Hey everyone! It’s Zeny Liz and I’m here to share with you how I made my project for this month’s theme “Sew Crafty Challenge”. It can be hand-stitching or machine stitching. We just want to see how you incorporate this technique into your project. You have until the end of October 2017 to participate and get a chance at winning a prize pack worth AED50.
I made an artwork to show you how I incorporate sewing plus a little mixed media to my lettering background. The same method can be used to create a dashboard for your planners and travel journals or a wall art to decorate your homes.
Let me start by showing you my DT Kit for this month. I admit I got a bit nervous when I received my kit because I know that I’ll be using materials that are new to me. But my fear didn’t stop me, I stepped out of it and literally got messy and enjoyed everything about this project. (All materials are linked down below.)
First, I taped off the edges of my Canson watercolor paper using a masking tape to create a clean border. It reminded me of my college days, when one of the most useful tool in drafting/art class is a masking tape. The trick is to first apply masking tape on your clothes a few times before putting it down on the paper to avoid tearing your edges.
Then, I started to apply Prima Marketing’s Heavy white gesso over the watercolor paper using their Finnabair texture silicone brush (flat side), imitating a knifed plaster effect by doing some random “slicing or slashing” strokes. I allowed the gesso to dry.
Once it has dried, I painted on top of it using wet-on-wet technique. I used Dr. Ph. Martin’s Hydrus fine art watercolors and Prima marketing’s watercolor confections to achieve my desired color scheme. Then, I dried it with my heat gun.
Then I sketched my subject –- a lady. I went ahead and painted it. I allowed myself to get lost in the moment. It was so relaxing and therapeutic. Thanks to my dear husband for giving me hours and hours of time. Well, the little boys and himself had an amusing boys-time too. I also applied White sand texture paste (included in the kit) on the shadow/ground and painted on top of it. I love how it created a 3d texture effect.
See how beautiful that texture is!
Here comes the fun part! I adhered cheesecloth on the skirt area with an all-purpose adhesive. I know I could have stitched it into the paper but I opted to use glue instead, in order for me to manipulate it even more better. I used two layers of cheesecloth to make it more interesting. Then again, I used Prima watercolor confections to paint on top of it.
I applied Modeling paste (included in the kit) on top of the skirt and I molded flowers out of it. I allowed it to dry. I always try to incorporate florals in my artworks. They make everything look chic and fab. I also added some sparkle by adhering and stitching some sequins that are matching with the color scheme. To make it look more elegant, I applied Finetec gold on her top.
To incorporate this month’s challenge, I hand-stitched some simple patterns on the skirt and on the legs to replicate a strappy gladiator sandals. I admit that I am not that good in sewing, so I had to consult an expert, my in-house sewing expert – my husband! That explains those hands in the photo. Lol! He taught me how I could make those gladiator strap pattern. Always my refuge.
I once again painted over the dried modeling paste using Prima watercolor confections. I always feel giddy when I am painting florals.
To add more depth to my background, I mixed heavy white gesso and Prima watercolor Turquoise from The Classic palette and slashed the mixture on the upper part of the background, in a random pattern.
I added more Finetec gold and splattered some more, and Viola! My lettering background / planner dashboard / wall art is ready!
I opted to letter on a vellum using my Tombow Fudenosuke brush pen (hard tip) and attached it to the artwork with a simple gold foiled washi tape to compliment with the whole concept. I used vellum because it blends well with the background and used washi tape to allow me to change the lettered quote anytime I want.
So there you have it! I hope you enjoyed reading and I can’t wait to share with you more of my creations! Until next time.
xoxo, Zeny Liz
To enter this month’s challenge, here are the guidelines:
- Create a project with the theme “Sew Crafty Challenge”.
- Upload your entry to our Member Gallery and link us up in this thread in the forum October 2017 Challenge – Sew Crafty Challenge
- All entries are due by October 31, 2017.
- Challenge winner will receive a prize pack worth AED50.
Note:
- A winner will be announced only if we have THREE new submissions.
- All projects submitted for the challenge must be NEW and created AFTER the challenge went live.
