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Here’s an update to the panel I started last week using Shiva Paintstiks & DesignMagic Stencils. This is what I did:
This is a small (approx. 20″ x 20″), contemporary wall quilt (top only so far).
Notice how the design flips on the sides?
I don’t tend to feel comfortable (it’s not natural for me) to be working in contemporary design so this project has been an excellent exercise for me. These colors are also not my usual choices, but I like the piece quite a lot so far. Still need to determine the quilting design…any ideas anyone? Wish I had more time to play right now–I had SO much fun using Paintstiks and DesignMagic Stencils.
Question: What do you get when Shelly Stokes combines Safari Design Magic Stencils, Paintstiks & the Lazy Girl Margo pattern?
Answer: This simply spectacular, stunning Margo Bag.
Shelly created the stunning fabric for this beautiful Margo while writing her new Design Magic book. The book arrived just prior to Spring Market this year (2010) and Shelly says:
“Once the book arrived and everything was packed, I decided to take a few hours to make something special for myself using the cover fabric from the book. I’ve already worn out the Primrose tote that started my Design Magic adventure, so I decided to make the new Margo bag from my good friend Joan Hawley at Lazy Girl Designs.”
Click here to read Shelly’s review of Margo and more about Design Magic book & Design Magic Safari stencils on the Cedar Canyon Textiles blog.
I’ve been yearning to break out my Shiva Paintstiks for a long time; even before Shelly Stoke’s book, Design Magic was released. But once I had a chance to read through the book I just couldn’t take it anymore and finally MADE the time this afternoon/evening. Shelly’s instructions make the techniques very easy to achieve. And the book has a ton of tips, ideas and information.
BUT…it took me a while to decide on the colors I wanted to work with (both fabric and Paintstik). And more time to decide on the project (and which stencil) I wanted to make. I have a love/hate relationship with the selection process. It feels like wasting time that I could be using to work on the project, but I haven’t been able to figure out a way to speed up the process. I need to feel satisfied with the selections before my mind allows me to do the work. Do you ever have that problem when working on projects?
It was like being a kid in candy store, I swear. I have so much trouble deciding because I want one of everything! In the end, I selected a project from the Design Magic book and decided on the Design Magic Scroll Stencil. But, I never seem to be able to follow a project exactly, so I’m altering it to suit my own inner artist.
I am TOTALLY loving the Design Magic technique using stencils & brushes.
My must have tools while working with Paintstiks include: Grip-n-Grip Mat, Palette Paper (or parchment paper), 404 Spray Fix or other fabric safe temporary spray adhesive OR painter’s tape to secure the stencil while working, and a roll of paper towels.
This is the first time I tried using the longer, softer 1/2′ brush and I have been extremely impressed with the results. The paint seems to spread in a softer, smoother manner than when I’ve tried the short/harder bristled brushes in the past. Of course, it could have been my lack of experience that produced the more ‘brush marked’ results. The older I get, the more I discover there really is no short cut for practice and experience. Reading tips and instructions help a great deal, but actually doing the work is what makes the difference over the long term.
I’ve found I work best in semi-planned chunks. So, I’ve finished my project, materials, colors & stencil selection and the first/largest of 3 panels. I will work on the 2 remaining panels after I’ve finished writing the eNews this weekend. Here’s a look at the process of what I’ve done so far:
I *LOVE, LOVE, LOVE* the striking graphic look of this panel. I wish I could stay working on this all night… Alas, I have other (family & business) deadlines to meet before I may continue.
Stay tuned for my progress and more pictures this weekend and next week.
If you have kids, chances are you may have some clutter in your car. I know I do. My two sons constantly bringing things in the car that get swallowed up in the seat. I finally got fed up an made a matching set of Clutter Catchers (from the SewBaby pattern of the same name). It’s amazing how much more comfortable our ride is now that each son has a place for his video games, sunglasses, water bottle and assorted other items.
I’ve been asked how difficult they are to make. And the answer is…not difficult at all. The pattern is very clear. I followed it exactly, step by step, and my clutter catchers turned out wonderfully. They were also very easy to install and fit our seats perfectly just as the pattern stated.
If you can sew a straight seam and follow instructions step by step, you shouldn’t have any problems making this pattern up. It does get a little bulky in some places when sewing on the pockets, so I slowed my speed and lengthened my stitch length a bit. I didn’t have any problems at all. The best part is the car stays cleaner and there’s virtually zero arguing over whose owns “that thing” (because they each have their own designated spaces) .
Click here to see the Clutter Catchers pattern ON SALE now at SewThankful.