Debbie Babin » artwork

Hand Stitching with Kimono Silk

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:15:43 +0000

I have been busy working on a new project that is made with silk fabric from vintage kimonos.

This image shows is the current status and I am happy to report that it is almost finished. I only have a bit more stitching to do.

In the beginning this piece looked totally different. Read the details of the evolution on my other blog ZEN CLOTH

In three posts:

Hand Piecing Kimono Silks

Silk Transformation

Successful Transformation

Absent

admin — Mon, 18 May 2009 23:56:37 +0000

I have been absent. In February my husband fell and crushed his left heal. Shortly after that my computer started failing. I am the official NURSE for my husband thus, my time has shifted from my normal activities. I do have a new computer but switching over is such a PAIN! During all of that I was asked to write a new online class for Joggles. I did manage to squeeze it in, barely. I am really excited about it! The subject is a vintage style botanical. The techniques are multiple but mostly center around using Ranger Ink Color Wash on paper and other surfaces. Here is a peak at the finished art work.

22″ x 25

This combination is MIXED MEDIA. There are two separate pieces that are made independently and then quilted together. The flower is an Orchid-Catteleya which is the only cotton fabric in the combination. The other materials are paper, interfacing and organza. This piece was so much fun! I am totally sold on Ranger Ink Color Wash. The results this product can produce are amazing! The best thing about the colors is no matter how many are combined, the colors stay pure and do not get muddy. They come in a small spray bottle which allows for misting several colors to create wonderful nuances.

Close up of upper left

Stamps are used to add text to painted organza and paper surfaces. The word ORCHID is stamped onto painted organza and then hand stitched. Most of the stitching is done by machine. The applique of the orchid is done using my favorite method and a tool I call a “Search Guide”.

A close up of the upper right corner of the base layer

The base layer includes stenciled organza and interfacing. These are quilted together and embellished with buttons. These details are brief as there are many more aspects to reveal. I hope to wet your appetite and peak your curiosity. This class will be available in August. See the new schedule at Joggles.com. See the complete description under my class titled: Vintage Botanical Interpretaion

Productive Week-New Art Work

admin — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 03:39:40 +0000

Title: Together 12″ x 15″

Fabric Collage

The individual sections of this piece have been lying on my workbench for weeks. I kept looking at them as I worked on other things. I saw potential from the beginning. Once I began to work on it about 1 hour later the composition came together. Five hours more and it was done. I don’t usually know how much time goes into a piece as I usually spend days; which includes time to make considerations. What a joy to see something come together in one day.

Another piece that I made this week is a mini version of a larger one. The larger one has lyrics to the famous song by John Lennon, Imagine. It is one of my all time favorite songs. After I finished it I realized that because the lyrics are copyrighted they are not mine to use. That piece of art will have to remain in my private collection. This mini version will give you a taste of the larger one which is much more dynamic and rich.

Title: Imagine 7″ x 11″

Machine pieced and quilted, acrylic paint, hand stitching

The figures represent “all the people”. There are 5 figures, two men, two women and one child. The larger version has two sets of figures which are standing on hills which represent nations.

The message is:

Imagine all the people live in peace across the nations.

I plan to attempt another large version without the lyrics. Copyright laws are infringed upon right and left in todays world. Many of us do not realize what can and cannot be copied. This mistake I made is a classic example. I for one, think of the words to many Beatle songs as words that belong to everyone. We have loved them for many, many years; they have become part of our culture. But, they are not ours to COPY.

10-4-10 Solo

admin — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 14:17:26 +0000

Well, I experienced an abrupt end this week. The artists collaborative 10-4-10 that I set up dissolved.

Timing is everything

That is one of my favorite sayings…..and boy does it apply to this experience!

It was a great opportunity and concept and still is.

The link to the site is still active; however, this will take you to a single page where you will see my single piece.

So for now…..I have a solo act; and that is fitting.

1-4-1

Stay tuned, re organization may be on the horizon. Until then I plan to enjoy the freedom and will spend time relishing in it…where else? I my studio of course! Sounds good to me.

Second in my collection of 10″ pieces

Passion Tree 10" x 10"

Slide Show

admin — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 10:37:12 +0000

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