Friday, June 18, 2010

The Last Big Hurrah

Dear old Blogger was *supposed* to have had this post up at about 6:15 this a.m.  I see they are having another Bad Hormone Day......anyway......to the post at hand!

Despite waking to the company of flying ants in my powder room yesterday morning, it turned out to be a productive day after all.
Above is the sketch of probably the last *large* liturgical hanging I will be doing, unless I can get the arthritis under control, or can find a better work set up. I'm open to suggestions.....as long as they don't cost too much!
This will be a fiber art piece as opposed to the traditional banners I usually do. The church is more modern and they have this massive wall in the gathering area that BEGS for something wonderful!


I began pulling fabrics---it was an almost unconscious thing. That is normally how I know a project is ready. I find myself rummaging through the supplies, making lists and taking notes. You may wonder why the top sketch is as vague as it is. Well, I seldom do anything even that detailed! It will be fun to see the piece progress, and no doubt change.
I ran to town for two colors of felt (the top pieces) as they will hopefully work in a stitch and burn-away technique. I want that for the tree bark. All that nice texture and warping should give it some life! The rest of the fabrics are first pulls from the stash---I will do second pulls and sometimes thirds....depending on what happens when I get going.
While I am working on this, I am afraid the blog will be mostly nature photos and my abnormal ramblings and incoherent rants.......sorry! Duty calls!


The close up of these leaves shows the layering and stitching that is done, and then the felt is burned away. It is relatively easy as long as you don't get your fingers in the way of the embossing gun! LOL!!! Fingernails burn. And smell bad.  ;-)
Oh yes, it hurts too.
I think with a lot of samples, and then layering of fabrics and felts, and stitching, the burn away will leave an absolutely wonderful, aged trunk for a grand walnut tree! I found some fringe that has satin-fiber covered small wood balls, and they look like green walnuts on a tree! I think it has 2-3 different colors of soft green, so it will give the appearance of light and shadow.


Today I hit the *73* point in leaf making. The machine was grinding and smelling hot. I am not sure we are going to make it to 100. There is still a tremendous amount of work left to do on these, since each will be washed, pressed and cut from the backing fabric by hand. They will line the creek in the sketch at the top of the post. There will also be text from one of the Psalms, and I am considering doing that part with fabric paint. In fact, I may be able to do this commission in sections, with the backing fabric pinned to the wall so that I am not crawling under tables or standing atop them. The hip issue, ya know. LOL!!! (and I don't want to worry any of you.....heehee!)
It feels good to have the various elements thought out and know exactly where this is going. It's been a long wait for the good folks at the church, but I would rather have them wait and get something spectacular than to hurry and end up with nominal *stuff*. Y'all know what I mean.
Anyway, if I disappear from visiting blogs for a short while, I beg you forgive me and bear with me. Sometimes I just have to start these big monsters and work straight through or until a body part gives out.
On that note, I hope everyone has a creative wonderful day, and enjoy yourselves! Life's too short not to!!!

Pax...

48 comments:

Leslie said...

Well the leaves are fabulous, let's hope the machine holds out. Your vague is way more detailed than my vague. Can't wait to see it in all it's glory.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Oh Leslie, believe me.....ME TOO. The body does not work as fast as the brain anymore, so I have to hold on to ideas, etc. longer than I might like.
I'm going to try a few more leaves today; keep your fingers and toes crossed. Eyes too please! :D

XXOO!!
Anne

audrey said...

Anne, this is going to be SPECTACULAR. I am loving the fabric choices you've made and the leaves are gorgeous. And the tree - OMG, I can't wait to see it.
I will miss your daily posts, but this looks like it is going to be a large undertaking. Knowing you, you will be popping on Blog more than you think - you won't be able to stay away!!!!! (Surely there will be a rant or two needed while working on this banner.)
DO be careful!!!
♥ audrey

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

LOL Audrey!!!

You know me well.....are you saying I am VERBOSE???? heeheehee!!!
Yeah, it's gonna be a big one and that is why I am soooooo hoping I can do it in pieces. But I think it will be beautiful and it will be fun to work on some of the elements that will have texture as opposed to the usual work that is for the most part pretty flat.
Pray for the machine...LOL!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Karen S said...

Better flying ants than flying monkeys.

Love your progress posts.

Unknown said...

Your work always blows me away. I'm going to wave my magic wand and make you feel better for the weekend, as we want our tired old hands to keep working..don't we? I can't wait to watch your progress on this one.

Have a creative, peaceful and joyful weekend,
Kate

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

oh Karen!!! ROFLMAO!!!

Yes, yes, much better the flying ants! It's just that time of year here, and wet too.....
LOL!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Kate!

Better wave that wand for the machine too---hahaha! I'm not taking it IN because it is always a 2-3 week wait, and I'll just run it to death and get my work going. (which probably is not a WISE decision, but it is an ANNE decision!)

XXOO!!
Anne

marianne said...

gorgeous anne- can't wait to see it! here's hoping it isn't too painful for you. i know that the end result will be spectacular.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Marianne,

I am ready to jump from *this* stage, right to the end result! LOL!!!
There's just a lot of hours in between..... ;)

XXOO!!
Anne

marilyn said...

Can't wait to see the finished piece, I know it will be stunning. Remember to wiggle fingers, wiggle toes and stretch those arms and legs during the work sessions. And yes, some teasel is white. So good of you to visit and comment.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Ima,

I do take many breaks---learned that one the hard way! ha!
I always regretted I never tried to get a start of that white teasel.....it was so pretty!

XXOO!!
Anne

Marie S said...

Wow, I love your vague drawing. It is gorgeous.
This is going to be beautiful with all those colors of fabric and the leaves. I can hardly wait to see it. I bet your can hardly wiat either ;-D.
Have a great weekend Dear one and please, do not work too hard.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Oh Marie, you got that right!
I have to let these things roll around in my head for a long time, then I want them OUT of there! Can't describe my work process on big pieces, but mostly it is a lot of putting together in *thought* first, and then letting the fur fly!

XXOO!!
Anne

Georgina said...

That's some righteous work there, lady...no pun intended!! After reading your blog, I think I'll just have to go back and lie down...my head is spinning more than ever.

Can't wait to see it in it's completion...it's going to be gorgeous, of course. Have a creative day and will burn the St. Jude candle for your machine to hold out (start saving up $8000!!).

Love ya mucho,
G

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Georgina,

Anne is not, I REPEAT, IS NOT ever spending that kind of money on a machine!
The new ones are not worth it. I think the Janome 8000 was the best model they made, and everything else has been electronic caca. Too much does not make it all that much better.
And now, back to MY swimming head...

XXOO!!
Anne

Unknown said...

oh wow Anne!!! that will be one amazing fiber art piece...wow!!! and your leaves...I love these...you are amazing!!!

and so cool that you love paisley!!! you know it is still in!!!

Hugs
Diana

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

hey Diana,

I am thinking maybe 81 leaves will be enough??? LOL!!!
Yes, Love paisely as I sit here in my plain grey with the pink and black *Totally Batty* on the front of the Tee..... :D
I am my shirt.

XXOO!!
Anne

studio lolo said...

Not only are you multi-talented, you are a witty, fun, wonderful person. I'm so glad I became a stalker!

Good luck with the project. I can picture it done in Grand Anne style!

xoxo
Lolo

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Good! I'm glad you can Lolo! Send the picture to me, will ya, and then I can copy from that! LOL!!!
It's been a mentally chllenging day here and I think I am shutting everything down for the evening....cook, take it easy, chill.
Then start it all again tomorrow!

XXOO!!
Anne

Silke Powers said...

Oh, Anne, this is going to be gorgeous!! Just judging by the design, the fabrics your pulled and the work you've already done! I'd love to see you in action!! Love, Silke

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Silke!

You're a brave woman!!! It's sort of like the mad hatter, or someother spastic character from a storybook.
Maybe the rabbit---"I'm late! I'm late!" as I bustle around careening off things! LOL!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Vicki~TheMiddleSister said...

I eagerly await the progress reports!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Me too Vicki!
Me too! LOL!!! :D

XXOO!!
Anne

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Oh cripes - not only is the machine getting all hot and bothered but now she's threatening to set the studio afire with the embossing gun! There's no end to the ways this woman endangers her body. Interesting to know that fingernails smell bad when they burn - not that I hope to ever learn that first hand, mind you.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Just for the info file M.A.----it smells like burnt hair!
Off of here--another severe T-storm and this one eveidently did a goodly amount of damage as it passed thru Chicago.
WAH!

XXOO!!
Anne

Uta said...

Oh Anne this is a very exciting project to watch unfold. Can't wait to see more :)

Victoria said...

Always such gorgeous creations you share..truly fabulous and magical energy to your whole blog. lovely!
kiki~

Robbie said...

What an undertaking but I can where it will be another outstanding piece of art work from you, Anne!! Love the concept and your thought process...can't wait to see it finished!! GET BUSY! your followers await!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Uta!

I'll be glad to really get it going; I hate these starts and slow spells with work! ;)

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Kiki!

Thanks! I try and keep it lively here, but mostly it's the banter with great followers too! :D

XXOO!!
Anne

yoborobo said...

Hi Anne! I am on a family vacation for a week- but I jumped on the DH's laptop to say hi and that i LOVE this new piece. I can't type on this thing! lol! I will touch base when I get back - xoxox Pam

Ces Adorio said...

OMG! It is beautiful already!

Unknown said...

Anne, This is incredible. Even your sketch is nice enough to frame (a skill I desperately wish I had) and those leaves, wow. And the concept! Can I pull up with a glass of wine and watch you work? hugs, Christine

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Ces,

thanks---I just wish it was further along. There is soooo much work in these pieces and usually I don't get to make any art while doing them...sort of all-consuming!

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Absolutely Christine!

I'll send you a map and have the garage door open for you! :D
And then I'll put you to work heling cut leaves!!!! LOL!!

XXOO!!
Anne

*Ulrike* said...

Wow! That will be gorgeous! All that time put into it, I'm sure the finished project will be appreciated!
Take Care!
Ulrike

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Ulrike!

Yes, the folks will love it; they have been very anxious about getting it done. The minister has some of my other work and he knows I take time to get things just right---they are never hurry up and throw together jobs.
Okay, a few were hurry ups!!!
And YAY! I'm still here to type this! :D

XXOO!!
Anne

Deborah said...

ANNE!!! If I could make a sketch like that I'd frame it and hang in on the wall! Cats also smell badly when they come in contact with fire...Kitten once set his tail afire roaming by the candle...No worries, he got the fire out just fine, his tail a little less fluffy for a bit.

I cannot believe the work that goes into your banners. Unbelievable. And beautiful. **kisskiss** Deb

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

OMG Deb!!!
LMAO!!! (yes, I should be ashamed, but I'm getting this *visual of kitty and flaming tail....)
I just keep these rough drafts in a folder, so I can go back and remember vaguely what I have done...LOL!!!
Keep the candles unlit, eh? ;D

XXOO!!
Anne

Serena Lewis said...

WOW....I can hardly wait to see this piece come together but I must be patient as there certainly seems to be a large volume of work involved. OUCH at the thought of burned fingers from the embossing gun....keep those fingers safe....I know, much easier said than done. lol

Bella Sinclair said...

OOoooooohhhh! So THAT's what those beautiful leaves are for! Wow, what an intriguing and fantastically unique technique you're using. Good luck, good luck, good luck, and HAVE FUN, and wooohooooo for spectacular goodness! Can't wait to see it come together!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Yes Serena, these are the long haul projects. I spent I don't know how may hours yesterday just cutting under half the leaves I made out, and it seemed to diminish to a small number. :-[
I have learned patience, or something like it, with them.
But there will be pictures!

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Bella!

Good luck I need! These are seldom *fun*.......I would rather be slinging paint but you know, money=art supplies! :D
So I just hang in there and keep pushing!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Bunny said...

This certainly looks amazing, wish I could come and play. I am sure in the beginning it is fun but by the end you are happy it is done. It will be fantastic. I can't wait to see it all. WOW

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Official invite issued Bunny!
You can watch the machine and trim out those leaves! LOL!!! (no, wait, I want you to stay, not RUN....)
Yes, they are fun when you get them going, but usually there is a point--like a quilt--where you just push to finish it.
I try and keep momentum so it all makes it easier....

XXOO!!
Anne

Susan Sager Brown said...

I fear my sewing machine something awful, which is why I've used it twice!! I can't believe how many of these you will make, but they are absolutely gorgeous. The fabrics you chose are so juicy. I will look forward to seeing this piece evolve! xoSusan

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Susan,

The only fear I have is that it's on it's last leg and will give out before I am done!!! I never let the machines bother me, but there is just something this time.....hmmmm.....a little different noise.
I got over half the leaves cut, looked at them and thought....OMGosh, this is not going to be nearly enough!!!!
ACK!

XXOO!!
Anne

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