MAGPIE'S MUMBLINGS

A blog about my interests, which include fabric landscapes and various and assorted other artsy pursuits and sometimes known to contain mumblings of a random nature.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Ink Blots and Furushiki

Now, how's THAT for an interesting title!? Today was our CQTeers group meeting and Irene and I (Sue & Kym were away) had great fun doing a 'share' session. She does some of the most interesting (and creative) things and I love seeing her work.

Irene was on a trip to Japan last year and learned to make these wonderful bags called Furushiki. They are so very simple to make and are very practical. The 'base' is just a large square of fabric and the whole thing is created with knots. This was the one I made, in a purse-size. I'd like to repeat it and make one twice as big to use as a shoulder bag. I know that it just looks like a blue blob here in the picture, but trust me - it's great! Google the name and I'm sure you can find out more about it. Our theme this month was ink blots or fall. Below are the atcs I made (atc size). The top row reminded me of people, so I scrounged around & found some wee polymer clay faces I'd made a couple of years ago. While I was looking for those, I stumbled onto the brass hands - perfect! The bottom row of blots reminded me of faces and were 'done' when I added some googly eyes I had in my stash. Great fun!
We talked and laughed and ate copious amounts of chocolate, including wonderful chocolate-dipped strawberries...yum!! Thanks Irene for a great day!

6 comments:

  1. Thanks Mary Anne,
    We have been manuring the ground in a raised bed with horse muck which worked ok the first year but perhaps I should have changed the spot or put in more leaf mould. I will definitely take on your ideas, I think I might get a shredder. We had loads of rain, but it hasn't been a good summer temperature wise in the UK. I know that they need a long growing season and I lost the first ones to the dreaded slugs.
    Well I promised you I would tell you what I do with mine. I make a delicious veggie curry. Onions diced squash, sometimes I add either chick peas or kidney beans and I always add some sultanas, for some reason it adds to the sweetness. Served on a bed of white rice, I love it. I only have one little squash this year. My hubby on the other hand has one giant pumpkin but I prefer squash anyday. If the recipe appeals and you try it, do drop by again and let me know what you think. Thanks again Tricia

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  2. amazing the things one sees in ink blots -- and so easily transformed with a few embellishments. Great idea :-)

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  3. Looks like you had a fun session there Mary Anne. Glad I'm not the only one who thinks chocolate goes well with creative pursuits, LOL. I also like jelly snakes, a little less messy on the fingers. Does require you to leap up and wash your fingers before continuing though, VBG.
    Hooroo,
    Christine
    http://missmuffettwo.blogspot.com/

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  4. I'd like to know how to knot those Japanese bags. I have some nice Japanese scarves that would work really well. My DIL is Japanese so maybe she knows how.

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  5. You are a decadent girl---chocolate dipped strawberries.

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  6. Anonymous1:57 PM

    So sorry I missed yesterday's session. Love your bag and the inkblots. I guess you will have to wait until next meeting to see my demented interpertations!!
    Mrs Noofy

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