A few weeks back I had a phone call from a lady who had been gifted one of my silk scarves. She was calling to invite me to showcase my work at a charity event in a well known local hotel. A first for me. I jumped at the opportunity as it was a ticketed … Continue reading From little acorns.
In 2020 I became inspired to create the textile version of my Elemental Colours Range and am very excited to showcase them here. They depict the Ocean, Earth and Fire as well as the Desert. Inspiration comes from the places I visit, landscapes, wildflowers and seascapes. Continue reading Mixed Media Textile Art
As a textile artist, I am drawn to many types of fibres. Wool is perhaps the most ancient of fibres used to create something more usable. My grandmother was a potter and the idea of making pots intrigued me until I tried it and realised it was too rigid for me. Felting caught my eye many years ago when I was in County Galway but I didn’t get it together to try until the autumn of 2022. Oh my was I hooked, it feels like its deep rooted in my DNA. Such an ancient craft, so much a part of many cultures on a primal level for centuries. The ability to create a vessel out of wool using techniques also used for pottery just feels so good. So many gifted felters here and abroad gracefully giving their knowledge, what a gift. I am learning quickly and avidly, creating bowls, vessels and wearable pieces combining other fibres, silks and found objects. This is a love affair for sure. Continue reading Wet Felting
I had some fun experimenting this last week dyeing various items in the microwave. I use Dupont silk dyes for all my dyeing projects and these are steamed fixed in a pressure cooker which can take up to an hour plus the use of water to rinse. Some time back I learnt that you could fix dyes in the microwave… but I was reluctant to try not being a fan of microwaves anyway.
However… having seen another textile artist posting gorgeous pieces on Facebook and learning that she had fixed them in the microwave, I vowed to try the very next day. A bit of googling and I found some basic instructions which I followed. This was not enough for my enquiring mind though. I wanted to test other materials that I had previously steam fixed successfully. Continue reading Dyeing silks and things in the microwave
These are a wonderful way of gathering gorgeous bits n bobs without having to invest loads in large amounts of things.
As a textile artist I use a large range of products and materials across my various projects and have therefore amassed a vast pile of goodies. I decided to make up these textile bundles as inspirational packages for mixed media textile workers, or anyone who might find them a great resource. They can be used for junk journals, jewellery, scrap-booking, bags, wall art pieces, clothing, needle books and whatever your imagination creates.
These are available to purchase from my Etsy shop. Continue reading Mixed Media Textile Bundles on Etsy.
New items available to purchase.
Gorgeous bundles for mixed media textile artists!
I often dye silks, lace and wool at home for my various projects and thought it would be lovely to make up these bundles to inspire other textile artists and crafters. They have more than 50 elements. Lots to play with. Continue reading Mixed Media Textile Bundles
New works at the Kinsale Arts Weekend artists walking trail Continue reading Kinsale Arts Weekend 2022
I think trees are epic, we need them to survive on so many levels. My love for all things nature which inspires me across all my work therefore has to feature in my branding so what better than the tree of life. Continue reading Meet the Maker
With all this stay at home time I have, I find myself looking for new ways of doing and being. Social media seems to have taken a major backseat and I am researching new mediums and materials to take my artwork and creative projects into 2021. Years ago I started my Elemental Colours range of trifold cards and wall hangings which became collectable and treasured. Back then I used to take a stand in the craft fairs in Ireland and had an agent to sell my cards. They were made from coloured tissue papers, handmade papers, Moroccan sabra threads, gilt threads and found objects like tiny tiny shells. They depicted the five elements of Earth, Fire, Water, Metal and Air… Continue reading Elemental Colours
Karima Rebecca Powell Artist 