UPCYCLING SCRAPS OF LIFE

It wasn't like I needed another art project as I am supposed to be finishing up a mobile for that grandbaby's crib but when the Pump House posted upcoming classes, one grabbed my attention as it involved fabric and principles of design... Besides the baby just moved into her big girl crib and I'd be able to finish the pieces before my next visit. Perhaps this class would also be the answer as to how to decorate the Down Syndrome fundraiser mannequin too.  Of course, I signed up and also sent an email to my crafty buddy Lynn to see if she'd like to join in the fun too.  She was game.

So this past Saturday we joined 12 others to learn about making fabric collages out of scraps using different design principles and  color schemes from artist Marilyn Klinkner. Marilyn recently had a show called  "Aparagraha or Freedom from Hoarding" as 99  12X12's of fabric collages grouped by color donned her exhibit's walls. 

What an endeavor!

Marilyn Klinkner explained the process 

After sharing the hows and why re: our love affair with fabric/ different art mediums and our introductions, Marilyn shared the principles of design and color. The 'value' of colors has always been elusive to me besides the task of composition. There's the how much is enough/ too much?  

There were rules.  We were to choose a bundle of scraps, pre chosen by our instructor but were not to alter any scrap unless it was over 15" in length as our collage base was a white 12X12 piece of sturdier fabric. Other material could be added/ exchanged.  Scraps eventually would be adhered to the white base by stitching with crewel thread. Irons were available for smoothing out fabric wrinkles. We were itching to get to started.

Collage composition isn't a quick process for the experienced or inexperi-enced but straight pins'd eventually held the scraps in place still allowing change...                                                                    
Sometimes we could literally hear a pin drop and other times there was chitchat and excitement on finding just the right piece/ place for the find.

Frustration dissipated as the compositions fell into place, some needing consultations/ suggestions/ praise. 

Favorite garb 
unable to be tossed found its new home out of the closet onto its owner's collage.  

Preference for circles could find their place and become a focal point. 
Where there's a will, there's a way, eh? 

The quilters and scientist in the group had to deal with uneven edges and shapes.

Mixing prints and colors was definitely not easy for us matchy types either.                     

We sat, 

stood, 

stretched.

Some of us walked around to view different tables's work. At times another collage might spark an idea to attempt another's methodol-
ogy.

 It was encouraging seeing others's progress. 

And as you can see each and every square was indeed unique. 

Then, the 3 hours were over before we knew it. Time to pack up and go home.

We departed with hopes of gathering again to work on our collages. 

Mine's far from complete...  
    

A

B

Tweaking still awaits.
Inverting changes things up.
Which do you prefer A/B?


No matter what, it was a wonderful afternoon sharing space with other like minded artsy folk trying  something different. 

Upcycling fabric scraps definitely feels good... 
Thanks Marilyn Klinkner for sharing your love of fabric with us.