GirlMeetsArt

It’s been way too long since I posted, I know. Crazy/maddening/depressing stuff going on at home and with family. But I actually have been at play. Finally, at least three years after screenprinting a pattern of abstract houses (at a Penland class taught by Clare Verstegen), I am now working on embellishing the fabric to tell a story about some of the places I have called “home”: West Seneca, New York; Chicago; and Falls Church, Virginia.

The project finally ripened, so to speak. During the course, I completed this print as a study in color rhythm and registraton. I really knew nothing about embroidering, and little about sewing except for putting on buttons or hemming pants. Since then, I learned to embroider. I’ve spent countless hours soaking up books on fabric collage, scrapbooking, altered art, and image transfer. I took a workshop in fiber art. I’ve gained confidence to push back that nagging internal editor/dictator. I’m settled into my new apartment.

Now, as I proceed, I have to keep telling myself, soldier on, girl! Don’t make this into yet another overly complicated, overly thought-out project. Just go with the flow and have fun!

 

 

This year, the creative urge hit me around the time I began considering what Christmas cards to send out this year. How could I combine some of the many techniques I’ve learned at workshops over the years? So I dug out some fabric I’d screenprinted, pulled out the embroidery stitches guide, and started working.

Thankfully, I only send out a few cards these days. Each one is unique. Half use those neat Italian paper clips as “ornaments.” Some include “snow.” Ho, ho, ho!