Stuck

I started this piece about a month ago, got quick sand, neck deep stuck and stopped painting ... anything... completely (except for Pouch #17 which doesn't count in my book).

Picking up the brush suddenly became overwhelming and scary. Maybe it's just a phase but dealing with this silly paralysis head on was the only way to move on. So, today I dabbed on some paint here and there, layered on colour upon colour and doodled on some plants. I figured I should at least work on it to the point where I kinda like it. Yes, kinda like it would be fine. 

And here I am now. Do I like it? Hmmm ... I don't know :)

Pouch #19

Pouch #19

Hand printed, hand embroidered and hand sewn

Printing!

When my super talented friend * Lynn Wong, sent me this cool link about printing with contact paper, I immediately looked up this great video I had found a couple of months ago via this blog and decided I was going to try it once and for all. Thanks, Lynn!

So, today I grabbed the ready made screen I had bought over at Popular Bookstore, cut up (more) buildings on a piece of contact paper and stuck it on. I used Pebeo Setacolor Opaque Fabric Paint and an old ATM card for a squeegee. Since I was feeling a bit ambitious, I did a two tone print.

The contact paper was tightly rolled up when I got it, so keeping it flat was a huge task in itself. But I finally managed and printed away. 

Voila! 

I'm happy. 

Unfortunately the contact paper did not adhere long enough to the screen. And some parts printed all splotchy. Plus, if I keep using Pebeo fabric paint it will break the bank eventually but...

I am happy :)

* The Super-Talented Lynn Wong is one half of the dynamic duo behind We Make These. Check out their cuter than cute handmade crafts :) 

Pouch #18

I used the stencil from the test and my Pebeo Setacolor Opaque Fabric Paint for the buildings. Not the best colour choices with the grey fabric, though. Looks a bit washed out under brighter light but I had already prepared the pouch and I really wanted to see how stenciling would work out. My arms got tired from holding the stencil in place and from dabbing on the paint. Really tired. I should probably get a proper stippling brush.

I think you can tell I started on the left - it's a lot more smudgy :)

 Can't wait to try screen printing with contact paper next.

Recipe #3 - Pizza

Here's my lazy version of a pizza using store bought puff pastry. 

Step 1

Pre-heat the oven and prepare the pastry according to instructions on the packaging.

Step 2

Slice tomatoes and arrange on pastry. Drizzle olive oil. Sprinkle salt + pepper + mixed herbs. Dot with fresh mozzarella.

Step 4 

Bake.

Step 5

Turn off the oven and add the basil, leaving your pizza in till basil wilts.

Step 6

Enjoy!

Note: I had so little pastry left that I rolled it really, really thin which is probably why it didn't turn out  

         quite so puffy. Or maybe the oven wasn't on the correct setting. Still, it was yummy :)