Sunday, January 1, 2012

Gale's Gallery: Art Anyone Can Create II

"Confetti Naturescapes"

I know, I know, I call this a humor blog, but it's really a lifestyle blog that sometimes happens to be funny.  So, for my crafty friends, I want to share another installment of Gale's Gallery:)

Last Fall, which seems like a long time ago, I attended a class on Confetti Naturescapes at Quilttrends in Columbus, OH.  This quilt shop is more "cutting edge" (hmmm, one could probably say that about all quilt shops LOL.)  What I mean is they do more "artsy" mixed media projects than anyone I know.  I really do admire those folks who slave away cutting and measuring their "Flying Geese" or "Mariner's Compass" etc., traditional styles with perfect matching points, but I suck at precision and gave up before even taking geometry in high school.  But, I love the color and texture of fabric and art quilts give me the chance to play.  You just wouldn't want to sleep under anything I make and/or wash it!  

The photo below is my first try at the confetti naturescape technique.  (I don't know why the bottom looks warped because hanging on the wall it is way more square.)  Oh well.  The technique was on HGTV's "Simply Quilts" around 10 years ago and I've been wanting to try it ever since.  






In case you can't make it out;  it's a stream going under a covered bridge in front of a woods and near the top of a hill with Bambi getting a drink:)  It's supposed to look like the light is coming from the right, but it's difficult to see (and do!)

Not everybody does landscapes.  There was a great one someone did of their horse.  Boy, it would be scary to do that and get the expression right!  This wall hanging is 18 x 18 inches and was quick compared to most of my projects.

The technique is old an old layering one, but the twist is in the details.  Noriko Endo wrote "Confetti Naturescapes" (Dragon Threads Publishing) which is available online or in quilt shops.  It is very detailed on most of the artistic ideas, but to me a little limited on the actual technique.  

Basically, you layer a background fabric and a square of batting on top.  Then, you layer from back to front slivers of fabric you "paint" with.  Then you lay a piece of black tulle on top and just stitch down with smoke thread while trying to catch as many of the tiny slivers as you can in your stitches.  Then you lay down another light layer of slivers to do any final detail and you add stuff like I did the deer.  Plop down another layer of tulle and then get out all of those cool threads that you can never use on anything.  Sew away with no rules.  (Those are my kind of rules...)

Then all you do is fold up your binding and you can be done, but of course, I'm never done.  I did a little this 'n that with fabric paints to try to add highlights with moderate success.  Next time, I hope to be a little better.  There really isn't an excuse for not trying this as you can use leftovers for about everything.  I am here to help, or better yet, take a class.  Please send me photos of your projects, okay???

Until next time, 

Gale





2 comments:

  1. Actually Gale that is really good. I admire those that take time for things like that. I love quilts but boy do I dislike sewing. :)
    Cher Sunray Gardens
    Goldenray Yorkies

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  2. that looks incredibly difficult. You've done a beautiful job, but there is no way I'd ever attempt that.

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