For centuries women have used cloth as a tool of comfort and as an expression of beauty within their homes. Creating cloth for warmth, cloth for shelter, our female predecessors embellished these linens with hand stitch using laborious and time consuming techniques thereby enhancing the functional beauty of objects which enveloped and protected their families. Inspired by these women I hope my creations pay tribute to and recognise the devotion expressed in cloth by our female ancestors .







''the use of traditional often time consuming process alludes to the devotion of a mother''. c K. A. Ruane 2007







Wednesday, June 22, 2011

introducing....

Introducing paperwork one, two and three....all of whom have new homes already so it's all good! Lots of pictures for you today so I hope you've got your feet up with a nice cuppa and a biscuit alternatively ...gin...depending on your preference!! Not a lot to say about these really. You have watched the progress and most of the process too. It has been mentioned that it may be nice for some of you to see the rejects, the ideas I try but don't follow through. Thing with that is on a personal level I would feel I was putting inferior stuff on here and I don't really want to show you my worst. I prefer to stick with things I am happy with. Having said that I did machine stitch some paper for these that was never used in the final pieces so I could show you that next time. 






It's been hectic today. I had my hair cut this morning and since then I seem to have arrived at 2 pm without achieving very much so I am running behind. I have ironing to do, a meal to start preparing and I had hoped to get to the art shop for more paper. I am hoping to start a larger piece of paperwork this evening but to do that I need more paper so please forgive me if I rush off. My inbox is once again full to bursting and I plan to sort that out tomorrow if I can ask you to bear with me. I'm not ignorant honestly and I value all the mail I get....tomorrow...promise.
Finally.....your weekly gift from me.....this weeks buttons above, subtle to match paperwork. Once again just a comment, any comment, hello, goodbye, go away, anything! Last weeks ''pickee'' is poorvi. Let me have the postal stuff!! Over and out...phew...

38 comments:

Jane said...

Oh I do like the hooks and eyes, fabulous

Brenda T said...

I love the buttons!

Suztats said...

I am reminded of fragments of victorian girdles, with lacy bits, hand embroidery, and hooks and eyes. Upper class, of course, as they are so pretty1

Tatkis said...

I love your creations so much - they are beautiful, fresh and so original!

Hugs,
Tatyana

Doreen G said...

I love where you are going with these paper embroideries Karen.Beautiful as usual.

fabriquefantastique said...

Amazing how decorative the hooks and eyes are...

Elizabeth said...

Not only do you have a love affaire with the color white but also with your hardware and I just love it.

Enjoy yourself with your new plans.

Joanna said...

Those paper pieces really do work well and the buttons are gorgeous

jan b. said...

so as not to confuse you, >wink< I've added a b. to my name.
Love this stitching on paper. I may have to try this myself (although my amatuer stitching will be quite lacking). Excuse me if I missed the answer somewhere but .... what type of paper are you using?

Montreat Designs said...

I really like the section that turns with the hook and eye.....it is a wonderful visual movement.

Els said...

Wow Karen, love these paper-cloth combinations ... The hooks and eyelets (did you not once tore the paper ??? Yes I knów it's quite thick but .... ! ? !)

Magpies Laundry said...

mmmmm - I adore these ... with the hooks and eyes and detailing they look like fragments of corsetry. And the little buttons are divine ;)

Jane said...

I keep hoping to win one of these!
Jane
www.worldembroideries.blogspot.com

Sheeprustler said...

I was going to mention corsets too. Makes me think of Scarlett O'Hara but much more delicate and discreet!!

Kris Peters said...

These paper pieces took my breath away! I have been away from my computer, my blog and thus from your blog also, so I had not seen the work leading up to this post. Love it. Can't wait to see more.

Umintsuru said...

Hi Karen,
I love your work and thank you for the chance to win these lovely buttons.

cateriksson said...

Me, me, me please! I love your work. I love the paperwork and the fact that your inspiration leads you. I am so glad I came across your work, just looking at it gives me enjoyment!

Anonymous said...

The work on paper is really stunning. I'd love to see the back, but I expect you're going to refuse ;-)
And love the buttons!

Iceni UK said...

Beautiful work Karen. I love the hooks and eyes, so original and perfect.
The buttons are gorgeous.
Hugs.

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

Your work is beautiful and so original Karen...and I love those buttons...so pretty!
Thank you too for calling by yesterday and your lovely comment..
Susan x

Butterfly Dreams said...

Hallo Karen,

I'am absolutly fascinated about your works. I really love them all.
Also this gorgeous buttons.Thank you for the chance to win them.

Hugs,
Barbara

Patchwork Linda said...

Yes please put me into the button draw. I've would never have thought to sew on paper,what a lovely idea.

Anonymous said...

Enchanting - lovely textural work!

Stitcher said...

I love the combination of fabric and paper here!

Polkovnik (Kadri) said...

Dear Karen,
You are talented person and I like your experiments combining paperart and needlework.

WBR,
Kadri

Anonymous said...

These are amazing - like wonderful fantastical corset fragments.

mary k said...

Oh so lovely. Your work always inspires me, but I can't find any time. Some day soon!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I wonder if - this technique could be used to form a corset? Not of the wearable sort of course but a display piece? T'would be a piece of art, for sure!!

Tammie Lee said...

such beauteous art.
such lovely buttons~
wishing you a great trip.

Beacee said...

Thought I'd missed this one! The paper pieces look fascinating.

Carla said...

Absolutely fantastic

Well done

vintagerockchick said...

I've just learnt how to do those little spider's web stitches (from my sister) and I love them. Please include me in your button draw, thanks xx

JP said...

been on holiday but don't want to miss this

Kirsten said...

Just found your site. Beautiful and inspirational. You are now officially bookmarked.
Thank you

tracey williams said...

Ooh I would love the buttons

dandelion said...

I'm back and I still want some buttons. xx

Gayle said...

These are above and beyond incredible...love these!!!

Indianna said...

Hi - I've just found you via Verry Kerry Handmade. Love your work and the use of those little hooky eye things is fantastic - I have some.......somewhere........