A while back, I had a small rubber stamp made up from a silkscreen print I did based on the fabulous Frida Kahlo, an artist I admire very much. I printed it onto small leftover pieces of a beautiful Japanese Shiohara paper that I had been using for another print job.
I had been wondering what to do with them and I finally decided on making them up into a self-contained installation that I will be building over the next week.The first stage is to make them more robust – the Shiohara is a lightweight tissue and won’t take a lot of handling. However, it’s also a well-made natural fibre paper and can be sewn so I made a start by sewing them onto a very robust handmade paper – 300gsm – that I’d bought at the Tate Gallery a few years ago. I’d been wondering what to do with that as well! They really suit each other.
I’m sewing them on an antique Singer sewing machine. It’s Edwardian and dates from around 1904 and it’s a great piece of mechanical engineering as well as being extremely beautiful. It’s so finely balanced, it’s a joy to use. I’ll be carrying on with this in a couple of days, after the holiday.
So a very happy New Year to everyone, I really appreciate you looking in at my blog. Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i chi gyd.
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Reblogged this on Art History blog.
I have a faint childhood memory of seeing a sewing machine like that. Beautiful and useful: a great combination. I’m sure handling that paper is quite pleasurable.
Beauty and utility in one object, sublime
That’s an interesting way of mounting paper on another support that I’ve never considered. I might have to try this someday. Thanks for showing it.
You’re welcome. They’re both high quality and acid free. You can sew papers together to make books and even applique and embroider onto them.
I love sewing paper. By hand and machine. ( and such s pretty machine! )
Great way to upcycle small bits and pieces of tiny beauty. I’ve got to get in the stud
The machine is gorgeous and has a story that I will tell as the work goes on. I hope you are feeling better and that 2016 brings you health and happiness, Judith x
Happy New Year, Rose. These papers and this image seem to be made for each other! Fantastic idea, and I love your beautiful sewing machine.
Thank you, Mary, the machine is so gorgeous. They don’t make them like that anymore. Have a lovely New Year 😊