny</a></div>
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Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-77115645788529512452018-06-30T02:00:00.000-04:002018-06-30T13:05:18.594-04:00June Sunflower Theme RevealOver at Art Elements<a href="http://suebeads.blogspot.com/"> Sue </a>had the pleasure of choosing <a href="http://www.artelements.net/theme-of-the-month-sunflowers/">June's theme</a>. She chose sunflowers. How could anyone not want to participate, right? Sunflowers are so cheerful and downright sunny;-)<br />
They have been depicted in paintings and other art forms for eons. I have some growing in my garden right now but they haven't bloomed yet. <br />
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I am currently doing the #100dayproject and I actually painted sunflowers back in May before Sue chose this theme. My goal when I started playing with watercolors while doing this project was to try and loosen up my painting style. I tend to get really picky and want to color 'inside the lines'. I try too hard to be realistic when all I want to do is paint loosely. I must be a control freak.<br />
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Anyway- here is the first sunflower, Day 42 back in May. Sketched with General's Sketch & Wash pencil then using Daler Rowney watercolors. I was actually looking at real live sunflowers when I did this. So I was definitely striving for realism but trying to keep it loose. Didn't work too well.<br />
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So I decided since the theme is sunflowers that I needed to re-visit painting sunflowers again. Here's the second attempt. I studied paintings with a loose style that I tried SO hard to emulate. Well, once again I ended up trying to tidy things up and made it more rigid than I wanted. I even did some washes around the flower and splatters of paint. I did use a better quality of watercolor paints-Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolors.<br />
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What I am finally realizing is...I need to develop my own style when I paint. I like the look of loose watery colors but I seem to <i>like</i> having some definitive lines. So here's my third attempt below. Again, I used the Winsor & Newton brand watercolors for the flower but used Daniel Smith's watercolor paint for the muted purple background. I will keep trying to develop my own style when it comes to painting.<br />
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Okay, enough with the experimental painting and on to my comfort zone---stitching. I study <i>and </i>actually drool over some of the fabulous embroiderers on Instagram. I just love the landscape scenes I see. So I decided I needed to try a landscape with mountains in the background and sunflowers in the foreground.<br />
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This turned out so much better than I thought it would. I am now planning to do a full series of landscapes using some of my photos & my daughter's photos as reference. She lives in Colorado and has some phenomenal pictures of the mountains. She loves the mountains & sunflowers so this piece is being sent to Colorado once I sew a backing to it.<br />
This final piece below is actually the first thing I started right after Sue announced the theme.<br />
It is a needle case. I am forever losing needles, either down between the sofa cushions, on the floor, in my basket or container where I have various projects. I also have a huge variety of needles and wanted a nice tidy little place to keep them rather than a pin cushion.<br />
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I stitched the sunflowers with commercially dyed silk ribbon using felt as the base. I will have more process photos and a mini tutorial later in the month over at Art Elements. I will also share the various types of needles I use as well as my favorites. So watch for my next post over at AE.<br />
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Now, it's time to go visit all the guests and AE team members to see what they have created this month.<br />
By the looks of all the sneak peeks on IG, there should be some fabulous sunflowers.<br />
Thanks Sue!<br />
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<b>Guests:</b><br />
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<a href="https://chicchixnchampagne.blogspot.com/">Alysen </a><br />
<a href="https://beadscharmsandwire.wordpress.com/">Anita</a><br />
<a href="http://www.catswire.com/">Cat</a><br />
<a href="http://divya/">Divya</a> <br />
<a href="http://jill/">Jill</a><br />
<a href="http://kathy/">Kathy</a> <br />
<a href="https://lindalandig.wordpress.com/">Linda L.</a><br />
<a href="http://www.earth-shine.co.uk/blog">Linda N. </a><br />
<a href="http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/">Mischelle</a> <br />
<a href="https://www.tesorosjewelry.online/tag/blog/">Norma</a><br />
<a href="https://ravenscraftynest.blogspot.com/">Raven</a><br />
<a href="http://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sarajo</a><br />
<a href="http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog/" target="_blank">Tammy</a><br />
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<b>Art Elements Team Members:</b><br />
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://blueberribeads.co.uk/&source=gmail&ust=1527700944019000&usg=AFQjCNECzTQbf6YWzyHtJepyTiyATtwDxA" href="https://blueberribeads.co.uk/" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2938" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Caroline</a></div>
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<a href="https://jdaviesreazor.com/blog/" target="_blank">Jenny</a></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.lesleywatt.com/&source=gmail&ust=1527700944019000&usg=AFQjCNElrGueyPZ084_LNyFs0uY6IGK2xA" href="http://www.lesleywatt.com/" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2948" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lesley</a> </div>
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Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-31546906329391138132018-05-31T02:00:00.000-04:002018-06-29T15:14:45.488-04:00Art Element's May Theme Reveal<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2979">
This month for the <a href="https://www.artelements.net/may-theme-challenge-reveal-tide-pools/" target="_blank">Art Element theme challenge</a> <a href="http://www.lesleywatt.com/" target="_blank">Lesley</a> chose 'tide pools'. SO esciting!! But of course I was excited about last month's also. I am definitely a 'water' person-I love the beach and have collected sea shells my entire life, so this was right up my alley.</div>
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The problem...what medium, what design, where to start? The pictures I perused on Pinterest were a great source of inspiration. I have been fortunate to have been to many beaches along the east coast, the caribbean and Hawaii but I have never seen the tide pools of the northwest. It seems they have a bounty of anemones that are brilliant along with gorgeous bright orange starfish. Those tide pools were my first choice of inspiration. Alas, I abandoned that one for now and went in a different direction.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHlpm25HafKq1TTHmgOODrKG84rZnw82sRaTndGa5uAPj0yT8ZVmQAycq-IosPzUyUCKZSCnxTe1dBS-_JtRjeB5LjMBi9DZ6QG8qdmkHW7Iqm-35EGhG8t0-hzzBmWIhMDVGV36q57M/s1600/tide+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="564" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHlpm25HafKq1TTHmgOODrKG84rZnw82sRaTndGa5uAPj0yT8ZVmQAycq-IosPzUyUCKZSCnxTe1dBS-_JtRjeB5LjMBi9DZ6QG8qdmkHW7Iqm-35EGhG8t0-hzzBmWIhMDVGV36q57M/s640/tide+pool.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tide Pool Inspiration</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPkQLT1qI0DXyWllV6yWjC5uiJebrlk9Hpc6xEj-mw-BlHPexI_n8dr4Do3YWI-f31wyXP2CCJ_REgIO3wc9o_TKGJtyZfCJXFYQfVP6J1lLZ7WKHyOcZDQ21HPi9btsI22zLHTHrxB0/s1600/IMG_E0856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="1600" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPkQLT1qI0DXyWllV6yWjC5uiJebrlk9Hpc6xEj-mw-BlHPexI_n8dr4Do3YWI-f31wyXP2CCJ_REgIO3wc9o_TKGJtyZfCJXFYQfVP6J1lLZ7WKHyOcZDQ21HPi9btsI22zLHTHrxB0/s640/IMG_E0856.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My original plan for tide pool theme. Layers of fabrics, cheesecloth, sheers, tulle. Eventually I will do some machine & hand stitching, add some brilliant little anemones and fuse down that starfish.</td></tr>
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I went back to photos I have taken of beaches and tide pools and remembered the amazing coral beaches on Grand Cayman Island. There are vast areas along the beach on the northern side of the island where it's just huge chunks of fossilized coral with nooks and crannies everywhere with snails living all among the coral. I thought about doing that but instead chose these photos below for my inspiration.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_juqi0_p0GIPAz1Pw_YGbTIfq1EHnmt2XdMfwdvGd_QDeJhvzQvqRMUExI7aWOFIrCByDssnfG-95nOo0T_TBLLY2TwFELAW3c6IHtKZO1rXhCyZVVn-nN9y2lkjgTMWTdf2o9q3182Y/s1600/Cayman+coral+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="1600" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_juqi0_p0GIPAz1Pw_YGbTIfq1EHnmt2XdMfwdvGd_QDeJhvzQvqRMUExI7aWOFIrCByDssnfG-95nOo0T_TBLLY2TwFELAW3c6IHtKZO1rXhCyZVVn-nN9y2lkjgTMWTdf2o9q3182Y/s640/Cayman+coral+beach.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos on the beaches of Grand Cayman. Pieces of coral and shells caught in the sandy tide pools along the coast. Bottom right photo is just a huge chunk of fossilized coral instead of a sandy beach.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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After studying the above photos I decided to try wet felting a background that I could attach coral & shells to, then embellish further with hand stitching and beads.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9bCoY9JatnwO39f9bgz-EPH0lgcdGO8sZOdMIV_64JKsUoaA62izaMfzhyphenhyphen80si4sGJWW2f0gYJmaQCO0eDHafwicAUMxIDuy5xEqSu5O3kKauq2_iQ3OqrJrkhz4vqkT7KgVu6ohT0E/s1600/IMG_E0918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="947" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9bCoY9JatnwO39f9bgz-EPH0lgcdGO8sZOdMIV_64JKsUoaA62izaMfzhyphenhyphen80si4sGJWW2f0gYJmaQCO0eDHafwicAUMxIDuy5xEqSu5O3kKauq2_iQ3OqrJrkhz4vqkT7KgVu6ohT0E/s640/IMG_E0918.jpg" width="378" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Cayman Tide Pool' -Felted background with coral, shells, hand stitching & beads</td></tr>
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I have written a blog post for the <a href="https://www.artelements.net/" target="_blank">Art Elements</a> site that will go live tomorrow explaining the process for creating the richly textured felt background.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYheQawizMvjceic5XXdGNOKoAZq65SfSM0Hyq4aa1WwXh-XFgSRc9MsyQO7BBL-LaCuqJ5A2XGPrFc-gd9o7yu_xBbrjQQTa2BqPbWmYbSy61PWg1Al5EQm2-9H8THSea0K3uNb4S2tQ/s1600/progressing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYheQawizMvjceic5XXdGNOKoAZq65SfSM0Hyq4aa1WwXh-XFgSRc9MsyQO7BBL-LaCuqJ5A2XGPrFc-gd9o7yu_xBbrjQQTa2BqPbWmYbSy61PWg1Al5EQm2-9H8THSea0K3uNb4S2tQ/s640/progressing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of sections of the Cayman Tide Pool piece</td></tr>
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I had so much fun with this one. My biggest issue was deciding when to <b>stop </b>adding coral and shells and stitching and beads! It just kept growing.<br />
Please check out tomorrow's AE website to see more.<br />
<br />
After I was almost finished with the Cayman Tide Pool piece I found myself still wanting to do another tide pool with COLOR. Yes, I will go back to my first piece eventually but I also started pulling elements and playing around with some tyvek to stitch down on fabric and embellish.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMfaluE-AuzxcRhJHVJpYH6r0g9dUBB9Vdh-ZuLiZeEx0jDtjAjzt9fN0F_NU9BzFJktEXdw5eo6FXMSsA3Q9g9SwNn1My-379PGXEu2AP6UZ7QhAyQDh7M43IDBoP45XiErng2jrfTk/s1600/IMG_0852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1278" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMfaluE-AuzxcRhJHVJpYH6r0g9dUBB9Vdh-ZuLiZeEx0jDtjAjzt9fN0F_NU9BzFJktEXdw5eo6FXMSsA3Q9g9SwNn1My-379PGXEu2AP6UZ7QhAyQDh7M43IDBoP45XiErng2jrfTk/s640/IMG_0852.JPG" width="510" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another tide pool project in the works. Inked, distressed tyvek on batik fabric. The green buttons will serve as anemones. Hand stitching and beads will be added. I tucked in a green ceramic turtle bead (top R) and a brass starfish charm near the bottom.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was also working on a bracelet that wasn't really intended to be a 'tide pool' piece but it does mimic the rocks and swirling water so I am adding this to my tide pool theme challenge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7GHfGCzMFauIH8BldoqBkMT5V5fSxF49naE8fMrcOWPoYQRxvs-L0iBzLAmdjeW3D43qJ8QpRRinjQBYQtHxxM_mt9RqtYgMhSnpdstYZiPzf54Gyh6TaJAy93aDRvPI1cJ9TZowBPE/s1600/IMG_E0952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="1600" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7GHfGCzMFauIH8BldoqBkMT5V5fSxF49naE8fMrcOWPoYQRxvs-L0iBzLAmdjeW3D43qJ8QpRRinjQBYQtHxxM_mt9RqtYgMhSnpdstYZiPzf54Gyh6TaJAy93aDRvPI1cJ9TZowBPE/s640/IMG_E0952.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tide Pool cuff bracelet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01eGVOS5-dwpHfjxUs21WzTvo2NM0qV1_tnAaNvfajtxqYzbMVj-GsUBbo1ysR3NSk8Eshsev2i5EYk4JJJqtkparCm9zW2YKkq-cqxkOM761oQG3TryIQPy41DIPMswiaGusqjmz9GU/s1600/IMG_0957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01eGVOS5-dwpHfjxUs21WzTvo2NM0qV1_tnAaNvfajtxqYzbMVj-GsUBbo1ysR3NSk8Eshsev2i5EYk4JJJqtkparCm9zW2YKkq-cqxkOM761oQG3TryIQPy41DIPMswiaGusqjmz9GU/s640/IMG_0957.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I LOVE freshwater pearls and these are some of my favorite colors of pearls. I simply tacked some pearls down on ultrasuede and used seed beads to encircle the pearls then created some trailing tendrils with seed beads and glass pearls. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gH5wGoH09gLLwJ34GTgsGg21PsxS9s-3I8Kb0ntLGNH97_cGNMr0FJQDPkikbbP4FAsPFFjKZAbtUJ6eMNjut8_8_NGuFARG6nrOIeKayjrA-GkSBBnPwr6-Ekz6UQR2KBoZUEOZqOs/s1600/IMG_0688.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="1600" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gH5wGoH09gLLwJ34GTgsGg21PsxS9s-3I8Kb0ntLGNH97_cGNMr0FJQDPkikbbP4FAsPFFjKZAbtUJ6eMNjut8_8_NGuFARG6nrOIeKayjrA-GkSBBnPwr6-Ekz6UQR2KBoZUEOZqOs/s640/IMG_0688.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beaded ultrasuede before gluing onto a brass cuff and edging. (sorry for the poor quality photo)</td></tr>
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I cannot wait to see all the lovely tide pool projects created by our AE team and guests!<br />
So come along and take a look at what was created this month.<br />
<br />
<b id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2898">Guests</b><br />
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2899">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://ravenscraftynest.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1527700944018000&usg=AFQjCNHr6Dn-YTkOAjSSqxVd1nUZljQNkA" href="https://ravenscraftynest.blogspot.com/" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2900" target="_blank">Raven</a></div>
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2901">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://beadinblacknblue.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1527700944018000&usg=AFQjCNFOBiLDifojm63myE0XC2DOw-1YJw" href="https://beadinblacknblue.blogspot.com/" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2902" target="_blank">Kelly</a> </div>
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2903">
<a href="http://catswire.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cat</a></div>
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2906">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1527700944018000&usg=AFQjCNEpbed5R7JYEz1y-RUq47PkXHjpwA" href="http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2907" target="_blank"><span id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2908">Kathy </span></a></div>
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2909">
<span id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2910"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog&source=gmail&ust=1527700944018000&usg=AFQjCNHBfRWFs88u9gdCULf6imHFX7sGIA" href="http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2911" target="_blank">Tammy</a> </span></div>
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2912">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://chicchixnchampagne.blogspot.co.uk/&source=gmail&ust=1527700944018000&usg=AFQjCNFzUjDKmd82OWyTAmQ2P9KKJI1Lug" href="https://chicchixnchampagne.blogspot.co.uk/" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2913" target="_blank"><span id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2914">Alyson</span></a></div>
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2915">
<span id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2916"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://chatelainecreations.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1527700944019000&usg=AFQjCNE1froLWA4-h_klxecD1gpunsRZJQ" href="http://chatelainecreations.wordpress.com/" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2917" target="_blank">Elaine</a> </span><br />
<span id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2916"><a href="https://beadrecipes.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Melissa </a></span></div>
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2918">
<span id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2919"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1527700944019000&usg=AFQjCNFDoyb0l9B2HCdjSo0uT6AEXmkPhA" href="http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2920" target="_blank">Mischelle</a> </span></div>
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2921">
<span id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2922"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.artthreads.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1527700944019000&usg=AFQjCNH5t_pY-L-6LzQ_boULUOXerGAFXg" href="http://www.artthreads.blogspot.com/" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2923" target="_blank">Deborah</a> </span></div>
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2924">
<span id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2925"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://beadscharmsandwire.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1527700944019000&usg=AFQjCNFL-njHJst7UnBCgfub7FBHUw0PtQ" href="https://beadscharmsandwire.wordpress.com/" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2926" target="_blank">Anita</a> </span></div>
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2927">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://kilnfiredart.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1527700944019000&usg=AFQjCNEEDa4rfMXVPP9pY0IYzmxKYHmbiw" href="https://kilnfiredart.wordpress.com/" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2928" target="_blank">Jill</a></div>
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2929">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.shirleestuff.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1527700944019000&usg=AFQjCNHuSbxRL3XMgYdiHVVUXfXsUP_T5A" href="http://www.shirleestuff.blogspot.com/" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2930" target="_blank"><span id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2931">Shirlee</span></a></div>
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2932">
<span id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2933"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.co.uk/2018/05/art-elements-theme-of-month-may-2018.html&source=gmail&ust=1527700944019000&usg=AFQjCNFhZu3lZJPaLkdRckZZWJQZ246xPg" href="https://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.co.uk/2018/05/art-elements-theme-of-month-may-2018.html" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2934" target="_blank">Sarajo</a></span></div>
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2935">
<b id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2936">AE Team Members:</b></div>
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2937">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://blueberribeads.co.uk/&source=gmail&ust=1527700944019000&usg=AFQjCNECzTQbf6YWzyHtJepyTiyATtwDxA" href="https://blueberribeads.co.uk/" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2938" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Caroline</a></div>
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2939">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://cmendola.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1527700944019000&usg=AFQjCNFvfsn-vZSvmiXb6s5Wxba2BRW-dQ" href="http://cmendola.blogspot.com/" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2940" target="_blank">Cathy you're here</a></div>
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2941">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://saraccino.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1527700944019000&usg=AFQjCNGnpAsbQRH2wnkw47oNrNmTF-yMZw" href="http://saraccino.blogspot.com/" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2942" target="_blank">Claire</a><br />
<a href="http://www.glassaddictions.com/blog/tide-pools-may-theme-design-challenge-reveal#comment-10470" target="_blank">Jen </a></div>
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2943">
<a href="https://jdaviesreazor.com/blog/" target="_blank">Jenny</a></div>
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2945">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://laney-mead.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1527700944019000&usg=AFQjCNEOIvRMKJH2tk3po2uwleg_G2LM4A" href="https://laney-mead.blogspot.com/" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2946" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Laney </a></div>
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2947">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.lesleywatt.com/&source=gmail&ust=1527700944019000&usg=AFQjCNElrGueyPZ084_LNyFs0uY6IGK2xA" href="http://www.lesleywatt.com/" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2948" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lesley</a> </div>
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2949">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://blog.marshanealstudio.com/&source=gmail&ust=1527700944019000&usg=AFQjCNEuB7C3HZO5_hP-H0moVFJjTy6GuQ" href="http://blog.marshanealstudio.com/" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2950" target="_blank">Marsha </a></div>
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2951">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://silverniknats.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1527700944019000&usg=AFQjCNG3J9cNI8qKzTUxLxbEOj0USzGS8g" href="http://silverniknats.blogspot.com/" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2952" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Niky </a></div>
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2958">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2953">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://suebeads.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1527700944019000&usg=AFQjCNGhvMjnpdrhG_jWYjasRbL8VUXU-Q" href="http://suebeads.blogspot.com/" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2954" target="_blank">Sue</a><br />
<a class="m_-1022443586610228644edited-link-editor" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://phantasmcreation.blogspot.co.uk/&source=gmail&ust=1527700944019000&usg=AFQjCNEPbzTxw0ZBiWfkHdEwafl-x8v2mw" href="http://phantasmcreation.blogspot.co.uk/" id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2957" target="_blank">Lindsay</a></div>
<div id="m_-1022443586610228644yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1527581167160_2979">
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Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-47494496550178870492018-04-29T02:00:00.000-04:002018-06-29T15:12:00.177-04:00April Horse Theme ChallengeIs it really the END of April already? This horse theme really spoke to me. I just LOVE horses- they are such beautiful creatures. There were so many ideas swirling in my head for this challenge, and I had such grandiose plans for this month but got a bit sidetracked with my FIRST EVER one woman exhibit of my fiber art. It had to be hung on Thursday April 26 with the opening night April 27 at the 'Last Friday' event.<br />
So here is what happened with my horse themed designs-- <br />
My original idea for this theme was sparked by my fellow AE members-Jen & Claire who have been creating fabulous mono prints/gelli prints. Plus, I saw an article in Cloth, Paper, Scissors magazine about creating a printing plate from a wood panel and using a dremel tool with carving bit to etch the lines. I was determined this would be my BIG horsey project. Lots of different mono prints of a horse using different colors. I even bought some lino sheets & carving tools to create mono prints using different printing plates. There was going to be lots and lots of horse prints!<br />
Well, that didn't happen. I am not even showing you my first print....<br />
But here's the beginning process.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YZ-pSCGe_XY9-9WiZuS1PCKw3RUqsvLt-Z7C5DrsXjRLxM71w8RbDo_FFMIZa32nR2nKzOuCKIKfyMIJ4wvEAZzSYXyBkb1MmPo5U2HTptX8Pe-E_xxTymaJTSf2NOUla__8Bn5AAS0/s1600/EXGR4958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YZ-pSCGe_XY9-9WiZuS1PCKw3RUqsvLt-Z7C5DrsXjRLxM71w8RbDo_FFMIZa32nR2nKzOuCKIKfyMIJ4wvEAZzSYXyBkb1MmPo5U2HTptX8Pe-E_xxTymaJTSf2NOUla__8Bn5AAS0/s640/EXGR4958.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper L-wood panel as well as lino sheets &carving tools. Bottom L-Horse sketched on wood panel. R-beginning the carving with the dremel.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
First mistake, didn't refer back to the Cloth, Paper, Scissors article and FORGOT to coat the wood AFTER carving and BEFORE applying paint to the surface for printing. Paint was absorbed into the wood leaving very minimal amount on the wood to transfer to the paper-duh. And of course the article suggested using Speedball ink specifically the block printing ink. I thought I could just wing it with my thick acrylic paint.<br />
After I pulled the first print I had to go back and re-do some of the carved lines, they weren't deep enough. (and by the way, it takes a LOT of practice to do the carving without gouging the wood)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8k4Xp6UNCiHA7BuzWZOlV9Orqp2osLpmSRJMktXxDRLiJeeYMS_9ne_x_PeRGm0J0TNxqBUP62vJZ3Wi-hN9n866fN_LXEBQQRolpp5GbMTnxv_aoEAn8QQ7o0Gn8iGrpxQTV9OTnLo/s1600/IMG_E0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1220" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8k4Xp6UNCiHA7BuzWZOlV9Orqp2osLpmSRJMktXxDRLiJeeYMS_9ne_x_PeRGm0J0TNxqBUP62vJZ3Wi-hN9n866fN_LXEBQQRolpp5GbMTnxv_aoEAn8QQ7o0Gn8iGrpxQTV9OTnLo/s640/IMG_E0348.JPG" width="488" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the carved wood panel after attempting printing with the wrong medium.</td></tr>
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I did go out and buy the proper ink, but haven't had a chance to play with any more printing.<br />
I WILL revisit it next week. I am so determined to get some good prints out of this!<br />
<br />
Since that project took me out of my comfort zone I turned to some smaller/quicker/easier (for me) projects.<br />
I had this cute little horse bracelet charm/connector from <a href="https://www.inviciti.com/" target="_blank">Inviciti</a> so I cut a piece of black leather and stitched the pewter horse on with some turquoise nugget beads and seed beads using waxed linen. I glued on some end caps, added a clasp and voila! Sweet little leather horse bracelet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dMBMckdP-chVsdiq55T94UuAm6wn3cjihE-HD6wwxQf2HyWk-hDWD8hv70KUaDfjq24-E-EI-JD6nJ9X-Mk1b1ZNuzRvu3hZ-N7dPoSzW10nW7IR4Fxq5RBYhjeuzGKqQG3cWchCRlk/s1600/IMG_0333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dMBMckdP-chVsdiq55T94UuAm6wn3cjihE-HD6wwxQf2HyWk-hDWD8hv70KUaDfjq24-E-EI-JD6nJ9X-Mk1b1ZNuzRvu3hZ-N7dPoSzW10nW7IR4Fxq5RBYhjeuzGKqQG3cWchCRlk/s640/IMG_0333.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leather bracelet with pewter horse charm & turquoise</td></tr>
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Next I decided to make a landscape tapestry for a vintage copper horse pin that my mother-in-law had given my daughter when she first started riding horses. I have no idea where she got the copper pin but it appears quite old and it has been sitting on a shelf in my studio for a long time. (yes, I stole it from my daughter!) Maybe, I'll give her this weaving since it really is her horse;-)<br />
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I am still a newbie when it comes to weaving and trying to weave the circular sun into the sky was a tad challenging and then I ended the top portion of the sky with yarn that was much smaller weight than I should've used to finish it off. But I do like the colors. And the copper horse fits right in.<br />
(note to self-keep: keep practicing and GET a LARGER loom)<br />
<br />
I was itching to do something in embroidery. I have a couple of horse rubber stamps, so I used brown ink and stamped the 'wild horses' on gray linen. Then used a pen to write my text. This Rolling Stones song was stuck in my head for days so I had to stitch it. I want to do another one with the other line of lyrics "wild horses, we'll ride them someday".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYqnymobGHkLf5FlUZbUOnp-UkETzOTB3SmLmuB6d1zbU2HnZJbaM-dvFe46QHDyqx0WlTmJMEindh3ZTB-tGDQpwcyiloXyn8dW9e_QhvwqrGb_4EVBbWzdtNvTOMLRs36tsSZTm1yQ/s1600/IMG_0368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYqnymobGHkLf5FlUZbUOnp-UkETzOTB3SmLmuB6d1zbU2HnZJbaM-dvFe46QHDyqx0WlTmJMEindh3ZTB-tGDQpwcyiloXyn8dW9e_QhvwqrGb_4EVBbWzdtNvTOMLRs36tsSZTm1yQ/s640/IMG_0368.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
Using rubber stamps is pretty cool for getting your design on the fabric. I will definitely be trying more of my stamps with stitching.<br />
My other horse stamp was the inspiration for the carving on the wood panel above. I grabbed a sheet of journal paper that I did some rust dyeing and eco printing on last fall. The leaves printed very faintly on this one but the rust colors are really nice. I stamped the horse stamp on the page with copper ink and then used some pan pastels and gel pens along with some walnut ink and now I have a finished journal page. I am working on a whole stack of these eco printed/rust dyed pages and plan to create a journal with these one day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_mDaPaYO4eg0sMkV-hXAOV6mgiCdmAkTwtC0CqBbY3e-3mUonW1vTojxba60GnL0k7ATu4NFcU_NSPPdnnCeposM1W3rORJkYhSgzDbbxC10Qwx30qg6G6MI5FDQiGNRM7OOsQnc5LA/s1600/IMG_E0346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1184" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_mDaPaYO4eg0sMkV-hXAOV6mgiCdmAkTwtC0CqBbY3e-3mUonW1vTojxba60GnL0k7ATu4NFcU_NSPPdnnCeposM1W3rORJkYhSgzDbbxC10Qwx30qg6G6MI5FDQiGNRM7OOsQnc5LA/s640/IMG_E0346.jpg" width="472" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horse stamped on eco printed/rust dyed journal page</td></tr>
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I am so excited to venture out to everyone's blog and see what they created this month. These theme challenges are so much fun! Thanks to everyone who participated.<br />
Go take a look at all our participants & their creations.<br />
<br />
Guests:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://chicchixnchampagne.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Alysen</a><br />
<a href="https://beadscharmsandwire.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Anita </a><br />
<a href="http://ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Beth </a><br />
<a href="http://drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Catherine</a><br />
<a href="https://kilnfiredart.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Jill</a><br />
<a href="https://laney-mead.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Paulette</a><br />
<a href="https://laney-mead.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Raven </a><br />
<a href="http://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sarajo</a><br />
<a href="http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog/" target="_blank">Tammy</a><br />
<br />
AE Team Members: <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blueberribeads.co.uk/" target="_blank">Caroline</a> <br />
<a href="http://saraccino.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Claire</a><br />
<a href="http://www.glassaddictions.com/blog" target="_blank">Jen </a> <br />
<a href="https://laney-mead.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Laney </a><br />
<a href="http://www.lesleywatt.com/" target="_blank">Lesley</a> <br />
<a href="http://blog.marshanealstudio.com/" target="_blank">Marsha </a><br />
<a href="http://silverniknats.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Niky </a><br />
<a href="http://suebeads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sue </a>Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407878081989312685.post-49854685351180121372018-03-31T02:00:00.000-04:002018-06-29T15:15:26.356-04:00Art Elements Nest Theme ChallengeIf you follow our <a href="http://www.artelements.net/" target="_blank">AE blog</a> regularly you know that we have switched out the Component of the Month design challenge for a theme based challenge every month. I just happened to be on the schedule for this month's host and I chose a Nest theme. Perfect for springtime!<br />
Before I even posted the original <a href="http://www.artelements.net/march-theme-of-the-month-nests/" target="_blank">AE post announcing the theme</a> I had a bazillion ideas for projects this month. I really wanted to try and complete as many as possible. Well, I managed three.<br />
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Here is my first piece-an assemblage loosely based on work by artist <a href="http://www.theartstory.org/artist-cornell-joseph.htm" target="_blank">Joseph Cornell</a>. I love creating assemblages but it has been a while since I played with this art form.<br />
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It can be a struggle trying to gather components together without looking like you just glued a bunch of stuff in a box.<br />
I used a cigar box which I painted with matte black chalk paint, then rubbed the edges with Gilder's Paste. Then I painted a wash of payne's gray to create the moon on the back of the box.
I sketched a great horned owl on watercolor paper with a wash of burnt
sienna. I backed the owl with a second piece of watercolor paper before
cutting it out to stiffen it up and attached it to a stick so that the
owl could float among the elements and create some dimension inside the
box. <br />
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Then arranged and glued some seed pods, leaves, bark with lichen, twigs and finally my favorite little sparrow nest that I found in the yard. It had been vacated by the birds and the wind had blown it out of the tree.<br />
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Second next project has such a long, lengthy story behind it that I will probably create a blog post for this next week for my regular AE post. It is based on the quote- "You cannot stop the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can stop them nesting in your hair." by Eva Ibbotson. The quote has also been attributed to a Chinese Proverb with slightly different wording.<br />
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I started with a styrofoam head, and she <b><i>does</i></b> have a nest in her hair but as you can see the bird was not allowed to nest there because the nest was filled with little scrolls that have some personal meaning for me. Stay tuned for more on this project over at AE in April.<br />
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And the last piece was just to see-what if?<br />
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I took some alpaca curls in various shades of brown and gray. Rather than felt them into the fabric I used heavy weight cotton thread to loosely stitch them down and build them up to create a 3-d nest sitting on fabric with a camouflaged print that resembles tree bark. After I coaxed the wool fibers up and around into the nest shape, I needle felted some little eggs to stitch down inside the nest.<br />
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although, I didn't complete ALL the projects I had floating around in my head, I am happy I was able to finish these three. I am looking forward to blog hopping and checking out all the creations of our guests and the AE team members.<br />
Go have a look for yourself! <br />
<br />
<b>Guest Participants-</b><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://chicchixnchampagne.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1522420465250000&usg=AFQjCNEfyUY8XpiDUKothIxLo53lHnPT0Q" href="https://chicchixnchampagne.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Alysen</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://beadscharmsandwire.wordpress.com/2018/03/31/art-elements-mar-theme-nests&source=gmail&ust=1522420465250000&usg=AFQjCNGRnYmPluXJQZ1WXEpASm9HZxqpWA" href="https://beadscharmsandwire.wordpress.com/2018/03/31/art-elements-mar-theme-nests" target="_blank">Anita</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.jewelsofsayuri.com/2018/03/cocoon-jewelry&source=gmail&ust=1522420465250000&usg=AFQjCNESI1NrNdBCtz1tR_hqu3xgpqz5gg" href="https://www.jewelsofsayuri.com/2018/03/cocoon-jewelry" target="_blank">Divya</a><br />
<br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://kymhunterdesigns.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1522420465250000&usg=AFQjCNHmU6VPkyhWNDnoG8LZSQANlB2YIQ" href="http://kymhunterdesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kym</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://bijouxgemsjoy.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1522420465250000&usg=AFQjCNEbu895-SqoGX8zDYyXyMkHEvjeTQ" href="http://bijouxgemsjoy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mona </a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://bairozan.blogspot.com/2018/03/the-nest.html&source=gmail&ust=1522420465250000&usg=AFQjCNEyRLNTjrPHKcvZXrk8tgYNLc84ag" href="https://bairozan.blogspot.com/2018/03/the-nest.html" target="_blank">Rosantia</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/2018/03/art-elements-theme-of-month-march-2018.html&source=gmail&ust=1522420465250000&usg=AFQjCNFyswO94mCrxONGP7Ia2fz2YeDaqw" href="https://sjdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/2018/03/art-elements-theme-of-month-march-2018.html" target="_blank">Sarajo</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog/&source=gmail&ust=1522420465250000&usg=AFQjCNFsU6Wg9zuWQNRcIv9Vc_-JHpNIUg" href="http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog/" target="_blank">Tammy</a> <br />
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<b>AE team members-</b><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://blueberribeads.co.uk&source=gmail&ust=1522420465250000&usg=AFQjCNEutvDhBZ76sAfwxl6q3buDUXLhVg" href="http://blueberribeads.co.uk/" target="_blank">Caroline</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://saraccino.blogspot.com/2018/03/nests-theme-of-month-at-art-elements.html&source=gmail&ust=1522420465250000&usg=AFQjCNGdJZRMq01uxRA0Qo9UrNRIAqjhZw" href="https://saraccino.blogspot.com/2018/03/nests-theme-of-month-at-art-elements.html" target="_blank">Claire</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://jdaviesreazor.com/blog/&source=gmail&ust=1522420465250000&usg=AFQjCNHXNe_CEo9DZngoHXPIXT1sg4bHJA" href="https://jdaviesreazor.com/blog/" target="_blank">Jenny</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://laney-mead.blogspot.co.uk&source=gmail&ust=1522420465250000&usg=AFQjCNGBr_9FTZsZLWbfKCfd8bDYTkEfWw" href="https://laney-mead.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Laney</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.lesleywatt.com/&source=gmail&ust=1522420465250000&usg=AFQjCNF8XemTi5vi2C20XN5hEdBYBJx8UQ" href="http://www.lesleywatt.com/" target="_blank">Leslie</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://phantasmcreation.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1522420465250000&usg=AFQjCNH-WAuammvJucIUncTTOhMulDNMBg" href="https://phantasmcreation.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lindsay</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://marshanealstudio.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1522420465250000&usg=AFQjCNEjfK3C4EOoME7HcrxeuWoYIGIi8g" href="http://marshanealstudio.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Marsha</a><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://silverniknats.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1522420465250000&usg=AFQjCNF6i-c5RG9QGizVFYgMLq4EKlGRWg" href="http://silverniknats.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Niky</a><br />
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Thanks to you all for playing along this month!<br />
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<br />Cathy Spivey Mendolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05353775388613836052noreply@blogger.com17