It's a very grey and stormy day here in TN, they are predicting hail and possible tornadoes for this evening so I thought that I would post my brightest finish of late. She is a lovely mermaid designed by Sandra Silberzweig, a Canadian folk artist. When Di and I were shopping in Chattanooga a few weeks ago, we found a really neat bookstore with lots of folk art paintings displayed. I couldn't stop thinking about the bright colors and fun style. Then, while doodling around on Ebay, I found a seller that sells printed canvases based on works by various artists. I went a little stash crazy and ordered several. Printed canvases are a little harder to stitch than those that are stitch painted, colors print on top of one another sometimes, muddying the shades, so you have to think a bit more about your color choices. However, they are a great deal less expensive than stitch painted canvases and I don't mind the extra color work. Here is the entire design, it's 9" by 12", stitched on 18 count canvas, using mainly Rainbow Gallery Manderin Floss (a super soft bamboo fiber) mixed in with a bit of Kreinik Braids and black Rainbow Gallery Petite Very Velvet. Soooo different, but so much fun to stitch!
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I spend a lot of time stitching while waiting for my kids at their various activities and this piece received so much attention from others while I was working on it. The teen girls at dance classes loved it, even some of the fathers commented on it. The kids at orchestra thought it was neat as well. I've had several young girls ask me where I get the "stuff" to make the things that I make, and I've painted up a couple of easy canvases and kitted them up for two young stitchers. We had a mini class and they are both about halfway finished with their first pieces. I'll get pics and post them when they are finished. I do receive the occassional "Why would you spend time doing that?" comment and I've learned it's best to just smile pleasantly and keep stitching. Taking the time to explain my love of the process just makes their eyes glaze over. :)
Bottom line, for me, stitching is fun! and this piece is a perfect example of my idea of stitching fun.
Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate your visits and your comments. Enjoy your day and have some fun!
I love your mermaid! I think this canvas is wonderful. It reminds me so much of the Outsider Art that I admire and have a collection of. Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nancy, I think that I've started on a new collection now as well. I've been trolling antique stores and galleries looking for "must have" items to complement the canvases.
ReplyDeleteMary:: thank you for your wonderful compliment regarding our design line. Your work is exquisite and makes Sandra's work just come alive. We need more needlework godmothers like you to spread the word about the fun and artistic satisfaction of needlepoint!
ReplyDeleteKathleen/kathysneedleworks