In my last post, I showed you the start of several small pear collages. I had great fun with them as I continued to work with portions of my original pear picture, vintage linens, papers, and hand stitching.
Here’s the completed version of the one in the last post, Pear Study #1.
This is #2 complete.
#3, complete
And #4, in -progress. Scroll down to see it completed.
Pear Study #4
Can you see the piece of the original pear applique used in three out of the four?
I’m very happy with these four small collages and I especially like the way they look together.
Which one is your favorite?
Small works like this often benefit from additional mounting or framing. I’ve got some experience with that and will show you some options in my next post.
Ellen Lindner
My fav is the 4th study. They are all quite lovely and I’m looking forward to reading about your framing/finishing options.
Thanks for your feedback, LynneP. I think maybe my favorite is the first one because it includes part of a table cloth crocheted by my great grandmother! When my aunt came across it and saw that it was stained, she gave it to me to CUT UP and use in my art. Woohoo!
As a leader for new art quilters I appreciate you showing steps and series quilt. How are the white circles made and what kind of paint?
Hi JA,
The white circles are actually part of that paper. They’re raised, which give an interesting texture. I think you could do something similar with couching or hand embroidery.
I used Inktense pencils to color the pears initially. Instead of water, I used aloe gel because it keeps the colors from bleeding. The pencils work very well for shading and adding color.
You really think people can choose a favorite?? Are you nuts?! I love them all – there are details that make each special. I have always wanted to incorporate freeform stitching/thread painting into my creations. Problem is, I bought a new sewing machine about 2 years ago (just for that purpose), but don’t know how to use it. Plus, I’m scared I’ll break it. I know, I know – a bit ridiculous. Unfortunately, we are not all as “thread talented” as you are. Now I know where to go when I do lug the machine out – your blog is a wealth of incredible information. I’m so glad I visited! However, I still can’t choose ONE collage. I love them all and find beauty in each. GREAT JOB!! xx
Thanks, Katherine!
I’m chuckling at the thought of being “thread talented.” Can I put that on my business card???
I’m so glad you enjoyed my little collages. They were a lot of fun to make, (in part, because of their size.)
Regarding favorites, I have to go with number one, for sentimental reasons. The crochet on it is a table cloth made by my great grandmother! It was stained and unusable, so when my aunt found it, she sent it to me to CUT UP and use in my art. Awesome, right?
WHOA DOGGIE! I just read your response to JA – you use aloe gel with Inktense pencils instead of water? Any aloe gel? HOW did you figure that out?? That’s definitely thinking out of the box! I. Must. Try. xx
Hey Katherine,
I’m a definite rookie with the Inktense pencils and aloe gel. I think you can use any brand that’s clear. And, if you’ll google it, or look on YouTube, I think you’ll find several tutorials about the technique.
(I’m generally not so precise. My favorite way to use Inktense is to get my fabric wet and then wildly color with the blocks. Very spontaneous, but as of yet, not overly pretty. Still, I’m hopeful!)
JA – I’m a total dork for taking over Ellen’s comments section (sorry!). I should have mentioned this in my last comment but didn’t think of it. I was going to mention that I bought some super cool paper that replicates that result – it works well with all sorts of techniques. I don’t know about sewing from experience, but it seems strong enough to hold up to some thread work. They also make it in black – and with multi circles. 🙂
http://www.mulberrypaperandmore.com//p-2486-sheer-mulberry-paper-beehive-white.aspx?cid=CAE
Hey, you found it! That’s the stuff. (But don’t buy just that one. There are lots of art papers that are very neat. I like having a few on hand.)
Wait – is it possible to only buy one paper?? No one told me – and I wound up with a total of like $350! The company is actually very close to me and they hand delivered my purchase. How cool is that?! Within 2 hours of placing my order, it was at my house! 🙂
Of course, you can use “thread talented”! haha If the crown fits, right?!
I’m going to check out the Inktense videos tomorrow morning and then spend the day playing. I’ve got to get to the store to get some clear aloe – I found out ours is green when I located it. That technique is VERY cool and I can’t wait to try! I’m always so impressed when people come up with stuff like that – would you ever think to combine materials like that? I wouldn’t! I like to experiment but most of my experiments wind up in the trash – and they aren’t nearly as cool as aloe gel and Inketense. 🙂
I use the Inktense pretty much like you do. If you color wildly and it appears funky, adding water and continuing to work the fabric seems to help. I’ve saved several pieces that way – I’ll dislike the strokes and/or the way the colors are mixing and think it’s over – I’ve screwed up something I liked. Adding water and reworking the pencils will allow me to shift the colors – and if worst comes to worst, enough water can make the pencils so faded you can hardly see them. Then again, if things don’t work you can always cover the mess with another piece of fabric. Boom! 🙂
It is more than awesome you got to cut up the table cloth – I love things like that. What a treat! I’m going to keep checking in with you – I can’t wait to see what you create next! xx
Whoa, Katherine, you ARE having fun! All that new paper sounds very enticing. (Maybe Inktense will end up on some?)
Have fun experimenting!