Satisfaction...

“And so you say your bead book is finished…”  Yes, indeed, my bead book is finished; and much to my satisfaction.  It is the culmination of two years of work and study encompassed in the Level 2 Design and Experimental Stitch course at the Gail Harker Center for the Creative Arts.

The bead book itself is comprised of pages of beading techniques we learned as a part of the studies included in this Level 2 course. They were to be our samples. We used our own hand-dyes fabrics to stitch the bead samples on. We then proceeded with beading the edges of the pages and designing a front cover to complete the assignment. I stitched the bound edge of each page with a Knotted Buttonhole stitch. Then used the Raised Chain Band stitch to bind it together (fourth picture).  Holding this book now is a wonderfully tactile experience. It is my little gem... and along with its completion (and the satisfaction), comes the realization that this course of study is changing my life.

The Level 2 Design and Experimental Stitch course has helped me realize my ability and potential as an artist. Gail’s unique talents and unwavering patience augment her ability to systematically teach using her extensive knowledge and background.

The course sessions included design and color, paint, print and dyeing of fabric, portfolio of stitched samples, integration of design and embroidery, historical research and study, techniques and special effects in fabric manipulation, fabric book binding, sketchbook work and documentation, and the list goes on. It has been two, very enjoyable years of studying deeply, working with other like-minded women and realizing my passion is being fulfilled. [doing little happy dance here] 

I just returned from my next course of study which is the Level 3 Art and Design and look forward to each session with great anticipation. It will consume my next two years in a very good way.

Here are some photos my bead book:

 My bead book.

  Tabbed edges.

  On end.

 The binding.

 Puddle of beads.

 Open position.

“Don't be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.” 

                                                                                                                                                    --Rumi, Essential Rumi

Pursuing passion--2012

Well, here I am, finally getting to another post. Guess contributing to my blog takes a little more planning than what I give to it. I've been pursuing my passion and forget that I should be posting more. My studies at the Gail Harker Creative Studies Center in La Conner, WA, have been consuming most of my spare time. I love the courses I have taken; currently finishing up a Level 2 Design & Experimental Stitch course in March. It has been a two-year-long class covering:

• Painting, printing and dyeing fabrics and threads, to create a portfolio of hand and machine stitched samples and techniques.
• Using embellishments such as beads, sequins, cords, and tassels as applications for art pieces.
• Studying of contemporary and historic artists is undertaken along with study of stitch in different cultures.
• An assessment will include the creation of an innovative stitch book from an original design.
• Learning the creative process of taking a work from design, to sample, to a finished piece, in a logical manner.

Throughout the two years of this class, I've attended a series of six, 5-day long class sessions (8am-6pm each day) of intensive instruction and learning at the La Conner school. Very hands-on and full of good stuff, if you know what I mean. I have also just begun a Color Studies 101 online course through the Gail Harker school. It will keep me busy through April 2012.

It has been very freeing and a pure joy to be able to devote my time to creativity and focus on what I am passionate about. After years of raising our girls amd nurturing my marriage--and everything that encompasses the business of daily life--I finally have time to spend on what I truly enjoy doing; and that is creating art.
I've also had some fun creating fabric portraits of my grandchildren and grandpug. These amazing 8 1/2 x 11 portraits look like black and white photos when they are matted and framed.

I hope to post more pictures in the coming months showing some of my work from the school.

"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time." --Thomas Merton

Fabric arts as a passion

The weather has changed. Temps are cooler and my focus is now switching to my indoor passion which is fabric art. This summer I took a prerequisite class at the Gail Harker Creative Studies School in Oak Harbor, WA (on Whidbey Island). The class was titled "Experimental Machine Embroidery" and it touched on everything from how to work the tensions on your sewing machine, to dying your own fabric and experimenting with free-motion stitching. Fun stuff!

I came home very excited about the class. The possibilities are limitless! I also came home with samples and notes from the class that will forever be a resource for me. Gail Harker is an accomplished author and graduate and teacher of City & Guilds of London. She is a wonderful teacher; urging you on to your fullest capabilities.

The homework involved includes finishing the sixteen (or so) sample's edges and mounting each in an attractive mat along with the notes/documentation I made in class. These will all go in a notebook. In addition she has asked each of us to create 3 new samples on newly dyed fabric in a different color scheme.

Right now, I am working on my ideas for those 3 new samples. I will be using the analogous colors in the violet/red/orange range. Tomorrow I will do the dying in my kitchen. Hope I don't make a huge mess. What I really need is a separate studio to do the dying in. I'll write that on my Christmas wish list right now...

I will take a few pictures in the coming days of the samples I have created before I send the notebook off to be evaluated by Gail Harker. Watch for them.

Sometimes have to pinch myself to realize that I am actually--finally--working on what I am passionate about. The next class I want to attend is the Level 2 Creative Machine Embroidery which is a 2-year course of study under Gail. I'm saving my pennies... maybe a good fairy will come along and wave the magic wand...