Thanks

Thanks for your comments -- this was an interesting piece to work on. I tried two separate transfers and chose from the two of them. The second one had more color, but his one had more possibilities I guess -- even though it didn't transfer as well. I did a lot of work with the pastels and the inks. There is not much stitching on this one -- guess I burned myself out stitching on the last few. :)

As for design ideas for layering backgrounds -- nah -- it's just a painting technique mostly -- serendipitous and design as you go. You need watercolor paper, gesso, matte medium, stencils and Golden fluid acrylics. Also, sponge brushes, heat gun, stencils, and stamps.

Off to think about September.

I love this piece Elizabeth! That big flower grabs my attention immediately. I had to look for the color before I realized that it was the mustard yellow. I love the painting on this one! I can't see the part that is 3D--I'll have to wait until Friday:)

As for your questions--the orchids are the print from the napkins. I fused them to felt and free motion stitched them, then cut them out as slips and placed them over the branches. I only tacked them partially onto the background, so that I could arrange the edges to make them 3D. It will make better sense when you see it on Friday.

I was thinking that we could do some of this layering stuff you have been doing on Friday. Do we have to have a design idea before we start? I don't have many ideas floating around today in my head.If we could actually complete a couple of layers that would help me figure out how to do this magic that you are doing.

Elizabeth, what an incredible piece! I can't wait to see it in person.. It just glows. Susan

Under The August Sun

Finally finished and posting August! No sheers this time -- just pastels, inks, transfers -- and a little 3D.

Ooh -- very nice. I can see a little bit of the dimension -- did you cut the napkin into pieces? Is it on a batik or is that the napkin background?

I like working regularly, but I don't know if I can commit again -- I'll let you know as we get closer to the end of the year. Fall is my busiest time and if I get behind I'll probably not want to push myself.

Linda, your piece is so beautiful. Very serene. I can't see the 3D features but will soon! I'm glad you like the idea of continuing the challenge next year but I'll stick to 12 months! Susan

I forgot to mention that my color for the month is magenta. I actually couldn't decide whether to use magenta or fuchsia, so I cut them in half and used both. I will be doing the same thing for October with the same two colors. I used more magenta than fuchsia, therefore the color this month defaulted to magenta. Both of these colors are my favorites, so I just had to use them together.

Susan, I was also thinking that we should do this again for next year. It forces me to try a new technique for each one. I don't know what the common thread:) for the actual challenge should be, but I have already decided on my theme. I am going to do a Jewish holiday for each month, so that I can make a perpetual calendar. The big challenge for me will be the number of pieces that I will have to make. There are more than 12 months in the Jewish year, and every year is different.I was also thinking of trying to sketch out some ideas beginning now, since this week begins the new for the Jewish year.
Happy New Year!!

Summer Orchids

Well, I am back to the napkins. This one is also 3D, but the picture doesn't show it. I think I like this one and my August piece the best. I also like my January piece, but it was very frustrating to do. I think I like making my pieces 3D. There is something very challenging about figuring out how to make it work.

Elizabeth, you always say you have your idea image in your head and you work and work until you get it onto your art piece. I realized today that I have worked serendipitously on all of my pieces except for 2--the January piece and the March piece. The first one was the most frustrating, but I have loved working on the rest. I only start with the color of the challenge fabric and a napkin and the rest happens as I go. No wonder I can't draw my quilt ideas in a sketchbook.

Hi Linda. I'm glad you like my September piece. It was fun to use the bright orange leaves on the blue background. Next month starts the greens. Your bundle definitely has a nicer yellow/green than mine so I'll be covering up most of the December background, but then, I guess I cover up most of the colors. I can't wait to see your pieces in person since it's hard to tell what's napkin and what's fabric. Two ideas!! We might have to do this again next year- 20 by 11- then I won't be able to put an 8x10 photo across the width! Actually, I was hoping to be more accomplished with the photos by now but it hasn't happened. Looking forward to seeing your new piece(s). Susan

Love the leaves Susan. Fall is my favorite season.
My Service berry tree just turned all yellow yesterday. The maple is already starting to turn and it is always the last on the street to go.

I am disappointed that I can't sign up for your class here in November. Barry is having eye surgery and has a follow up appointment. It is supposed to be that Saturday. We are going to double check the dates tomorrow.

I am working on my September piece and actually hope to have it finished today.My,aren't we diligent this month! I am actually thinking about making a second piece for this month. I had 2 ideas for two different sets of napkins, so I am thinking that I may have to complete a second one to justify buying all these napkins.

Susan's September Piece