We often enjoy the challenge of translating a picture we've made in another medium, into a felted piece. We do love to experiment! This time we're using a mixed media (paint, crayon, pastel, watercolours) "Artist Book" from a lovely workshop we recently attended, details below. Shown above is our first attempt - it measures 72 x 15 cm (28"x 6"). It's based on a concertina book / free standing picture as shown in the photos down the page.
We cut some 160gsm cartridge paper, roughly the same size as the finished felt, then scored the paper where it needed to form the folds. We flattened the paper then applied a generous amount of pva to it then smoothed the felt onto it. Both the paper and the felt were larger than needed to allow for trimming into shape with a craft knife when the glue was dry.
Overall the result of the experiment was pretty good but the paper needs to be thicker to support the edges better (as can be seen above) and whether the felt, pva and paper would stand the test of time still needs to be established.
This could open up lots of possibilities for creating seasonal decorations or fancy greeting cards. A bit of stitching might look good, or experimenting with fine felt could add a new element. Maybe even shaping it a bit, it doesn't have to have straight sides. Row of Christmas trees anyone? It might even work on pelmet vilene but we'd have to try that out.
The one-day Artists Books workshop that inspired the experiment was tutored by Sarah Humby in Stanpit Village Hall, Christchurch. It was a great day, the cake was delicious, and the view from the workroom was lovely:
We made several free-standing paintings - here are two...
...and we made painted boxes in which to keep them.
Previously I blogged about my attempt at recreating a painted picture of Mackerel which was great fun to do.
Annie says she has a hankering to attempt to recreate her Pomegranate painting into handmade felt. It's working it's way up the list of things to do!
