New Class Starts January 7, 2015

2015  Wow!  How time flies when you are having fun.

The next group of classes will be,

      "Silk Painting II,  Beyond the Basics"  The plan is to do a larger project from start to finish, preferably a garment piece.  So be thinking of what you want to make.  Don't worry if you don't sew as there are jackets that are really easy requiring just a few seams.  Your main concern is the fabric design.  At the first class we will be talking and working on a design, but you need an idea of what you want to make.  Will it be a jacket, blouse or shirt, dress, skirt there are many possibilities.  I just want you to go beyond a scarf.
       I will bring some inspiration materials and we will do a few techniques that might spark ideas and plans,  but in the meantime look at Silk Painting ideas on Pinterest.  Also check out printing, painting (Any kind) and fabric design.

These are a few fabric design ideas I thought were fun that I found online.

 This would be fun with thickened dye and line work.  I can see a summer blouse with something like this as a design motif.  You do not have to do a really definitive design allover.

I loved these Toucans and the Flamingos,  I would love a simple shirt with either of these as a design.

I think they would be great done in a rather large format.  Love the colors and the lone blue bird.

I really want to do something with birds.

Start looking for your inspiration.

Bring a pattern or use one from the classroom.  We have the large paper to layout a plan for your design.  You can order fabric from Dharma as soon as you know what you want to paint.  Also bring your smaller stretchers for doing samples on.

While on Break

While we have been on break from class I have been trying to catch up on a few things, finish some things and of course, make some new things.

 I found a box of eyeglass size purse closures, so while the rain poured outside I went into my studio and painted some silk to make eyeglass cases.  After painting I did a bit of quilting on them with nice puffy wool batting and then lined them in black flannel.  (I was surprised to find black cotton flannel in my stash. I have no idea what I had used it for before.  They will make cute and easy small gifts.

 I also did a bunch of dishtowels with the Seta Silk paint.  Because it is paint it works with silk or cotton.  The only trick is making sure the gutta goes all the way through the heavier cotton fabric.
If it stops raining I want to go to Smart and Final and get another package of towels.  This paint is so much fun.  and I'm sure I can come up with better designs than these.  Oh well, they are just to dry the dishes so they should be okay.

 I also have done a little bit of watercolor painting.  I had a bunch of practice paintings that were not so great so rather than just throw them out I painted over them with gesso on the 140# paper it makes a great surface to use with acrylic or water color.  It is very interesting how the water color works on the gesso.  It is kind of slippery and you have to use a light touch with it.  Very interesting, but a fun challenge.

This is regular water color on the 140# paper.  I'm happy with how this turned out.  I will not be putting gesso over it.  I had fun with the colors.
I am looking forward to our next class and have plans to implement for it.  I better get with it!