Saturday, September 28, 2013

African Inspirations

Camilla L.

Today I taught African Influences: Textile Inspirations at G Street Fabrics.

Camilla L. detail

It was a joy to teach these four women. Each one of them has a very unique way of working with color and design.

Barbara H.'s craft foam block
Barbara H.
Barbara H.
Barbara H.
Cynthia H.'s sampler
Cynthia H.
Cynthia H.

Seeing this feast of colorful African-inspired fabrics made my day!

Hot glue and carved blocks by Winifred W.
Winifred W.
Winifred W.
Winifred W. detail



Monday, September 23, 2013

Another Book by Junko Oki


I had a recent email from the lovely Mary Jane Dodd. She's been weaving and stitching wondrous airy creations...most notably her mysterious leaves and her peace flags.

It seems that she's also been curious about the fiber artist, Junko Oki. She googled Junko and to her surprise ended up seeing my post about Junko's book, Poesy.  Mary Jane wanted more info about Junko so I headed off to her site...just as much to satisfy my own curiosity about what Junko was up to as it was to provide a link for Mary Jane.

What I found out is that Junko Oki has published a new book called, culte a la carte! Of course, I had to order a copy.


Although it is a small paperback, unlike the hardcover Poesy, it still has her incredibly rich stitchery.


Really like this piece as it reminded me of an eye!

Each page spread is a front and back (or back and front...they are both works of art!) of each small piece.


I think this book and Poesy will be perfect to share with students in my spring workshop on Healing Cloth at The Art League School.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Textures Week

Turning these textures into fabric designs

This week I'm working on the Kitchen Textures and Found Objects chapter of my upcoming book, Fabric Printing at Home. I'm down in the studio carving, printing, painting and stenciling. Above is part of my kitchen texture stash.

Detail of one of my attempts at Textured Materials.

As usual, I'm being too much of a perfectionist. Three attempts at a sampler for the Textured Materials section of the chapter. Fortunately, I'll probably be able to use two of the fabric pieces--one for the sampler and the other for a beauty shot or on the cover.

Back to work!

Sunday, September 8, 2013

The Printed Fabric Bee


I thought I'd mention this great project that I'm taking part in. It's definitely up my alley and when I was asked by the amazing fiber artist, Lynn Krawczyk to be the tenth member of the group, I just couldn't say no! We have a Facebook page and I'm hoping that you will hop on over there and like us (don't you love the jargon!).

The Printed Fabric Bee is a printed fabric exchange between ten professional textile artists. Each month a member of the Bee becomes the Queen and decides on a theme (and colors if she so chooses) for her fabric. Then her 9 Worker Bees get to work creating fabric in her theme. In the end, each member will have a collection of custom made fabric made by all the members of the Hive.

Members of the Bee will be posting about the fabric on the FB page. Based on some of the artwork I've seen by members of this group, I get all goose-bumpy just thinking about the beautiful fabrics to come! After hopping over to see The Printed Fabric Bee, you might want to visit the blogs and websites of the artists:

Lynn Krawczyk
Gerrie Congdon
Lesley Riley
Carol R. Eaton
Jackie Lams
Lisa Chin
Susan Purney Mark
Lynda Heines
Pokey Bolton


Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Apples and Honey


Apples dipped in honey on the eve of the Jewish New Year...Rosh Hashanah. A yummy tradition symbolizing our desire for a sweet New Year!

I've been printing with apples (tried honey as a resist a couple of years ago without success, I might add) and pears and other fruit and veggies. That chapter, my BLAD (Book Layout And Design) chapter, is now in the hands of my editor for another round of editing. I expect that I will soon be meeting my photographer and then this will all become VERY real!

A couple of detail photos of fabric that didn't quite meet with my strict standards.


Tonight, I'll be in services, enjoying the beautiful music and the meaningful prayers. A respite from the craziness.

So...for those of you who celebrate...L'Shana Tova!

Have a sweet New Year!