Monday, July 28, 2014

Quick Draw a Fun Event!

To complete a piece in an hour, yes, it is most important to have a plan. First you need to locate a frame the size you want to use and be sure the art can just be set into it without any tools required. For the previous Quick Draws, I have usually done something with thread-painting, but this year I thought I'd create a background by some strip piecing in the sew and flip method, using a variety of black and white prints in 1" to 2" widths. Of course, these strips were precut and ready, as well as a backing and batting, with several 45-degree lines to keep the angles true.

I started near the middle on one of the longest rows and sewed to the bottom right edge, then turned the piece upside down to add strips toward the top left edge. Next I heated my tiny Clover iron and fused the precut sunflower to the corner and added several shades of yellow and green stitches to enhance the large flower. I also added a rust-colored butterfly and stitched it. (Looking at the picture makes me realize I must wash those Machingers!)
 

I taped the piece to the mat and called it finished. Since there were a few minutes left before the bell for the 15-minute "framing" period, I decided to try fusing some of the green leaves onto the mat. The Steam-a-Seam had a good sticky back and I could position the leaves, then apply the iron. I love extending the picture off into the border, so this helped carry out this idea.
 
The afternoon was full of excitement and fun, visiting with guests who walked around asking questions and commenting. I didn't have time to circulate but enjoyed seeing all the finished pieces during the live auction. Proceeds benefitted the South Mississippi Children's Center.

12 comments:

Shirley Wiltshire said...

Love it.

Julia Graber said...

Yes indeed. I love it too.

Martha Ginn said...

I added a black metal frame and glass, which made it look much more finished and ready for the wall. This was my first attempt to fuse some of the applique to the mat, but it worked well.

Ruth Powers said...

This was a very cool project and I loved what you did! The addition of the green leaves over the may was genious....

Martha Ginn said...

Thanks, Ruth. Of course, this took lots of planning and preparation--even did a dry run to see if it could be done in the hour. Fusing to the mat was scary, but added a lot. This is a far cry from your untold hours projects!

Ruth Powers said...

Mat, not may --I should proof read! Anyway, great job.

Martha Ginn said...

I knew you meant mat!

Ellen Lindner said...

I love this! The whole idea is very cool, and your resulting art is quite successful. Way to get fiber art out there!

ann said...

WOW! That is a fantastic piece. I'm amazed you did that in an hour. What did you do at home in preparation for this project? Is there a set size people work to?

Martha Ginn said...

Ann, I layered a backing to batting and drew my rectangle onto the batting to know how far to stitch. I also drew a couple of 45 degree lines to help keep the strips true. At home I cut a variety of black/white strips from 1"-2" to have ready to stitch in the sew/flip method. I also had the flower and butterfly cut with fusible on the back. It is important to have a frame with those little sliding clips so it is quick to assemble.
There's always the worry of mechanical failure with your extension cord, machine, etc. The guy helping me set up my table and machine didn't have the table locked secure and it dropped with my machine; but my trusty Pfaff was fine after the sudden jolt as it dropped to the floor. Size--some of the painters even worked on large gallery wrapped canvases, requiring no framing. I work with whatever size I have a convenient frame for. Thanks for reading and asking!

LA Paylor said...

you have so many fun artistic activities! I would love to do this. Say hi to the cats, especially tarbaby... still hanging around upside down? LeeAnna

Martha Ginn said...

Yes, our art association (South MS Art Assn) is very active, and my fiber art fits in well. My three cats are happy the latest fosters are adopted, and Tarbaby is again free to move about without the intrusion of little curious furballs. He still loves to hang off my lap so I can stroke him tummy. Of course, this requires one hand holding him, meaning one-handed typing. My! What we put up with to humor our pets!