Studio Journal

A memory pillow can be made from a simple flannel shirt. This pillow can be made as a fall accent pillow, or some sewers prefer to make beautiful Memory Pillows from shirts that were once worn by someone special. It is especially easy to make if you are using a button-down shirt. View Pillow Instructions

View Original Article Online

September holds a very special place in my heart. Did you know that National Sewing Month was actually established back in 1982 when President Ronald Reagan proclaimed it a time to honor the incredible art of sewing? It serves as a beautiful annual reminder of the self-reliance, history, and profound creativity that sewing fosters—a tradition stretching back thousands of years. Throughout my 50 years of sewing, I’ve often noticed that this beautiful skill can sometimes skip a generation. Many of us were taught by our grandmothers, but today, simple textile knowledge is fading. (Just last week, I asked a young man for a straight pin, and he genuinely looked at me and asked, "What is a straight pin?"). Whether it’s a necessary life skill like mending a favorite garment or transforming a canvas through fine fiber art, textile craft is a tradition worth celebrating and passing along. To honor National Sewing Month, I recently had the immense pleasure of hosting a free live demonstration at the Colusa County Arts Council. It was an absolute joy to connect with the local community, share my deep passion for mixed media sewing, and even receive some wonderful recognition from the local media! Below is a look at the advanced techniques, tools, and materials we explored during the live demonstration to blend traditional sewing with contemporary fine art. Painting & Preparing the Canvas Batik Fabrics & Pebeo Setacolor Paints: I love sourcing Pebeo Setacolor paints straight from France to hand-paint canvas elements. My absolute favorite base materials are batik fabrics; they are unparalleled for raw-edge appliqué due to their tight thread count and completely non-fraying qualities. Intense Pencils & Oil Pastels: To bring depth, shadows, and fine shading to textile landscapes, we experimented with Inktense pencils, oil pastels, and Fabrico markers directly onto the fabric layers. Advanced Stitching & Thread Work Free Motion Quilting & Thread Painting: This is where the magic truly happens! Free motion quilting allows me to use the sewing machine needle exactly like a paintbrush, layering threads to build texture, movement, and vivid details into a scene. The Spoon Foot: We demonstrated how a specialty spoon foot attachment allows a textile artist to glide seamlessly over layers of wool and thick thread without catching or pulling. Specialty Tools of the Craft Ceramic Knives: Precision cutting is essential for detailed fabric work. Ceramic knives allow for incredibly clean, crisp pattern cutting without fraying the edges of delicate textiles. Fabric Pleaters & New Quilting Rulers: Utilizing modern quilting rulers and pleaters helps establish structure and perfect symmetry before the artistic free-motion stitching begins. Bringing the Joy of Fiber Art Home Whether we are creating beautiful holiday fiber art decorations or crafting complex, heirloom-quality rural country wall hangings, textile art is an emotional, comforting medium. It bridges generations and breathes life into everyday spaces. My challenge to you this season is to share a basic sewing skill with someone in your life—pass down the knowledge, keep the tradition alive, and remember to look at fabric as a canvas for endless possibilities. Happy sewing! Relax, Laugh, and Create,Claudia

Who would think that rust can be used as a creative tool? That intriguing red-orange color formed when iron is exposed to moisture makes an excellent pigment when transferred to fabrics. This is the essence of the products offered by Claudia. Fabric is ‘dyed’ by placing a suitably rusted iron form between two prepared pieces of fabric and positioning a weight on top to ensure maximum contact.  Mother Nature takes over and in six to eight hours, the transference is completed with the silhouette of the rusty object shifted onto the fabric. The fabric is then allowed to air dry before being soaked a second time to set the color. Organic canvas, linen and silk are the fabrics of choice. These are typically cut into 20” x 20” sections. All sections are soaked in a proprietary solution to prepare them to receive the rust. You could assume that rust is rust, but each fabric type produces a unique finish. With all environmental influences being equal, silk fabric is the most susceptible to a bleeding effect and canvas being the least effected.  The silk bleeding gives the rust a brindle effect, with a gradation of the rust coloration. The linen and canvas, on the other hand, produce a more sharply defined pattern with little bleeding. They also seem to infuse the deepest shades of the rust into their coarser threads. Up to now, we haven’t really mentioned a most import item of this whole process. Without this element, the rust has no stage on which to perform, so to speak.  Let’s turn our attention to the iron objects- the patterns and stencils laser cut from sheets of iron. True to its name, Rusty Dog Textiles provides a good selection of dog breeds- from the tiny Chihuahua to the noble Great Dane. (There may even be a feline or two among the canines.) Being located in Northern California seems to have inspired another strong influence in the western ranch theme. Whether it’s a cowgirl barrel racing with her Mustang or a cowboy by the fireside with his faithful cattle dog and a cup of Joe, these images are captured onto fabric and then crafted into several finished or semi-finished products. Claudia Buchanan, the  owner, has been known around the soft home furnishings industry for 15 years as a sewer, teacher and strong supporter of the workroom community.  She is actively involved with the SAQA Studio Art Quilts and Colusa County Art Council. Now in her new endeavors with Claudia  creates one of a kind art, stunning pillows and tote bags.  

Creating a fiber art wall hanging is an exciting adventure that starts with a burst of inspiration. This may arise from a stunning landscape, a treasured memory, or an abstract idea that speaks to you. The topics or scenes you cherish will serve as the heart of your creative process. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps to transform your inspiration into a beautiful piece of fiber art, underscoring the significance of each phase along the way. Finding Your Inspiration The initial step in crafting a unique fiber art wall hanging is discovering what inspires you. This could be anything from the vibrant colors of nature, the shapes of architecture, or even a scene from your favorite book. Explore your environment; visit local parks, art galleries, or flip through photography books that catch your eye. Document your thoughts in a journal. For example, if you are inspired by a sunset, jot down ideas about the colors — think about capturing those soft pinks and vibrant oranges in your work. Sketching or recording color palettes can help solidify your vision and serve as a handy reference while you work. Choosing Your Materials After pinpointing your inspiration, the next step is selecting the right materials. Dive into the world of textiles that fiber art offers. Wool, cotton, and silk, all provide different textures, colors, and weights, making a significant difference in your final artwork. For example, if your concept is a tranquil ocean scene, choose soft fabrics in shades of blue and sandy beige to echo that serenity. Alternatively, to capture the energy of a bustling city, bold colors and structured materials can do the trick. If you’re worried about costs, consider that basic cotton yarn can still offer vibrant imagery without breaking the bank.  I prefer Batiks because the do not ravel and both sides of the fabric are printed.   Sketching Your Design With your materials in mind, it's time to sketch out your design. This outlines how your chosen elements will fit together. While you don’t need a perfect drawing, visualizing your layout helps make decisions easier and can prevent wasted effort later on. Ask yourself questions about composition. Will your wall hanging feature symmetry, or will it embrace an organic, flowing style? What elements will draw the viewer's eye? Making quick sketches allows you to explore various layouts and adjust your plan before starting the crafting phase. Preparing Your Workspace Creating fiber art demands a workspace where your creativity can flow. Ensure your work area is well-lit and organized. Gather all of your materials so they are easily accessible. A tidy environment can significantly improve your focus and productivity. Invest in a comfortable chair and a stable table where you can work for long periods. This specific setup not only helps in getting into the right mindset but also enhances your efficiency while crafting. Crafting Your Wall Hanging Now, you get to the most fulfilling part: bringing your design to life! Depending on your chosen methods, this may involve weaving, stitching, or felting. Each technique opens up possibilities for texture and depth. During this phase, stay true to your initial inspiration. For instance, while creating a floral design, consider adjusting the shapes of the petals or leaves as you go along; this spontaneity can lead to unexpected creativity. Embrace changes, as they often lead to the best outcomes. Adding Finishing Touches Once the main part of your wall hanging is completed, it’s time for those essential finishing touches. This could mean adding a frame, attaching a backing, or incorporating elements like beads or embroidery. Such final details can elevate your piece significantly. Take a step back to evaluate your work. Reflect on your original inspiration — does your piece capture it? Are there areas that could shine with a bit of extra work? Use this time for refinement before your art is ready to be displayed proudly. Displaying Your Artwork After putting in hard work, it's time to share your fiber art wall hanging with others. Determine the best location for your artwork. Whether it’s in your living room, bedroom, or dedicated art space, find a spot that enhances its beauty. A well-lit area can bring out the colors and textures of your work, making it stand out. Think carefully about how to present your piece. Should it hang on a wall, drape over furniture, or sit on a stand? The right display method can dramatically influence how your artwork is perceived and appreciated. Reflecting on Your Journey Creating a fiber art wall hanging is about more than just the finished product; it’s also about the growth you experience along the way. Each phase, from finding inspiration to crafting and displaying, contributes to your development as an artist.  Give yourself time to reflect on your experience. What challenges stood in your path, and how did you address them? Which elements are you most proud of? This reflection can help guide you in future projects and deepen your appreciation for your craft. Embracing the Art of Creation Crafting a unique fiber art wall hanging is a rewarding experience driven by your passion. By following the steps discussed in this post, you can turn your inspiration into a beautiful piece that showcases your personal style. Celebrate every moment of your creative journey. Embrace the process, learn from challenges, and, most importantly, find joy in creating. Your fiber art wall hanging becomes more than mere decoration; it transforms into a testament to your creativity and dedication.