candy universe

candy universe
Originally uploaded by bostinstuff

remembering the colouful sweets we loved when we were young(er)

a more colourful path

a more colourful path
Originally uploaded by bostinstuff

spent more time than I intended playing with this one today. The 'spheres' are aglass pebble and I have tried to give them a more transparent look

making notes

As a beginner with Photoshop, I seem to be learning the hard way. This photo of a pink peace rose made an ideal subject to try out the filters and artistic tabs. It was. Unfortunately, I didn't keep notes of how I got to the final picture.

spaceballs

spaceballs
Originally uploaded by bostinstuff

I scanned the painted cotton I used for the wall hanging and played with it in Photoshop

arty stuff

I painted the background to this piece a while ago and couldn't decide what to make of it (well, I am Pisces) and I had some small squares of muslin that I had dyed for a wall hanging so I stitched them to the background but felt it was too bland. So, old favourite Bondaweb came to the rescue. I painted a 30cm.piece in rainbow stripes and when it was dry, ripped it into rough pieces and ironed them on top.

The background had already been backed with wadding but I decided to staple the finished piece to a canvas as I didn't fancy quilting over the Bondaweb.

It makes a bright splash on a dull day.

I have begun a bigger version

heating up

Earlier this year I bought the book Hot Textiles by Kim Thittichai and have just finished this small wall hanging(20x29cms) and really enjoyed playing with the heat gun etc. Again, I already had a background piece of felt with odd bits of paint and embroidery on so I added some bits of yarn and fibre,backed a piece of voile with Bondaweb and layed it on top and 'zapped' it. Finally, I added some extra beads and thread. I met Kim at the Knitting and Stitching show at the NEC in September and had the opportunity to buy some more 'stuff' to experiment with. I would like to take a class with her if I get the chance. In the meantime I am trying to use some of the mountain of unfinished bits I already have.

The bling collar and brooches and pendants have been a way for me to get back into making stuff after a period of not being able to get going with anything. One of those blank times we all hit and goodness knows I have a roomful of 'stuff' just crying out to be used.

I have used bits of embroidery and crochet as background for the beading. The collar is crocheted from one of those balls of yarn I buy and never know what to do with.

I said I would!

I have been talking about starting this blog for months and now having messed about for days,changing the layout,my profile,and photo, finally I have reached a point where I have no possible reason to not actually say something.

It feels a little like having a new exercise book at the beginning of term,you know you will eventually smudge something or cross out and blot a page but for now it's all new and a bit scary.

So, since the main reason for doing this is to share with others what I am making and get feedback to improve my techniques as well as sharing family stuff I will start with some bits of 'bling'