Threads Exhibit

What is a thread? Is it a strand of fibers? What is the thread that connects us together?  These were the questions posed in a call to artists for a juried show at the Carroll Arts Council . 

I was one of the twenty plus artists whose work was selected to be in the exhibit.  I created a mixed media sculpture of waxed linen open and closed vessels  attached to a twisted wooden stick. Beads and colorful threads also are incorporated into the piece. 

Due to Covid shutdowns, the exhibit is now a online catalog exhibit.  You can see the other interpretations, using a variety of media, of the concept of THREAD on the Arts Center website.
www.carrollcountyartscouncil.org/event/thread/ 

The sculpture is 18" long and stands 4" high

The mini vessels are 3" in diameter. 

Weaving with Palms

I have been experimenting weaving with the palms I had ordered for my church's Palm Sunday service.  Since they went unused this year I had an ample supply to weave. 

I started with some simple star and flower shapes.  I moved onto a heart-like wall-hanging with palm flowers attached.

Using the plated method of  basket weaving I tried a simple square vessel.   I then moved onto a small plated pouch with a flower accent and braided handle. 

                       I have a long way to go perfecting weaving with palms, but it was fun. 

Star Twill Bowl

I am keeping busy weaving baskets during this time of social distancing. 

Using flat oval natural reed with blue and brown dyed reed I wove a twill star pattern to form the base of a round bowl.

Gradually the sides of the bowl were raised while weaving a 3-3 twill with natural reed.  It creates a swirl pattern around the sides.

The rim was held in place with natural waxed linen thread.

The finished basket is 12" by 4". 

Japanese Temari Thread Balls

 During my time at home I have been teaching myself the art of Japanese Temari thread balls.  I was able to follow the clear directions and techniques illustrated in the book Japanese Temari: a Colorful Spin on an Ancient Craft by Barbara B Suess. 

I find it very calming to wrap the balls with sewing thread and then "sew" the patterns with embroidery thread.  It's also a way to use up fiber supplies I have around the house! 

Just as basketweaving takes practice to master, so does this 3D embroidery.   I will continue to wrap balls and learn more techniques of Japanese Temari.  You may want to give it a try too.