I am a mixed media artist and librarian living on the shores of Lake Michigan. For over a decade, I've been making art that prizes the everyday ephemera of our lives, incorporating the common flotsam of discarded life into art that speaks to the heart. That's why I chose Ephemeral Alchemy as my identity.
I've taught a wide variety of art forms at a local and national level, including soapmaking, pysanky, altered books, paper bead making, stitchpaper, stitch imagery, book forms and mixed media.You may have seen me at CREATE with Cloth Paper Scissors, Art Camp for Women, virtual studios at the International Quilt Show, online with STITCHED video workshops, on Quilting Arts TV or in my DVD for Quilting Arts Workshops titled "Stitch Imagery." I'm also thrilled to be a part of the Sketchbook Challenge!
I love to share my creative endeavors through writing. Stitch Alchemy : Combining Fabric and Paper for Mixed Media Art has been a bestselling craft book. I've also contributed art to a number of other fantastic titles listed below. I'm a frequent contributor to craft magazines and love to blog about my crafty pursuits. I am always learning, evolving and growing, so you'll see my style and focus change as the months go by. Art is a wonderful adventure.
I'm glad you stopped by and welcome a conversation among creative friends. You can find my email address on the "Connect" link.
Kelli
AUTHORED BOOKS
Stitch Alchemy : Combining Fabric and Paper for Mixed Media Art by Kelli Nina Perkins. Interweave Press, Sept. 1, 2009. 136p. ISBN 9781596681132. $22.95. (qulting, papercrafts, sewing, needlecrafts, mixed media)
Mixing the versatility of paper with the dimensional qualities of cloth, this inventive handbook to crafting with “paper-cloth” provides mixed-media artists with the knowledge to easily transform their works into collaged quilts using embellishment techniques, such as painting, stitching, needlefelting, and beading. Though the technique is inexpensive and requires less space, equipment, and skill than dyeing fabrics for quilt making, readers will learn step-by-step how the use of paper-cloth—from making the paper-cloth itself; adding color and interest to the foundation with inks, stains, paints, and glazes; texturizing; implementing printmaking techniques; and more—can allow layers of complexity and textural appeal. Common projects include art quilts, art dolls, jewelry, and artist books. Perfect for artists interested in altered art, found and recycled art, needle felting, and nontraditional elements, this original resource is the first to cross the paper and cloth mediums.
CONTRIBUTING BOOKS
The Sketchbook Challenge: Techniques, Prompts, and Inspiration for Achieving Your Creative Goals by Sue Bleiweiss. 2012.
The Cloth Paper Scissors Book : Techniques and Inspiratin for Creating Mixed Media Art by Barbara Delaney. 2011
Mixed Media Self Portraits : Inspiration & Techniques by Cate Coulacos Prato. 2008 "Mirror, Mirror," "Self Discovery Through Journal Dolls."
Altered Paper Jewelry : Artful Adornments from Beautiful Papers by Jenn Mason. 2008. "Recycled Junk Mail Pins."
1,000 Artist Trading Cards by Patricia Bolton. 2006 (cover and page 51-52)
AUTHORED ARTICLES
Quilting Arts Gifts Holiday 2010-2011 "Scribble Boxes," "Rolling Pin Recipe Book," "Scrappy Gingerbread Bookmarks."
International Quilt Fest: Quilt Scene 2010 "Poetry Spools."
Cloth Paper Scissors September/October 2009 "The Bride Wore Orange and Black" (page ).
Quilting Arts Gifts Holiday 2009-2010 "Frosted Holiday Treats: no bake cookies for winter greetings" (page ).
Cloth Paper Scissors July/August 2009 "Photo Paint Stitch : Create Whimsical Images from Your Own Photos" (Page 22-25).
Cloth Paper Scissors May/June 2009 "Veggieful : Create a Whimsical Pillow" (page 20-23).
Quilting Arts Gifts Holiday 2008-2009 "Artful Eco Bags" (page 88-89).
Cloth Paper Scissors July/August 2008 "Fiber Effects : Colorful Needle Felted Trading Cards" (page 22-25).
Cloth Paper Scissors May/June 2008 "Kitchen Poetry with Vintage Spoon Books" (page 34-38, cover).
CPS Studios 2008 Featured Studio (page 24).
Cloth Paper Scissors March/April 2008 "Take Me to Thy Cupcakery" (page 42-46).
Cloth Paper Scissors Jan/Feb 2008 "Comfort in Small Things" (page 42-46).
Cloth Paper Scissors Nov/December 2007 "Fancy Scrap Crow Dolls" (page 62-65).
Cloth Paper Scissors Sept/October 2007 "My Thread Sketch Journey" (page 74-77, cover).
Cloth Paper Scissors July/August 2007 "Dipped and Delightful" (page 66-70).
Cloth Paper Scissors May/June 2007 "Paper Quilts" (page 34-39).
Cloth Paper Scissors Winter 2006 "Eggcellent Art" assemblage, fluid acrylics (page 58-63).
TELEVISION/DVD
"Stitch Imagery: From Photo to Fabric Fun" DVD Workshop 2009 from Quilting Arts Workshops
Quilting Arts TV Series 400 "Market Fresh Veggie Pillows"
Quilting Arts TV Series 300 "Translucent Liquid Clay Transfers.
WORKSHOPS
Art Camp for Women, October 2012. Self Portrait Gallery.
STITCHED online video workshops. Learn online January 1-December 30, 2012. Rolling Pin Sampler.
Art Camp for Women, October 2011. Serendipity Sampler.
CREATE! With Cloth Paper Scissors Retreat. Rosemont IL, August 24-29, 2010.
Stitched Trinket Journal, Stitchpaper Sampler, Paper Beads, Stitch Alchemy
International Quilt Show Chicago. Virtual Studio with Cloth Paper Scissors, Spring 2007, Spring 2008, Spring 2009, Spring 2010.
International Quilt Show Chicago. Make It U Workshops "Poetry Spools," "Cartoon Pins." Spring 2010.
International Quilt Show Chicago. Make It U workshop "Mica Tag Book." Spring 2008.
Holland Area Arts Council. "Artist Trading Cards" workshop, three sessions. Fall 2006.
ARTICLES ABOUT
Get Creative Magazine. April 2010.
"Art Will Have You in Stitches" by Peter Daining. Holland Sentinel, March 15, 2010, pA3.
"Mixed Media Artist" by Erin L'Hotta, Holland Sentinel, Sunday October 28, 2007, Life & Style section.
Spirito Di ZNE featured artist. http://chelise.typepad.com/spirito_di_zne/2007/07/kelli-perkins.html
