Continuing with my botanic pattern designs, I have recently been designing some patterns specifically for printing on fabric. Designing for large scale printing: fabric, wallpaper, wrapping paper etc. usually involves creating a pattern repeat. In this post I’ll detail the process I followed to turn my original field sketches of gum trees into an abstract print pattern series I call … Read More
I’ve been developing a collection of surface pattern designs with a botanic theme. My process begins with watercolour sketches and observations in the field. From these sketches I create a set of patterns that would work well in a variety of mediums, including lino relief print. When considering designing for lino printing, I often find myself looking at the outlines … Read More
I really enjoy the whole process of relief printing with lino tiles, from the initial design phase, through carving and onto the ‘final reveal’ stage when you peel the paper from the tile and see your printed design for the first time.I haven’t really done much printing since my art college days, so a recent return to the medium saw … Read More
Some of my best project ideas come to me when I’m browsing though fabric stores. When I saw this striped material I wanted to make place mats, with a bright orange binding. I started by working out some measurements for the mats. I laid out my (small) dining table as though for guests, and measured just how big I could … Read More
Reverse appliqué, is a method of layering fabrics and attaching them together, usually by sewing, and then cutting away portions of the fabric to reveal a design. I have been creating 6″ square pieces, taking inspiration form Celtic knot work and art nouveau tile designs, and have now progressed to a larger wall hanging based upon a fields design motif … Read More
Tube lining is a technique I’ve always enjoyed working with in my ceramics, and I thought I would have a go at transferring the principle to artwork. To tube line a tile or pot – a bead of wet clay is applied to the surface of the object forming enclosed spaces, this is fired and results in raised areas across … Read More
It all started when I watched a film where a character spent most of their time perched at a large wooden drawing board immersed in sketches, and I thought “I’d like one of those”. After some internet trawling I realised that wooden boards for sale are thin on the ground, so I decided to design and make one for myself. … Read More
Once I got the weaving bug with my simple loom, (see previous posting), an eBay purchase of a rigid heddle loom was inevitable. I was lucky to come across one locally that had been handmade with great skill many decades ago, and well used by the current owner. After a thorough dismantle, a light sanding and a couple of coats … Read More
I have wanted to try weaving for a long time, but was put off by the bewildering array of costly equipment involved, and complicated set up instructions. Then I discovered the Simple Frame Loom, ideal for impatient beginners like myself, wanting to see immediate results. This blog entry details how I built my loom, and my first piece of weaving. … Read More