Friday, August 7, 2009

From Garlands to Flowers and Journals

Sorry I haven't been around much. I'm having some health issues and because of it, my energy level is extremely low. I've been spending most of my time this last few weeks resting, but I have managed to get a little bit of creating in, so I thought I would share.

Way back here, I made one of Pam's garlands. I hung it up outside for an Art Party, however, it got rained on before I brought it in after the party. I laid it out to dry later and then it got rained on again. This actually happened several times. A couple of weekends ago I decided to do something with it... turn the puffs into flowers.

The first thing I did, is snipped the string between the puffs. Then I took two or three vintage stamen and poked them through the holes of a button. Next I took a long piece of wire and poked that through the holes of the button and then twisted the short end around the long end. I pushed the wire through all the layers of the puff and knotted the garland string, still hanging through the puff, around the wire.

After that I cut leaves out of burlap and tore strips of muslin. I strung the leaves onto the wire and then wrapped the wire with the muslin, using Fabric-tac to hold it in place. The last thing I did was to tie more strips of muslin into bows around the base of the flower and the leaves.

I'm really happy with how these turned out and they have been a great project for me to work on, while lying on the couch.

The other thing I've worked on, is a journal. This is for a round robin that I'm a part of.

I created it out of a vintage ledger, using the technique that Teresa showed in her latest e-zine. The only difference, is that instead of using a rubber band, I just used seam binding to hold it all together.

The theme for this round robin book is "Seasons" and I had intended to collage/decorate the cover of the book, but I couldn't bring myself to cover up the original design... I think it's lovely as is. So I just added some tea dyed lace, a pearl bauble and a vintage key to the lace covered shish kabob stick. Now I'm working on the sign in page and the first "season" spread.

So, back to my health issue. I may not be around much within the next several weeks. I have to have a couple of surgeries and then life should go back to normal. In the mean time, I'm hoping to get most of the handwork swaps I'm in, done for Silver Bella while I heal and build my strength back up. I told my doctor I HAVE to be a-okay before November... nothing is going to stop me from Silver Bella! LOL

Have a beautilful weekend, everyone!

19 comments:

Tina said...

Oh - I lvoe those flowers Alisa and the journal is beautiful. I just love the colors on both.
Sorry to hear about your health problems - hope everything will be back to normal soon for you.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Hugs, Tina

Sue said...

The journal looks lovely. I would love to see what the inside is like. Hope you are feeling better soon, and look forward to meeting you at Silver Bella in Nov.

Sue E.

Sharon's Cottage Quilts said...

Dearest Alisa, I'm so very sorry to hear of your health issues. Bless your heart, I wondered what happened. I delight in coming to visit your sweet blog. I will be praying for your health to be restored. Thinking of You, Sharon
P.S. Your journals are just beautiful!! You clever artist!

Lori said...

Alisa, so sorry you are not feeling well...i hope after your surgeries are finished...you will be feeling much better and back to your usual self...i think your flowers look just lovely...your journal is gorgeous!!!

Tracey said...

Oh i just love your work you are so very talented.
Hope you et back to normal very soon.

Angel wishes tracey xxx

Unknown said...

Aw, Alisa, I'll be praying for your health & for your upcoming surgery. Please let us know how you're doing! You create such loveliness, even on the couch :)

Allie said...

Alisa! Two surgeries? That's horrible! I hope everything goes well and the healing moves quickly. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

LOVE the flowers! They have quite a vintage appeal :D

Take care of yourself.
Hugs,
~Allie

Unknown said...

Oh girl I wish you a speedy recovery after your surgeries! I'm sure you will be in perfect health for Silver Bella! I love the garland! I don't have the patience to make one myself..LOL! I'm glad you are finding some energy to create!

Hugs!
Sandy

Splashes of Pink and Mint said...

The flowers are beautiful, just like your journaling book. I love the vintage looks. I'm curious how it will look on the inside when you're finished. I wish you lots of strength, I hope you will feeling better soon.
Hugs, Elly

Caleen said...

Love the Garland. They are so pretty. I made one too.. Love your journal. I sure hope you are feeling better too.. Praying all goes well for you..

Margaret said...

Beautiful work Alisa, the many rain washes just add to the flowers! Love the journal cover and I agree, way too nice to cover up!
I wish you well with your surgery and i hope you're back in Blogland soon. Mv

Lori said...

Alisa
Beautiful flowers! I sincerely hope you'll get through everything fine. I wish you the best. Love,Lori

Alicia @ boylerpf said...

What a beautiful job you did on those flowers! Amazing that even after being rained on, they came out so well..only a creative artist could come up with that one! I don't blame you for not wanting to cover up the front of the journal. The current cover just speaks of lovely old things that may be inside.
I am so sorry to hear about your health issues. I'm pulling for you & hope all works out well..surgeries and all!

Nina said...

Gorgeous!! Love the flowers! The Journal is SO BEAUTIFUL! Can't wait to see it in person! ~ Nina

Beth said...

i love your journal and flowers so wonderful !!!! hope you get well soon !! take care of you !
xo,
beth

natalea said...

Alisa, I hope you get well soon. Good luck with your surgeries...And have fun at Silver Bella!! I know you'll recover in time for that!
Love your puff flowers and journal! xo natalea

the wild raspberry said...

the flowers turned out great...guess the rain did them good :)
the journal is very lovely...
hope you feel better soon
have a wonderful weekend alisa~
hugs
chasity

emily said...

HI Alisa,
The flowers turned out great! I would love to make some myself. The journal is turning out wonderful as well. Hope your feeling better:)
~emily

Sarah said...

very pretty,
glad you are feeling better and your biopsy results went well.
vintage lily