Water Lily Update

 I just knew this would happen!

Do you even just have that feeling about something?  When I "finished" my Water Lily piece something just didn't feel right.  So when I pulled it out to register it for a local show I decided to add just a bit more.  Of course I missed the show deadline but I'm much happier with the piece.

My first blog post about this piece was way back on May 1st. Here is what the piece looked like at that time.

And now here are the things I added.

I had this wonderful doily in my stash which made great leaves.  I cut this piece apart, gathered and stitched single leaves down by hand to give a more 3-D effect 

I thought a little wildlife would add some sparkle.  Using personal photos for inspiration I made a few dragonflies'

I also added some very tiny water bugs.  Looking like little black dots, these bugs are common on the water lilies at the lake.

And then there are the wild grasses.  I used hand dyed satin, rolled and secured in place to give the feel of the wild vegetation along the shore.

And now I think I'm done!  Well ya never know?

Have a wonderful day!

MaryEllen

Lace collecting and stoage

 

Anyone that follows me or has seen any of my work knows I love lace, buttons, vintage textiles and all the other wonderful bits and pieces in the baskets of leftovers at the thrift shops.

Above is a sample of my finds from this summer.  I thought today I would share a quick post of how I organize everything.  

First a disclaimer, I would love to have everything in archival boxes and bags!!!  But that is not in my budget or workable for my space.  I do have some items stored in archival products.  They are things that are special and I will not be using in any of my projects.  It is also why I don't collect antique quilts or large pieces.  They deserve better than I can give them.  Hopefully they find a home that can give them the respect they are due.  

Most of the things I have are damaged, unfinished, sweet but not unique.  Most I plan on using either in projects, learning the techniques used to make them or used everyday in my home.  It makes me so sad to see all these little beauties made with such care and love abandoned and forgotten.  To me, if I can add a little of them to my work it's like giving them and their creator a second chance at being seen and appreciated.

So the best I can do is give them a clean, organized, dry space out on the light. A quiet place to rest until inspiration hits and I find a way to play with them.

First, if I can't find it then it won't get used.  Or, if I can't find it I'll waste all afternoon looking through everything till I do.  That usually involves a mess!

Boxes:

#1 Vintage hankies (collecting for a quilt). #2 Special pieces ( small pieces I will not cut-up). #3 Vintage fashion (items like collar pieces).  #4 Pillowcases and aprons.

Boxes:  Things with colors and piece I may use around the house.

Boxes:  #1 Black lace of all types. #2 Vintage trims.  #3 Cutters (pieces in very poor shape, great for cutting up and adding to art projects.

And then there is all the other stuff.

New ribbons and trims. These are all sorted by color.

                                   Buttons and beads and all the fun crazy stuff.

Hope you enjoyed the tour and maybe found something helpful.

Have a great day!

MaryEllen

SAQA Trunk Show-Flowers on the Wall

 

Well it's finally on the way.  I finished this piece about two months ago but it took until this week to do the paperwork and get it in the mail.  The deadline is Saturday!  Any of you have that wait to the last minute habit.  I love doing the piece but that paperwork!  And the thing is the paperwork only took a half an hour once I did it.  But it sure took hours and hours of   "I'll get to it tomorrow for sure".

Flowers on the wall: 11" X 7", Hand dyed vintage linen, various embroidery threads, vintage lace, charms, upholstery fabrics, hand dyed satin and twine.

While working on this piece I was trying to create the feeling of wild flowers and tall grasses as they climb up the side of an abandoned building. Turning the wall into something both sad and beautiful at the same time.

SAQA Trunk Shows are one way SAQA uses to allow people to see up close work from many of our SAQA artists.  The Trunk Show quilts will be traveling the world over the next three years.  I hope you will be able to find a place near you to visit them in person.  More information about SAQA and the Trunk Show can be found at SAQA.com

Have a wonderful day!

MaryEllen