5.09.2007

playing around

I've been playing with some Lazertran silk transfer paper. I bought it with high hopes, only to have them dashed when I found out that copy places wouldn't let me put it in their copiers. And the only other thing it works on is color laser printers, which I don't have. I finally found one I could borrow, so I used up the pack and am now figuring out what I can do with the images.

There are five that I am really interested in. So I've been playing with the other two. I've found out enough that I don't think I will buy any more, but I do see how it could be used.

This first transfer is on heavy silk, crepe satin I think. The original picture was of sand that was being furrowed by the waves. It was almost monotonal, which explains why it doesn't work so well.


I quilted it heavily with varigated thread. The edge had gotten messed up because I hurried the transfer process, so I added some Jacquard silk paint and let it flow. The piece is ok, but it doesn't really shine.

The next picture was a close-up of an autumn leaf, which had been manipulated in Photoshop Elements. To this I have started hand couching some silk yarn made from silk scraps. I like the look, but it seems like there will just be overall texture and color, with no focal point.


But this idea shows promise as a technique for the 'good' transfers.

As a last trial, I transferred the image to silk organza. It's hard to tell, but it's a picture of a manatee in a clear pool of water. But the fabric is problematic--it tends to distort every time I handle it, you can feel the transfer on this (and not so much on the others). I'm drawn to the image, but can't figure out how to use it in a finished piece.


So I've learned a little, but I'm still a little scared of starting with the 'good' pieces--only one shot at getting it right. On the other hand, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Sometimes, maybe lots of times, art is about taking a leap of faith. It may be the only way to get to something new, something fresh.





2 comments:

Ann said...

I really think the second one is terrific. Silk yarn made from silk scraps????

bj parady said...

Yep. Thought that might catch your eye. I got it in Kalona, but I've seen it online and at yarn stores. It's real chunky and shiny and no foot is the same as the next foot. You need some.