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Friday, July 15, 2011

Painted Silk Wall Hanging

I painted this wall hanging for my mom last year for her birthday, way before I even thought about blogging or taking step-by-step pictures.

Now, I must confess . . . I’m not a great seamstress. I used to be. I was, really! But I followed patterns – precisely, ironed like a fiend, used tons of pins. That was before Hubs & stepsons & grandson.
 
Everything I want to sew now is home decor – no patterns. Just measurements. Ugh, math. Figuring. Ugh.

 
 
But for my mother, you know, I toughed it out. Please forgive the less. than. perfect.sewing. My mother did. But then, that’s what she does.
 
I started with a piece of silk – 18-20” wide and 54” long (decorator silk). I cut 2 long pieces, turned wrong sides out and sewed the side seams, leaving the top & bottom open. I did iron the seam allowances for the top & bottom.
 
Then I turned it right-side out, folded under the top & bottom casing and stitched. I know, I know. I can see all you seamstresses rolling your eyes now. Be gentle with me.
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It’s not great, but it works.
 
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Once all the sewing was done, the painting was simple. I used regular ol’ craft paints with a little metallic gold added in.
 

 
I realize now it’s pretty hard to take pics of silk because of the sheen.
 
I love painting on silk. The paint moves great. I didn’t even use textile medium – which I usually use when painting on fabric.
 


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I really want to do some more of these, sans sewing. Maybe I should just find a seamstress, huh?
 

8 comments:

Judy Harper said...

Colleen-what about going to Walmart, Target or Bed, Bath and Beyond to purchase you material. Find curtains already made, which are already made and have a satin finish. Or satin/silk sheets? Wonder how difficult it would be to paint on chiffon curtains? Very good idea.

Regina said...

Beautiful!! I agree with Judy, a great idea about curtains.

Hope that ankle is still healing nicely.

Hugs,
Regi

Blue Creek Home said...

Another beautiful creation. Lovin' it!
Rhonda

Margaret said...

Beautiful painting! Following from MBC's 200 followers club!

LizO said...

That's stunning!

Prior said...

I'd say your a still a great seamstress... I know your mom loves it. Lezlee

上班 said...

你的部落格很棒,我期待更新喔........................................

Jennifer said...

I would love for you to add a craft to my Motivate Me Monday post!! I love your blog and think my readers would too!

Jennifer
www.lebedafamily.blogspot.com

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