Beaded flowers

This week, I finished beading the flowers. It took a bit of time, but I like the outcome. Next is to add the little green ends and then quilt this little piece. I plan on putting a binding on it too.

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Off The Wall Friday

So this week I have another new piece. This one is the center or smaller quilt piece that will go onto another background when assembled.

I took some photos of some daylily buds last summer and just liked the way they looked. Then decided that it wasn't too interesting to many, so thought an interesting composition would be in order. I will be beading this when it is appliqued onto the black, then putting a binding on it - at least that is the plan, but you never know, plans do change :)

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This one is it!

After lots of fiddling around with different ideas, that I tried, I think thisway worked and I am finally pleased with it.

So now it is on to making the second smaller center and doing more stitching, etc. I see with this picture that my buds are all the same height, so that will change.

I like taking photos of my work and then be able to evaluate them from the camera's eye instead of my own, which is partial and works up really close.

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The Learning Curve

So I went out on a limb to try something with my poppy. I stiffened it with Paverpol and shaped it then let it dry.

Verdict - it is now a concrete flower. Looks pretty when held, but not conducive to sewing onto a fabric background. Looks too heavy and can't be positioned to advantage. I will chalk this up to my learning curve and call that one done. Back to using other types of stiffening materials and will probably end up with goo 'ol Misty Fuse and a second layer - I like how it can be handled and is probably more user friendly for my needs right now.

On a fun note - the center was fun to make and looks awesome! I get a +++ for that at least  :)

Off the Wall Friday

Finally! I have started working on something again, my MoJo took a vacation and now it is back.

This one is a 10 X 10 and as you can see, it is a poppy. I struggled getting this going, then after I went to a museum and got an infusion of friendship, came back and started this. (and a handbag, another piece that will be 9 X 11 and a challenge piece that is 12X12. The last three are in piles right now. :)

It may have some buds or not, no decision on that yet. As most people, I need to work as I go and do what "feels right."

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The last two weeks

Here's what I have been doing in between things the last two weeks. I made a handbag for a friend as a Christmas gift. I haven't made gifts in years, but this one was fun as I didn't have any pressure to finish for any reason and gave myself plenty of time. Making this bag was more relaxing than most bags I've made, and fun too.
It could be because I'm done crawling around under the house with electrical wire - that puts a damper on your day :)

We got our generator hook up all finished last week, but my body is still sore from the unused muscles it took to do it. Recovery is slow, but it is coming along.
We also picked up some windows to finish the barn's second floor next spring.

I did a doodle on my new polarfleece sweater-thing. Is this too weird?

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The Doll is done, now onto the next piece!

I did some fabric painting, actually ink, yesterday and today. Did I end up with tons of stuff? No, just two pieces. Here they are -
I used Dyna-flow inks and water to see what happened. The blue one, I let dry overnight, but the green I pressed between parchment paper when wet. It made some cool designs in it too.





And then of course, the Hollyhock Doll is finished with some changes.


I took off the buds and added antique buttons . Voila!

This is made with/by: dyed fabric, freezer paper screened stems, inked buds, embroidered stems, wool felted doll head and body, silk dress and leaves and then quilted a little with heavy thread on a canvas panel.

It has a story on the back too. It says:

Hollyhock Dolls

(Alcea)

Nana May taught me how to make Hollyhock Dolls.

I spent endless hours playing with them and imagining

all kinds of wonderful things that happened in their lives.

When I see hollyhocks now, it reminds me of Nana May,

and I treasure the impact she has made in my life.

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