14 September, 2008

Butterfly Beginnings

I decided from the beginning that I wanted to do something 3-D for my BJP this time. Immediately the thought of a butterfly came to mind & I have been mulling over how to achieve this every since.

Of course, the perfectionist in me wouldn't let me start until I had all the kinks worked out but that wont happen until I try one, so that is what I did today. Here is the inner workings of the butterfly. I will be using this stiff interfacing (Stitch & Shape by Floriani). This is stiff but a needle will go through it easily. This will give me the shape of the wings and will give me strength for when I finish the butterflies. All of the butterflies will be displayed on a small quilt of some sort - at least that is the plan at the moment.
I have been doing an on-line Color Theory class with Judy Perez. I love colour but I have never really studied colour. Judy's class was the perfect opportunity to start that study. There are 12 colours on the colour wheel and 12 months in the year so the goal is to do a butterfly a month in one colour on the colour wheel, beginning with red (my favourite colour!).

I have decided to use batiks, well, just because I like them! I already have all of my colours chosen and they are very exciting! I will try to mirror image the beading and will start with red fabric, red beads but we will see how that goes!

Here is my practice piece that showed me that my idea would work. These wing pieces together are just shy of 3" long. Now, to go find beads!!!

10 comments:

Tracey Leeder said...

Wow Cindy this looks amazing! What a great idea to do not only b 3-D butterflies but different colors too! I cant wait to see how they turn out! Great idea but I wonder...when are you sending the panda to MY house?!! Hugs! tracey

KV said...

Such a clever idea, Cindy! Can't wait to see the finished butterfly . . .


Kathy V in NM

pam T said...

ooooo Cindy ... this is going to be gorgeous! Can't wait to see the end result!
pam T

heidibeads said...

Can't wait to see it beaded. Love the batik and the butterfly idea. Neat photoshop drawing, too - I didn't know you could do that - now i have to upgrade!lol

Robin said...

Great idea, Cindy... not much space to "journal," but know you'll pull it off.

Cindy said...

I'm hoping that my 'journal' part will be my exploration of colour. I have some other things that I want to do along with this to help with that exploration. Maybe I can try & find an interesting way to also incorporate those experiments. I love colour so this will be so fun to do - it is me all over :)

Ellen said...

What a suberb idea Cindy, I can't wait to see your first butterfly!

Timaree said...

I can't wait to see how these turn out. It sounds like a great idea. I am doing the color wheel also but I started with yellow.

mariasangel said...

Love this idea! Can't wait to see how it turns out!--Maria

Pursuing Art... said...

Hi Cindy...I'm finally taking the time to catch up with other BJP members today!

I like your theme of 3-D butterflies and and that you are using the twelve colors on the color wheel! I am anxious to see them. Butterflies and so beautiful and fun to bead...I know they will be stunning!

I LOVE your panda page and she must have enjoyed working with them! How great that she is in vet school now! What a lovely tribute to her and her photo!

Have a nice weekend...

~Lisa ;-)