Come and Dine Banner

One of my projects that I have been working on lately is a quilted wallhanging banner for over the serving window in our church's kitchen.

It is going to be 12x72 inches.  The background is various yellows and light tan 1 inch square pieces.  So I constructed the background by piecing 6 blocks that were 12 inches squares.  So for each block there are 144 separate pieces.  The background will look like a very old mosaic with the many small pieces.

Then on the left end there will be a cluster of purple grapes hanging from the grapevine with a couple of grape leaves and tendrils curling around.  This is the mock-up drawing of the grape cluster.  This will be in the furthest left block.

In the middle four blocks will be the words "Come and Dine" centered.

Finally, in the last block, the one to the furthest right will be a loaf of bread and an earthen jug of olive oil.  This is the mock-up of the bread and oil.  I wanted the bread to look handmade and in a basic oval shape rather than the modern bread shape formed from using a loaf pan.

These are both Zig and Copic markers and and good ole Crayola colored pencil drawings.  Although I cut the background paper to the size that I wanted them to fit; so I could draw them the right size.

Here is the drawings shown in the positions that they will be.

Sorry if it is hard to see.

Next time I will show you how I use these drawings to mock-up and try fabrics.

Let me know what you think.

Pansy

The other day, I was feeling a little out of sorts, so I decided I needed some arty time.  I thought I would do a little doodling with my Copic markers.  I am quite obsessed with Copic markers.  They are alcohol ink artist grade markers and they are blendable and available in over 350 colors.  I have been collecting this a little at a time.  I have even found a few at Hobby Lobby in the clearance bin.

So anyway back to what I was saying about drawing the other day.  So I grab this Watercolor Pad of heavyweight paper.  I am still a beginner with using Copics, but I know that they bleed through many types of paper.  They did not bleed through this paper at all and I did a lot of coloring and many layers of color.  So I was pleased with that.

I wanted it to be somewhat realistic looking.   I mean I want someone to be able to look at it and go, "Yeah that is a pansy".  So I went to Google Images and just typed in "pansy flowers"; and in a second or two there was a page of pansy images.  And since I have more Copic markers in shades of purple AND it is my favorite color I decided that my pansy would be purple.  Then I referred to the Google Images pansies to get the general shape and after that I tried to learn the blend the various shades in a smooth and effortless way (at least that was my goal).

Copic markers are dual tipped with a brush tip on one end and a squarish blunt end.  You can change out the nibs for other shapes and also replace them when they get wore out.  Basically, unless you lose it or the dog eats it, you will have these markers for life and should put in your will who will get them after you go).  I prefer the brush tip for this type of work; and I was trying to improve my "flicking" technique.

Let me know what you think of my afternoon stress reduction session's result.

Clipboard Heritage Expressions

Clipboard Heritage Expressions

A clipboard with my Radiating Love log cabin quilt on it.  Available now in my CafePress Shop Heritage Expressions.

Blue Violet Hydrangea Mug Kitchen Heritage Expressions

Blue Violet Hydrangea Mug Kitchen Heritage Expressions

Not sure why the picture of this won't pull from CafePress.  Still a learning process.

Getting a Headache

I have been fumbling with CafePress for days now; and although from all tests that I have been able to do my designs are able to be seen.  Everyday they say that not one visitor has visited.  I can not figure out if no one has looked, or if I have missed some small but important detail to get it to work.  If anyone has an clue, or if they could let me know if they can see my things, I sure would appreciate it.  Thanks!

The link is Heritage Expressions CafePress Shop.

Hydrangea Coffee Mug

Changes

I have changed the name of this blog from "Heritage Scraps" which I used for years while I was selling on eBay.  The new name of the blog is "Heritage Expressions"; I have been selling on FineArtAmerica and on CafePress and since the name "Heritage Scraps" was not available on there, I chose "Heritage Expressions" and am now working on making my online presence across various platforms all come under the "Heritage Expressions" brand.

FineArtAmerica is a print on demand service that will allow you to buy prints or greeting cards of my photographs and designs.  They fulfill each order on behalf of the artist - taking care of the printing, framing, matting, packaging, and shipping.

CafePress is billed as "the world's largest selection of artist-designed t-shirts, clothing, accessories, housewares and gifts".  What this means is that you can by hundreds of different items that are custom-designed by me!

Changes

So much has been happening and I have been lax about posting about it.  The biggest thing is that last fall I joined the work force and got a 'regular' job.  It has been a big transformation in life, but it has been a positive thing. 


After being a stay at home mother of seven for almost three decades; it is a learning experience.  I have been working on discovering who I am and what I want to do with the rest of my life.  Being responsible for just myself is new; and it is both exhilarating and nervous.