Thursday, June 11, 2009

My Creative Space

I'm back! I forgot about this fun post last week... which is a shame, cause it's one of my favourites... I like snooping around and looking at everyone's pictures, and everyone had hearts hidden in their theirs last week... I would have liked to join in on that!

bug production line
Ok, so this is what's happening around here this week, or today at least! This is my ironing board, and it's the centre of the bug production process right now... I make the bodies, the heads, the faces, the hands then the antennae, and then I piece them all together and give them a back piece. I'm up to the most exciting and tantalising part of the game, which is piecing them, then sewing them, then pulling them out the right way, and seeing a new little bug come to life... I get all ahead of myself here, and go from controlled adherer to a simple production line, to a giddy person who throws order out the window, and has some bugs stuffed and tagged, whilst others wait patiently for their peripheral organs or limbs...

ready for their backs

new mouse!
I've also just finished sewing and stuffing a batch of small toys all made from the pattern I used to make Gordon. This little mouse is amongst my favourites from this June batch, as they've become known.

And the chronicle of the printing continues... we're fumbling around with photo emulsion, and whilst things still aren't perfect, they seem to be getting better with every attempt. We're looking for some better fabric paint, our local art store only stocks one brand, and we think it's a little gluggy... any suggestions from printing enthusiasts would be seriously listened to and appreciated... so please pretty please... ANY ADVICE? or even links to good sites/tutorials and I'll love you forever and forever!
printing
printing
And, yes, all my creations are very much into the Eels (the band), they are bliss!

All this plus the entire first season of Mad Men on DVD are going to be making for a seriously intense creative space over the next couple of days!

More spaces at Kootoyoo.
Cheers,
B.

17 comments:

Sherrin said...

Wow, you are busy! I love that last little softie, and your fabric is looking great!

Kylie said...

This is fabulous - I loved seeing your production line and the dolls look fabulous. Re screenprinting there's a brand called Jo Sonja's (I think you can get it at Lincraft) that has a Textile Medium product. Usually, this allows you to mix up your own fabric paints with normal acrylic paint... however, you can also use it to thin your fabric paints if you prefer. It does change the smoothness of the finish though, so don't put in too much. Otherwise, I find the very best fabric paint to use is the Permaset brand. Good luck! :) K

Kirsty said...

Beautiful Freaks.

I love your bugs.

englishrose said...

hi - this is the first time I've visited your blog ( i came over via kootoyoo) and it is lovely! I adore your softies, so sweet! And your screen printing is totally adorable too. I've only done a little bit of screen printing recently, but Permaset worked really well for me, I just got it from my local art store.Good luck!

Gina said...

I hope you find someone to shed light on the fabric paint. Ask the girls at Ink and Spindle.

littlelovelies said...

Wow, cute space this week! I like seeing your little bug production line-up! I'm afraid I've no experience in the screen printing field - but i hope you find your answer soon!

p.s. I am hosting a sponsored giveaway for a beautiful handcarved stamp - you can enter here.

x nadine
little lovelies

Lucy Bowler said...

Have you tried Nehoc.com.au for fabric ink?? I haven't had any problems with theirs. The bugs are so beautiful, I love their sweet bodies.

clare's craftroom said...

Hi have just found your blog , what great fun , thanks all creations are fabulous !

marissa said...

Oh wow these are beautiful and I love the peek behind the scenes glad i stumbled across your blog!

ArtMind said...

Ohh man, I just fell in love with your bugs! I think I would squeel every time I would turn one inside out & see how he/she looks! Super! :)
Sorry, no printing experience so can't help you out but I think this already looks awesome! :)

Stephie @ Narrative Self said...

Production lines? Who cares if they go out the window - they take away the fun! Your space looks so lively and fun, and very busy too!

woollywotnots said...

Great dolls. Love the fabric.

kellie said...

Love the printing ~ and the little characters!

Muddlepud said...

I love seeing the collections of pieces all waiting to be made into something. And the print images are really cute!

Alisa : Ink Caravan said...

Love the fabric combinations in your 'too cute' bugs. : )

M* (Melanie) said...

I'm so impressed with how much work you get done! It looks like a lot of fun

caramela said...

Fabulous creatures!....