Sunday 4 November 2007

Before and After .......


I thought I would blog this picture of an experiment that was left mid way, sort of thing. When I was preparing the piece to make the Oil Lamp in the previous post last week, I made up two pieces in case I needed extra - like you do. (the one I used, and this piece) The textures were different, obviously, but the colourings were the same, as I painted both pieces at the same time.
The picture on the left is the result of stamping a piece of felt with acrylic paint, free machine stitching around, then blasting it with a heatgun, trying to make something lacey! I didn't think much of it, so left it to one side. When wanting something extra for the Oil Lamp I pulled it in half and stitched half to some felt and kept throwing paint and stuff at it, until it looked alright. The moral of this little tale is 'don't throw your failures away - throw paint at them until they submit' You can always make them into beautiful postcards to swap or ATCs or even Journal/Book Covers. The piece on the right will now form part of our A5 Experiments Gallery at our Exhibition next May, so nothing is wasted.
Click on the picture to see a closeup of the texture - I reckon it is unrecognisable from the picture on the left.

7 comments:

sharon young said...

You're certainly right, what a difference in the two samples. I like the orange one, it looks really lacey and the orange is a fab colour.
Thanks for your aqdvise re the cavases and of course I forgot the vital ingredient, enjoyment!!!!!

Debbi Baker said...

Hi Val - Fabulous demonstration of your point! Virtually unrecognisable! I take the same approach as you most of the time as so often the vague idea I have in mind does not translate very well and needs a lot more paint or embellishment!

Sandy said...

Great texture.Eventually everything gets used. I certainly don't throw things away. Sandy

bookwraps by suz.com said...

hard to believe it's the same piece ! wonderful advice !
I do have a pile of unique experiments that I dip into for interesting surface design elements...no matter how bad an experiment turns out I will find a use for it at some point...
I adore your blog Val...so many varied & interesting projects to view...thanks

Ruth said...

That's great - Just think of those experiments as the first step to something better!

dot said...

Wow, I can always rely on you blog for some inspiration, thank you. I haven't seen it for a few weeks so what a feast I've had!!

Barbara said...

I think we all love to be a researcher with fabric!!:)))