On Tips and Tea on Tuesdays, I will cover a topic and hopefully provide you with some tips that will be helpful! And just as an afterthought, tea may occasionally be a cup of Joe!
Tea today, was a cup of coffee with my hubby! Long ago, I decided that Kevin needed a hobby, this way I could focus on something for gift giving occasions. I thought that he could collect frogs for this hobby, why? no idea. This became a team effort that our daughter and I could really have fun with. Then his mom and sister got into the act, and at one point we ended up with over 300 frogs. One of the more memorable gifts from his mom, was a frog that croaked out “Jingle Bells”. I must admit that I forgot to replace the batteries when they wore out.
Eventually this unusual “frog moniker” to represent Kevin filtered into my creative endeavors. I chose a ladybug to represent our daughter, as she loved red and black, and I became the bunny or cat, depending on the availability of the buttons or charms.
I also like to sign my pieces, using a “C” sew-through charm that I bought many years ago. I don’t worry if the orchid color bead doesn’t match the piece that I am working on, as it is meant to stand alone as my signature.
Originally when I bought this group, I thought to myself, how on earth will I have the time to make enough pieces and use up all of those Cs? I continue to work, and hope that at some point I can answer that question.
Tip: Create a Special Signature for Your Art Work
I admit that it was serendipitous to find those “C” beads, in lieu of that, I suggest that you find something that is unique to you and your style.
- Do you have a favorite number? or a even letter?
- Suggestion: Use a fabric glue, or low melt glue gun to affix wooden numbers or scrabble tiles to your fiber pieces
- Do you have a favorite group of images?
- Suggestion: Collect charms and buttons in the groups that you like, and store them somewhere you can locate them!
- Do you have a favorite bead color that you like and use a lot?
- Suggestion: stitch a large bead or sequin in the corner or center of your art-piece. If the beads are smaller, stitch 3 stacked bead stitches in a group for your signature.
- Do you have a favorite or special shape button that you like, or one that tells your story?
- Suggestion: stitch the button in place with perle cotton, on the same corner of every art-piece.
- Do you have a favorite charm that you like, perhaps a flower, heart or ladybug?
- Suggestion: use the same shape or variation of the shape, or use a different color of glass, metal or plastic that would mach the art-piece.
- Do you have a whimsical side, perhaps use a funky notion as your signature!
- Suggestion: stitch the notions in place with perle cotton, add embroidery stitches to create a butterfly or flower.
- Do you have a favorite color that you like or always use?
- Suggestion: Use the color for your signature while piecing the project, or as the lining, or use it in your embroidery stitches. One of my dear friends loved acid green, she used it on every garment she ever made; whenever I come across that color in my travels I think, there is that “Betty Green”, and I smile!
Happy tea drinking and stitching to you! ~Christen
PS: If you have any questions or thoughts, just leave a comment! See Tips, Tricks, the Basics, for more helpful ideas.
Christen's Creations 