Exploring art on fabric involves taking a step out of the comfort zone.  I bought four pouches with long handles online to experiment on.  They are heavy-duty canvas and would fit items like a phone, passport, a small wallet.

I knew I needed to wash them to get the sizing out of the fabric but I was so eager to start that I side-stepped that important step and now I suffer the consequences. I wanted to make a background with inks and paint, so I did. The inks floated on top until I have kind of hand washed the pouch and got it more pliant. Note to self: always wash new fabrics….

The first exploration came out like this, and this is the back of the pouch.

It’s not necessarily bad but the paint job came out too heavy-handed in my opinion. Another thing I didn’t like about these pouches, the handle was in two parts and tied with a knot. I had to unravel part of the seam, sew the ends together, and sew it back up again. You can see the seam in the picture. Nothing major, but more work for me.

I’m going to make some sort of applique like I did on this old art bag of mine in 2014.

I’m thinking some sort of layering of fabric and embroidery.  Nothing too complicated since the bag is small, maybe some rustic birds…

This soap opera will continue with a picture of the finished product in my next post.

I did dye another pouch with blue ink and strong tea. It’s a more gentle approach, but I might add some more color before collaging the bag. It’s important to get all the wet parts done before any embroidery. I don’t want to contaminate the artwork with dyes and inks.

Meanwhile, check out the items in my etsy shop. I add new things daily. For 10% off on my most popular item, the mosaic intention box, use coupon code TENOFF. The sale runs through October. EARTH AND FAERY.

Until next tine, create lots!!

Love,

Maria

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