Regular readers of Blog know exactly how I start each painted canvas project--I make a color copy of each canvas and if I plan to finish it myself, I also make a black and white copy. I use the color copy to see where details I've covered up with other stitches are so I can add them later on and the black and white copies are used as paper patterns to cut out lining or backing or both.
My next step is to look at the design carefully and then figure out what this is like in real life to help me choose threads. Looking at the shapes on the design help me pick out threads that are also that shape. Then I look at what is prominent on the design and what isn't to help me refine the threads and stitches I started out with (no shiny threads on the areas that should be in the background, for example). These are rules I normally work by. But they are my rules--not THE rules. They define my style, not describe the only way to work a canvas.
I know this and am always interested in what other people decide to do with their canvases. I treat any needlework show I am lucky enough to visit as a seminar. I read Needle Pointers and Needlepoint Now cover to cover. Doesn't matter if I like the projects or not. I'm there to learn from other stitchers, not add to my project list. I even study the ads carefully. I look online at stitching blogs and store sites to watch other stitchers work. I always learn something.
And occasionally I am able to take a class. I eagerly signed up for the SharonG Network (the elegant lady above is Sharon Garmize herself) and rummaged through my stash of 20 or so of SharonG canvases to find one that had me puzzled. I asked SharonG what to do with the camouflage bra and tap pants set and she came up with something that totally surprised me--
I sm going to bead it. Totally. Every inch of the painted canvas will be covered in beads except for the coat hanger.
!!!!!!!!
Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow
8 comments:
I can only add another "WOW!" Maybe watching you take this much beading on will help me learn to love beading a bit more. I now see it as pretty tedious.
Nancy
That is a very interesting idea. Well, the team of Sharon and Jane are the best so I'm just going to sit and watch.
I will say that I did a medium-large piece of beading once and it ended up being very heavy. Hmmm
Woohoo,yippee skippy! I can't wait to see this one beaded!! How fantastic!
It should be a lot of fun and a learning experience, too.
I've noticed how the beads add weight already. And I remember in Margaret C's interview that she mentioned a XS piece with many beads that she was afraid to frame due to the weight....
Nancy, think of beading as sort of tent stitching your piece, but with beads. It is tedious but also a bit relaxing.
Wow.....what a fascinating idea. Can't wait to see this progress. The two of you--such geniuses!! Denise
Thanks, Denise. SharonG is the genius, not me.
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