http://buzzmills.typepad.com/blog/2013/03/handprinted-part-twofinished.html
I shipped my fabric for a handprinted fabric swap out over the weekend! I do hope my swap partners like them!
As I mentioned last week, I was a bit nervous about how my fabric was going to turn out this time, especially after my fiasco and somewhat lack luster final results of the last round. Because of those nerves I made more than four fat quarters. I wanted to make sure that I had fat quarters that I was proud of to send off to my partners. Plus, I had a ton of fun this go around. And, I've got some more foldover clutches that I want to make and I love the way they look with a bit of handprinted fabric, so unique!
Some things I learned between the last swap and this one...Printing on linen is lovely! I bought some linen on sale at my local fabric shop last month in anticipation of this fabric swap and I am so glad I did, the linen really highlights the colors and stamps so nicely.
Use the right paint! Last go around I had both kiddos underfoot as I was trying to decide which paint to use and colors, etc...a newbie to fabric painting I was stressed while choosing my paint. This time around I went (by myself) to a local art supply shop to buy my paint. I chatted with the very well experienced employees there and got just what I needed.
And, lastly, don't over think! While at the art supply store I bought a few blocks to carve, but I didn't end up using them. I will use them sometime, but this time I decided to go a different route, instead of carved blocks, I used objects found around the house...Some twisted copper wire...
An old potato masher...
Gave these circular lines...
Two different sized biscuit cutters...
Gave these overlapping rings...
And the bottom of this crystal vase...
Made these sweet flowers...
In the end, I am so happy with my results. I am glad that I gave it another go. And, I hope my partners enjoy their fabric.
Oh, I forgot to tell you the other day about these cool stamps, called Magic Stamps...
They are moldable foam stamps and they are so much fun! You heat them with a hair dryer and then make an imprint in them. When you are done you simply heat them again to smooth out the foam and then try again. Endless possibilities! The one on the left is an imprint from the potato masher and the one on the right is an imprint from the wrought iron foot pedal of an old singer sewing machine...
This is what they look like when stamped.
Pretty cool. I decided against using them this time because it felt like a bit too much paint, but I look forward to giving it a try again!
Alrighty, well that seems like enough stamp talk for today. Don't forget to check out other handprinted fabrics in the flickr group.
Have a great day.