My last finish : Egyptian mask
Size 16" X 20", on black canvas
2009/04/16
2009/02/17
WIP.....#2
Just emerging, the image of a Dying King , (from an ancient manuscript).
Size : 15" X 20" 1/2.
2008/10/08
The art of Imaging (1)
Shades, lights and colors have always fascinated me...and all the work I did previously seems to be the artistic basis of what I now realise with counted crosstitch.
Book 1 : Pencil studies...lignes and doodles
Book 1 : Pencil studies...lignes and doodles
The art of Writing (1)
Looking through my things, I found old books of studies and calligraphy projects I did in the 80's. I notice that I always had a marked interest in Medieval Art.
Book 1 : Lines, letters and symbols
Book 1 : Lines, letters and symbols
2008/10/07
2008/10/02
2008/10/01
Multiple universe...
As we move away from the picture, we discover many small universes reunited into one...
2008/09/30
2008/09/29
Light and threads...
What I like most about crossstitch is the colors. To observe contrasts, subtle or intense of the palette that forms a picture is pure joy to me...
A picture appears...
When applying colors one after the other... the picture, vague at first, slowly takes shape and movement, then becomes vibrant until finally, it seems to have a life of its own...
Working on a large project
Here is how I organize, and start the stitching on a large piece whose pattern has many pages (between 9 and 16).
First, since there is many colors, I put together all my threads, scissors, highliter, and so on, in a single box. I often work on 2 or 3 different projects so I have a different box for each one...keeps me from getting all mixed up.
Then, I sew the fabric solidly onto a frame just a little larger in size (here the fabric is 17" and the frame 19"). When the fabric is well fixed into its frame, I roll the top and bottom rods until the surface it very tight and nice to work on.
I always start in the middle of a piece. Here I choose page 10 which is the upper left page from the middle point. I marked this central point with a white cross directly on the fabric before it was fixed in the frame.
Now, I am ready to start stitching...one page after the other, following the pattern until the end. This helps me work efficiently and comfortably on 2, 3 or more projects simultaneously for months, without making mistakes, or forgetting where I was at.
Dying fabric in black
For my next project, I needed black canvas.
I looked in a few nearby stores but couldn't find any, and the shipping costs of internet shopping to my home are ridiculous since most stores are located in the US or UK.
For a more economical solution I decided to try dying a few pieces of white Aida myself, so I bought a box of black Tintex at the dollar store (cost : 1$).
Following the instructions on the box, I let the fabric soak in the dye for 3 hours, so the color would be as intense as possible. Then I rince and let dry.
After a good ironing I notice that the 3 pieces are not the exact same tone of black. The large one looks more of a very dark blue, and the small ones seems more black. The original fabrics were probably not the same to start with.
But since the color on each is very dark and even (except for a small spot) it seem perfectly suitable. I am quite satisfied and I just hope that the color will stay and not fade when I work... Time will tell...
I am now ready to start another new project... to be revealled soon....
Frames
Since I work exclusively on large projects, I prefer to use rectangular wooden scroll frames because they don't tear the fabric like a circular frame would do.
I build the frames myself so I can have many different sizes according to my needs. It it quite simple, a few pieces of wood, hardware, a little manual dexterity and you get custom made frames, very unexpensive.
Another advantage of these frames, is that the fabric is tightly sewn to the ribbon on each horizontal rod, so it stays very still and rigid while I work. This is specially important since it takes months to finish a single piece.
Some frames are pretty large and can be heavy to hold while stitching. I used to have wrist pain when I worked for many hours at a time. To avoid that, I build stands to support the weight of the frames while freeing my hands.
For 18" frames, I use a tray-stand. The frame is fixed on the left side and I can put my accessories in the tray. I can work sitting comfortably on the couch with this stand resting on my thighs. Perfect when watching TV in the living room.
For 24" or more frames, I use a floor stand. The frame is fixed on both sides for a better balance. This stand can be adjusted to the height of the chair I sit on, and to the width of the frame I use. It is lightweight and easy to handle.
Starry Night
Another modern art work from french painter Vincent Van Gogh. I like the "painting" look that I got on this one. You can almost see the paintbrush strokes . Size : 20" x 16 1/2"
The Lute player
A modern piece for a mood change. It is from a nice painting from Jean-Luc Chabaud. I really like the way he uses light and colors in his work. Warm and vibrant...Size : 12" X 16"
Source : Jean-Luc Chabaud http://www.artchic.com/chabaud/index.htm and http://www.i-cone.net/jean-luc-chabaud-peintures/jean-luc-chabaud.htm
La Comtesse at work
This is me.. working on my next large project... I turned a corner of my room into a small workshop with everything at hand...
The Light... continued
Second part of the stained glass duet from the Louvre... same size and color palette as the first.
The Catheral
Another large piece. It took 8 months... 53 colors, for fading effets that looks like paint. Size : 17 1/2" x 24"
Creating Light
This one is from a stained glass from the Louvre. The light seems to glow from behind. Size : 10 1/2" x 9'
The sens of Hearing
..... from the famous "Lady and the Unicorn" (Flandres, XV century).
Size : 16 1/2" x 22"
The Battle
My biggest finished project to date....6 months et 84 906 stitches !!
Size : 19" x 22 1/2"
Welcome
To all visitors who come this way...
I am pleased to welcome you in my little workshop where I can enjoy my latest passion....Counted crosstitch.
Since 2004, I play with threads, needles and colors to create pieces inspired by medieval Tapestries, or ancient Manuscripts. Some are calm and serene, others dynamic and full of details, but each of them is special to me...
Hope you enjoy your visit.
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