2/28/10

Creating a Stitched Pagelet Painting--a Tutorial

I'm having so much fun painting on vintage book pages that I'm conspiring to nudge others to try it. So I've created a tutorial page with all the details on making a stitched pagelet (little page paintings). I adore old books;  as a librarian, as an english major, as an artist. I collect them and sort through them for the pages I love best, then bring them out into the light of day by using them in collage or as a layer behind a painting. The text on the page speaks through the art you create, murmering softly about its subject. I've collected cooking and baking books, but also appreciate vintage children's readers and old math and science books. Whatever your interest, find an old, unloved rummage sale book on your pet topic and let the author speak through your art. Think of it as a duet created from voices separated by years and geography. Since I am drawing challenged until I take one of Jane LaFazio's sketching classes, I'll show you my easy method for getting an image on the page and how I add color and stitch. If you're ready to make music of your own, follow along. You can adapt the supplies to what you have on hand. The only necessaries are an old book, some sort of paint and a sewing machine...the rest is up to you. Enjoy!

18 comments:

  1. awesome tutorial! thanks! :)

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  2. F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S tutorial Kelli!! I love it and can't wait to try it. I wouldn't have thought to glue the book page to watercolor paper. Smart! and yes, I agree, stitching makes most everything look better... and thanks for the plug!
    xo

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  3. Nice work Kelli! LOvE the tutorial.

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  4. Love, love LOVE! Nice work, Kelli ... looking forward to trying your tutorial out, too.

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  5. YES! Beautiful, you've inspired me to use pages in my collages. Thanks for sharing. xoxo

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  6. just AWESOME kelli!! your work is always soooo vibrant!! xoxo

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  7. great tutorial kelli - thanks!

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  8. Wonderful tutorial! STAND BACK WHY I WHIP THIS OUT!

    Thanks Kelli

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  9. these are really FUN pieces. Great tutorial, too. Thanks!

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  10. Thank you for a wonderfully inspiring tutorial. I wish I didn't have to go to work tomorrow and I could play all day. Maybe I should call in sick???

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  11. Anonymous3/02/2010

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  12. Thanks so much for sharing this. It is SO inspiring and I just love love love the finished result. The colours are so uplifting too.

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  13. Thanks for the tutorial, especially since I can't draw, love your colors!!

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  14. Hey Kelli........what a terrific tutorial.
    Yes, Yes, Yes I can do this.....thanks to you!
    Wow.....you have me motivated.
    I better raid the Goodwill box and get some of those books out I was planning on donating.
    I will let you know what I make from your tutorial.
    LuAnn in Oregon
    http://luannkessi.blogspot.com/

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  15. Nice job, Kelli! I share your love of vintage books too, as well as stitch. This style of collage would look cool in encaustic paintings too - minus the gloss gel. ~Denise www.alteredillusions.blogspot.com

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  16. Great tutorial, love your technique for transfering images. I too am not very talented at drawing objects. As a librarian I do have some issues with destroying books, bur I guess there are some that are so far gone, it's not a bad way to recycle.

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  17. Lovely page, great colors...thanks for sharing :)

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