Paper-making with Flax

I'm really enjoying making paper with flax and experimenting
with adding tea to the next batch (above)

It dries quickly, nice and flat after pressing to remove excess water.

I've also been making lots of soap as it's nearly Christmas 

and the summer tourist season. Sales are up so got to keep on 

top of my production to always have a good variety available.

 I've started on making some mixed media 

as seen here on this video tutorial

postcards re-purposing cereal box cardboard

 Apply a coat of gesso 

 Turn your back for a second and this happens lol!

hmmm....I spy with my little eye....a...

... footprint!

Thanks Tibby.

I'll be back with more soon...

Update: 21st November

The Creative Process

1. This is awesome...
2. This is tricky...
3. This is shit...
4. I am shit!
5. This might be ok...
6. I'm really liking this...
7. This is awesome!

I saw this on Arlee Barr's blog and can totally relate!
I've added my little twist/tweak to it and

must remember this when I'm being creative.

I realised I hadn't posted a photo of this..

It's my pohutukawa cartoon for my tapestry

..and a cardboard template for print-making.

I've been working on this...and just started on the first flower.

Second attempt at Under-painting - using my fingers to blend
I enjoyed this technique much more than using a brush.

Adding the oil glaze - outside as the turps was pretty smelly!

My third attempt at Under-painting - this time using black and
white for my tone (like I was supposed to but to scared to try!)

I found application with a plastic "trowel" fun and loose.
Just what I needed!! Now to add the colour....

PLAYING WITH CLAY

On Tuesday I went along to the Quarry Arts Centre 

and worked on some more clay ideas.

Leaf and Letter imprints.
I was excited about seeing my leaves from last week and when I couldn't find them I got concerned the someone had mistakenly taken them....turns out they got fired and were still in the kiln.
When I went to pay my casual attendee fee I learned there was an Exhibition by The Firebirds for public viewing. I know one of the artists from The Bach and asked if it would be alright to take a few photos of the works that inspired me. I will get credit, where credit is due of course.

WORKS by MIKE MAUNDER

 

 

"Sculpture Bowl"

"Form"

 WORKS by WENDY CUNLIFFE

 "Flower bowl"

"Animal Collection"

"Astro Planter"

I think I might go along to one of the Firebird's classes one afternoon, just for a look-see.

ART INSPIRATION

Some textile work by Healy and Burke.

Mid-week update: Clay-making, paper-making, 3D Sculpture & tapestry

PAPER-MAKING: FLAX

 Cooking up more flax

 Rinsing out sodium hydroxide and neutralizing with vinegar

 Strained out vinegar rinse

 Tied up like a plum-pudding ready for rinsing

3D SCULPTURE: CELTIC KNOT

 More work on my Celtic knot. I cut out a template 

from card as the paper template was getting tatty

 Filing the center shapes was a little tricky

 Slightly undulating..slightly frustrated so I've put it away 

and will work on it some more another day.

TAPESTRY

 My tapestry is coming along and I when I get tired 

and my Inner Critic kicks in I put it away! 

Amazing how different things look when you has "fresh eyes"

CLAY-MAKING

@ The Quarry Arts Centre

 Tuesday morning I spent a couple of hours at 

The Quarry doing some clay work. 

I'm interested in making soap dishes

 in the shape of a leaf so today was about

experimenting taking leaf imprints 

and trying some different shapes

 First attempt. Els said to beware shapes 

being too thin as they may crack.

 Second attempt: a thicker leaf and rested it against my already

 dried heart and starfish I made a fortnight ago.

 Third attempt: Getting better! 

 Found a little dish to set it in.

 Very happy with this leaf.

 Speaking of found objects - this little dog belongs to one of

 the clay artists who was using the kiln to fire their work.

I must look out for a few old useful things when I'm 

next at the second-hand shops!

I notice these in the room next door.

*makes note to self to make one for when I do lino cuts*

Finally, some things of inspiration...

Work by Amy Gillespie

 Amy Gillespie is a Boston area based artist who creates sculptural wall pieces with felt, paint and wood.  Her pieces are painterly, impressionistic reflections of nature.