Paper and Threads

 My Fabric Studio:  This is the old maid's room in my 1920s New York City apartment.  The previous owner made this 7 ft 3 inch by 9 foot 9 inch room into a small library and the lovely cabinets/bookshelves that line both side walls are just visible.  It would be hard to catalog all of the fabric, thread, and supplies that fill this small room - there is one ceiling to floor cabinet that is just filled with procion dyes and all of the supplies necessary to paint/dye silk. 

Below: EDM Challenge #9 - Controlled Chaos

This is a quick sketch of my fabric studio.  I love this space and can lose myself for hours in the midst of all of this fabric and these supplies.

My rudimentary art supplies:  French School student grade pan watercolor paints, several 5 ml Winsor Newton primary color tube watercolor paints, assorted brushes, a plastic palette, Pigma micron pens (03 and 05), a Derwent graphic 2B pencil, and a Bic click eraser.  I don't have room to expand so I'll have to continue to work in small format journal sketchbooks!

Posted by Shirley at 7:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Santa Christmas Ornament Collection: EDM Challenges #19 (A Collection) and #46 (Holiday Themed)

For approximately 30 years I have selected and made a prototype ornament each Fall and then made 20-24 of the same ornament for gifts for Family and Friends.  Each of these is made entirely of fabric, usually scraps from my many quilting projects.  I couldn't think of any specific thing that I collect for EDM Callenge #19 until I started to decorate our Christmas tree this year.  Although I have a small collection of reindeer, angels, and birds, the Santas are my favorite.  Each of my children have a full set of these ornaments for their Christmas trees.  It was fun to paint the fabric designs.

Posted by Shirley at 8:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The top 2 Santas are flat.  The star Santa is heavily stuffed.

Posted by Shirley at 8:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This 7th Santa is made on a large red jingle bell and is the family favorite.

Posted by Shirley at 8:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I had trouble deciding how to draw an animal - none around - and how to honor my Father.  He was an amateur photographer during his retirement and I have several mounted enlargements in my apartment.  I walked past this photo many times before suddenly realizing that it was perfect for EDM Challenges 20 (Draw something "Dad) and 44 (Draw an animal). 

Posted by Shirley at 11:39 AM | Permalink