These Boxes

 

Collage with Theodora Cleave

 I was talking of making a creative piece of work in my newsletter today and said how I often talk of simple things on my blog.

I really enjoy the blog as it allows me different freedoms.....bigger picture and unrestricted words.... the different media platforms work in different ways.

This little number was attached to a smallish canvas board which I have roughly painted.... 

Tip I have recently found that using a pasty brush with the acrylic paints moves the paint further & quicker....but I often have a heavier paint application....either or !

Fabric was linen & cotten mix because I adore linen fabrics.. calico that is good ....

I roughly paint it with usually light colours off white with a slight mix of a bland blue or beige/ taupe...just with your brush to get the paint on.

Let it dry ie time to make a coffee or tea.... let the cat out or dog inside...

Then have at least 2 stamps. One I always use is a writing one to randomly stamp on the fabric & not too dark..

Then I will dab a motif stamp, here is butterfly & a Paris word stamp from Cavellini tins of gorgeous useful favourite stamps.... BUT heaps of places to grab some to start with ...craft magazine in newsagent will often have a few giveaways on cover...or order some on line..

I added a strip of fabric & stamped on it with alphabet stamps try KMART they have sets very reasonable. 

Then I added a button in this case one of the French shop buttons but you will look into your box of Barb's buttons & voila there is one 

You are finished 

But if you have the urge to try adding extra stuff just be creative ...add scarp of lace, more stamped strips of fabric, bits of strips of fabric & maybe stitch on or add some flowers stems & blob tops for flowers..

There are so many fun ways to just get creative and what is cheap to do..... do a few & frame them ....enjoy 

Barbara

www.theodoracleave.com

 

 

Collage/ slow stitching

I love to show a collage of buttons..it excites the soul, doesn't it ?

From tea pot & cups, to fancy bunnies in dresses...to birds with flower garden painted on them......

Below is a great set of ideas for collaging into what is now often called slow stitching.  Something I have enjoyed for some years of creating a look to display my buttons....adding paper teastained and stamped over tags

Fabric and different scraps of fabric to balance the look,,,, stitching here & thereand a button or 2....

These can be framed after you select your creation and use some of your favourite treasures... open that tin or box... 

you know those odd things you cannot part with but never see......can be lace , ribbon, ric rac too even bakers twine can look interesting machined in place...zig zag....

I would like to say us a button from Barb Smith's design collection in each collage/slow stitching... but there is an idea......keep watch with the newsletter or pinterest or instagram or the website.......

I need a frame and some fabric ....to make kits? 

 

Fabric Painting with Buttons

 Every so often I have a little fabric painting time, often using the linen/ cotton mix fabric .,,, to see what happens.

This lot started as coloured blocks and I sat buttons on the blocks ...added a mounting frame & thought " I quite like the look"

This is another lovely way of using the painted blocks...

A layeredlook breaking up the business of a background with a plain piece of fabric and then another layer of fabric that is painted or a commercial printed fabric and a button.

Many ways to embellish ..stitching between fabric blocks, addinf flower stitches to each block to create a garden.....  

Using a strip that fits across a small frame is another fun way to decorate the walls of your home.

This one is strip pastels painted & blended together...lay across a small frame to see how it fits.....3 buttons painted in pastels add another dimension.

Maybe have 3 frames using strips or small squares on a plain background of paper or fabric. 2 with strips & a centre piece with a button in it.

These simple ways can take you along on a creative journey of your own...

Something I love to encourage in people.

Gifts for like minded friends and this is a step away from the traditional craft look.....