Tapestry or not to tapestry....

Well I was thrilled to begin weaving a small tapestry yesterday, using a cheap picture frame, and some scrap yarns. Of course, there are a few things to remember, like leaving enough space at the top of the warp for manipulating the threads, so the tapestry can't be too big. Since the workshop is only really a day long, and for most it will be a first time endeavor, it makes sense to keep them small. I have managed to work out satisfactory threading/tensioning, and the tapestry seems to be weaving up evenly. This means that my Boreal Jam workshop proposal is a go, and I will also be applying to teach a 75 hour workshop next fall for SWAAC (for which I will likely build some sturdier frames, perhaps even copper pipe looms)

Because time is limited at the Jam, I will have the picture frames all threaded, tensioned, and twined. This will allow for maximum weaving time, and for me to show some nifty techniques (for which I will have to refer back to my college notes, as I have only really chosen to use a few of them in my own work so far). I will provide detailed handouts on the threading and tensioning, and of course, my business card in case anybody is inclined towards a more in depth lesson!

After all the Boreal Jam is about the creation of the art, and is supposed to be FUN as well as informative, so we will cut to the chase and get folks hooked before we bombard them with threading, tensioning and twining. :)

My picture frame loom in action:
I like playing with color. I like graphic designs, and so far I don't do much work with shading, but I do enjoy combining threads of different color, texture and values. it is fun to see how they weave up, and what they look like next to other mixtures. For me the best thing about tapestry is that I have so many options to play with. I will never be done trying new things.


I am so happy to pick up tapestry again. Its been three years since I last wove anything. This little picture frame concept really appeals to me because, unlike my big Gobelin, I can take this with me when I go visiting etc. I love portable projects. :) I sacrifice size for portability in these picture frame looms, but I still love weaving big, and have a plan to start something very major(and ginormous) on my Gobelin this summer. I already have a concept in mind that should force me to experiment with techniques other than the ones I used in my grad work. It is something I think my mom will LOVE. :)

Sarah Sarah Sarah...you are gonna love this. Shall I teach you when I come? It would be such excellent practice for my workshop. :)

Oh! Here is a picture of a pile of inkle shoelaces, that I have been mass producing on the Cendrel replica my dad built for me.
Cheers n Beers!
JQ

Jam the Man!

Hello all!

Once again it seems to be longer between entries, but alas! I haven't got around to taking any more photos of the few fibre type things I have been working on. Plus I don't want to give away too much about the missedmas presents I am working on for my bestest in the westest. :) regular posting should resume after I return from my vacation in Kamloops. I should have plenty of photos of the crafty stuff we get up to while I am there.

I have also been busy prepping my CV and Workshop proposal for the Boreal Mixed Media Arts Jam this coming Labour Day weekend. I hope to put on an introduction to tapestry workshop.
This is a shot from the jam last year...albeit not a very good one. This just gets the campsite. There were actually a great many people out there learning all sorts of stuff from soapstone carving to songwriting and acrylic painting...

Check out borealjam.wordpress.com, for anyone who is curious.

Ciao for now!
JQ

Looming possibilities...

HUGE HEARTS-OFF-THE-CHARTS FOR MY DAD!

Many thanks are due to my incredibly gifted father who took the time and care to assemble not one, but four beautiful maple and walnut inkle looms based on my rough pine ones from the workshop. He also put together a special one for me based on a photograph of the Cendrel which allows for up to 17 feet of inkle or card-woven bands. The loom also doubles as a warping frame which is the main reason I wanted it built. Also, he put a special one (similar to the first four) together for my best friend, which she received by post a little over a week ago.

This is a photo of one of the four identical inkle looms he made. The one he made for my best friend is similar--prettier still...

And this one is the one that's based on a picture of the Cendrel loom. It isn't identical, in fact it's far sturdier, and prettier than the loom in the image he worked from.
My dad has always been particularly crafty when it comes to wood work. These were absolutely phenomenal gifts and I am very grateful to have a talented dad like him! I can't wait to put them all to good use in future workshops! I've been using the Cendrel style loom practically non-stop since it was built. :)

Love you pops.


Hearts off the charts!
JQ