A Pivot Towards Fabric: Adding (More) Scraps and Thread Into My Art
I’ve always had a thing for fabric.
(Read this post for my fabric backstory and added context) 🙂
But lately, I’ve noticed my penchant for fabric keeps growing … and growing.
Over the past few years, I’ve become increasingly focused on pattern design for fabrics.
As part of that, I’ve spent some time offline tinkering with a collection of pattern designs to upload to Spoonflower and such. Though I’ve yet to launch any of my patterned fabric designs just yet, I’m working on it and aspire to launch *something* — albeit small at first.
But beyond designing motifs or prints for fabric, I find myself wanting to physically incorporate more fabric elements into my analog work and digital art.
I’m not entirely sure at the moment what “more fabric” in my mixed media art practice will or may look like just yet but I’m allowing myself to lean into this expanding-fabric-vibe a bit more each day.
What I can say at present is that, in the spirit of sustainable art, I’ve been collecting second-hand clothing and other used fabrics while I ponder how to introduce (more) fabric into my art.
My expanding collection of used clothes and fabric scraps is piling up fast 🙂
And I’ve already taken scissors to some of it but nothing too finished just yet.
The visual research
This whole adding-fabric mojo has also inspired some visual research because it’s always helpful to see what’s already out there and get a better sense of what folks are posting and selling in this regard.
Pinterest, of course, has been instrumental in this stead.
But so have several books; a handful in fact have been profoundly inspirational; and not just recently published books but older books as well.
For example, two fabric collage and vintage embroidery books in particular — both from from the 50s-60s — have absolutely inspired me to no end.
One of the two older books that got my mixed media fabric ideas going is Introducing Fabric Collage by Margaret Connor (on right).
Connor’s examples, which showcase the creation of scenes using shapes and figures made from fabric and scraps, has kicked open all kinds of creative possibilities for me.
Needless to say I’m still sorting through the tsunami of ideas that sprung up for me since embarking on my visual research across Pinterest, reference books, and more.
Oh and then there’s the thread.
It’s impossible to think of fabric and not think about thread 🙂
So then it would be no surprise that both embroidery and cross stitch have been calling my attention lately as well; so much so that I’ve begun to sketch out a few motif ideas with thread and embroidery floss. But omg … let’s not get into this topic much further because this post will get too long 🙂
Now where does all this more-fabric-mojo leave me (and you)?
Do fabric and threads speak to you as they’re speaking to me?
If they do, please LET ME KNOW that I’m not alone !! 🙂
Leave a note for me on my Facebook page or my Instagram and let’s talk about this fabric love we share together 🙏🏽
In the meantime, I can’t wait to develop my fabric-inspo’d concepts, sketches, and patterns further and share my future progress with you.
Yours in art and creative expression,
2025 🍾 let`s do this
new designs for 2025 💫👇🏾
exciting and fresh mixed media-inspired designs (with playing cards theme) will soon be available 🙏🏽 designs feature hand-stamped original illustrations and collaged elements.
check back soon 💎
#creatorpreneur #creativeentrepreneur #mixedmediart #mixedmediacollage #mixedmediaartwork #playingcards #playingcardsart #surfacedesign #downloadableart
new designs for 2025 💫👇🏾
exciting and fresh mixed media-inspired designs (with playing cards theme) will soon be available 🙏🏽 designs feature hand-stamped original illustrations and collaged elements.
check back soon 💎
#creatorpreneur #creativeentrepreneur #mixedmediart #mixedmediacollage #mixedmediaartwork #playingcards #playingcardsart #surfacedesign #downloadableart
each new year centers around pending change and new beginnings; so i`ve been thinking about how internal and external change(s) impact our sense of art and creativity (interests, styles, intentions & direction) 🤍 how about you? how is pending change or the dawn of a new year influencing your artistic ideas and creative experiences?
#artislife #artislifestyle #creativeminds2024 #changeisgood #changeiscoming #artjournal #artjournaling #creativejournaling #inspiration #journalinginspiration
each new year centers around pending change and new beginnings; so i`ve been thinking about how internal and external change(s) impact our sense of art and creativity (interests, styles, intentions & direction) 🤍 how about you? how is pending change or the dawn of a new year influencing your artistic ideas and creative experiences?
#artislife #artislifestyle #creativeminds2024 #changeisgood #changeiscoming #artjournal #artjournaling #creativejournaling #inspiration #journalinginspiration
imagination at work ✨
the ability to see a single object beyond what it actually is to what it potentially could be is a core teaching of my new visuality ethos 🙏🏽 this new year, practice expanding and nourishing your own visuality with me! deets after the holidays 💎
#mixedmediaartwork #mixedmediaartist #mixedmediajournal #mixedmediaonpapper #imaginationiseverything #artisticlifestyle #coachinglife #coachinginspiration
imagination at work ✨
the ability to see a single object beyond what it actually is to what it potentially could be is a core teaching of my new visuality ethos 🙏🏽 this new year, practice expanding and nourishing your own visuality with me! deets after the holidays 💎
#mixedmediaartwork #mixedmediaartist #mixedmediajournal #mixedmediaonpapper #imaginationiseverything #artisticlifestyle #coachinglife #coachinginspiration
#mixingthingsup a bit for 2025 💎🤍
#happyholidays #somethingnew #mixedmediaart #mixedmediaartist #mixedmediajournal #newyear2025
#mixingthingsup a bit for 2025 💎🤍
#happyholidays #somethingnew #mixedmediaart #mixedmediaartist #mixedmediajournal #newyear2025
5 creative space tips 💫👇🏾
The 5 tips (shared in my #igreel 🎥) work even if your #creativeworkspace isn’t related to art at all.
The ultimate goal is this👇🏾
💎 to design a creative space that reflects your:
📌 commitment and
📌 unrelenting passion (for your craft)
… while conveying a sense of
📌 sass,
📌 style,
and soul 🔥
… that motivates and inspires YOU to no friggin’ end 💎
Best of all, these tips help you fire 🔥up your whole flair *without* having to spend a single dime 🙏🏽
… because believe me: you’re already plenty rich 💡💰💡with ideas and imagination … you just have to cultivate your creative assets to yield max returns ✊🏾🙌🏽🙏🏽
LOVED this?
👉🏾 HIT ❤️ like
💫 FOLLOW @mayrayadirstudio for more
👀 SEE my Stories
💌 SIGN UP for email inspo (🔗 in bio)
🎁 SHARE w others
🗣️ DM or comment to continue the convo!
#creatorpreneur #creativeentrepreneur #creativespace #creativespaces #creativespacestudio #workingspace #tipsforsuccess #workspacedesign #workspaceinspo #artstudiolife #artstudiodesign #artstudiospace #artstudiodecor #artstudiopro
5 creative space tips 💫👇🏾
The 5 tips (shared in my #igreel 🎥) work even if your #creativeworkspace isn’t related to art at all.
The ultimate goal is this👇🏾
💎 to design a creative space that reflects your:
📌 commitment and
📌 unrelenting passion (for your craft)
… while conveying a sense of
📌 sass,
📌 style,
and soul 🔥
… that motivates and inspires YOU to no friggin’ end 💎
Best of all, these tips help you fire 🔥up your whole flair *without* having to spend a single dime 🙏🏽
… because believe me: you’re already plenty rich 💡💰💡with ideas and imagination … you just have to cultivate your creative assets to yield max returns ✊🏾🙌🏽🙏🏽
LOVED this?
👉🏾 HIT ❤️ like
💫 FOLLOW @mayrayadirstudio for more
👀 SEE my Stories
💌 SIGN UP for email inspo (🔗 in bio)
🎁 SHARE w others
🗣️ DM or comment to continue the convo!
#creatorpreneur #creativeentrepreneur #creativespace #creativespaces #creativespacestudio #workingspace #tipsforsuccess #workspacedesign #workspaceinspo #artstudiolife #artstudiodesign #artstudiospace #artstudiodecor #artstudiopro
