Chapter 7 Buttons

I had fun with the buttons and toggles.  The largest is a CD with cords bonded in spirals next to a very large Dorset button made with strips of dyed fabric and finished with beads sewn to the circumference.  The smaller dorset buttons are varied in numbers of spokes and placement of weaving, sometimes turning over so both spokes and flat waeving show on one side.

The shiny buttons are made from fabrics scraps sandwiched between clear film and cut out with the soldering iron.

I wrapped various shapes with strips of fabric and metallic threads and had a go at little square spiral buttons on plastic canvas.

The toggles are zapped tyvek and nappy liner. I made a few layers with a heat-resistant layer at the bottom and different zappable fabrics on top and painted nappy liner or tyvek.  The results are very crunchy-looking!

Having a go at computer design

I went on a CTDG workshop for 2 days to learn how to design on the computer. I had Adobe elements and did not know how to use it.  We had to bring inspiration on the theme of arches and I used several photos I had taken of Chester Cathedral.  We had an excellent tutor on the first day and above is the result of a few hours learning how to use a gradient map, layering, distorting, finding edges etc.

I had the idea of a portal into the mind with lots of shadowy stored elements and a highlighted spot of present moment retrieval.

 

Below is the mixed media textile piece I made on the second day. The image was transferred to T shirt transfer paper and I couched a silky yarn for the arches and layered the mounting for more shadows.

I am glad I went on the course but I do waste a lot of hours playing in Adobe elements now!

Home from summer school and loving the memory and all the new friends I made. Not so keen on having to slot all the things in the boxes back in their rightful places.
My artist was Paul Klee - a favourite of mine and here is my Kleestack assembled after peeling off the coke cans, stones and shoe last.
Now to do a bit of overdue housework!