The act of slow stitching quiets the noise and brings stillness to the mind
Stephanie Hopkins
In the Presence of Slow Stitching
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Monthly Archives: May 2023
A Weekend of Crafting
Starting this past Friday, we celebrated my father’s birthday. I made him a miniature diorama and he loved it! He is going to display it on his desk. Saturday and Sunday and Sunday I worked on several projects and a couple art challenges.
A little fabric, paper and mesh dyeing was a lot fun! A few of them will go through more color washes soon! They will be used for various mixed media projects-including collage, fabric journal making and hand sewing. Once I get the look I want, I’ll iron these pieces. I’m going to share my method of making these soon at The Ugly Stitch Club Facebook Group.
A little paper crafting for the 100 Day Art Challenge and I really enjoyed creating this piece by adding wonky stitches and mesh from a kitchen liner you can buy at The Dollar Tree.
I’m completely hand stitching the fabric collage when with the many colors of fabric and stitches shown and I’m still working on it. I should have been finished with it by now, but I’m having such a lovely time slow stitching through the different shapes, colors and patterns of the fabric. Do you ever have those WIP you want to spend more time with and not let go quite yet? Like a kindred spirit you can talk with for ages and time seems to stand still and you say, ” Just a little longer…” Yeah, that’s this piece
Sunday afternoon, I spent time on the back porch, I decided to work on a stitch project while enjoying the weather and listening to the birds sing their song. It is becoming that time of year when you can enjoy the outdoors.
The stitch snippet challenge at The Ugly Stitch Club is in full swing and it is going great! Everyone’s snippets are lovely and such creativity from the group! We are having a blast! Here are a few pictures of the snippets I’ve been working on.
Well, that is pretty much a wrap up of weekend crafty events. There are a couple of other crafty things I worked on and you can check them out on my Instagram. I hope everyone had a lovely weekend and will have a great week!
Group Links:
Instagram @theuglystitchclub
For the Facebook group, just type in the search field, “The Ugly Stitch Club” and request to join.
See you there!
Stephanie Hopkins
The Ugly Stitch Club
I have started a new craft club and I’m thrilled to be sharing about it here with you all! What kind-of club is it? The Ugly Stitch Club is a group for stitchers of all levels of experience. Whether you are a stitch smith or total newbie, if you are interested in stitching of various kinds, you are in the right place! We have an Instagram page you can follow and a group on Facebook. Members on Facebook may post images and video to show others their projects or how-to or ask questions about technique or for creative ideas. Above all, we are sharing in order to respectfully support stitchery and encourage those who engage in it. We are a positive group and welcome you with a smile!
Tomorrow, we are currently starting a 20 Day Stitchy Snippet Roll Challenge over on the Facebook group and Instagram. This is a challenge is great for stocking your crafty stash with stitch snippet rolls for various projects! All you really need is 5 to 10 minutes a day to work on your rolls. Even if it’s just a tiny section, it still counts for the daily challenge. This challenge is mixed media and there are loads of material ideas you can use. More information about the challenge on Instagram or on our Facebook Group.
Group Links:
Instagram @theuglystitchclub
For the Facebook group, just type in the search field, “The Ugly Stitch Club” and request to join.
See you there!
Stephanie Hopkins
Exploring the Outdoors
This past Sunday the weather was cool, sunny and windy! Despite the wind, it was a beautiful day for a walk in the neighborhood. I went a little father this time around and enjoyed the leisurely stroll. Everyone’s yards were beautiful and the sun was reflecting off the pond. Even the chipmunks were busy exploring and enjoying the fresh air. It has been a rainy season this winter and spring. It hasn’t been easy to get out and enjoy the outdoors. You have to catch the sun when you can.
I was able to collect quite a few wood things for my mixed media projects and I’m thrilled with what I found. I’m drying them out on the back porch a but before drying them out in the oven. I recommend doing that before crafting with them.
Instructions on How I Dry Them Out:
Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Supplies:
Baking sheet(s)
Parchment Paper
Old Paint Brush
Brush your wood findings off really good with an old dry paint brush or tooth brush. I like the bristles to be a bit tough. Not too tough mind you. Put them on a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread them out.
Bake for 20 minutes and then allow them to cool down completely being using them or storing them. Be sure to keep an eye on them while they are in the oven.
Once dried, they are ready to craft with!
This particular process is not for children. Adult super vision is needed.
I hope you enjoyed this post and if you haven’t subscribed to my blog yet, please do so!
Stephanie Hopkins
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