Two faced Tessie

O.k. I think I have a serious case of Pebeo-istis. Once you've got it, there is no cure. And I am totally fine with that. Today I'll be sharing with you some of the conditions to look out for.

1. trouble sleeping due to so many ideas buzzing in your head
2. A highly contagious grin from all the fun you're having
3. A sense of sadness when you aren't creating
4. an insatiable desire to paint on anything fabric
5. spots……of paint  on your hands
6. loss of appetite . There's no time to eat.You're too busy painting things

Here's what I created to get you started on your own case of Pebeo-itis.

Supplies for this project: Pebeo Sétacolor Opaque fabric paints Discovery Set, Pebeo SetaSkrib fabric markers  6pack of original and fluorescent, calico, chalk marker, Gesso, Schmincke Aero Color acrylic ink, Princeton artist brushes and silicon brush, Canson 'basix' art sponge, water spray bottle, stamps, stencils, Archival black ink pad, iron and sewing machine.

The first step is to lay out your pre-washed fabric, fold in half and pin on pattern. Mark out your doll design with your chalk marker. I  drew my pattern freehand on butchers paper first. I kind of like not having a set idea of what I wanted. This way, the fun just flows. Now that you have your doll parts , you're ready to crack open those delicious little bottles of fabric paint and pop off the pen caps.

I think the best way to show you how it's done is step by step. So I hope you find these images I took whilst creating  Two faced Tessie helpful. Let's go….

Draw out pattern
NOTE
If you wish to stitch your doll together with a 'tidy' edge,
you will need to add around2cm of seem allowance.
I chose to stitch her together , leaving an edge that can fray over time.

Pin fabric and trace out design

Cut out doll parts ready to go

Begin by adding stamps to get started.
Apply paint with sponge over stencil

Continue sponging paints randomly

You can use fabric markers over stencil objects

Fill in areas with a pop of colour with fluorescent markers

Using a  silicon brush, apply gesso over stencil to cut back
 colours and add interest

Again using gesso and the silicon brush, apply streaks.
This tool is great for this.

Fabric paint applied directly onto silicon brush and streak
across onto fabric where it feels right.

Try using different silicon brushed to create interesting
 lines with the paint.

Finger painting fun with Gesso to break up bold colours

Try adding Schmincke acrylic ink with dropper.
This is divine when spritzed with water.

Be sure to dry fabric before applying more paint or markers as they will run. Unless that's what you want.
I also recommend ironing the project as you go to SET colours so they don't reactivate as you add more colours

By just pressing the markers down on an angle,
you get these wonderful little teardrop like marks.

Apply paint with Princeton brush directly,
 making little lines  that have a heavier 'body'.

Create stripes on the arms with silicon brush by
 adding paint straight onto brush and dragging in a short downward movement.

Draw your face design. Feel free to copy
this directly if this is what you like.

Begin colouring in the eyes with a mix of fluorescent a
 basics markers. They blend into each other beautifully. 

Now for some rosy cheeks. Add a drop of Schmincke
 acrylic ink over fluoro pink cheek colour and spritz with water.
Watch as it bleeds out creating those cheeks.

Start adding colours to the eyelids. By working the varying
 colours over each other, they blend and add depth.
Also create shading with a mix of purple and blue.

Add depth to base colours.

By adding a variety of colours to the eyes,
 they really come alive. 

Add highlights in the eyes with gesso.
I also added some gesso onto parts of the face.
This is great for 'cover-ups'

Flipside.
Time to take a different approach and start
 drawing a skeleton like image  wight he markers.
Decorate the edges with patterns of all kinds.

Stencil  some blue over other images  to unify the piece.

Colour in ribcage with markers.
The ribcage was stencilled on with black fabric
paint and dried and set before moving onto colouring.

Lightly spray fabric and sponge on
 colours to fill in 'open' spaces.

Here you see more use of design and patterns
 to create something reminiscent of 'the day of the dead'.

For Two faced Tessie, I cut out a second
 face and draw out a fun 'day of the dead' design.

Just for fun, Cut out a little house and paint.
sticking only the roof onto the body so the
house itself flips up to reveal a puffy heart.
I stuffed the roof of the house to ad volume and later
glued on a piece of leather for the door and he underside.

Flip up the house to reveal the heart which
h is filled with stuffing to puff it up.

All stitched together and ready for cuddles.To assemble  I sewed the arms together first. Be sure to have them 'facing' each other when stitching, and leave a whole so you can turn it right side out again. I surest pinning the arms where you want them so as you begin stitching the doll together , you don;t forget to add the arms.
( like I did..oops)

Bright and beautiful. Here she is.
I also created a 'love' patch for her. This disguise an area of paint that I wasn't so happy with.
For her patch, just cut out a small rectangle, draw on striped, set colour. Stamp on 'love'  and if you like , add false stitching  to decorate. 

I wasn't worried too much about a tidy finish. I quite like the idea of the edges fraying a bit. I think this adds to the whimsical nature of the doll. Of course when you are stitching it together, It is up to you if you want to sew it together 'face-to-face,  and then turn right-side out again. Be aware that  you will need to have a little extra seem which will be taken up by doing it this way.

I hope I covered everything here for you. It is a rather  big project, and the blog is quite long, but I think that by showing you step by step , it gives you a much clearer image of how to create one of your own fabric dolls with the fabulous Pebeo Setacolor Opaque fabric paints and markers.

So if you now have a case of Pebeo-itis, be sure to let us know in the comments.


                                                                    Till next time,
                                                                        Cheers
                                                                         
                                                         
                                      Kerry Sinigaglia

                                                                           xx

                                                                            

                               

Another year nearly over and so few blogs.

That is one thing that I will be changing next year.

I am PROUD to announce that I have been welcomed as a member of the Crafty Crusaders design team for 2015.

 A super talented group of very diverse artists are getting ready to immerse themselves in some wonderful artful goodness and share their talents with you. Me included.

So watch this space. I will be posting here twice a month . Working on projects and sharing techniques and wonderful tips and step by step images of how to create some fabulous pieces.
It will be a challenging, but very exciting New Year for me. I am sure that I will learn as much as I have to offer. I hope you can all share this new adventure with me and the rest of the team.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.
See you all in 2015.

#craftycrusaders#teamawesome#artsupplyheaven#Canson#Pebeo#Mepxy#Schmincke#gonna-loveit

History ALWAYS repeats. …………
Well, at least in art it does.
So may influences from the past.
 My infatuation with the Ancient world, Rome, Greece and Egypt, have long been a part of  what I have created.
But somewhat redirected by the influences of the new and modern world, I have found myself heading off course.
 Not to say that this new course is not invaluable and just as important as the past, but I am feeling the NEED to JOIN the  two. MELD them together. Create a NEW and exciting style. One that speaks to ME.
 Do you feel the same?

These are some pics of artwork I created some 20 odd years ago in  the days of typewriter paper and hb pencils when low on cash.

Lately I have been feeling the pull to the 'dark side' so to speak. No. I am NOT going to be chanting or casting dark spells or conjuring the dead. BUT……the idea of what other 'unworldly' , spirits or creatures that  may be lurking in the darkest corners have me intrigued……and my mind is SPINNING with the  weird and wonderful. 

 Along this line of thought, I came up with the idea of something, not quite a typical angel as such, but a little bit strange in some way. The slightly dark, twisted and thought provoking creatures that are cast out. So "strANGELS" were born.

 

 This creature can, I guess take many forms. There are no limits to how or what it can present itself as to us. Exciting? I think so.  

So now my mind is OVERFLOWING with ideas. I can't WAIT to see where this is going to lead me. 

The first of the strangles to come visit my world is' Lila'. She appears as a semi transparent ghost like figure and clutched in her hand is her beloved doll and companion, Ivy. 

 Their story is sure to be revealed as I take this journey into their mysterious realm.

I hope you enjoy the glimpses of the weird and probably sometimes creepily confusing spirits that are about to appear on my pages. 

Okey dokey.... WELL... OBVIOUSLY I am NOT such a prolific blogger.  Sooooo Let's get over that.... shall we...and make use of the time you have invested i reading this.

 I have done PLENTY of  artful and exploratory ventures since we last saw each other. I have , for whatever reason, kept a little quiet about it here.     MY art -istic ventures take me in ALL directions, and to be honest, I think they sometimes pull me in so many directions, I'm not sure where my head is. I have   ' a finger in every pie' so to speak. I have taught mixed media in Polymer clay  and basic felting and dabbled in mixed media metal/. Sooooo This leaves me with the conundrum........ Where  to next...where does my heart lye.? A GOOD question. I will ALWAYS love polymer clay and mixed media, BUT, the  availability and 'take anywhere'  possibilities   of a journal and it's 'expansions' leads me heavily in this direction.

 I am NOT yet willing to give up my VAST collective of fabric, beads and metal...... I may  regret the  letting go........... I have a sense of connection with these finds....like a treasure dug up from the past...

  AGAIN....  Where is this going? I think as artists, we ALL ask this of ourselves at one point. At the moment, I am not so much in a constructive and creative mood, BUT, more of a reflective and pondering one...

 Let us see.



 Personally, my 'needs' as a human being' at the moment are more spiritual and in line with personal growth...... a place I have  become more comfortable with....just letting go...breathing....taking in what is around me...observing the every breath of this earth.....

 THIS is where I AM at the moment....and where I should be...

 Allow yourself the same

 Never  compromise your inner 'pull'. Let it lead you instead to a place of peace and harmony....

 THIS is all I have to offer you  for now




 Peace and love be with you all....

 xox Kerry

Soooooo. As you've probably figured, I'm not a prolific blogger...YET. However, that does not mean that I have been sitting idly, twiddling my thumbs. Oh no. Quite the opposite. I have been SUPER busy with my art-ventures.

 For starters....those who recently visited the paper and scrapbooking show in Brisbane might have seen me at Jane Davenports stand helping her  and her husband , Angus out for the three days. Wow! Busy but SUPER fun. I loved being involved in all the arty chitter chatter and meeting new artful souls and talking non-stop about art supplies. AND of course , Jane, and her incredible ability to teach all things artful and whimsy in her amazing online classes. I know I gush a bit about her, but she is a total gem. The most beautiful person you could have the pleasure to meet.

 NOW....on to what else I have been up to. Hee- hee -hee.  Working n some NEW and exciting project; lets just say, they involve  some 'different' mediums and techniques. But, more to come on that later.

As for now, my poor puppy is still recovering from his second knee surgery, so THAT is keeping me busy.( just like having another baby...) AND the kids are on holidays, so I have some wonderful time to share with them. Influencing them in all things arty. Of course. Art journals especially.

 Only yesterday I heard from a friend I have known for MANY years ( shout out to you Fiona) and I am happy to say she has ( through my  subtle suggestion) found the joy of art journaling. Knowing that this form of 'art therapy' is helping people and growing as a universal tool in peoples personal lives  is such a wonderful thing.

 So.  I  believe there are a few exciting things I'll be able to share with you soon. And I hope everyone is living life to the fullest.

Now for some pics of what I've been up to.

WOW.Almost a year since I was here. What ? Is that a record? Well,I'm convincing myself to try out more of this kinda thing.I know I'm wa-a-a-a-y behind in the tech department.( Hanging head in shame)
But, I  guess I think I now have more to share, so I'll just plod along.I may not be a wizz on the computer but  I'm willing to try. I won't bore you any longer with how inept I am . On we go.....


I have over the past year done some rather exciting art classes which have helped me to believe in myself more than I ever thought I would. We all have that little voice that tells us we're not good at something, and if it's something you love, then your confidence can really take a beating.I have learnt to shoosh that up a lot more.( Bound and gagged and locked in a closet). I would like to share with you some of the art I have been creating in this time.And I hope that it inspires you or makes you happy and maybe even want to  start your own art-venture.
My journey into art journaling began when I met the awesomely talented Jane Davenport. Her enthusiasm and joyful spirit make every class an absolute joy.Not to mention she is the most brilliant teacher. So, As I was desperate to take one of her classes, I had to overcome my fear of the COMPUTER. UUUGH!.So in a way, I have got more out of her class than I ever thought. I had to learn to USE the computer in order to do her fabulous online classes. Which, for most of you , is probably a breeze. Anyway, with my creativity ignited, I took off, wanting to learn everything I could.
My new found love of art journaling was born. I have always drawn or painted, but with no direction or joy in the outcome. Since then,things have changed.I am now super excited to get up every morning and put pen, paint or ink to paper.Whatever takes my fancy. Of course I have days where it's a bit Blaaaah, but who doesn't? But mostly I can change my mood with a bit of art-therapy. Journaling is such an awesome ( and cheap) form of therapy.  Sometimes we just need to express an idea, a tough or an emotion, and wether it's in the form of a drawing or pen work, it works.
I urge you to consider these ideas and how you can use them in some way in your life. I think even just doodling on a notepad is a form of journaling.It's a free expression without the constriction of ' what if it's no good ' buzzing in your ear. It's just fun.
Well, I think I have typed enough for today, but if you're wanting to check out Jane Davenport's classes, you can see her trailers on Youtube.She is really great .....just saying Her combo class with the amazing Teesha Moore( art journaler  extraordinare, is a must.It's called Mermaid Circus and is only going for a short time.Check them out
Hope to see you more often......12 months is a bit long.....heehee.