inspire: block prints

 I really like these block-printed designs on linen.

I think it's the simple geometric designs and bold colors that draw me in.  I am definitely going through a phase for geometry at the moment if you can't tell from my work.

These must be really fun to make.  Which reminds me... Mom in October we need to tackle those fish!!!

willow ship via Design*Sponge

crafts: plant dye

I was just watching old episodes of the BBC program Edible Garden, when I saw this and immediately thought "I need to do this. Now."

In this snippet the presenter, Alys Fowler, makes leaf prints with a friend. She says this is an old Japanese technique.

They first went out to find strong colored leaves and flowers.

They say that fleshy leaves in strong colors and shapes have the best effect.

Then get a natural fiber fabric, place the leaves in your preferred arrangement, fold the fabric over (or place another piece of fabric over), and hammer with a mallet until it looks like the color has been absorbed.

Then open the fabric and peel/rub off the excess leaf.
And you are left with beautiful patterns.

Vibrant colors and perfect patterns.

It even works with flower petals, look at those delicately preserved violets!

When the prints are totally dry, iron the material to fix the plant dye.

Are you ready to go find leaves?


*all photos taken from episode 5, originally broadcast May 5, 2010

craft: liberty fabric aw11

Liberty has some sneak preview information about their new Autumn/Winter 2011 art fabrics...

"Art and popular music are entwined as Liberty worked with musicians who have links to the art world and artists with links to the music world. They were invited to contribute to a rich and varied collection in a range of different fabrics, from Tana Lawns to exquisite Crepe de Chines. The Liberty Design Team have created a dynamic collection of new print designs, while also re-invigorating their classic designs from the archive.

The collection is divided into seven different design groups with five colour stories, each highlighting a different aspect of music. From colourful fabrics inspired by early rock’n’roll, to a selection of archive prints specially chosen by critically acclaimed singer Florence Welch, Liberty Rocks encapsulates the creativity and energy that has defined pop and rock over the last 50 years."

For more info go here

liberty

*click on the book to go to full screen*

unfortunately it's not due out until September!

via Liberty Blog, The Liberty Book of Home Sewing

liberty + nike

They've done it again, Liberty of London and Nike have teamed up to produce more of their adorable shoes (see above and below). I resisted the first time, but oh, geez, are they cute or what? My only possible chance of resistance is to remind myself that they have mainly used the new season fabrics, none of the classics that I love.

Also, to prolong the drama, they are only releasing them in spurts. So that means that the first 4 designs are available now (some already selling out online), and the other 6 will be released over the month. Hm, and I will be in England over the later part of this month, hm...

In the meantime, you can check out their Twitter to keep up to date on design releases.

Umbel Print D

Tatum Print Mid Dunk

Tatum Print Air Force 1 Premium Dunk

Kara's Trees High Skinny Premium Dunk

Tom's Jets High Skinny Premium Dunks

Umbel Print D Air Force 1 Premium Dunks

Kara's Trees Print Blazer Low Dunks
(I think these are my favorites)

Which style are your favorites?

bunny of the week 59

bunny tapestry

link

morris birds

The Textile Blog has done a post on William Morris Bird design. I liked to find out that Morris himself really liked the bird design and used it in his own home. It's interesting to learn more about the fabrics you know and love- any new information just make the fabrics become more alive.

I like the subtlety of the original colors they used as well.

morris & co

Recently my Mom forwarded me to Morris & Co, a company who still makes William Morris fabrics. After oohing and ahhing over the pictures online and downloading their pdf catalogues to browse through, I saw that you could order free samples of four prints! I made my selections and recently received my four squares of fabric.

top row: Brer Rabbit and Rose & Thistle

bottom row: Bird & Anemone & Honeysuckle Bull

Even though you can't see a rabbit on it, I really like the colors of Brer Rabbit. As I'm sure the prices are well out of range, I guess I'll just have to piece the four of these together and hang them somewhere to display their prettiness :)