How To Begin Designing

Blog theme for October~
"One Of A Kind"

Good morning, dear readers!

 

Our blog theme for October is:  "One Of A Kind"

This is my favorite type of work to do!  I love creating original, one-of-a-kind tatted pieces and plan to focus the majority of my tatting time on this sort of project.  I hope you will enjoy seeing the featured pieces over the next few posts.  Oh- I also have a special treat planned for y'all on Halloween!  Be on the lookout in future posts for "hints".

 

 

(Here is a lovely vintage Whiting and Davis topaz colored intaglio pendant dressed up with turquoise beads and Swarovski crystals that is ready to be enhanced with tatting then added to my Olde West Collection as a OOAK piece.  If I don't decide to keep her for myself!)

 

 

Recently, I have received several inquiries regarding how to begin designing.  While I have done a previous post about my personal creative method, I decided that I would write a post with general, common sense advise on this topic.  It seems to be especially appropriate given the blog theme this month.

 

1.  Perfect the basic skills and execution of your chosen method of tatting, then move on to learn more advanced techniques.  Play with patterns, threads and such.  Keep a journal/notebook to record what does and does not work for you.  It is a good idea to figure out a consistent count and pattern annotation that you are most comfortable with.  Some prefer to use schematics but this is not something I enjoy.  Anything that takes away from my tatting time is frustrating.  The computer does not always co-operate with me; therefore, I use a shorthand method and rough sketches in my design journals.

 

2. Identify what inspires you to create and helps said creativity flow.  For me, this is a complicated mixture of various elements.  Environment is very important.  I am most fortunate to have several dedicated workspaces and an Atelier to create my art.  Each is special in its own way.  Obviously, the woods around my home are a key inspiration.  I love nature- walking in the woods, off-roading in my Jeep, camping, etc. Having my Rosie Fey near is required for maximum flow of tatting mojo! I also love certain scents, tastes and sounds.  Gourmet hot cocoa, a nice sangria, dark chocolate bonbons, candles from the Chartreuse Pear, and my favorite tunes on the iPod all contribute to an atmosphere that allows the tatting to flow off the needles. But this is what works for me.  You may prefer a quiet environment, or a coffeehouse full of activity.  Simply find what stimulates and inspires you to create.  Bring this into your workspace and have at it. 

 

3.  Experiment- A LOT!!!  Find your own unique style.  This takes time, patience and oodles of practice. 

 

4.  Be sure to keep notes.  I know this was mentioned in step one, but it is so very important.  Notes are invaluable to your design process.  I keep copious notes and images of my pieces.  While I freely share patterns on this blog, I vigorously and aggressively protect the integrity and copyright of my OOAK artworks.  Protect yourself and your work.  Document your work for your own personal benefits and to protect your designs.  Consult a copyright attorney if you need help or clarification on your rights and what can be done if an infringement occurs.

 

5.  Above all- have fun!  Enjoy what you do.

 

I hope this is helpful to those who had questions about dipping their toes into designing.  An abundance of threads and accents are out there waiting for someone with a brilliant idea to incorporate them into something fabulous.  Have fun and play!  I do- every day.

 

(This is a OOAK Eternity pendant in progress.)

 

(And here are a couple of Eternity foundations awaiting their turn for embellishment, along with the current work-in-progress.)

 

The above images are what I am playing with today and this weekend.  What are you working on dear readers?  Any interesting projects being tatted out there?  I'd love to hear about your current works!

 

Well, Rosie Fey is really ready for our morning run in the woods.  She has brought me her leash and keeps nudging me with it.  Guess I'd better take the hint.  May you all have a wonderfully creative weekend!  Until next Friday~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Early Autumnal Transition Inspiration

Good morning, dear readers!  Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  Mine was full of creative stimulation and inspiration.  It is that time of year when my Piney Woods begin the transition into Autumn colors.  Leaves are just starting to get a tinge of color.  With each walk in the woods, my mind whirls with tatting design possibilities and color inspirations.  After a stroll, I went into the Atelier and grabbed several balls of Valdani pearl cotton and luxury pearl silk along with several vintage jewelry pieces.  One color caught my fancy- M80 "Distant Grass".  It perfectly reflects the initial transition colors of my Piney Woods.  Then, I was fortunate to have a gorgeous vintage Tara aurora borealis brooch that seemed to be just what I needed for the next project.

 

 

The brooch is exceptionally sparkly, making it difficult to photograph.

 

 

Here is an example of why I chose this particular thread color.

 

 

And another example.  This was taken at the entry to one of my trails into the Piney Woods.  There are lots of these little yellow flowers mixed into the grass and pine straw on the ground.

 

My suggestion to those of you who have asked about creative development advise:  look around you, become more aware of your surroundings.  What catches your eye?  What are you drawn to?  Be inspired by the everyday things you might normally overlook or ignore.  Each day presents you with unlimited opportunites to explore your own creativity.  Take a chance and play.

 

Well, I am off to do just that- play in the Atelier.  My hot cocoa is ready; the dogs are spinning at the door, ready to run in the woods ahead of me and my fingers are itching to get back to work on that brooch.  Have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 

 

 



Working with Vintage Brooches

Good morning, dear readers!  I have received several inquiries about the vintage brooches I add tatting to and decided to do a post that will, hopefully, answer most of your questions.

Selection of a Brooch:

Selecting a brooch that is "workable" is key.  The brooch needs to have spaces and places to anchor tatting and beading.  The pin back also needs to be sturdy, in good working order and it must not impede the adding of accents.  Some brooches are attached with a V-type support and these can interfere with anchoring spots.  Examine the brooch very carefully- are the rhinestones prong set or glued in?  Are the stones loose?  Are any missing?  Take into careful consideration the overall condition and quality of the piece. 

For those who do not know, I adore vintage costume jewelry- especially Juliana, Regency & Weiss pieces.  Juliana pieces are not marked, but are easily discerned by their superior quality of stones, prong settings and distinctive mountings.  Tara pieces are often mistaken for Juliana, but usually feature the V-type pin backs and are not quite as fine in quality (IMHO).  Regency & Weiss pieces are usually marked.  Do your own research and discover what appeals to you.  Visit an antique/junque shop and peruse the costume jewelry.  I take a jeweler's loupe with me and examine each piece in minute detail.  After examination, I then determine if the price is fair or if I feel it is over or under priced.  Is is worth the asking price?  Use your judgment and select what you like that is workable.

Thread & Accents for a Brooch:

Most of you probably have a bead and thread stash.  Take the brooch and place it near your stashes.  Determine what thread and accents you wish to use.  Be adventurous- try adding pearls and other beads to the brooch.  You never know what you may come up with!

Adding Tatting & Accents to a Brooch:

Take your time and look at your brooch.  Determine how you want it to look and where your best anchor points are.  Adding tatting and accents/beads to a brooch is quite easy for needle tatters, but can be more difficult when using a shuttle.  I typically begin in the center and work out, but in some instances, it is best to save the center accents for last.  Start where you feel the design starts- I know this is ambiguous, but, that's how I do it.  Continue working on the piece until you are satisfied with the results.  I have been known to wear a brooch with accents for a week or even years, then I just up and remove all the accents and add new ones.  The point is to enjoy it & have fun.

Here is a lovely purple Juliana brooch I've had in my stash for a while that I decided to accent:

It is a small star brooch that is being accented with ruffled tatting using Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S 541 (Mauve Orchid).  I'm considering adding lavender freshwater pearls and deep purple velvet colored Swarovskis to it.  I'll just see how it looks after I get all of the larger rhinestones surrounded with ruffle work before I make my final decision.

I hope that this has provided you with a bit more insight to my creative process concerning the brooches.  Let me know if any of you give it a try! 

Well, the Atelier is waiting with lots of projects.  The "Glamour" necklace needs more components tatted & beaded, the Juliana brooch needs work, and I have a gorgeous green Regency brooch awaiting embellishment.  So much to do...

May you have a marvelous day filled with creativity!

Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Creative Process

A comment on the Rosalie Giveaway post got me to thinking.  Olga asked about my creative process.  What inspires me to create?  How do I get ideas for my work?  Shortly thereafter, another reader emailed asking for tips on how to develop her creativity.  How could she better her creative process?

These questions are very difficult to answer.  So much inspires me and ignites the creative spark.  I'm easily stimulated by many things with all of my senses coming into the inner conversation. 

I try to convey on the blog a bit of my day-to-day creative endeavors.  The in-house Atelier is where I create a good portion of work.  It is filled with LOTS of threads, beads, buttons, pearls, vintage jewelry, antique jewelry, vintage treasures and Maxfield Parrish prints.  I LOVE the colors found in Parrish landscapes!  The Atelier is also an olfactory experience.  I burn candles that are pleasing to my mood, wear perfumes that make me happy, use handcremes that moisturize and please the senses.  My iPhone is usually plugged into speakers playing a wide variety of different music genres.  (Let's just say my tastes are eclectic!)

The tatting environment is very important.  Whether it is the Atelier or within the Piney Woods.  We are fortunate to own a few acres of gorgeous Piney Woods in the gently rolling hill country of North Louisiana.  Jim has provided me with a number of outdoor "spots" where I can retreat for peace, quiet and artistic stimulation.  The scent of the woods, the sounds of the wildlife, the changes of the seasons- all of this fills me with wonder and makes my fingers itch to tat/bead/crochet/embroider.  Trips to the mountains, off-road outings in my Jeep, walks in nearby Lincoln Parish Park inspire me in various ways.

Going antiquing/junquing can almost be sensory overload!  There are several stores and shops that send my creative side into overdrive.  The Chartreuse Pear in downtown Ruston, LA, is a wonderful experience.  Lovely antiques, jewelry and fabulous Lollia and Tokyo Milk handcremes along with some of the most wonderful scented candles I've ever smelled make for days of artistic creativity.

I guess, the key is to figure out what you really love.  What is your passion?  What makes you really feel?  How exactly are you stimulated?  Are you more influenced by visual, auditory, olfactory, taste or tactile stimulation?  To help you figure out what you really love and enjoy, I suggest you use a neat online service: Pinterest!  Create boards of things that stimulate and inspire you.  This is a tool I personally use on a very regular basis.  Follow others who pin things that pique your interest- there is no telling what you may discover!

Always keep your mind and hands busy- looking for the next "a-ha" moment.  Think outside of the box.  If you are tatting a pattern and think of something different to try, just do it.  It is okay to color outside of the lines!  Do you enjoy running your fingers through a jar of buttons?  How about the feel of silk thread sliding off the needle?  The taste of a gourmet chocolate bonbon?  Relish each sensation and use it to help "spark" your inner creative fire.

 I hope I've not freaked you out with my rather quirky artsy side.  Afterall, some of you did ask for it!

DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT ON THE ROSALIE GIVEAWAY POST FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!!!

Well, I am off to the Atelier to clean and get ready for a weekend of carpet steam cleaning.  I do not know if there will be much in the way of tatting to share, but the winner of the giveaway will be announced first thing Monday morning.  May you have a wonderfully creative weekend doing whatever it is that makes your soul sing!  Until next week~

Happy Tatting!