I love going through my stash and finding all the right bits and pieces. This has been such an enjoyable project. I have been making it for me, myself and I. No show to submit to, no class samples. So fun and free.
Here is my humble sample of the sheaf stitch. I really thought I had done this stitch previously but I couldn't find a sample of it anywhere in my work. Nevertheless, I really like the stitch and I am glad to try have tried. I found it simple to do and I like simple! Thanks to Sharon B http://pintangle.com for the instructions for this stitch.
This little book is almost done. I have a few pages left to do but will wait until a package arrives from my dear sister. She has thoughtfully sent me a little something to add to this book! I love presents!!! I am really hoping that the 'necklace' I gave my little lady stays on this time. This time I used Jewel It by Alene's. I have tried Weldbond and hot glue both of which have failed.
I am really enjoying creating this book! Funny thing is it has happened again. I thought these pages looked finished. I took photos to post on my blog and when I look at the photos I think the pages need more. Maybe I will add to them maybe I won't. I used some images from http://justlilla.blogspot.ca/ She has posted a challenge. I also used a vintage French soap label from Grasse. I am really enjoying using up bits and pieces of my stash.
I added a few more layers to the cover of this book. It is definitely more what I was going for. I love the layered look but I find it hard to do as I am a simple girl. I often stop too soon. I am learning though.
This book is made up of fabric, paper, and lace pages. The cover is velvet with lace and a rhinestone closure. I am so enjoying working on this book. There are no pages that are complete as yet so no pics. Actually, I think the cover could use some work too now that I am looking at a photo of it. I want a rich and luxurious feel to this book. So I probably need another layer of lace for the cover!
Lately I have been finding a lot of bias tape in the thrift stores. I really like the rayon tape and know what to do with it. Usually included in the bag is some bias tape that is not rayon and is labeled double fold - see bottom picture. I don't know what this stuff is for and I don't have any creative ideas as to how to use it. Can anyone make some suggestions for me?
A month or two ago I found this beautiful butterfly at a thrift store. Of course I had to bring it home. I didn't know specifically what I would do with it but I did know that I could use it eventually. Well, I think it fits perfectly with this block. The color is just right. I guess you can't really tell that from this image as it doesn't show the whole block. Oh well, you will just have to trust me on that one. I am so glad to be participating in this work in progress with Sharon B at http://pintangle.com as it really is helping me. Granted adding one motif isn't a huge deal but it is a step forward.
I LOVE this stitch. I saw it demonstrated many years ago and have always wanted to try it. Sometimes you need a poke to get at things! Thanks to Sharon B at http://pintangle.com/ for the needed poke to try this stitch. I need more practice with it but I will definitely be using on my crazy quilt projects!
For some strange reason I had been thinking that I should only add beads to my journal pages. Also, I have been feeling a little bored with the project this year. That is not good. Time to spice things up a bit. Why not add another element? I adhered a bit of silk roving, actually I think it is called something else but I don't know what that is. It helps break up the strong straight line that is in the photo.
Check out the wonderful lace I found at the thrift store! I can hardly believe I got all of this for $2.00 I am pretty sure it is all handmade! How cool is that. I can't wait to add some to my crazy quilts. I am intrigued by the pink rick rack that has been incorporated into handmade lace. What a neat idea! I have never seen that before.
My favorite thing to do is experiment. I love just finding out what happens. There was a technique I read about in Maggie Grey's Workshop on the Web a while ago. It used paper towel as the base. It got me thinking about using fabric as the base as then it would be sturdy. I painted the fabric, you can't tell at all as I applied transfer foil with fusible web on top of that, after the paint had dried. I then applied one layer of a very pretty paper napkin. I think that you can see the foil shining through the napkin. For sure you can in real life. This layered fabric now has an very interesting feel to it. It would make a good book cover. There are a lot of possibilities with this technique.