ScrapBag

 

I bought some lovely vintage fabric pieces recently, and having a bit of spare time, (yay!), - decided to do some stitching - which I haven't done for ages.  (This bag probably shows that!) However, I really enjoyed doing it.  Whilst rummaging, I also came across some beautiful buttons, which I just dont remember buying - maybe someone gave them to me* - anyway, I used those too.  

I've been fusing glass recently, (in a microwave kiln), and you have to wait while the glass cools down - so as I've been sorting through my fabrics, I did a bit of sewing, while waiting.

*have since found out where they kindly came from :o)

fused/warm glass pieces

 

I'm trying to get a little more adventurous with my experiments fusing glass.  

I think I now need the next  size  up kiln!

watercolour brushstrokes

... plus some gold ink

just playing with watercolours .....................

Fused Glass - small pieces

I am definitely getting addicted to this! :)
There are so many design ideas to experiment with.
I've discovered that if you place clear glass on top of your design - it will 'stay' -
rather than fuse together and distort.  However, when making the small pendants,
I dont do this as I like the randomness of the designs.

Fused Glass making in a Microwave

I've recently bought a Fuseworks Microwave Kiln - and am having great fun with it.

(do take care to read all the Instructions that come with it.)

You get all the beginner's essentials to practice with - (as shown on the box.)  You do have to buy Goggles separately - which are essential when cutting glass, and as you get more practiced, you will want different tools.

At first, it's a little nerve-racking - but you get used to the timings, and you wont have to sit in front of the microwave - watching for the full length of time!  I still make sure that I unplug the micro each time I've finished though ....... just in case :)
The thicker the pieces of glass, obviously the longer the timing for firing will be.

NEVER take the microwave kiln out without wearing the special heat-resistant gloves, or touch the glass until it has cooled down for minimum of 30 mins.

There are lots of very good videos on You-Tube for Fusing Glass in a Microwave Kiln.

here are a few of the small pendants/pieces I have made - experiments, but quite pleased with them

 

Daubs and Doodles

Original coloured pencil doodle

 I love playing around in Photoshop - you can get such interesting results:

 

Aniline Dyes - Anilinky Paint Palette

I lightly sketched out these pebbles, painted in the colours and rubbed out any extra pencil lines. I didn't go up too close to each line, so it has the effect of using masking fluid.

The colours I used were Koh-i-Noor aniline dyes, which come out as lovely bright colours and are very cheap to buy in a palette.  (Really easy to carry around.)

Using Masking Fluid with Watercolours

Using Masking Fluid with a thin brush, I painted over my drawing - (bit fiddly). 

I used a good quality water colour paper.  I've enhanced this picture darker so the masking fluid is more visible, but the paper is a lovely light creamy colour.

Leave it to completely dry.

I then painted the pattern, using the masking fluid as a 'little wall'. Leave the paint to dry very well before rubbing off the masking fluid carefully.  (this is quite satisfying!)  If you use a not-so-good quality paper, the paper will rub off too!

This is still work in progress. (I Photoshopp'd the pic. above) but will paint another one. I do like the technique.  It has a stencil-like quality, but softer.

everything's coming up roses :)

Original scan of rose

Cutout - Photoshop

Palette Knife - Photoshop

Pattern

'blinds'

work in progress

Collage - easy

magazine pictures, doilies, tissue, paint - Photoshopped to refine picture detail

painted, coloured papers, paint and pen

(collage detail) - magazine pictures - photoshopped

Collage is such a lovely thing to do.  Kids love it - and adults too!  

If you initially choose a picture, you can use it as your inspiration.

It can be done very simply with just one magazine or newspaper, 

some paint (not necessary) and of course PVA.

You can scan it, play with it in Photoshop, then print it off.  If you use very good quality inkjet paper, (with your inkjet printer), this makes the world of difference.  A good quality paper seems to pick up the colours beautifully.  (Hahnemuhle Papers are excellent.)

You could make your own cards too.

Hot glue gun

This rough 'shape' was made from a hot glue gun.  I drew the shape with the hot glue on to a plastic sheet, let it 'set' and peeled it off very carefully. I then placed it on a sheet of drawing paper and spray-painted over it.

I thought the effect was quite interesting, and for abstract rather than detailed shapes, this is worth a try.  I wasn't that impressed with the actual gun that I'd bought but maybe a better quality one would be easier to use.

Leaf Printing

just some simple leaf prints - using acrylics.
Paint leaves on one side, either place paper on top or place leaves downside onto paper
and rub firmly - back of a spoon is good.
Print is always better on dampened paper. 

Use up spare/leftover paint on 'secondhand'/used paper - e.g. can be used for collage

Acrylic Circles and Malevich

Using Golden Liquid Acrylics, I dropped 'blobs' on to a plastic sleeve and left them to dry.  They take about 3 - 4 days to dry out, but you can then peel them off and use them as and where you fancy.  They have a lovely smooth feel to them, but try not to touch them until they are dry otherwise they mark very easily.

Malevich - Suprematist

Nice Link: Pour Paintings (You Tube)

Jean-Paul Gaultier (iii)

 

 

I felt really inspired to do something with my J-P G photos, (from his exhibition), and have been making small painted sketches.  I used one idea of  'pattern', and played with it in Photoshop.  I cut out some of the picture, which I then felt looked like fabric cut pattern pieces - back to Square One! :)