Hi Everyone! Even though the weather is calling my name to come play outside, a bad cold got hold of me and took me down for days. Feeling better now to share a few napkins that I made, along with a few leaves that I painted. Hopefully you will be able to use this info to explore your own ideas.
When I visit Joann, I always take a quick look at their small remnant bin for fleece so I can make blankets for my kitties (more on that in the next post). I found a piece of 100% cotton fabric one time and picked it up for a new set of napkins.
I cut 12″ square pieces, then machine stitched all around, 0.5″ from the edges, with matching thread. After that, I stitched the two lines you can see in the picture with a contrasting thread. The first line is 2.5″ and the second one is 3.5″ from the edge. I stitched over each line one more time to make them darker, but not fastidiously. I think the offset stitching gives them a lovely vintage feel.
Then I had a little too much fun pulling threads on each side until I reached the stitched lines around the border.
That’s it! Super easy! I very much like the red and blue threads I used against the cream background. The colors of this set make me think of cozy autumn days.
Autumn Leaves
Download Autumn Leaves Lineart
If you are looking for a quick project, you can download this set of leaves line art for free from my shop.
I had originally made them for an embroidery project. This is my painted version in my handmade forest green nature journal.
Playing With Paint
As you know from the last post, I like to do a little bit prep work before working on the final painting.
I am working on a new painting for a book cover, so I started trying out different paper and paint for the right look and effect. In other words, playing with paint and paper.
Marker, watercolor, acrylic ink, watercolor ink, I used them all for these leaves to see which I liked best. My only objective was to see the effect of each kind of paint on that paper.
I was going to throw out this first set, but then I thought that if I cut them out, I can use them in my journal. My husband loves these bits and pieces for his journal too. I cut around the shape with a pair of scissors, used a micron pen to add an outline and veins, and they were ready.
Floating Leaves
After that I tested the aforementioned paints on a set of larger leaves. I didn’t worry too much about painting within the lines on this one either. Then before tossing it out, inspired by Japanese and Chinese brush paintings, I started painting brush strokes with no purpose in mind. I used blue mostly because it provided a good contrast against the orange. I got carried away, and the strokes started to resemble water. I ended up keeping it.
My husband got me the two pumpkins when I was sick. Two, because one needs a friend.
All of these finishes started as an attempt to learn or experiment with new ideas. I specially love this time of year because even though the colors are limited, they call me out to explore both indoors and outdoors. I am feeling a lot better now and I can’t wait to be outside a lot more, collecting ideas.
Until next time,
-Soma
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