Friends

I've been on a campaign for buttons to use in a new project. Several friends have sent me some or have sent me in a new direction to find some. However, one of my Gallery 96 mates gave me a real treasure, his Grannies sewing box. I had buttons of course...from another era as well as an unusual needle threader, pin cushion, spindles etc. The box itself is priceless.

 

I think I am going to make a scroll/book out of the 2 spindles. Am still thinking on a piece to commemorate his Granny. Meanwhile another Gallery 96 friend didn't have buttons but gave me a bunch of bone beads from Kenya. He use to teach medicine in Nairobi for several years

 

 

How lucky am I ?

 

Meanwhile I am also involved in a surface design fabric swap. this is the first month of it and I have received these one so far. Top to bottom; reverse stencil print, rust dying and snow dying.

 

 

 

Meanwhile , my own work continues and as usuall I have a couple of things on the go. Here is some more embroidery for the "boro" jacket project. I've given myself  a deadline of the 2nd week in March. When, hopefully the weather starts to change into something warmer.

 

 I have also started building to figurative bases for some felting. One is a 1/2 torso for  the moss, ferns and toadstools of the forest. The full torso is for another coral reef. Here is how far I've gotten so far. the first one is cast from my old judy....when I used to be that slim (40 yrs ago). the second one is cast on the body of an actress/dancer that I know. Probably the only one willing to pose nude and get covered in coopy plaster.

 

Adding the head

 

 

6 layers of heavy brown paper

 

                                             Adding pumice gel and beads for texture

 

Front view, first coat of laytex and aersol stone paint

 

 

Back view

 

Final coat of paint and the beginning of felting next week.