MArch project

I decided at the first of 2017 to do a monthly project to rprqctice or learn quilting techniques. This is the inspirtation for the March project. This one is done in cathedral windows pattern but I tried that one with no result, just can't wrap my head around it. So I'm doing the same color way using an orange peel design and hope I get the same results. This is the inspiration photo. I'll post mine ce it's done.

 

A tangled canvas

A tangled scanvas I drew long before surgery with markers, sharpies. I decided to work on it again. Photos show progress. Lately it seems like I catorgize my life as before surgery and after surgery. I guess that was a turning point in my life and that's why I say that, pre surgery and post surgery. Just over look it. Focus on the art please.

 

 

And I forgot to mention . . .

I have a Facebook page for my art called C.S.Originals. That's where I put most everything. Check it it!

Been a Long Time. . .

It's been a long time since I posted here and so much has happened. I'm still quilting and designing. I've lost elderly pets and gained new ones to fill in the holes. Currently I have 10 cats, 2 dogs, all shelter rescues. The biggest thing of late is that back in September I was diagnosed with appendix cancer which is rare. I have what is called the mother of all surgeries, there were 5 procedures done. I didn't have to have chemo, yet, and don't plan to. Recovery from this horrid event took a full 3 months, I finally got my energy back and am actively quitting and designing again.  Anyway, today I have my first CT scan following the surgery. It's to see if any tumors remain. The appendix cancer causes mucinous tumors and the one I had was huge, nearly the size of a soccer ball, it had ruptured and spilled the mucin, a jelly like substance, into my gut. St surgery I lost 30 lbs in about a week,I've gained about 5 lbs back but don't want to gain anymore. I've r ad that follow us scans ar done every so often, 3 months, 6 months and a year in additoin I blood tests. My last tests were really good so I'm hoping for th same or better this time. 

 

 

I mentioned my pets are shelter rescues, for a few months, before the surgery and it's associated stuff, I volunteered at my local animal shelter. It was fun, I worked with cats. I've had cats for over 40 years so I know them well. I'd like to get back to volunteering with them again, once spring hits and I can get there again.Here's my lat at projects, a kimono ( front, back, sleeves) and a small quiet.

 

 

Inktense on Silk, the test

Recently I read that Intkense pencils and blocks, made by Dèrwent, make great silk paintings. I decided to see for myself. These pencils and blocks are actually water soluble ink instead of true watercolors. They are very bright and intense color wise when water is added to them. 

After praying the silk by stretching it on a frame, then adding resist lines, I began. I found the Inketense must be used wet on silk, either by wetting the silk first and applying the color or wetting the color and applying it to the silk. They simply do not work dry on dry. Also, the colors need to sit for 24 hours, then should be heat set. I did this, then rinsed out the resist lines the next day to find that, once the silk painting dried, the color faded some and it was not as intense as before the rinsing. After it dried, I pressed it and all was well. I compared the Inktense on silk and on paper. The final results are below. The piece on paper is on the left, the one on silk is on the right.  The second photo is of the pieces before rinsing out the resist. You can see how bright the colors are on the silk piece ( lower right) prior to rinsing.

Consensus- while Derwent Inktense are good on paper, I don't think, except for small details, I'd use them on silk. I definitely wouldn't use them on silk wearables, just on wall art. 

New blog Post

I made a new blog post on http://stichesandstrokes.blogspot.com/2015/06/test-run-fluid-acrylic-paints.html Please feel free to check it out.

The Interview

Recently an interview I  did a few months ago was published in http://creativeroom4talk.com/cathy-sparks/. It's a real honor to think they thought my work worthy of publication. Check it out. There we also many other quality pieces there as well.