Making Gum Leaves From Silk Threads (updated post*)

posted in: Arts & Crafts, Textiles

* Note from Karen March 18, 2021This is an updated version of my original tutorial posted back in Feb 2019.I have just re written and updated this tutorial and uploaded onto the www.instructables.com website – so thought I would update it here too, as I added a lot more info in the step by step processes. On a recent internet … Read More

Making Gum Leaves from silk threads

posted in: Arts & Crafts, Textiles, Tutorials

Free motion embroidery on water soluble film I recently experimented with water soluble stabiliser, a film that is used in the machine embroidery process. I came across it on an internet wander, and I suddenly realised that I could use it with some Mulberry silk strands I bought nearly 2 years ago at a Halls Gap craft fair, from a … Read More

Making pictures from paint splodges!

I’ve always been a fan of painting and drawing exercises to loosen up my work. This is a technique I’ve hit upon to look at some colours other than my usual palette (greens & blues if you hadn’t noticed!) and also improve my pen and ink line work. I used my (very old) Rotring ArtPen – which has a lovely … Read More

using Inktense pencils with an airbrush

posted in: Arts & Crafts, Artwork, Textiles

I have been experimenting with my Derwent Inktense water-soluble colour pencils again.   I’m obsessed with their luminosity and intensity, but must admit am finding it hard to maintain those attributes across a large area of work without things getting diluted on every stroke of my watercolour brush. Inktense pencils are easy to use, but I find when activating the … Read More

Reverse appliqué

posted in: Arts & Crafts, Textiles

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

More adventures in weaving

posted in: Arts & Crafts, Textiles

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

Ever wanted to have a go at weaving?

posted in: Arts & Crafts, Textiles

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