Outrageous Embellishments
I enjoy making my Outrageous Embellishments pieces. The collection of materials is part of the fun. This week I have been making a small piece for a close friend with a February birthday.
Purple is her favorite color and amethyst is the birth stone for the month, so color choice is easy.
I start with a very stiff interfacing such as peltex or other non-woven material If you cannot find a stiff enough piece, use two layers.
I like to use a background fabric which is opposite on the color wheel from the chosen color. Most of it does not show, but there seems to be more life in the piece when the small glints of bright color show through.
I baste a piece which is a little larger than the interfacing piece. This piece is 12×20 with a yellow orange background fabric.
Chosing the embellishments for the piece is by intuition.
I like to use some Austrian crystal, some nicer glass beads, mother of pearl buttons, and some seed beads.
I also like to use plastic pieces, often from children’s toys , buttons, or jewellery. Toys or sparkle pom poms work well.
If you have a Venus of Willendorf lying around, use her too.
Sew each piece down separately, using at least three strands of embroidery floss or a double strand of Silomide beading thread. I use a sturdy large eyed embroidery needle for the larger objects.
After the piece is completely covered, you can put a fabric backing on it. I used purple violet floral fabric because it is the birth flower forFebruary.
When you make any piece of art work, be sure to put a label on the back with your name and the date of completion.