Sunday 27 July 2008

A bit more tree bark .......

I'm experimenting more with the surface of bark, and recently saw some fantastic textures on Lynda's blog (Purplemissus) that she was generously sharing. I used slightly different stuff (but not that different!) Using fusible web I bonded an old piece of sheeting, a brightly coloured piece of cotton, a piece of cream coloured polyester crushed velvet, and then topped it with a piece of web painted with black acrylic. Using the soldering iron I then made deep wiggly lines, cutting into the velvet down to the cotton. It is amazing, but the soldering iron doesn't cut through the cotton. I then painted all over it with a watered copper and gold acrylic, and this is what I finished up with ....... and no stitching! I must admit I was well chuffed....... below are a couple of closeups.

Here is the most recent spread of my Garden Altered Book. I've mounted the rest of the wild flowers I pressed, and on the background have used some bits from a couple of paper napkins, to add some interest. The four leaf clover on the bottom right is one my daughter found some forty odd years ago!
I really must start thinking about some leaves - bit early for an Autumn spread though ........

13 comments:

Sandy said...

Nice bark. I like the dried flowers and need to use some of mine. I can't resist saving them.

Unknown said...

you deserve to be chuffed, its gorgeous :)

Doreen G said...

Great tree bark Val and another great page in your book.

Ruth said...

Your bark surface is wonderful! I've been working on trees and this would be a wonderful technique to try. Thanks!

sharon young said...

Oh Val!!! I just love this new spread in your journal, all the different layers are wonderful. The colours are so bright on the pansy.
Your bark piece is superb too.

Mandi said...

This is so beautiful Val......I've got a grape vine whose leaves turn a beautiful red colour in the autumn if you want me to save some tis no problem.

dot said...

The wildflower page is exquisite and the bark... what a wonderful texture, well done you. I can recommend the vine leavs, had a few last year and they're lovely....haven't used them in anything yet, hummmm.

Alis Clair said...

The bark texture is just wonderful and begs to be touched!
Loving the latest work in your altered book.

Micki said...

The tree bark is fantastic. The soft yellow background of the book pages are perfect for your flowers.

Purple Missus said...

The tree bark piece is wonderful Val. I wish I had thought of it. Never used to paint on stuff all those years ago as I do now - but what a difference the paint made.
I'd love to see a vessel made from this fabric.
Your book page is fabulous of course and I love the addition of the four leaf clover - does the writing underneath explain who found it?

rivergardenstudio said...

I love these pages, the colors and textures are so beautiful! Roxanne

maggiepatch said...

Wonderful bark. It makes you want to touch it.

Debbi Baker said...

Hi Val - I am way behind with my blog reading so I'm a bit late commenting! Your bark is stunning and I just love that last AB spread - so delicate but vibrant all at the same time!