Paper and Fabric Explorations

I have been exploring more possibilities with the combination of paper and cloth. This time painting the background of the Washable Paper-Cloth with dyes. It works beautifully but it is a slow process. I think I like it better using paint instead because it's less messy and it's ready faster (no need to wait for the fabric to batch for many hours, waiting for the color to attached to the fibers).

For this sample two paper-cloths were used, a sheer fabric (green) and broadcloth (white). Because of the nature of the green fabric you could easily spot the oval shapes from the white fabric that is underneath, as shown in the picture below.

And here are more details:

This is the finished piece!

I had fun during the process and can't wait for the warmer weather to arrive so I can go outside to my garage and get messy for long hours.

*Washable Paper-Cloth* the Workshop

 


NEW  workshop, it's called: Washable Paper-Cloth

It is a Multi day Workshop

Let’s recycle paper and create art. This is an environmentally friendly class. First, we will learn how to make *washable* paper-cloth with recycled newspapers. This is my original technique to obtain a seamless integration of paper on cloth that you can iron, paint and sew by hand or by machine. We will also learn how to create our own fabric paint. It will be formulated for the exact color we want. This paint formula can then be used for matching future color projects . We will work with our own resist, do repeats and add colored backgrounds. Then we will learn how to prepare magazine clippings to easily applique by hand on to cloth. The last day we will design a small collage with the paper-cloths we made and sew accented details by hand.

This is the result of many, many years of experimentation and includes a lot of techniques, such as:

- create your own resist (economically)

- learn how to mix your own fabric paint and how to create your own color formulas which will be an invaluable reference for the future when you want to use the color you choose and not the color that chooses you! This new paint leaves a soft hand on the cloth, making it easier to sew by hand or machine.

- how to do repeats

- we will work with small pieces

- we will be sitting down for part of the processes making it easier to work...ehem play since this is a multi day class.

- we will design a small collage with some of our *new* paper-cloth fabrics.


create your own fabric paint


Left: resisted paper-cloth.      Right: washed resisted paper-cloth






I hope you can join me and share your time with me doing art!

*Gossip Blocks* the Workshop

NEW  workshop, it's called: Gossip Blocks :) 

Recycle magazine clippings. This is an environmentally friendly class. We will be experimenting with a layering technique of paper and cloth to create a unique mixed media quilt block. Learn how to prepare the paper for applique. Design, cut and paste them onto cloth to form your gossip block. Apply accent stitches by hand. This is an ideal workshop for individuals who wants to explore something playful and different.

It is a 6 hour workshop.



I hope you can join me and share your time with me doing art!

Craft Napa Workshops

 



I love to teach virtually or in person. Last week I gave two workshops through CraftNapa virtually to a very talented group of artists. We shared good laughs. Some couldn't be present, luckily it was recorded so they watched the recording and worked at their own pace. 

The projects for both classes were made with mixed media materials. It's amazing how each student put their own twist and created something different. It was fun!




*Washable Paper-Cloth*

 



I am working very hard preparing a *new* workshop for next year. I will teach my original technique *Washable Paper-Cloth* (INC) made from recycled newspapers. This is a class that I must teach in person and will be a multi-day class. Although I have been using this technique for many years, it was always on a white background and since I love color I figure it out how to add a colored background creating my own paint. I am very excited! I don't have a venue yet but I am working on it. If you have any suggestions please let me know.

The sample above is a small collage using these fabrics.The bottom part is paper applique. I also found a new and easier way to do it. :)

And here are some details:




These photos are just for inspiration. I will explain details in a future post here in my blog.

Craft Napa 2022 *Uncorked at Home Workshops*

 I will be teaching two classes at Craft Napa this coming January:


Create your own *secret* mixed -media book. First, we will learn how to paint, mark and sew by hand colorful Evolon (a non-woven, flexible textile), then, we will incorporate the inside pockets and applied messages. You will end up with an artful book full of pouches where you can store your ideas, adventures, goals and deepest secrets.




*Mixed-media Graffiti*


Learn a plethora of techniques: mark making with foils (cold foil technique-no need of the iron), cheesecloth skins three ways: hand-calligraphy, graffiti and labels (how to applique and sew them on a quilt) applique translucent designs (how to work with delicate fabric) and iron on details with TAP (transfer artist paper). Add simple hand-stitching and create a striking mixed media piece of art.

You can  Get the details on how to register for these workshops here


*Painting* and September Workshops

 



I have been painting freely in my garage. This time I used a limited palette of paint in three colors: blue, yellow and orange. 


As you can see on my plate (orphan lid from a yogurt container) I put the paint and mixed it with the sponge(cosmetic sponge from the dollar store) sometimes I used more yellow, sometimes more blue and very little orange, just to ad an accent color and depth.


And these are the stencils I used. I designed and cut them with my cutting machine. I used plastic from a projector film. They are very simple but by applying the layers one on top of the other starting with light color and increasingly darkening them you can create a complex and beautiful design.


I will be teaching *Cheesecloth ROCKS* at Craft NAPA. You can read more about it HERE
The workshop will be held on Sunday, September 12th. 

You can learn how to do a layered work of art by using translucent layers with hand calligraphy and color.

The kit has almost all the materials you need:) Hand-dyed and painted cloth, cheesecloth skins: two ways, Aurifil WOOL thread, interfacing, pattern and instructions.



I will be teaching *Instant Paper-Cloth* and *Criss Cross Paint and Cloth* at the Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza. You can read more about HERE and you can see this VIDEO

They are doing something different in this Show. They are offering Virtual and in-person workshops. I will be teaching virtually on September 22nd and September 23rd.

This classes has NO kits so it's open to everybody wherever you live.

I hope you will join me so we can have fun doing ART together.

Thank you for stopping by. I always enjoy questions and comments.

Margarita

I am linking to Off the Wall