Tag Archive | artistic

Friday’s Favorites: Numbers and Measures

Dec30
Measuring Up
Measuring Up Montage

The montage has a collection of a few of my favorite things. The jewelry pieces are just fun, with both new and old typewriter keys, and charms. The dog tags belonged to my mom’s dog when she was growing up, my dad won the medal in a model airplane contest for one of his own designs. Other images are my dad’s actual dog tags from WWII, coins (from my grandpa), a wooden nickel I got a Knot’s Berry Farm as a kid and more buttons.

Shown here is the bracelet close-up. I started with a very well loved, tape measure that belonged to my Grandmother. I paired it with grosgrain ribbon and a few buttons that I found at the thrift store. The small button at the right has my mom’s initials on it. When I found it I thought must save this for just the right project, I think that I did!

The first bracelet was found on eBay, it was made with vintage typewriter keys. The necklace is made from new two-hole beads, with typewriter symbols, that have been strung on a rayon cord. The last bracelet, is made from new charms, that are attached to a vintage chain bracelet.

Favorite collection of measuring devices

Numbers can be viewed differently by the way you present them, such as “I HAVE 5 weeds!”, or “I only have five weeds…”; vice versa: “I only have five roses…” or “I HAVE 5 roses!”… you get the point. Numbers can also relate to how much money you have, or how wide you are by the inches on the tape measure, or the accumulation of years that equal your life.

Measuring up can mean quite a few things as well. With New Year’s Eve looming, and resolution lists waiting to be written, for me it means gauging my accomplishments, successes and triumphs. Did I spend my time wisely, did I make a difference, did I contribute?

Whatever your answers are to these questions, I hope that you enjoy the days, hours, and minutes to come! Be happy creating or be happy creatively! Enjoy- Christen

National Button Day, November 16, 2022

Nov16

I LOVE buttons!!! As a kid my mom kept a wooden cigar box in the sewing cupboard, it was full of buttons and all manner of treasures! When we were sick, or sometimes just bored she would pull out the box and let us play with them. At first I just loved the sound that the buttons made when they fell on the table, then I loved just looking at the colors, then I started imagining what I would do with them all. I learned a lot about color, shapes and sizes by playing and arranging these little treasures on the rug in the living room. My mom in her quiet wisdom allowed us to explore, and to create our own self-taught course on design.

What button box, stash or hoard does not include mother-of-pearl buttons? Here are two pins that I have made for a project that is included in my new book, Creative Embroidery, Mixing the Old with the New. The last image shows you a shell that the button blanks were cut from, and a collection of buttons.

Abalone shell buttons
Tahiti shell and brown muscle shell buttons
Metal buttons

Every discerning collector has a favorite material or type of button that they collect. I happen to love all of them!

  • Santa Fe Talisman starts with a base of velvet ribbon. I used abalone shell, brown muscle shell, jade and turquoise buttons. Additional components are glass seed and larger beads, shell and freshwater pearls.
  • Cobble Stone Collar is entirely worked in a beaded stitch. The Tahiti and brown muscle shell buttons, and fresh water pearls were stitched on after the piece was stitched.
  • Umbrian Vintage starts with a base of two silk rouleau cords, with the buttons and beads worked between them. I used metal, celluloid, and glass buttons as the focal points, with glass seed and larger beads for embellishments.
Celluloid Buttons
Glass Buttons
Tagua Nut Buttons

Buttons are easy to stitch in place with threads or beads, and therefor are not damaged in anyway. This way the beauty of the button can be appreciated, and the history preserved.

  • Deco Plumeria started with a grosgrain ribbon base, with hand-stitched ribbonwork flowers and leaves. I embellished these with a collection of celluloid buttons and glass beads.
  • Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride started with a velvet ribbon base. I used black glass buttons, metal buttons, and a few novelty buttons. The embellishments include vintage glass beads, seed beads and larger glass beads.
  • Woodland Roses also started with a velvet ribbon base. I used carved Bakelite roses for the focal points, and surrounded them with a collection of tagua nut and celluloid buttons.

If you want to know more about buttons, check out Piecework Magazine July/August 2013, for an article that I wrote called My Button Box. And in my new book, Creative Embroidery, Mixing the Old with the New, by C&T Publishing, I have a chapter dedicated to “What’s in Your Stash”, with two pages dedicated to button materials, types and more.

I hope that you too have happy fond memories of your mom’s button box, bag, or jar! Happy Stitching, ~Christen

Tide Pools Nature’s Treasures

Oct30

Tide Pools Natures Treasures

Tide Pools Nature’s Treasures

Being a native of Southern CA., a shell lover from early child hood, and an avid collector I am drawn to the ocean, the sand, the waves, the tide-pools and all of the treasures that you can find.

beach sand

I started my project with birch bark collected many years ago from our cabin outside of Toronto, Ontario Canada. This I used for the sand, and the inside of the bowls.

I then crumpled up pieces of cotton paper to create the waves, and rocks. I stitched these together with cotton and rayon threads on my sewing machine. I placed this on an old wooden tray, that had seen better days.

The next step was to create the actual tide pool rock formations that capture the sea life and shells.

I started with Timtex and more cotton paper. I cut round shapes in three different sizes. I layered cotton paper over these, and cut out round pieces of birch bark for the center of the bowls.

I stitched the layers together on the sewing machine. I then cut darts into the circles, and over lapped these to form the bowl shape. The last step was to cut the edges of each bowl and then machine stitch over these edges.

shells, sea life and kelp

shells, sea life and kelp

I had an abundance of real shells that I had collected over the many years of beach combing. I had a great time selecting which of these would be included into my beach scene.

I also had some old celluloid buttons that were somewhat grungy, but the colors matched and the patterning looked like sea urchins to me, these are interspersed amongst the bowls.

I thought that it would be cool to include shells and sea life that I had made from ribbons, crochet and embroidery. I started to play and this is what I came up with:

  • A crochet length of kelp with cord and pearl cotton, and grape shells at each leaf (these have a florist wire glued in the center to attach to the kelp)
  • Crochet and embroidered snail shells
  • Embroidered sea urchins, sea anemones and limpet shells
  • Embroidered and gathered ribbon coral
  • Ric-rac coral and star fish
  • Plumes of something made from rayon cord (I am not sure what these are but I liked them)

close-up view of three sizes of bowls

close-up view of three sizes of bowls

Happy beach combing and treasure hunting, enjoy- Christen!

Beaded Embroidery Stitching Blog Tour: My Turn!

Apr14

Next stop on the blog turn is ME!

Here is my new book, Beaded Embroidery Stitching, which includes 125 bead embroidery and bead woven stitches, using beads, buttons, charms and more. Once you practice the basic stitches, there are 8+projects for you to work your magic on!

I have included a section on the types of beads and embellishments that you will be using for the stitches, and the other items that can be included in your creations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many of the stitches included in the book are interpreted from traditional thread embroidery stitches.

I have included a look into my Design Process, and how a project will start.

I have included several versions of a design in different color ways so that the reader could see the possibilities.

Champagne and Pearls

Welcome Home

Spider Webs

Along Came a Spider

There are loads of inspiration for you to look at, with examples ranging from wall hangings, sewing caddies, pillows, bracelets, brooches and more.

I want to thank all of the magnificent participants that were kind enough to leave a post on the blogs. You can read the past posts here, and see what they thought about the book.

If you would like to win a free ebook version of my book, just leave a comment below, you will need to check in tomorrow to see if you have won. Good Luck!

Happy Stitching and Enjoy~ Christen

Ribbonwork Flowers: Wreaths

Apr20

I wanted to share the wreaths that I have included in my book, Ribbonwork Flowers. I have a fondness for wreaths, and had fun putting together the components for each of the following ones.

sweet wreathThe “Sweet Wreath” started with a wire base, that is covered with ruched grosgrain ribbon. The flowers include the Double Posy, Fancy Rosette, Star Point Petal flower, Knotted Ruffled Posy, Boat Gather Petal flower, and a Rosette.

spools and tools wreath“Spools and Tools” started with a base of vintage wooden spools that are strung on a wire base. I wrapped the spools with a novelty ribbon, that had images of seed packages. The center piece is a pair of garden sheers that were my grandmothers. Each grouping of blue, red and yellow flowers is set into a vintage thimble with advertising on it. I also included Rosettes made from novelty ribbon with a button center, and lady bugs made from grosgrain ribbon. To finish the wreath I added vintage buttons and vintage tin butterflies.

rustic garlandThe “Rustic Garland” started with a fabulous plaid grosgrain ribbon that I found on sale at Joannes Fabrics. The brown grosgrain came from a friend who worked for Harry and Davids, the burgundy ribbon came off of a pillow that I bought and the turquoise twill tape is from the Martha Stewart collection. The remaining double sided satin, jacquard and sheer ribbons were found in my stash.

mariposa fall wreath“Mariposa Fall” wreath started with a wire base, covered in vintage celluloid and Bakelite buttons sprinkled with gold-tone and copper butterflies. I died most of the ribbons, except for the Hannah bias silk that I made the pansies from. The remaining flowers are the Rosette, the Posy, English Miss and Simple Flower.

Thank you for looking, and Happy Stitching! ~Christen

Booth at the Southern California Council of Quilt Guilds-2014

May5

This April my daughter and I attended the Southern California Council of Quilt Guilds presentation of Meet the Teacher. It was a fabulous event, where guild members were introduced to perspective teachers.

boothpic4Each teacher had a table, set up with their samples and teaching information. It was great to be there, especially with Gwen, as she helped so much!

boothpic1Here I am with some of the class samples, and wearing one of my garments from my lecture “Vintage Redressed”.

I have several lectures and classes that I teach for guilds and groups. If you are interested in hiring me for a lecture and to teach for your guild, please contact me at:

thestoreonthecorner@gmail.com

Happy Stitching! Enjoy ~Christen

New Jewels and Stuff

Sep29

I have been working on some new pieces and thought that I would share my treasures!

blackandcoralThis ensemble started with the earrings, which I found at the Goodwill Store, they were .99. Many years later I found the bracelet on eBay, it was a bit more, $22.99. I started searching for a necklace or something to go with my ensemble, and I found these vintage (new/old stock) glass cabs, with a two-hole channel on the back. I searched for a while longer to find the right beads (all new). The bracelet to the right uses vintage glass sew-through beads with vintage buttons and new glass beads.

coins and chainThis necklace started with the big link chain that is used in the lower portion of the necklace. My friend Phred gave me some smaller lengths of chain to “play with” which I wove through the big links. I then used old coins that had  holes in the middle; I inserted vintage livery buttons into the holes. I then inserted a jump ring into the shank of the button, and attached each coin/button combo to a link in the chain. I added a smaller chain to extend the necklace. I found the earrings, made from vintage American coins on eBay.

cats meowThis is called “Cat’s Meow”, of course! The base of the necklace is made from a picot edge grosgrain ribbon that has been stitched and embellished with a silk rouleau cord. I started collecting cat buttons after I found these fabulous enamel earrings. The larger cat faces are made from papier mache,  the other buttons include plastic, metal and glass. I have a charm bracelet with silver and gold colored cats.

chain linkThis necklace started with bits of left over chain (some given to me by my buddy Phred) in all shapes, metal colors and sizes. I linked the lengths together to make one length for a necklace. I then found all sorts of charms in silver, copper and antique brass colors. These I added at intervals to the chains, in a random-ish pattern (meaning the necklace is balanced but the charms rest on different portions of chain).

buddyBuddy, started with two antique glass doll eyes. I just fell in love with the brown color, and wanted to make a cat face. So I drew a few samples and this is the image that I came up with. He rests at 2-1/2″ wide x 2-1/2″ tall. He is made from synthetic felt, and is embroidered with cotton floss.

Thanks for stopping by! ~Christen

Embellished Silk Treasures

Apr8

silk hankies, silk cocoons, silk threads, silk ribbons

Embellished Silk Treasures is a wall hanging made from two different Silk Painter’s Hankies, 1 package of Painter’s Potpourri Thread Embellishment Packs. The base is made from split silk cocoons, which were adhered to Lutrador, then machine embellished with gold threads. This was then embellished further with bits of painted vilene, fabric circles, fiber beads, and ribbon pods. A few embroidery and beading stitches enhance the components.

Happy Stitching~ Christen

Heartfelt and Simply Lovely

Apr1

Here a few hearts that I have been working on. All of these were made from synthetic felt and cotton floss.

hearts made from felt

In both of these groups I have worked with reverse applique, padded applique and pieced applique. The stitches are all done in traditional embroidery stitches with two or three strands of cotton floss.

embroidered felt hearts

Enjoy~ Christen

Fall International Quilt Festival: 2012 Teaching Schedule

Mar25

I am so honored to announce that I was accepted as a teacher for the upcoming Fall International Quilt Festival held in Houston Texas, October Wednesday 31 2012 – Sunday November 4, 2012. Please click on the link for further information.

ribbonwork flowers

The first class that I will be teaching is called “Ribbonwork Flower Gardens”, Wednesday October 31, 2012, to support my new book Ribbonwork Gardens. This is a 6 hour class that will cover twelve of the basic techniques covered in my book.

ribbonwork flowers

I will be giving a lecture Thursday November 1, 2012 on “Ribbonwork Gardens”, showing the gallery examples included in the book, as well as others from my collection. A small sampling of these examples can be seen on C&T’s flickr page.

I will be participating in the Mixed Media Miscellany, Thursday November 1, 2012, with my presentation: “Successfully Playing with Color”. This demonstration will open your world to the possibilities of COLOR. Teaching you how to easily create your own colors and dye baths with successful results every time.

I will be participating in the Friday Sampler, November 2, 2012, with my presentation on “Designing with Color”. Color and where to use it has always been a question asked by my students. I will give you insight on my own color theory, and how I use this in my work.

I will be teaching “Bohemian Button Bracelets”, November 2, 2012. This is a three hour class, where you can bring your treasured stash of buttons, beads and charms to create a one of a kind bracelet reminiscent of the Bohemian Gypsy in all of us.

vintage buttons

I will be participating in the Saturday Sampler, November 3, 2012, with presentation on “What’s in Your Button Box?” Everyone has a button stash and it may include buttons passed down through the years. I will give you some tips on identifying these treasures, along with showing you samples of my own collection.

tandletons

I will be teaching a three hour class called “Tandletons”, on Saturday November 3, 2012. These little threaded works of art are made from a stuffed silk bias ribbon button, and stitched with dyed cotton embroidery thread and a few embroidery stitches.

I hope to see you there!

Happy Stitching, Christen