It has been a slow go getting pieces setup outside. But school is now officially done and I’m hoping that having some big brothers around to play with the baby will let me get a few more pieces done. There has even been interest in the kids making their own artwork to hang outdoors this summer. We had a big rainstorm last night and everything seemed to fair just fine. I need to rework some of my hanging methods, but I’ll figure that out soon.

Here is half of a second hand table cloth that I hand-dyed and Thermofax Screen Printed several blueprint images onto.

Then here is another second hand table cloth that I sun painted with an old trellis and fencing. Then Thermofax Screen Printed my own sketches, an old brick pattern and a patten from an old doily. Yes, that is St. Francis hanging out in the garden.

Stay tuned. More to come.

I have a few pieces up and several more to come. Here are two wind socks. The plan is to make a few more in different colors.

Next up is the trellis piece. It has several prayers that are printed and handwritten, Celtic knots and a few other textures. I plan to add to this as summer progresses.

I made this a little while ago because I needed to make something for, you know, fun. I think that making things “just because” can get lost sometimes when you are trying to “make it” as an artist. I had planned on entering this into a competition but it didn’t work out that way. So for now, I’ll just admire it here at home and see what comes along.

Eye Exam by Jackie Lams

I think this fabric was originally a tablecloth. But not anymore. After dyeing it, I attacked it with various blueprint images and a lot of fabric paint. The images are significant, but I’m not saying why just yet. This to will go into the outside installation project.

So happy to see the sun and warm weather around here. I’ve been plotting, planning and painting on the fabric for the outdoor installation. It is evolving as I go. I was reminded why I need lots of heat to get the vibrant colors I love with fabric dye. I also figured out that not all second hand fabric is what someone thought it was. So some of the colors didn’t turn out exactly as I had hoped. But never fear, I came at the fabric with a little Dyna-flow and sunshine. I pulled out an old trellis that had been weathering for several seasons in the back of the garage and whatever else I could find at that moment. I also had an audience while working. He found it pretty fascinating for a little while.

Pretty cool! I’ll be figuring what’s next very soon.

I’ve been compelled lately to explore the world of outdoor installation art in our backyard. Big inspiration comes from Jeanne Williamson and her backyard installations. I don’t think I will keep whatever I do up for a year. I’m thinking through summer and maybe fall. You see in the picture below a collection of fabric dyes (from Pro Chem) and fabric I purchased from our local Salvation Army store. My goal is to only incorporate used household fabrics (curtains, table cloths, bed sheets) and any random cotton fabric remnants found at the second hand store. I’ll explain why I’m only using second hand materials later on in the project. But for now I’m still gathering supplies and figuring this out as I go along. Next step will be to dye the fabric. I just need Mother Nature to stop being so darn moody and give us some decent days so I maybe I can work outside.