Chain Gang Pouch

Let's get this blog started for reals, shall we?  I abandoned it for far too long while I was learning more about how to make stuff.

My fabric painting skills are developing nicely, and I'm branching out into upcycled jewelry.  Unfortunately, my sewing is still a bit shaky.  For example, today I whipped up a zippered pouch out of some painted canvas.

I'm mostly happy with the way it turned out, but the zipper ended up a bit sloppy.  Curse you, zippers!  Why U No E-Z?  Whenever I'm attempting to sew one, I think, "Would it really be so bad if everything fell out of this bag?  Maybe people LIKE picking up their stuff every thirty seconds..."  Then the voice of reason smacks me upside the head.

I'll try to focus on the positive, like how much the unexpected touches of houndstooth makes me happy.  I was going to go with an orange zipper and ribbon, but I'm glad I decided to take the risk.  I also like the beaded wrist strap.

I probably won't put this clutch on Etsy because of the sloppiness.  However, I will soon have some awesome jewelry for sale!  I'm working on some pieces made from vintage wooden blocks and cassette tape ribbon.  I will post on this blog when they are ready.

Orange Tire Tread Canvas

Over the past few days I've been painting up a storm, trying to prepare a pile of different fabrics to sew into functional products.  Learning to sew scares the crap out of me, so I need some truly awesome fabric to motivate me.  My most recent project is canvas supply pouches/clutches.  Here's what I've come up with:

This puppy has everything I love in a design.  Bright colors, lots of contrast, a grungy look... it makes me happy.

I'm not sure I can bear to cut it up!

Also in the works is a "geek chic" bamboo rayon scarf featuring binary.  I don't have a proper stretcher frame, so I have to use an embroidery hoop to hold the fabric taut when I apply the resist.  That means I can only do one binary word a day, because that's all that will fit in the hoop and the gutta takes hours to dry properly.  I sure hope it's worth it.

What art have you been working on lately?

Busy Busy

We've been working up quite the sweat here at TiMae Creations!  I can't count how many different techniques I've experimented with over the last month, trying to perfect stuff for our Etsy shop.  Shiva Paintstiks, sunprinting, splatter painting, rubbings, bound resists, and more.

Tim and I want your opinion on what pre-made t-shirts to use as a base.  Here's one I painted as a trial:

Modeled by the ever-so-handsome Tim.

This is the back, obviously.

The stars were hastily stenciled to cover up some silver paint I spilled, but I kind of like them.  What do you think?  Stars or no stars?  How about the v-neck?  Would you wear this?  Please leave your opinion in the comments.

Coming up:  A sunprinted resist for a furoshiki cloth.