Prayer Flag Brooches - First Mini Collection

Here is a preview of my first small collection of prayer flag brooches. They are somewhat inspired by the look of Buddhist flags, but are really more for imparting an inspiring word or wish.

They could be pinned to a jacket or handbag, or perhaps displayed near your desk at work to give you a reminder of a word to meditate on.

One of my online friends commented that they are like a medal that you could award someone, which I thought was a nice idea.

 "Courage" Prayer Flag Brooch

"Create Every Day" Prayer Flag Brooch

These textile brooches are all hand sewn with bead, button, charm and/or sequin embellishment. I am busy rust dyeing some fabric for the next batch, which may be little wall hangings rather than brooches. Watch this space!

Latest Projects ...

Following on from the abstract landscape I made with a prodded rag rug technique, I also made a hooked and needle punched version. This piece is made from repurposed textiles and mixed fibre yarn.

I sewed the piece to mount board, 'ready for framing'.  It is currently listed for sale in my Folksy shop.

Another small piece, inspired by colour palettes that I have collected on my travels... This piece was based on the colours found on an old, rusting, painted metal fence with bright green algae on it.

A painted, gouache version of the palette, set against an orange background (A3 size).

Version #1: fairly two-dimensional, matt felts with thick wool fabric (from a repurposed coat); made using the techniques of reverse appliqué and embroidery. Available in my Folksy shop.

Version #2: more three-dimensional appliqué, some with added embroidery. This piece is a bit more 'shiny' and features a variety of repurposed textiles. 

This piece is available from my Etsy shop.

Next, a piece based on some beach colours...

Making a Textile Caricature

I thought I would have a go at making a caricature in fabric. I chose comedian Henning Wehn as the subject, because I enjoy his comedy and he has an interesting face.

I found some photos of him on his website and elsewhere on the Internet and amalgamated different aspects into a single drawing, before exaggerating some aspects of his face and body, for example, placing the eyes to the sides of the head, widening the bridge of the nose, shortening the legs etc etc. I redrew this until I was happy with it before translating it into fabric and thread.

The main part is done with free motion embroidery on the sewing machine, starting with the bottom layer and slowly adding more and more to the picture. Finally, the features on the face were hand embroidered and the brown colour on the trainers was added by hand.

The finished caricature was trimmed from its white background before being mounted onto black mount board with small stitches on the front and large ones on the reverse.

This piece is currently for sale in Fire Horse Textiles on Folksy, priced at £40.

Patchwork, Embroidery and Weaving Exhibition

Rob and I went to the Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries today, where an exhibition called "A Trio of Textiles" is being held 21 April - 12 May 2012.

The exhibition includes work by local artists and crafts people in the disciplines of embroidery, weaving and patchwork & quilting.

Sadly, I forgot my camera, but Rob lent my his phone camera to take a few snaps.

These chocolates were lovely - felt decorated with beads and embroidery, in a handmade paper box.

This wall hanging is made of felted wool. The colours, patterns and textures are beautiful.

I am very fond of miniatures, so this tiny, embroidered rug caught my eye.

There were dozens of patchwork quilts, artworks, bags, and toys etc to see.

Back in the weaving exhibition, we both loved these woven wall hangings - unfortunately this poor quality photo does not do the colours justice. I bought some hand dyed fabric and cotton embroidery thread from this artist.

This exhibition is well worth a visit. Entry is free, and there is a cafe and a craft shop to enjoy afterwards.