Wednesday, September 22, 2010

The Resurrection - A Rusty Vessel

I keep telling myself that no matter what happens I must not waste my efforts.  So, this little 'vessel' is the result of something that I felt had gone horribly wrong, but must not be wasted!!!  Last week, I paid for and downloaded an interesting lesson from the website of Lynda Monk and Carol McFee.  You can see the information here - http://www.fibreinform.com/Creativesurfaces.htm

I purchased some of the requirements, and proceeded as instructed.  However, my painting, inking, bleaching, salting results weren't quite what I'd hoped for.  I am not totally sure what I was hoping for, but for some reason, I just ended up with a blotchy, rusty piece of Lutradur, which I felt needed to be used.  

Prior to stitching, I sprayed watered down gold drawing ink onto the surface, then added some gold and copper foiling.  This was then covered with black tulle, and free machined with quite bunchy stitching on top [I used two different metallic threads through a #100 needle, with the setting on a narrow zig-zag].  I was trying to achieve the verdigris look.............   Old gold metallic fabric was used for the lining [again covered with black tulle].  I added some additional beading after the stitching, using amber iridescent beads that I've had for almost twenty years.  To enable me to bend over the pointed tops I sewed wireform between the layers, cutting it slightly smaller than each side piece.  This worked really well.

 I do hope the stitching and beading can be seen in these photographs.  It's very hard to get the camera to recognize metallic elements in one's work.  This was a very rewarding project in the end.  I loved working with these rusty shades, and much of the fun was finding and using beads that I'd been saving for just this occasion!!







Some time ago I photographed a rusty wheel rim down at the shed, altered it a little in my photo program, and this served me well as a source of inspiration when working this piece.

10 comments:

DIAN said...

Oh Linda,that is gorgeous and I can see how it reflects the rusty wheel. Well done again!!!!

Anonymous said...

That is a lovely vessel and the beading is great!

Radka said...

What a beautiful project, Linda, there is no end to your imagination:)
The picture has come out very well, it is very nicely arranged. I can see the details, well done again! Yes, I know now, what you mean about Stourhead, it would be a good place for it!

Sharne Gregory said...

It's a lovely vessel.You have got some interesting patterns on you Tyvek.

Jensters said...

Wow this is outstanding Linda and you should be very proud, if only i could make something like this....wonderful xx

Juliettecherry said...

Hi Linda,

just catching up on your blog. I so enjoy reading about the flora and fauna that surrounds you.

Your many and very varied projects are so interesting, I love them. So hard to choose which I like the best.

I wish I could be so imaginative with my stash.

Stitching Lady said...

This is so terribly interesting to read how you proceeded. I have got Lutradur at home - at the moment we are in our holiday house in France - I never know what to do with it.
Somebody has to give me a kick! May bne thats it.

Nanette said...

Hi Linda, I came to look at your blog after seeing some of your beaded creations on Stitchinfingers. I noticed in an earlier post you talked about knitting little projects. I thought you might be interested in knit4charities, an Aussie online group of knitters and crocheters who make things for charities which members nominate on a monthly basis.

There's a couple of affiliated groups, one is knit 4 brisbane's needy if you just want to donate locally.

Anyway, it's a great group to belong to, there's always something going on, knit-a-longs, challenges, all sorts of fun, so here's a link....Pam, who started it all explains it so much better than I do....

http://www.freewebs.com/knit4charities/

Back to enjoying your work now :)

Linda said...

Thank you Nanette, both for visiting and commenting on my blog, and for the information regarding the knitting. I shall look into it for future reference.

And thank you to all you lovely ladies who keep giving me the confidence to push myself a little more each time. Your support is most welcome.

Anonymous said...

I love it too. The effect is gorgeous and not wasted at all. I have even purchased a special foot for my machine so I can have a play around with free motion embroidery LOL. The only trouble is when to find the time.