It is almost 12 weeks since I returned from the Surface Design Association conference, and my visit to Canada. I came back with the idea of working 12 equal size pieces for my exhibition in October. The size of each was determined by an existing blank screen printing frame 23 x 33cm (9" x 13"), and with the intention that they eventually get displayed as a group, three rows, four pieces in each. They have the group title of 'Out of the Print Box'. They are all worked with Procion MX dyes and the odd bit of pigment, and mounted individually over padded acid-free board.
As each was completed I blogged a detail. I have now put them as a Gallery on my blog. Click on View My Gallery, double click on single image to open up the 12, then Slide Show; sit back and enjoy.... I hope this wets your appetite for my exhibition.
As a point of interest, to get these 12 pieces I actually started a total of 24, 12 of which were abandoned at varying stages as things went awry or perhaps I just didn't like what was happening. All part of the journey....
57 days to my exhibition
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Ginger Biscuits
It is not my usual intent to publish recipes on this blog. However, there has been a major crisis here in New Zealand regarding ginger biscuits. It has been debated on the radio, and in the newspapers. This has come about because a long-time biscuit factory has been closed and all biscuits are now being baked elsewhere, in Auckland. It seems the quality has shifted as well and ginger biscuit fans are stressed....
I have now just made my own batch of ginger biscuits from a recipe printed in the local paper and they are yummy indeed. Try them...
Ginger Biscuits
226 gms /½ lb plain flour
113 gms / ¼ lb sugar
1 level tsp baking powder
1 large tsp ground ginger
113 gms / ¼ lb butter
113 gms / ¼ lb golden syrup
Sift and mix the dry ingredients. Melt the butter and golden syrup over a low heat and fold into the dry ingredients.
Roll into balls and flatten, or roll out with a rolling pin and cut out with biscuit cutter.
Fan bake for approx. 15 minutes at 150°C / 300°F
Still working, detail from #10 - two more to go!
60 days to my exhibition. Had a meeting with the Curator at the Expressions Entertainment Centre today and all planning going well....
I have now just made my own batch of ginger biscuits from a recipe printed in the local paper and they are yummy indeed. Try them...
Ginger Biscuits
226 gms /½ lb plain flour
113 gms / ¼ lb sugar
1 level tsp baking powder
1 large tsp ground ginger
113 gms / ¼ lb butter
113 gms / ¼ lb golden syrup
Sift and mix the dry ingredients. Melt the butter and golden syrup over a low heat and fold into the dry ingredients.
Roll into balls and flatten, or roll out with a rolling pin and cut out with biscuit cutter.
Fan bake for approx. 15 minutes at 150°C / 300°F
Still working, detail from #10 - two more to go!60 days to my exhibition. Had a meeting with the Curator at the Expressions Entertainment Centre today and all planning going well....
Friday, August 21, 2009
Good Progress
Today I have had one of those 'good progress' days. Herewith a photo of four pieces I am working on at the moment; three for my '12' series, and one of my bigger art pieces. None of these pieces are completed yet so more work ahead, but not today.
74 days to my exhibition
74 days to my exhibition
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
New Fabric Length
By now you will have noticed that I have tweaked my blog. After some idle twiddling, I found I could introduce a background colour and an image behind the title. I have these moments from time to time and they usually end up with 'something'. I hope you like what you see.
Now to current projects. Sometimes you have just to go ahead and do things so that you can find out what you don't know and then, hopefully, work out how to improve. Still working with my big screen I decided to print a two metre/yard length of silk fabric. The length of the screen covers the 114cm / 45" width and I would need three prints to make the 2 metre/yard length.
To help with the repeat pattern registration I marked a paper template with a half-drop grid. Placed under the slightly raised screen, I could see the grid clearly underneath and then paint with confidence.
The screen all painted.
I then decided to use my 'splash water' technique after painting just to fudge things up a bit. Not sure whether this was wise or not (probably not)!
To make each print look equal to the others I have painted the design afresh each time. What with drying times this does not make for a quick result. No problem as there is always something else to do in between times.
First print all clamped into place ready for screening.
The end result was somewhat odd looking I thought, although the actual printing was fine.
I then decided to over-dye the whole piece and chose a reduced quantity of purple. It 'grabbed' the silk like quick-silver and I was worried that it would eliminate all my printing efforts. Which it sort of did but I am thinking it is okay. The photo is not really doing it justice as in reality more of the original printing is showing. I would like to see it teamed up with a burnt orange trim or scarf, which may make some of you shriek!
This is what we have been waiting for here in the southern hemisphere. Daffodils in the garden of Joan, my friend.
76 days till my exhibition
Now to current projects. Sometimes you have just to go ahead and do things so that you can find out what you don't know and then, hopefully, work out how to improve. Still working with my big screen I decided to print a two metre/yard length of silk fabric. The length of the screen covers the 114cm / 45" width and I would need three prints to make the 2 metre/yard length.
To help with the repeat pattern registration I marked a paper template with a half-drop grid. Placed under the slightly raised screen, I could see the grid clearly underneath and then paint with confidence. 
The screen all painted. I then decided to use my 'splash water' technique after painting just to fudge things up a bit. Not sure whether this was wise or not (probably not)!
To make each print look equal to the others I have painted the design afresh each time. What with drying times this does not make for a quick result. No problem as there is always something else to do in between times.
First print all clamped into place ready for screening.
The end result was somewhat odd looking I thought, although the actual printing was fine.
I then decided to over-dye the whole piece and chose a reduced quantity of purple. It 'grabbed' the silk like quick-silver and I was worried that it would eliminate all my printing efforts. Which it sort of did but I am thinking it is okay. The photo is not really doing it justice as in reality more of the original printing is showing. I would like to see it teamed up with a burnt orange trim or scarf, which may make some of you shriek!
This is what we have been waiting for here in the southern hemisphere. Daffodils in the garden of Joan, my friend.76 days till my exhibition
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Knitting
For those who know me, it will come as no surprise that I can't, or won't, follow any pattern offered to make an item. Towards the end of last year I decided to start some knitting, and proceeded to find a suitable knitting pattern, and some wool. I certainly don't need another knitted garment but this was to be all about process rather than the end product.
I have now finished and yep, it looks pretty good to me. I have changed the type of wool specified, altered the original instructions, but kept to the same amount of stitches ie rows, decreasing, and general structure. Mostly it was plain sailing but I did have to do some back-tracking because of the occasional 'whoops'. I am particularly pleased with the yoke pattern which I feel I have made up but it may be a recognisable pattern in the knitting world. Now that this is finished I will have to find something else to do in the evenings, oh well.....
This is the original illustration for the garment. Ref: Cleckheaton 958
And this is my version....
The diagonal lines forming the crosses were stitched after the knitting was completed. The back yoke is the same.
And here is a detail of the ninth in my series of 12.
70 days till my exhibition
I have now finished and yep, it looks pretty good to me. I have changed the type of wool specified, altered the original instructions, but kept to the same amount of stitches ie rows, decreasing, and general structure. Mostly it was plain sailing but I did have to do some back-tracking because of the occasional 'whoops'. I am particularly pleased with the yoke pattern which I feel I have made up but it may be a recognisable pattern in the knitting world. Now that this is finished I will have to find something else to do in the evenings, oh well.....
This is the original illustration for the garment. Ref: Cleckheaton 958
And this is my version....
The diagonal lines forming the crosses were stitched after the knitting was completed. The back yoke is the same.
And here is a detail of the ninth in my series of 12.70 days till my exhibition
Thursday, August 13, 2009
More big screen stuff
I am certainly enjoying using my new big silk screen. If only our weather was a bit warmer / sunnier then my progress would be somewhat faster, but I need to be patient while things dry.
I have started another large piece for my exhibition. I am enjoying working my 12 smaller pieces for the exhibition but I have always had a need to vary the size of things; when I finish a small piece, I want to work big again, and when that is done, I want to go back to small. This habit goes well back into my early embroidery days.
Anyway, I painted dye without much thought on to my big screen, left it to dry, then poured clear water over the screen which I jiggled at the same time. Ahhhh.. all the dyes began to run and merge! Lovely. After another time lapse for drying I screened it on to fabric with clear sodium alginate.
Dye on the screen, drying.
Clear water poured over the dried screen. A new thought, must try doing this with some dye in the water.
All printed, washed and dried, waiting for its next stage.....
72 days till my exhibition.
I have started another large piece for my exhibition. I am enjoying working my 12 smaller pieces for the exhibition but I have always had a need to vary the size of things; when I finish a small piece, I want to work big again, and when that is done, I want to go back to small. This habit goes well back into my early embroidery days.
Anyway, I painted dye without much thought on to my big screen, left it to dry, then poured clear water over the screen which I jiggled at the same time. Ahhhh.. all the dyes began to run and merge! Lovely. After another time lapse for drying I screened it on to fabric with clear sodium alginate.
Dye on the screen, drying.
Clear water poured over the dried screen. A new thought, must try doing this with some dye in the water.
All printed, washed and dried, waiting for its next stage.....72 days till my exhibition.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Blogging, In General
I often receive comments about the fact that my blog is published quite frequently despite the fact that it is called 'Diana's Occasional Blog'. I must confess I was somewhat nervous about this whole blogging thing when I started, and I wasn't too sure whether I would have enough stuff to blog about. Many blogs seem to 'die' before they really get started so my title was somewhat of a safety net. I have now been blogging for over a year and I really enjoy it! My fears about not having enough content have not been founded and I am delighted that people find my blog of interest.
Here are some thoughts on blogging and why I do it (in no particular order):
I enjoy writing.
Having been involved in textile tutoring (to adults) for 27 years, I am programmed to share my experiences.
I now seem to be doing alot more experimenting with techniques. It is very easy to think 'I must try that sometime...' and of course it usually doesn't happen. My blog gives me an incentive and a focus to try new things, and then report on the outcomes.
I enjoy reading other people's blogs, and being part of a community through a shared interest.
So there you are... I intend to be around for awhile yet!
Another find at the Saturday market. A microwave muffin tray, costing NZ$2, ideal for mixing small dye amounts. The dye doesn't seem to stain it, but I think pigments will. So, dyes only please......
.JPG)
Getting there in my 12 series... detail from number eight; four more to do.
75 days until my exhibition
Here are some thoughts on blogging and why I do it (in no particular order):
I enjoy writing.
Having been involved in textile tutoring (to adults) for 27 years, I am programmed to share my experiences.
I now seem to be doing alot more experimenting with techniques. It is very easy to think 'I must try that sometime...' and of course it usually doesn't happen. My blog gives me an incentive and a focus to try new things, and then report on the outcomes.
I enjoy reading other people's blogs, and being part of a community through a shared interest.
So there you are... I intend to be around for awhile yet!
Another find at the Saturday market. A microwave muffin tray, costing NZ$2, ideal for mixing small dye amounts. The dye doesn't seem to stain it, but I think pigments will. So, dyes only please.......JPG)
Getting there in my 12 series... detail from number eight; four more to do.75 days until my exhibition
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