Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Calico and Tattered Lace...














































There is something extremely soothing and self-satisfying in creating a piece of art with only materials that one already has...as you probably know, I wear the crown, for I am the Queen of Procrastination! There, I've said it! I think about 'doing' all the time, might even talk about it...but more often than not, I fabricate some ridiculous excuse as to why I can't begin...I really don't like this quality in myself, but I recognise it, so I'm halfway there, right?
Anyway, what began with some silly doodles in my little journal, grew into an idea...upstairs in my crafty room, I knew I had some calico, and oodles of lace...hmmmm...
I began by tearing up some calico into rough squares - triangles would also look amazing...then I took everything outside because the weather this week is sensational, and I began drawing straight onto some of the squares of calico with a sharpie pen (love those little suckers). Ooh, I also tea-stained some of the calico and lace, just for a bit of variation.

















I also included some original poetry, some well-known poetry, and some quotes which felt meaningful to me. On the remainder of the squares, I sewed some old tatty doilies which I had picked up from the second-hand shop. (Who doesn't love a doily?)






















Then, it was just a matter of attaching them all to my tea-stained lace and voila, a cute little tatty banner to hang when next I decide to have tea in the garden...

















Next time I decide to make one (don't laugh, it is within the realms of possibility) I think I should like to make a colourful, bohemian looking one with scraps of fabric...
My little collection of mismatched plates and cups and saucers have all been collected by me over the years from op-shops and garage sales, and some have been gifts - I love them all.

















I always remember a very dear friend of mine giving me this advice one day over the phone, for I was feeling really down - "Tina, go and make something beautiful. Make a doll and embellish it". I remember thinking at the time - why? What's the point? But you know what? She was right...creating something with your own two hands lifts you to another place...a different state of being. And that creativity doesn't need to be sewing or painting, it could be cooking up a storm in the kitchen, trying out a new recipe, or digging in the garden and planting some seeds...
And on a final note, a wise bear who adores honey once said "You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes." So, I'm taking Pooh's advice, and heading down to the beach this weekend with some girlfriends...I will try to take some photos if we are not too badly behaved:) What's everyone else up to?

22 comments:

  1. I absolutely love this! what a great idea!
    it's very inspiring and it looks like a magazine shoot...goes great with the lovely cups and saucers...
    I procrastinate too...more than anyone person should, lol
    When you create the bohemian banner i would love to see it.
    I hope you have a super fun time out with your girlfriends...
    hope fully this weekend will be filled with yard sales and amazing finds!
    ...what day is your birthday?
    a little birdie told me it's coming up soon:)

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  2. I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!! I would be most excited to join you for tea under your banner of succulence!! I must make a bohemian banner for my caravan??! yes....a terrific idea....at least something to sit with while I drift off to sleep! xoxo

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  3. Great idea. I too love to make things from what I already have around. I guess it comes from my hippie days. I never throw anything out without wondering it I could remake it for another purpose.

    Willow

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  4. OOh, i love you poetic lace garland, it is so you & perfect to finish off your delicious tea parties! and how right you are, when i create something (and i must admit i too am a great procrastinator)i always feel so much better, it lifts my soul & makes me happy. I had been fighting with myself for far too long about not spending enough time in my wee studio & only lately came to see that i can be just as creative in the garden or the kitchen. i always leave your lovely place here feeling rested & calm, thank you sweetie for creating such a beautiful space x ruthie x

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  5. Yay Tina...another awe-inspiring post full of eye candy and pure spirit! beautifully written..gorgeous creations..you are such a creative soul!
    Have a most magical day!
    and thank for your fabulous visit and magical comments always!
    HUgs and much love!
    Victoria~

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  6. ~...sigh...i think i am in l♥ve! a garland of words written upon delicate bits of the past...blowing daintily in the breeze...how beautiful this is...you have find my mind with wonder and amazement this morning...head swirling with possiblities to come...to create with our hands...from our heart...truly a blessings indeed...warm wishes and brightest blessings~

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  7. I adore this idea my friend...so so lovely. I could see this lovely banner handing up in my bedroom...sigh.

    You inspire! xoxoxo

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  8. i just love your bunting (is that the right word?) floating about your garden? it adds such a lovely touch to your party! i would love to attend a party there under the roses.
    blessings
    ~*~

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  9. OOOOoooooOOOOOOoooooo I LOVE LOVE LOVE! BIG LOVE! What a delightful idea and I simply adore your handwriting. Beeeeutiful! It's about infusing magic in our every day lives, yes. Our beloved Fanciful One awakened the magic in me. Live life splendidly. **sigh** Deb

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  10. so beautiful Tina, I have been making bunting for years and its the colourful gypsy type your talking of, but i just love yours to bits, and with the writing and poems and doilies and lace...droool!!
    Just like prayer flags, your words are being blown about on the winds.

    you have my favorite blog post of the week, maybe that should be a new section i should start up in my blog!!

    yes lets do that, you can be the first.

    love love love it, some times procrastination is actually you just processing your designs and if you did it when you first had the idea it may have turned out very different and not as good, I procrastinate about certain projects too but i feel its because i havent nutted it out just yet and its time will come, other days, projects require no thinking at all because its all just there waiting in a dusty corner of my mind.

    so embrace procrastination as the fine tuning of a design process!!

    have a wonderful weekend with your girls, those times are the best, ohh how I long for a wine fuelled giggle

    xxx
    sheree
    raven moon magic

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  11. This has been said already but I LOVE LOVE LOVE this!! And the idea of having a "gypsy" one.....sssqqqquuuueeeeaaaallll! You are just such a beautiful, magical person.....you have such a beautiful soul. I think I'm going to have to keep an eye out for some gypsy fabric and make one of these. Love it! Have a great weekend with your friends! Can I come over and have tea?

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  12. Oh, Tina - this is so beautiful! You did a wonderful job. It's so delicate and tattered and full of meaning. I've been feeling out of sorts the last few days - but I set forth on a project today and it LIFTED me so much. The more I worked on the project, the happier I became. I went to a "different place." I need to keep that spirit within me always. Thanks for sharing this today! Theresa

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  13. I know I have said it here before, but thankyou all for such beautiful words...I do not tell a lie, I have been walking around all day with a big smile on my face - you girls have lifted me up and inspired me to keep creating x

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  14. Ohh I love it!!!!! Do you mind if I borrow this idea for a wedding that I am working on? It is a fun all white affair with whimsical touches. I thik this would be lovely! You have really been on a creative roll... you go girl!! Have a great time with your girlfriends... I would especially love to see the misbehaved pictures
    Tricia Fountaine

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  15. Tricia, of course I don't mind - what a beautiful idea! I am flattered that you should ask...I would love to see photos of this wedding...

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  16. Hi Tina,
    Thank you! If I get the job you can better bet I will take pictures and ESPECIALLY of your banner idea and share on my blog with proper credit to you of course!

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  17. What a wonderful blog- so glad to have found you. Since this is my first visit so I looked around. I love your artwork- very beautiful.
    Johnina :^A

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  18. I always feel so much better when I'm creating too - pure therapy! I adore your bunting banner. Bunting is one of my most favourite words. I have absolutely no idea why, but it just sounds so good!

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  19. Tina, your banner is magnifique! I love the idea of adding inspiring quotes and bits of poetry to the flags. The addition of lace adorning anything automatically kicks it up to romantic style!!! LOVE it!! I too have spent years collecting china. A table set with these old pieces adds undeniable charm. This post has me longing for spring and yet the throws of winter have not yet descended.(sigh) I shall gaze upon these lovely images and dream about next summer's soiree!

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  20. No no, I'm sure I'M the Queen of procrastination, he he! I think it's something that strikes so many creative people, I don't know why. I love your banners, I want to go off and make some too now!

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  21. Magical! I just love it...so storybook pretty.
    xo natalea

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  22. Hi Tina..wishing you a happy week full of sparkles!
    HUgs
    kiki

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"We are each of us angels with only one wing...and we can fly only be embracing each other." Thankyou for taking the time to visit. Please leave me a comment, as I love to read them x