The creative and spiritual journey of a (textile) recycler. . .

I have thought about starting a blog for a long time now. I just couldn’t seem to get started. I thought. . what would I say, what would I do and really . . . . . who would care.

Last year I had the great fortune to witness a ‘happening’. As a spouse at a reunion (I know, groan) I was both an observer and participant. This reunion was attended by some of the most creative and talented people on the face of the planet. Really, no exaggeration! But many were holding onto life long insecurities. They didn’t think they were talented enough and embarrassed to perform in front of each other for fear of . . who knows . . . finger pointing, whispers, laughter, ridicule of some sort for sure. Once it was revealed that many shared the same feelings, the healing began. And I was the lucky one. I got to witness it all and benefit as well.

So, the message is that we all think we are not good enough compared to someone else, but we are. Don’t let your fears and insecurities stop you. We can’t measure our own success by someone else’s talents.

This revelation and the kindness / support of strangers has propelled my creative journey to a place I had given up ever getting to. Tho I thought my creative juices were dried up forever, they have merely been reawakened. Many thanks to all involved in my process, including in-part . . Victoria B, Mrs. W., Charles Mc., Claudia H, Mary B, Cindy G, Sandy B, Traci B., Kat C, and my IAA family. So, thank you. I dedicate this blog to all of you!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

List it Tuesday - stencil materials

This week, it's odd stencil materials for our list. I love stencils. I use them every time I create something (almost anyway)...They add richness and texture and I am always on the hunt for some new and exciting materials. My fave place to find things to use for their non-intended use (see last weeks list) is the dollar store! Yep, you got it. If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend that you march right over to your closest one. You'll smile all the way home.

For me stencils are interchangeable with silkscreens, templates, batik items and (rubber) stamps. I will use whatever I see that might make great image. . .  or at least try it out. Sometimes what seems like it will make a great image turns out to be a bomb in reality, but it's still fun to experiment.

So here's just a short list of tried and true standbys:
produce - cabbage, brussel sprouts, potatoes, lemons, carrots, peppers
my own photos - made into silk screen
utensils - potato mashers, knives, chopsticks, forks
screening, netting
fly swatters
bones
nuts, bolts, washers
laces
pipes
bottles
crumpled paper
bubble wrap

For more ideas, go to: http://artsyville.blogspot.com/


UPDATE:
I went to a little shop yesterday that had a pile of stuff ready to be given away or thrown away... all kinds of goofy things...

(possibly) too good to throw away.. but too crappy to keep or they just had no use for.... AND there are lots of recyclers out there after all..

So, here's just a small amount of what I got...2 big brown paper grocery bags full of FREEBIES!

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9 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 19, 2013 at 7:43 PM

    Dollar store... Here I come! I am thinking of how cool bubble wrap covered in paint would be over a contrasting background...thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  2. storybeaderFebruary 20, 2013 at 8:25 AM

    I need to get a garden going! And your vegetables remind me of flowers - that would be neat too. They are usually spent by the time I take them off the plant though... I do go to the $ store once in a while - have to remember to look around. I'm sure there's lots there! {:-D

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    Replies
    1. Textile RecyclerFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:30 PM

      the garden is a treasure trove as well! flowers, leaves, twigs, etc.

      Delete
  3. UnknownFebruary 20, 2013 at 8:53 AM

    Raiding the kitchen sounds like fun

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    1. Textile RecyclerFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:31 PM

      Oh it IS Mary... just remember that you should not use the item for food again...

      Delete
  4. ArantheFebruary 20, 2013 at 4:48 PM

    You sound like me: I use a lot more things for stamping than stenciling. I kept weeding things out of my list, thinking "it's a stamp, not a stencil," but now I wish I hadn't been so literal. At least it makes everyone else's lists a lot of fun to read. :-)

    BTW, I love your suggestion of bones. Not something I'd every thought of before, but I'll bet the results are very cool.

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    1. Textile RecyclerFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:32 PM

      Not much is sacred in my house if it has stamping or stenciling potential... just remember to boil the bones if you want to reuse them...

      Delete
  5. TriciaFebruary 21, 2013 at 2:40 AM

    Bubble wrap sounds like fun. Thanks for the ideas!

    ReplyDelete

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