Of all the treasures and info I took away from last Saturday's workshop with Lisa Englebrecht, I must say that these paper towels are high on that list.
My job description included cleaner and helper and so I was eager to gather and "throw away" all the old and discarded paper towels that everyone was using to blot their fabric.
Oh my ... the colors and textures are to die for. Really, some of the shapes and designs that happened could never have been planned.
At one point during the day these paper towels were actually taken out to the trash ... I had to dig them out ... so worth it! After I got home, I did lay the towels out to dry ...
And so ... here are a few art projects made from these fabulous painted paper towels. I guess I have patchwork on my mind ... hmmm ... wonder why?
This is probably my favorite ... I was moving fast here and not really thinking, kind of just doing. A little rubber stamping, a little free motion stitching, and a little gold ink rubbing.
And then I added a bit of linen, just to mix it up a bit.
And more free motion doodling and a little extra punch with my new favorite glitter and white gel pens ... Uniball Signo pens, love them!
Then I started rummaging around in a bin of odds and ends and came across a free motion stitched alphabet.
Here's what you do:
Gather used paper towels that have been stained with paint and glitter. Iron lightly to flatten.
Cut the paper towels up into 1" squares and arrange in a patchwork pattern on a panel using a temporary spray adhesive.
Next, stitch around the squares and then add so doodles of scallops, dots and hearts. Color in with glitter pens.
Oh, and attach free motion stitched heart to the corner then attach to a folded card and stamp a small word in the corner.
Ok, so ... the sky is the limit here ... and ... I am in love!
With love ... your free motion friend!
Cool idea, your patchwork and stitching look wonderful! I love the one with the heart. Creative way to recycle as well. :-)
Posted by: Christina Recchio | March 11, 2011 at 06:03 AM
These are wonderful. I've often found that the sheet I'm trying colors on while painting looks like an abstract -- but it never occurred to me to look at the paper towel I'm using. You are so clever!!! These are just yummy.
Posted by: Christine | March 11, 2011 at 09:20 AM
Awesome idea! I'm so drawn to things cut in squares and just started sewing on paper. What a great way to start my morning with some inspiration from you!
Posted by: Stacy | March 11, 2011 at 10:17 AM
These are WONDERFUL! I'm going to have to try this. Was it ink or watercolours or acrylic? Kerryfelter/Sharon
Posted by: Sharon Crandall | March 11, 2011 at 10:22 AM
Now I know what to do with all my paper towels, just love the idea. xxx your free motion friend ☺
Posted by: Susan Hosueman | March 11, 2011 at 01:32 PM
wow...i see these mixing in with everything! thank you much for sharing ... :)
Posted by: donna!ee | March 11, 2011 at 01:54 PM
Thanks for sharing, Cynthia! The cards are absolutely gorgeous!
Posted by: Helena | March 11, 2011 at 02:31 PM
Cynthia, with this art you brought back a memory I'd forgotten about...as a kid on long summer days I used to like to take wads of toilet paper, stuff it into a small flower pot, pulling some up to look like twists of a leaf and drip drops of water and food color on it just to watch it spread out. I thought it was beautiful like flowers...but never showed anyone 'cuz I was embarassed that I made art out of toilet paper :-)
Posted by: Bonnie | March 11, 2011 at 03:28 PM
LOVE these. Such an inspiration Cynthia.
Posted by: stephanie | March 15, 2011 at 06:31 AM
Thank you for this wonderful tutorial and these amazing pieces of heart!
Posted by: gio | March 16, 2011 at 09:24 AM
Absolutely gorgeous! Just found your blog today. Looking forward to catching up on your past posts.
Posted by: Cristi Clothier | March 22, 2011 at 01:28 PM
I LOVE these! Thanks so much for sharing! :)
Posted by: Jennifer Dixon | March 22, 2011 at 01:55 PM
I love these too! I love how free you are with your art and the results are amazing!
Posted by: Bettsi | April 22, 2011 at 10:34 PM
In this cause trash was treasure; I am happy you were inspired and pressed on. One would never know, unless up close may recognize the texture. They all are amazing; pretty paper like quilts. Thank you for following your instincts~
Posted by: Ellen | May 02, 2011 at 04:53 AM
Fabulous! When my kids were dying Easter eggs I was wiping up dye drops with paper towels (4 kids...8 hands in 6 cups of dye was a bit messy). The colors were really bright as we used 2 color tablets per cup (so they could use both the Hello Kitty and Star Wars stickers ;))...and the paper towels were so bright and amazing! I saved them and started dipping the paper towels in the leftover dye thinking I could use them to create something. And voila! here is the perfect idea! Beauty! Thanks so much!
Posted by: Roberta | May 06, 2011 at 11:46 AM
AWESOME!!!
Posted by: soapHOUSEmama | February 15, 2012 at 04:53 PM