mini cushions- work in progress

These are details of work in progress. I have been inspired by Linda Kemshall to quilt my printed fabrics and stuff to create mini cushions. I have also experimented with sparkely threads. The purple and yellow cushion below needs to be finished, so I have shown some details only here.

Final Printed Pieces

I screen printed the block colours and then used the lino blocks to print more detail on top. The light blue works well on top of the rust and navy blue, with the lino detailed printed in a dark blue and burnt umber mix.

Here I have mixed a warm beige colour for the screen print shapes and overprinted with a burnt umber and blue mix.

I have used the same printing combinations here, but printed on to scrunch dyed fabric.

And finally the same combination printed on to bright pink.

19th C mini cushions at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

On a trip to Bristol Museum today I came across these mid- late nineteenth century textile cushions. They were no bigger than 12cm across but there was no information as to their purpose, however I think that they may be pin cushions. The samples include tatting, beadwork, netting, embroidery, canvas work and quilting which were popular needle work pursuits of ladies of the time.

Linda Kemshall - mini cushion

Linda Kemshall's lovely use of dyed fabrics, printed motifs and stitch in this mini cushion have inspired by recent work. I took apart my banner and used the combinations of contrasting fabrics to print onto, using stencils and lino prints.. I have also experimented with metallic powders, inspired by the beautiful way they have been used in this piece.

Lino print shell design

I created this print from a lino block and printed onto light tan dyed cotton. I applied the acrylic paint with print medium to the block using a brush. I really like this colour combination and have experimented with creating a repeat design with this motif.

Print Design Ideas

I made stencil prints on dyed paper and then used Photoshop to try out repeat pattern ideas.

original colours

inverted colours

Sea Shell Designs

I am interested in exploring the patterns found on the surfaces of shells in order to create some designs for printing. Here is a range of reference materials which have inspired my drawing.