My intention in sewing on the leaves was to create a vine-like effect that was three-dimensional and stood away from the background...
I thought a vine might be a nice idea but I didn't know quite how to make a vine that was three-dimensional...I thought about the wire method I showed you yesterday but it wasn't "flow-y" enough...So today, while I was crocheting a blanket for Jack's bed...I thought..."Maybe, just maybe I might be able to crochet a vine and catch the middle of the petals in between the stitches..."
So I tried it...
It was a little tricky at first because I was using a small crochet needle and buttonhole twist thread and I felt a little all-thumbs...
But eventually, I got the rhythm and each leaf rested nicely in the row of stitches.
And now I have a vine that can wander over the tops of some of the undergrowth on my piece. Wouldn't it look wonderful with a few flowers crocheted in there too?? I'll just have to try that...but not on this piece...
Now you have some insight into why I'm so behind in completing my pieces...I get completely caught up in some of the details...(I'm not doing that for this year...I pinky swear...)
And those mesh leaves are made from a product called tubular mesh. I just twist the mesh in two inch sections, put a dab of clear nailpolish every other twist, let it dry and then cut them apart. I spread the mesh in the shape of a leaf and it turns out to be a pretty nice leaf...
I've used the tubular mesh in a couple of my bead journal pieces. I used it in the nest of Flight Delay, I used it in the waves off the tea boat in The Elixir of Life..I just love the stuff. It's sold in two widths and comes in glorious colors. It's a product with tremendous versatility so you will most likely find a million uses for it. I have found it in many of the local bead stores so I imagine it's readily available.
OK. Next time I should be able to show you what all these leaves are looking like on my piece...Fingers crossed. Wouldn't it be terrible if I came back and showed you yet another kind of leaf??
No, I couldn't. That would be unbe-leaf-able!
Susan...your leaves just get better and better! I can't believe this vine! You can show me all you want!
ReplyDeleteYour Tubular Mesh leaves are inspiring. The same material would make for some awesome Dragonfly Wings. And, may I please say, I LOVE your Blog!
ReplyDeleteRobin, Memphis
O THANK GOD!!! I saw those mesh leaves and I thought "How in THEE heck did she crochet that wire so perfectly and small". Thanks for your secret. You know I am into crochet right now and thinking of a project with thread and small needles, but I'm not THAT good ~lol~.
ReplyDeleteAs always, I am amazed at the creative detail in this piece. Your pages are just works of art.
I'm sorry Susan, but you should be thinking of how to turn your Art into Cash. You should teach. By the time Jack is out of school you will be touring the country. Hey, you and Robin could team up!
Can't wait to see this page.
XX, Carol
OMG! Of course! Crochet the leaves into a vine. Brilliant! I cannot WAIT to see how you use this pretty thing.
ReplyDeleteMore great ideas. I agree with Carol, I think you should teach, and pass on those creative techniques and ideas.
ReplyDeleteOooo, that tubular mesh is verra cool... lots of possibilities there!
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutley brilliant! Your pictures are so crisp - what type of camera are yo uusing?
ReplyDeleteSusan, I can't be-leaf you! Those leaves/vines are very cool. What kind of buttonhole twist did you use? It looks very shiny, almost like wire? Whatever, it's a great idea with stunning results. This is going to be another wonderful piece.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning - such a clever idea... and the small detail is what it's all about so I vote you allow yourself to keep getting distracted by that - it's what makes your work extra special and spectacular :0) - love it - just need to learn how to actually make a bead leaf first lol xx hugs Shell x
ReplyDeleteYes, I also think you should teach. Not only do you have some wonerful ideas to pass on, I think you would make the class so much fun.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving the leaves, I also thought that you may have crocheted the mesh leaves until you explained how they are made.
I can't wait to see the finished page, you are really teasing us this time.
Your creativity is such a joy to see! And it is gaining force!
ReplyDeleteI am just going to have to learn to crochet. I flunked it the first time I tried....but this idea alone makes it worth it to try again...
Nice combination of textures of the different leaves. Well done!
ReplyDeleteAre you doing BJP 2010?
I am doing it for the first time.
Marcie
Portland,OR
Wow. I am liking the vine and all those beaded and mesh leaves. I too thought you crocheted the leaves.
ReplyDeleteI think this leaves me stunned. I want to make one too!
ReplyDeletevery humbling! Can't wait to see what you do with them.
ReplyDeleteOh, ho, ho! Did you get a macro lens for Christmas, Susan? Your pictures just get better and better! And yes, I'd second, or third some of the comments that you would make a great teacher! You already are teaching!
ReplyDeleteHave you seen any of the knitting and crocheting metal books out there? Looks interesting...
Your leaves are looking great! Can't wait to see how you'll fit it all together.
Just stumbled upon your blog and I can't get enough! It's a mini class every time you post. I'm on my way to the bead store so I can try those spectacular beaded leaves. I have been enamored with leaves, too, so keep them coming. Your photography is stunning. I would also like to know about your camera.
ReplyDeleteAnnie
BEEEUTIFUL !!!
ReplyDeleteLove love love your leaves wow !
Diane
Love your leaves! You have actually made me want to start beading, just a little mind you, again after not doing it for 3 years. I had bead overload as it was my business and it became no more fun when I had serious deadlines to deal with. I do think, however, I see some beaded leaves in my future...
ReplyDeleteVery cool! I just luff your leafs! :)
ReplyDeleteSusan, Your leaf studies are so inspiring!!! Every time I stop by your blog I find another amazing post!
ReplyDeleteBRILLIANT!!! Thanks for the tip about the tubular mesh. Very versatile!
ReplyDeleteI love the way you get an idea and instead of heading to Michael's or JoAnn's to find a reasonable likeness to your idea, you go right into your raw materials stash and figure out how to make it yourself. Again and again you do that. What a gift of inspiration you are to us!
ReplyDeleteRobin A.