Collage, Transfers and Stitch

I've been playing around with my Lazertran silk transfers from class.  I made a paper collage from my photos of clematis, sweet peas and a statue from Brompton Cemetery and transfered it onto silk.  I then basted it onto pink silk so that it glowed pink through the white silk.  I then began hand stitching on it and then discovered that I hadn't set it by ironing it and some of the transfer has rubbed off but I quite like the distressed effect.

I ironed this piece to set it properly and lost so of it's brightness but also the kind of plasticy finish so overall think I prefer Lazertran used properly.  This collage was using roses from the David Austin catalogue, cut up into squares. Not sure that I like the big flower on the side, I might get out the unpicker and do something else in it's place.

I used machine embroidery to write Summer in pink.  I picked out the squares either with embroidery, organza or buttons.

I really like the soft effect on the silk, which also has a nice gentle sheen.

Another Rainy Bank Holiday

But are my spirits dampened, well just a bit but only because I've come down with a cold and I'm feeling sorry for myself.  Still, playing around with my free motion embroidery foot and some transfer paints sure raised my spirits again.  I'm along way from being proficient but luckily I don't mind it being a bit loose.

And I've made some birds to put on my deconstructed lampshade.   I'm loving all the lovely little floral prints I got from Fabric Guild.

Hoping you're having drier and happier times wherever you are.  What have you been creating recently??

Busy Week

We've been painting and embroidering on tyvek at my machine embroidery class using tulips as our inspiration. I was supposed to be learning how to do granite stitch but it looks more like scribble, lol. Still that's why I'm in a class, to learn. Then the tutor suggested I try writing my name. It's not easy but I was really pleased it's readable if not the most smooth writing, must practise, practise, practise!

Finally finished and delivered my friends wedding invitations. Here are a selection.



Whilst ripping up a vintage song book for the invitations I came across a song called 'Billy Boy' and I think the description is quite apt for my own Billyboy, lol.

Here he is having a well earned rest. It's a hard life being an inquisitive young cat don't you know! Purrs till next time.....