Monday, September 8, 2008

MORE LINKS, ART-E-ZINE, FABRIC PAPER

I've put up some more Links categories - scroll down till you see something you like. I had a very happy afternoon blog-hopping, finding new artwork to drool over.

Has anyone seen Art-e-zine lately?
http://www.art-e-zine.co.uk/newstuff.html

Gillian Allen has run this fabulous site over several years and it just keeps getting better! If you don't know this site (I already put it in my Resources links) then make yourself the hot beverage of your choice, a few biscuits or whatever for sustenance and prepare to cosy up to some of the most fabulous artwork on the net for the next hour or three. I just found this little link of Gillian's personal Final Solution for what to do with all those bits & pieces of paper we just can't throw away:
http://www.art-e-zine.co.uk/box.html
Start now in time for Christmas is all I'll say. Perfect for putting little gifties in (earrings, brooches, miniature books).

Spread it out into a sheet and you have another version of Fabric Paper! If you pile it all too high and you are worried about bits coming adrift, what about adding yet another layer: NET (I'm thinking net as in ballet tutus). Or wide organza ribbon. Sew it down - use a machine (a simple zigzag stitch would be safest - the thread will be less likely to break and the needle to snag). Try a ballpoint needle - or a leather needle if the paper is very thick.

OR... forget the machine. Hand sew it! Use embroidery floss - at least 3 strands, or the full thickness, and try these stitches: cross stitch, herringbone stitch, running stitch, blanket stitch (same as buttonhole but more widely spaced) & chain stitch. Here's how to do them:
http://vintagesewing.info/19th/1892-sn/sn-03.html
Throw in a couple of French Knots (also in the link). You'll get great texture and a brilliant substrate for whatever else you might want to throw on top.

Gluing? I recommend PVA glue (white glue) and I really like ArtAttack
http://www.laoffice.co.uk/search/show_product.aspx?Pid=623953
which is sold in most stationers in the UK. It's very fluid, has great slip, dries clear and is washable so you can get it out of clothes and brushes (I often forget and the brush has dried solid overnight - if this happens to you, leave the brush to soak in COLD water,then wash out under the tap, working a little dishwashing liquid into the bristles. It will dry good as new.) Berol dries rock solid on brushes (as does Mod Podge) and you have to throw them away... unless you keep them for making designs in paste papers.

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