June is the end of the school year so it is very hectic, closing up the classroom and getting ready for the summer. I created this fabric from a doodle I did in my paper art journal at my April art retreat. I scanned in the doodle, then mirrored it in photoshop, then printed it out on fabric. I used a lot of new techniques I learned from some beading books that I aquired, and then adapted to my own style.

The Beaded Journal Project is a year long challenge that asks participants to create a fabric journal page for each month that captures the experience of that month, for the artist. We began this journey in September 2008. I chose to create a shrine style page with the concept of a sculptural book that would both stand and have doors that opened onto the beaded pages. The project has gone through different phases of development and is not yet complete. Finishing a project of this nature (hiding the stitching, making all surfaces presentable) is turning out to be a challenge. This is the first time I have done beaded artwork on this level. I am excited about what I have learned so far.

Each shrine page will close with a tied ribbon and the back will have a written statement about the piece. Each piece is machine quilted using a variety of printed, batik, and hand-painted fabrics, then embellished with ribbon, lace, trim and beads. The beads are glass beads in many sizes, shapes and types.

You can follow and read more about this series on my blog Sheba Kitty Productions

The Backs

tied closed fronts