Tuesday, June 16, 2009

camel: artist Elizabeth Thompson


camel
Originally uploaded by tulpastudios
I looked up marionette puppets on Flickr tonight and sifted through the fashion, compositional and perspective study type photos. Three separate and random times I picked out a striking photo and all three times it was a photo from Tulpa Studios showcasing Elizabeth Thompson's work. When Dave and I can't agree on something we often play Rochambeau. Whatever the outcome we do it, no best two out of three business. After three hits, well I had no choice but to write about her.

I love this photo but I encourage you to check out the rest of her work which spans a gorgeous giant blue spider, minutely detailed arch. sets, and yes a few marionettes as well.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Iron On Transfer tutorial for embroidery

This is a repost of a tutorial by http://sparklygreenknickers.blogspot.com/


I wanted to repost this, sometimes the simple things are good. Placing exactly what you want or replicating a drawing/design can be a task. I think this breaks it down to a nice bite sized piece.

~ak

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Iron-on Transfer Pencil Tutorial

I've wanted to do embroidery for a while now, but was always baffled as to how I put my own image or text on to the fabric. Then I came across an iron-on transfer pencil on someone's blog (sorry, have no idea which one it was - I subscribe to way too many!). I'm sure people have been using them for years, but for those of us who haven't - or who haven't even heard of them - this tutorial is for you.

I have used a red Clover iron-on transfer pencil. Presumably there are other brands of transfer pencils on the market - please follow the instructions on the packet, as I have only used the Clover pencil.
1. I drew the original image myself (copying and enlarging an image I found on some fabric). I first drew it in lead pencil, then traced over the top with a black fine liner pen to give a clear outline.
2. I wanted the image to come out as I initially drew it, so I flipped the paper over and traced over the back of the image, to give me a reverse of the original image. If you are using text, you will need to do this, too. If you don't mind which way your scooter faces, then you can skip this step.
3. I then placed some baking paper (which is all I had on hand) over the new image and traced over it using the iron-on transfer pencil. I pressed quite firmly to ensure good coverage of the image.

4. The next step is to iron the image onto your fabric. Lay your fabric down and work out where you want your image placed. Place the baking/tracing paper pencil side down on the fabric. Set the iron to the temperature required for your particular fabric (eg hot iron for cotton or linen). Press a dry iron firmly over the image for 10-20 seconds, taking care not to glide the iron, as this may distort your image.
5. And hey presto! You have an image ready for embroidery. (Don't be distracted by the TV, as I was, and burn your fabric!!)
6. Choose your floss, and start embroidering.

The transfer can be used several times. This was my third time using this particular transfer, and I was surprised at how bright it came out.

The transfer works better on lighter coloured fabrics, as you probably won't be able to see it on darker fabrics.

The transfer is permanent. Make sure you position the transfer correctly before ironing. Have a sharp point on your pencil so you get a thin line transferred onto your fabric. Don't skip any steps if you're using text - otherwise you will transfer a mirror image of the text!

And, as always with new toys and gadgets, test on a scrap piece of fabric first!

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~ak

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Girlie Concrete Rocks


I came across this a little while ago and tucked it safely into a folder on my computer. Time to bust it out and share. Anyhow I was really impressed with the very idea of this, I have tinkered with embedding fiber projects in plastics, it is a current theme around here but concrete? I've never considered it. So here it is, Girlie Concrete. This is a Tactility Factory Production that has recently seen its fair share of both gallery and design spaces. I have a special affinity to cob because of the ability to work in other objects into the structure being built, this allows for endless possibilities. This idea of "soft building surfaces" is similar but lends itself to a very sleek and modern profile. Plus, well its embroidered concret! Check out their blog http://girliconcrete.blogspot.com/ for more information. They also have a website which you can find on their blog. side note: I just received two of the most gorgeous books yesterday, both are of art by Ernst Haeckel. If you are unfamiliar do yourself a favor and check him out.
~ak

Tuesday, June 2, 2009


Um, does anyone need a life-sized Tyrannosaurus Cast Skeleton? I mean with the will farrell flick coming soon and all.

I love the thought of this in my yard, but alas a tad bit too big. I see it looming over the chicken run.

I know there are some folks out there who read this and say, " You know I could use a T-Rex skeleton, life sized, cast (doesn't say in what) in my life."
Now mind you this is a real add, so no naughty faker takers, make sure you want it! That's not nice.

~ ak


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Cast of Tyrannosaurus skeleton (Life size, packed in boxes) (SW Portland)

Reply to:sale-veyrg-1201033222@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-06-02, 12:20AM PDT


My father acquired this as a donation, and it has been stored in boxes for the last 35 years. I cannot pay to store it anymore, so if you'd like it call link to craiglist ad, the phone number is on the real ad.

Location: SW Portland
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
PostingID: 1201033222

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I think I need this, it can sit next to my Microfiche.

I am reading: By Tom Robbins Still Life with Woodpecker