Punching Idol Contest

"The Magical Forest of Good and Evil" was the theme for this contest. The main rules were that the pillow had to be a square which measured more than 14" and had to incorporate Christopher's techniques. And we had to use pantyhose as the base fabric. What???Pantyhose???? I live in south Florida and I don't remember the last time I wore them. But, I found some off-white ones at the local store and I painted the base after I punched them down. I only had three days to complete the pillow and this was when I was working during tax season. I won second place and I am thrilled!!!! The smaller picture shows the back of the pillow and I tried to tie it in to the front with color and theme. Lucky me that I already owned the fabric. I then created the fringe using yarns I also had in the house. On the front I used paints, inks, ribbons, and rayon and metallic threads. I incorporated FMSS, PTSS and ribbon flowers, all of which I learned from Christopher's online class, his book , his DVD and his shows on the Internet on Sewontv.com. I love this pillow and I hope you do too.

Chapter Four

I don't know if those of you who have been reading my blog noticed that I use a font color to match the pillow I am featuring. I love color and this is my way of extending the theme into my writing. The pillow pictured in this blog is called Tropical Winds and can be found on page 119 in Christopher's book. Although I wasn't required to do this pillow to graduate, I made it because I was the guest Master Teacher on the entry group and this was the pillow they were working on. It really helped to work along with them. I discovered that, for me, the best way to learn is to teach.

Chapter Three

On page 112 of Christopher's book, was my next project. I was continuing on my exciting voyage with punching. I saw this pillow and I thought it was going to be a bit of a challenge for me. But, when I got into it, I was hooked. I think I dreamt in turquoise for a week. When I found the stones to add to the top on the silver lame it was serendipitous. Then, I went through my stash of yarns and found all I needed to create the one-of-a-kind fringe. That Lacis Fringemaker is my new, best friend.

Chapter Two

Shown here is a picture of my RA pillow, which I created using the techniques from Christopher Nejman's "Pillows" book. The directions start on page 84. This pillow is not one I would have picked to do on my own because, I am not into purple. But the techniques were wonderful and I love the way it came out. I really was impressed the way the satin fabric took on the look of suede. The gold lame sun burst spoke to me: I love bling. I find the more I create the more glitz I need to have.

Because of the pillow's finished size, 16" x 25" plus the fringe which is over 5" and the amount of stuffing I used, this is one heavy pillow. But what else would one make to represent the Egyptian god Ra? He is, after all, the sun god. One must appease those who may be watching over our creations and we need all the approval we can get.

Chapter One

The journey on way to becoming an FCA (Fiber Construction Artist) began on page 25 of Christopher Nejman's "Pillows" book. After watching him on "Sewing with Nancy," I knew I had to get his book and DVD and learn his techniques. They truly drew me in and spoke to my creative soul. I have been collecting fabrics and trims and embellishments and yarns and paints for many years, never knowing exactly what I was going to do with them. When I found Christopher and his techniques I knew I had found my heaven. This is what I was meant to do. These pillows were what I had to create. At the top is a slide show of my completed pillows. Enjoy!!