In this class (you can register on their FiberInform website for future offerings) we used a variety of backgrounds suitable for stitching and how to create texture and color with different mediums. I've prepared twenty or more samples up to the color stage. Today I show my first two examples. Here is the before picture which doesn't show very much. It is 140# watercolor paper from a tablen. After priming I used molding gel which I swirled around and imprinted with bubble wrap. I wondered about
the gel taking color since it is transparent. But look what happened after I added paints and waxes. I can add surface embroidery or even machine stitch at this point.The next sample began with a piece of canvas from an artist tablet. After applying the molding gel and pouncing around with small bubble wrap, I added cheesecloth and made more bubbles with a stencil and molding paste. When it came time for the painting, I used the wrong color by accident. Then I realized I did not have the interference paint called for and made do with what I had. 
I also tried to make do with the metallic waxes I've had for a long time by freshening with xylene. That trick works, but I quickly discovered I could not apply with a light touch. As a result I played around with the addition of pewter over silver and even some mushroom dauber to tone it down. The end result reminded me of abalone shell. The actual piece looks nothing like the photo on the right. I tried scanning, I took camera pix from all different lighting. The canvas has deeper tones that don't show up; there's a lot more tonal interest there. Also from the camera angle and lighting you can't appreciate the irridescence and mettallic highlights that shine through the cheesecloth. The canvas is ready to stitch. I think it wants some gray pearls. I think I want to call it Casting Nets by Moonlight.
Drop by Chaska Peacock's website for info about her upcoming classes. Chaska always gives good instruction, lots of inspiration and always a surprise or two.
