Self-portrait Art Quilt Final

Well, here it is! My experiment was rather successful. All through the process I was not sure it was working. Things just weren't lining up and I thought I'd have some issues with the glasses and the eyes. I still think the eyes are a bit odd but overall, I'm happy with the outcome.

The final piece measures 9.25 inches by 9.50 inches. Not quite square and it is the smallest piece I have done with this technique. I now know that I can make smaller works this way, however, its a lot more work than making a large wall quilt.

I used stitching to enhance the eyes, nose and mouth. I used the white organza for the glass lenses and silver lame for the earrings. I also think the background fabric works well.

I'm not sure about the quilting lines on the face and neck areas. They make me look very wrinkled (more-so than I actually am).

Inspired by Love

Last week was Valentine's Day and I was away from my family so I spent some time before I left creating my love messages for them. They did receive them on Valentine's Day. Hope they know how much they all mean to me.

Watercolour cards sprinkled with salt for the texture

This one is fabric and done for my husband.

Travel Journal

I am currently in Florida with some female friends enjoying some warm weather, golf and shopping while Toronto lies under a blanket of snow. I started a new sketchbook before I left with the intent to use it as a travel journal. I purposely left my good camera at home which is forcing me to sketch my memories. They say you remember your trips much clearer and in more detail if you sketch them. Here are the first pages of my journal so far.

Self Portrait Art Quilt Top Completed

Well, I plugged on, even though, at times, I thought this was just not going to work. Since it was a self portrait that I was doing for myself, I was not really concerned if it didn't turn out. It was a good subject to experiment on. I can take chances with the design, colours and stitching without worrying.

It still looks a little wonky and you cannot identify the nose or mouth yet but I hope to enhance those with stitching.

I trimmed it up to straighten the edges, put a piece of thick felt in between the top and the backing and finished off the edges with a zigzag stitch the same way I make my quilted greeting cards.

Now here's where I need a little help. As you can see, I have put glasses on my face and I plan to put organza where the lenses should be. I have chosen a white organza and an organza with a brown hue. Could you let me know which colour looks the best?

White organza lenses

Brown organza lenses

Thanks for your help!