Author: JP Dawes Artist

The Silk Worm Unspun

| JP Dawes Artist

I purchased a spool rack for warping the sectional beam on my loom. The lovely lady who sold it to me included 40 wooden spools that had what looked like thin fishing line. It was also stiff so she didn’t know what it was. When I got the spools I saw that they were from a defunct silk factory in Pennsylvania. I tested the fiber and it was definitely not synthetic.  So I figured I was ‘gifted’ with 40 spools of silk thread.

As silk does when it ages, this was stiff and felt like wig hair. It couldn’t be unrolled since it was shattering. I cut one spool clean and bagged up the fibers for use in some kind of art project.  I sent some to a couple of friends to play with, too.  

I hadn’t had time to play but when we saw the bluebirds and wrens building nests, Ron put some outside for them to use.  Of course, it rained…and look what happened! The silk reverted to its natural state. It kinked and curled and even twisted just like it would do if it was in a cocoon. I am so pumped about this.  Just think that I have 39 more spools to cut off and save. If I soak it all and let it kink up to its natural state, I may have a blast dyeing, spinning or using it in art quilts.

So, the moral of the story is…don’t throw anything away until you have time to play!

Hanging hardware for Quilts

| JP Dawes Artist
All About Art at MossRehab

Sunday, April 29, 2012

MossRehab, Elkins Park, PA

International Juried Exhibition & Sale
of Art by Professional Artists
with Physical Disabilities
 I have 7 pieces going to PA for this exhibit and sale. I was not happy with the way canvas mounted work  hung away from the wall with screw eyes and wires.I  found these wall hugger hangers for canvases and framed art at a hardware store that was going out of business. I must live a protected life since I had never seen them before.

I really like the way they are attached to the inside of the stretcher bars on the canvas. Even with black pellon dust covers on the back, the hangers can be used.  If you attach the hangers first, you simply cut a slit in the dust cover so the eye is on the back to attach wires to.

In this photo you can see I cut the slit and put the screws for the hanger on the outside of the dust cover.   I think this is the way I prefer. There are clear instructions on the back of the package.  ***Click on the photos to see a larger version*****


This is another discovery I made for soft work to hang from a gallery hanging system. I have to send hanging devices with the quilts or they will hang them from clips. Not the best for keeping the work even and smooth. I found these expandable curtain rods that have ready made slots in the ends. I will attach the wires to these slots. What I love about these is that they are sturdy, can be shipped easily, two rods can be put together to expand the length and they keep the set length without moving.

Samplers

| JP Dawes Artist

 I adore vintage samplers. I’m not sure how vintage this one is but I LOVE it. It will be pressed and framed for my studio. The photo with my hand is for size reference.

I am a feminist from way back and have always tried to live this motto. It was also something I instilled in my daughter. You can be pink and feminine like the flowers here but sometimes you have to be hard as wood like the brown in the lettering.

Word for 2012

| JP Dawes Artist

I was really going to pass this by for 2012. But when I read Wen Redmond’s post about her word this year something clicked. I think I will have to choose “Anticipation”.  I’m sure some of you may not see this as an action word, but I do.

  • I will anticipate everything new and wonderful that comes my way.
  • I will anticipate the coming of each and every sunrise. 
  • I will anticipate adventures. 
  • I will anticipate letting new and old endeavors play themselves out and letting pass away the ones that don’t bring joy any longer.
  • I am anticipating where my weaving, quilting and spinning is going to take me. And lastly, 
  • I am anticipating that I will be successful and my art will begin to sell before the end of the year.