Thursday, February 11, 2010

Fabric Book Swap-Opening Doors

One of the new committments that I have taken on for this year is a Fabric Book Page Swap with a group from Stitching Fingers. There are 12 of us in the swap and we each make a page for one other person based on a specific theme, once a month. For this month the page theme was "Doors". THis is the page that I created. The first thing that came to mind when I saw the theme was the hidden door to the Secret Garden.
I created the door from heavy Duty Interfacing and painted it with acrylics and then added free motion embroidery to add details. The hinges are made of leather as is the door handle. The door opens to reveal a fabric/paper collage.

I needle felted the surrounding forest with wool fleece and then added embroidery and beading details.


I kept the back very simple using a printed fabric and adding a small pocket for a tag that holds swap info.

I had promised myself that I was going to cut back on the number of swaps as I was always creating really good work that was being sent away, never to be seen again. I was getting some great work in return but I knew that I needed to focus on refining my style and creating a business plan for my work. This project with such a wonderfully talented bunch of gals was too good to pass up. I have already started work on the Page for February which will be done all in WHITE, one of my favorite challenges- especially considering the bright and bold path I have been following lately.


15 comments:

Createology said...

Wow this is fascinating. Such detail and I am completely drawn inside the opening door. You have really done an amazing creative piece of artwork and the recipient should feel very blessed. Keep creating...

Dotti said...

This portal is so enchanting Elizabeth. How's it going (or not going) with the snow? Like I told another person in Maryland...the first 8 to 10 inches of the season is pretty and wonderous...the rest is a pain in the!!!!!!!

Beena said...

I love it! Right down to the tiny key dangling from the door! Great attention to details! I can understand why you'd participate in this swap. I'm sure the books will be fantastic!

Karen Kay said...

I LOVE your door. Someone will be mighty lucky to get it. Can't wait to see your white one.

Patti G. said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE your fabric piece with the door!!! YOU did a fabulous job..........it is gorgeous! I want to crawl into it and live there! :0)
Elizabeth, you always put your heart into art and it shows!
xoxoxoxo
Hugs,Patti

Caterina Giglio said...

love what you have done here! I am just starting to use interfacing!

Judy said...

of course, I'm exhausted just reading your blog post! LOL Lovely piece, as usual!

xo

Sandy said...

It's a wonderful page. I love doors. Thanks for commenting on my blog.

Jeanne Turner McBrayer said...

It is wonderful- a little Hobbit house, maybe. I want to go in!

Deborah said...

So many lovely details!

LOVE STITCHING RED said...

Incredible work and snow! Where have those cute snowmen gone?

Carolyn ♥

ps. Just letting everyone know I'm having a giveaway on my blog ... ends on Valentine's Day!

Mo said...

It is exquisite!!! You are my creative hero.

Mary Z. said...

Elizabeth - this doorway piece is scrumptous - so much texture and love the felting you did and the stitches you did on the door - whoever gets this is going to love it!

Leslie Brier, Brier Design Studio said...

That is amazing. I love how you combined different techniques into one piece!
L

Susan Elliott said...

Totally totally cool! I can't say enough about how much I love your door. I'm new to free motion stitching on the machine and I love how you did the ironwork on the door. The whole idea of your book swap and your monthly challenge sounds like TONS of fun. You are off to an amazing start -- I can't wait to walk inside and see what happens next. I had no idea the stitchin fingers group had so much going on. I haven't had much time to explore there lately.

Plus, I just have to tell you that your happiness is infectious. The last TWO comments you have left on my blog have absolutely delighted me. Thank you for taking the time to write such thought-filled comments.

Happy good weather! xo Susan

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