Haven't you sometimes found yourself sometimes stuck creatively or just get a little unsure of yourself? Well, that's why I chose my word of the year to be EXPLORE. It gives me the excuse to jump forward and try things without fear and to not worry about stumbling along the way. Sure, I'll have some "failures". But I'll probably have some unexpected successes, too, that I wouldn't have had if I hadn't set my sights into new territory. To start off this idea, I began by making a prayer flag for my studio with my word on it. Here is its photo in-process.
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| original plan |
I hand-sewed those elements on and did a pillow case backing. The bottom of the fabric was hanging lopsided and I liked the look so I went with that. I embroidered the word on with a split back stitch.
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| Finished flag |
I decided to not add the key. I added embroidery instead to symbolize footsteps.
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| Flag hanging on studio door |
I sewed tabs on the back of the flag and attached it to a wood rod leftover from a paper Chinese scroll we bought in China in 1984. The scroll deteriorated long ago. The orange silk ties are remnants from saris that I got in a fabric trade in one of my art groups.
So now, every time I walk into my studio, I am pushed forward to not be afraid to go for it. I'm linking this to
Off The Wall Friday where you can find other art quilt blogs. Please make comments on their posts so that the artists will know you stopped by. Thanks for visiting.
great flag and good prompt to go forward with budding ideas to see what they look like as they open!
ReplyDeletei like to use chopsticks stained with leftover paint to carry my prayer flags. AND lately i have been calling them HOPE flags as well!
I wasn't sure I should call it a prayer flag since it wouldn't be outside and wouldn't deteriorate as real prayer flags do. Your idea is a good one, too.
DeleteThis has turned out really well! What a great way to remind yourself to push the boundaries.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kaja. I think I'm going to like having this greeting me on the door.
DeleteIt's a great little piece that surely will inspire you to Explore.
ReplyDeleteThanks. It already has.
DeleteThe bottom is one of those times when a mistake becomes better than the original - I love the bottom how it looks like it's blowing in the wind bringing exploring ways to your studio :-)
ReplyDeleteNicely written!
DeleteGreat piece. Esp. Like the embroidered "Explore" and the white sq. in the background is so unexpected but so perfect!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I included the light blue silk piece in order to have a light value in the piece. The photo doesn't pick it up well, but it's actually a mottled light blue.
DeleteVery nice little piece and what a great way to hang it.
ReplyDeleteWith large quilts, you always have to sew on hanging sleeves, but with small ones, you get to have fun and be creative.
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