Cat Hand Tree Collage Quilt

 You may be saying, "What in the world is a Cat Hand Tree Collage Quilt?" or possibly, "Why would anyone want one?"  I wanted to make an original collage quilt. It started as a tree. I feel like there is some powerful symbolism in hands and like to incorporate them in my work when I can. And, I have a lot of cat fabrics. And that is the shortish answer to those questions.

Emerson As A Pillow

Many years ago, I took a collage quilt class with Laura Heine and made a very cute puppy, named Emerson. Her use of bright colors fused together makes for a happy project. The pattern is available through her website, here.  It was patterned as a wall hanging but I turned mine into a pillow and see it every day, as he sits on the mudroom bench. 

Tree Collage Quilt

Using the collage technique, that I sort of remembered from the class, I drew a tree-like shape and then searched for fabrics in my stash to cut up. Rainbow colors are always fun to use and ROY G BIV placement is usually successful.  

Some help

My cat routinely tries to supervise. Does it look like there is a halo over his head? He is not as angelic as he appears and, in fact, moved some of the pieces around when flicking his tail.

Cat Tree Collage Quilt

For my first attempt at an original collage design, I am not unhappy with it. 

Thanks for stopping by today!

Frosted Designs Color Challenge - Another Art Journal Page

 It has been a long while since I posted about the art journal that I made out of white denim fabric or shared any of the pages inside.  The Color Challenge at Frosted Designs seemed like the perfect opportunity to work on some things that had been kicking around in my head for a few weeks.  The color inspiration for this challenge is this picture:

About two months ago I printed the Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec Moulin Rouge poster (from a "Permission Free" Dover CD) knowing that it was for a page in my journal.  It has been moved all around on my desk until I could finally find time to use it.  I also knew that I had been wanting to try mixing dye based re-inker with modeling paste. The bricks were made with CTMH Barn Red re-inker and Liquitex Modeling Paste and a Crafter's Workshop template.  It was awesome that so many things were falling into place!

The pages of this book are all made of a heavy weight denim.  On this page I applied a layer of gesso before painting with acrylic paints.  And then the layering fun began!

Modeling Paste and CTMH Barn Red Ink  for Bricks

The words on this page relate to my constant state of worry.  If worrying could be an art-form, I would have it perfected.  I am trying to spend some time helping myself to worry a bit less... so this it what it says:

As the weight of the bricks
became too much
it occurred to her
She could dance
or
She could fret
but
she could not do both at the same time

Art Journal Page on Denim

There is a stamped image that says: "Note to self" pointing to the handwritten words, "Don't worry".  On the label at the bottom left corner it says "Be Happy!"

Maybe one day the happy will be allowed to exist in my mind without worrying that something untoward will befall someone I care about!  In the meantime, my art gives me a healthy vehicle to explore what is on my mind.

I hope you find time to make art for yourself. If it happens to follow the colors of the Challenge at Frosted Designs, we'd love it if you would play along with us!  Please link up your card, layout or off the page project here.

Thank you for visiting!  Be happy!
Beverly

Things Are Not Always Black and White

5" x 7" Black Cardstock Base

I've wanted to "do" collage for a few years but have never tried it until today.  This is my first timid foray into this art form... and it is a small attempt, I'll admit. The bottom rectangle was stamped with a small chevron stamp (several times to make a background.)  I stamped a few other images onto white tissue paper and then adhered them to the background.  Then I stamped the small bird and the flower on white cardstock and placed those on top of the other images.  I typed the words onto vellum and popped it with dimensional foam.

The rest of the card is my more traditional approach. :-)  Traditional stamping, embossing, die cuts, etc.

Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch used 5 Times and Glued Together to  Make It Really Thick

 The meaning behind the title is two fold:  My dd1 is facing a lot of big decisions in her final year at college.  Logically, all is easy - it is black and white.  However, when feelings are involved - It isn't always black and white.  Your heart colors your perception.

The second meaning is because of the SDC Challenge - Black and White and a Hint of Color!

All stamps are retired CTMH images

Thank you for visiting my blog today.  I do appreciate your time and comments - Especially, since I'm learning something new and am a bit nervous about sharing my first attempt!

This card is entered into the following two challenges:

Stampotique Designers Challenge 38 

Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Week 74 - Things With Wings