Not quite what I imagined

b&l-8I started painting yesterday. Let’s just say, it didn’t go as planned!

b&l-9This is not quite what I imagined. I wanted a watercolor look, but I haven’t been able to control the bleeding. Hmph! I suppose I could cut it out and fuse it to a background fabric. I’m not ready to quit yet, though. I’m going to try again today. I might try a different technique today to see if I can still get the effect I want. If all else fails, I will resort to the paint, cut and fuse approach.

Just for fun, I thought I’d show you how I’m getting into my studio these days.

b&l-10

Remember I told you that sweet hubby got me a new 4 ft by 8 ft design board? I will primarily be using it propped up against the wall, but it is also the perfect painting surface because I can stretch out my fabric and pin it tight. The only drawback is that my studio is barely big enough for it to lay flat on my work table, and then it reaches all the way across the walkway to the bookcases. I have to enter by crawling through that little hole on my hands and knees to get back there. That’s okay, though. It’s temporary and, in the meantime, it makes a great place to paint. Ah, the sacrifices we make for art! I hope I never need to get out of there in a hurry.

A couple years ago, I spoke at East Cobb Quilters’ Guild. Their quilt show, Georgia Celebrates Quilts, is coming up soon. It is June 14-16, 2013 at the Cobb Civic Center in Marietta, Georgia. There’s more information on their website, www.ecqg.com.

East Cobb Quilt Guild 2013 Raffle Quilt
East Cobb Quilt Guild 2013 Raffle Quilt

The raffle quilt was made from Kim McLean’s pattern, “Stars and Sprigs.” Guild members made the blocks, five other members did the appliqued borders and it was quilted by Melinda Fulkerson, also a Guild member.

I wouldn’t mind laying that on my bed, even if it isn’t blue!


Comments

6 responses to “Not quite what I imagined”

  1. Peggy Nelson Avatar
    Peggy Nelson

    Maria, have you tried tsukineko inks? They might work for the look you want!

    1. Yes, I’m using Tsukineko inks. They’re my favorite! I’m just trying to use them in a new way to get a specific look and I haven’t quite achieved that yet.

  2. Maybe you need to put down some ground first. Some people swear by freshly made soy milk. Jacquard makes a no bleed prep.

    http://www.jacquardproducts.com/no-flow.html

    I’ve used that on silk with Sharpie pens and it works well.

    :Diane

    1. Thanks, Diane. I’ll do some research on those ideas!

  3. Natalie carlton Avatar
    Natalie carlton

    Try Super Clear from dahrma(sp) to thicken it.. You do have to wash it after.. (Rinse in warm water tub) but it gives a lot of control. You will LOVE IT!!

    1. Good idea, Natalie. I know I have some in my supply cabinet.