Painting Birds on Muslin
March 22, 2011
The girls and have been play with how to express ourselves, our thoughts and feelings, our writting through different art mediums.
I have purchased several books and are thrilled with them. The first one is Nature Inspired, mixed-media techniques by Tracie Lyn Huskamp. I was drawn to this book because she combines using nature (which is all around us and is free!!) with creative techniques such as painting, photography, distressing and journal. But the one idea we were really drawn to is painting on fabric. I pulled out some leftover vintage dishtowel fabric, it is slightly heavy and I like that.
Using Tracie's technique we sketched an outline of a bird. Then filled in with paint, layer by layer, slowly adding more and more detail. It was soooo easy and fun to paint on the fabric.
Chloe's page for her journal is a tribute and prayer for Japan. She has been learning the Japanese language, her page says Love and Hope
My page is a love letter to my hubby. Using the envelope Karla sent me, I put in a heart with our names on it, in the envelope. I stitched on a real branch from my woods.
I know one of the subjects I have blogged about that has gained a lot of interest is journaling. A Holy Experience has a wonderful post on the subject. I think Nature Inspired, will help you find new ways to journal. I see a lot of potential for lots of ideas. I think next will will try making one of Tracie's necklaces from a painted fabric bird. Thank you Tracie xoxox
I love painting on fabric! It looks so neat! Awesome journal too.
xo,
Sena
Posted by: By the Bluegrass | March 31, 2011 at 09:39 AM
What a wonderful journal, experience, and pages! You know, I wonder how many younger girls would consider others like Chloe did...just beautiful
Posted by: Gina | March 31, 2011 at 05:23 AM
This is lovely! I am writing a post about bird/inspired projects made by other bloggers and would love to include this.
Posted by: Anne | March 30, 2011 at 10:10 AM
Hi Clarice! These are absolutely beautiful! I love birds so much, and this is such a great way to incorporate them into something meaningful and personal. I am going to have to look into that book!!! Thanks, dear friend - enjoy a beautiful weekend!!! Theresa
Posted by: Theresa | March 25, 2011 at 11:51 AM
What a wonderful project to be doing with your daughters. Your bird pages are lovely.
Posted by: Cindy J | March 24, 2011 at 02:46 PM
I love nature and so it finds lots of places in my home and journal. I like this idea of painting the birds onto fabric. It reminds me of something I just saw today at http://mayamade.blogspot.com/ She has her kids making "stuffies" from their drawings on fabric. Really nifty.
Thanks for sharing such good ideas with us.
Jody
Posted by: Gumbo Lily | March 24, 2011 at 11:09 AM
Dear Clarice,
The painted birds are pleasing to the eye.
I notice that your the love letter to your hubby has old fashioned Pennsylvania Dutch elements. And I've spotted the deer folk art in 18th and 19th cen. cross stitch samplers. I appreciate your design here in Pennsylvania and have sought to use it in my own handiwork.
Thanks,
Karen A.
Posted by: karen andreola | March 24, 2011 at 09:48 AM
Dear Clarice,
What wonderful ideas! Nature is endlessly inspiring, isn't it? You just have to keep your eyes open. Your girls are surely following in their mother's footsteps; what a blessed thing.
Love,
Marqueta
Posted by: Marqueta | March 23, 2011 at 06:28 PM
I love these. Chloe was telling me about them. Mom
Posted by: Linda | March 23, 2011 at 01:28 PM
I love your adventures with paint ann paper. Just beautiful and so perfect for spring. The sun is shining here today. Thinking of you all.
Posted by: Linda Colantino | March 23, 2011 at 08:41 AM
Love this!
Posted by: Jill | March 23, 2011 at 08:15 AM
How lovely, Clarice! You do the most wonderful projects! How you inspire me!
Posted by: matty | March 23, 2011 at 05:42 AM
Oh these are lovely and the book sounds wonderful to inspire you to do this art work. It's so rewarding learning a new skill like this isn't it.
Posted by: Nan | March 22, 2011 at 11:52 PM
So inspiring! I wish I had the talent to paint!
Posted by: Jennifer | March 22, 2011 at 12:19 PM
I own this book, and it is one of my favorites. One of the best, I think, on this subject.
These pages are beautiful!
xo
Posted by: Lena | March 22, 2011 at 12:14 PM
THANK YOU Clarice!!! I so appreciate you sharing your story... BIG HUGS!
Posted by: Tracie Lyn Huskamp | March 22, 2011 at 09:09 AM
Clarice,
These pages are beautiful! Love that Chloe used hers as a prayer sheet. That book by Traci Lynn is one of my top 5 craft books of all time. I just took it with me camping. I wish I could draw something other than a cartoon. I would love to do a bluebird or cardinal. Do you own the nature journal book by LK Ludwig? It is my other absolute fave! Lisa
Posted by: lisa | March 22, 2011 at 06:28 AM