The Cutting (& Stitching) Edge – Holly Levell

The Cutting (& Stitching) Edge – Holly Levell:

Holly Levell is a textile artist from the UK who specialises in soft sculpture.


“I am inspired by my daily surroundings and the unnoticed aspects of life and how as an artist I can change the status and meaning of the humble object using my personal textile craft technique. It’s the idea of taking something that is overlooked in life and catapulting it into the spotlight.

“My current work comes from exploring ideas for the objects that feature in our day to day lives. I began to focus on shopping and started stitching a flat bean can in my room, it made me think ‘I wonder if I can make this completely from stitched textiles?’ softening the idea and creating a soft, nostalgic object. Supermarket stitch had begun!

“Originally I had no idea how to go about making them so it was a bit of trial and error. All of the objects have been taken apart and re-sewn together at least 10 times until I get the ketchup bottle lid to look just right or the ring pull on a coke can to look as though you could actually pull on it.

“I never thought about it until I began this work but we all have sentimental memories and a certain fondness for the foods and products that surround us in our lives, a bottle of Heinz Tomato ketchup in the middle of our table at home has become as much a staple piece of furniture as the table and chairs we sit at.”


I love a good soft sculpture and Holly’s choice of subject matter brings a smile to my face. Akin to the work of Harriet Hammel, Holly takes ordinary objects and makes us reconsider them by producing them in soft format.

Technically adept and well chosen, Holly’s work is great fun and a terrific example of the form. Find out more about Holly at her website.

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The Cutting & Stitching Edge is brought to you in association with PUSH: Stitchery, the must-have embroidered art book by Mr X Stitch !

Stunning textural photos of everyday objects from US photographer Nick Albertson

Stunning textural photos of everyday objects from US photographer Nick Albertson:

Boston native Nick Albertson is currently studying for his MFA in Photography at Columbia College, Chicago before he unleashes himself on the world in the spring of this year. Nick creates beautiful textural images from patterned, overlaid household objects, transforming them from bland, everyday articles into something truly special. He may still be studying but we think this guy’s got a bright future ahead of him. Who else make rubber bands look this good?

Read more





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The Cutting (& Stitching) Edge – Maxine Sutton

The Cutting (& Stitching) Edge – Maxine Sutton:

Maxine Sutton is a textile designer from Margate, England.

“If one were to imagine a workshop household, one would envision a situation where most, if not all things were made in a more imaginative and beautiful way than in quotidian life” - Mark Rosenthal
I love the idea of the workshop household described by Mark Rosenthal, and believe in the importance of our interaction with materials, texture, pattern, and the handmade.The handmade object creates layers of significance and forms a part of personal and family narratives, making links and connections through generations.

“My work continues to explore the interplay between screen-printed and embroidered textures, colour, mark, drawn and stitched lines. Often playing with imagery and ideas springing from our relationship with familiar domestic objects, everyday pastimes, the meaning of ‘home’ and home-making activities. Abstract and semi-figurative forms combined with pattern and texture present an ambiguous narrative.

Using Irish machine, and hand embroidery I employ a combination of traditional techniques, such as appliqué  patchwork, needle-punch and screen print. Forms, are hand drawn, paper cut, found or photographic; layered and collaged with abstract and semi figurative appliquéd, needle-punched and printed imagery. Embroidered lines and densely embroidered areas create further layers of texture and interest.”

I like a good bit of mixed up textile work and Maxine’s work is a great example. Quirky and wistful, the combination of machine embroidery, appliqué and screen printing is very contemporary and quite charming.

Visit Maxine’s website to see more of her work, including paper collage work, and check out her shop for lovely home furnishings!

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The Cutting & Stitching Edge is brought to you in association with PUSH: Stitchery, the must-have embroidered art book by Mr X Stitch !

Wave of Light

Wave of Light:

When we talk about paper art and techniques, a lot of ways come to mind. One way is the paper folding or what is called origami in Japanese. It has become widely popular and it people can nearly shape whatever forms from boxes, animals and flowers.
Wave of Light designed and owned by Svetlana Senchurova from Ukraine has proven that origami can be so much more than folds. Apart from paper folding itself, forming them into something greater like wreaths and balls can make others view origami in a different light.
Don’t you just adore how Wave of Light made these papers with bright colors? You can also see the intricacy in folding turned into a whimsical decoration.
— April San Pedro
all photos via Wave of Light

Yellow Bird, Yellow Beard

Yellow Bird, Yellow Beard:
Editor’s Note: Throughout November and December, we’ll be presenting guest blog posts from various bloggers, stationers, and artists. Today, Shayla LaFreniere is sharing works from Yellow Bird, Yellow Beard.

Hi there, this is Shayla from Today & Always Paperie and the blog designing a life.
Today I’m sharing one of my absolute favorite paper goods stores Yellow Bird, Yellow Beard.

Janee Lookerse (the Bird) is the creative mind behind this wonderful shop that specializes in paper garlands; though as she’ll tell you, she’s constantly trying new things so you’ll probably find a few other unique handmade items in her shop as well. She lives in Boston, MA with her husband (the Beard) and holds a bachelor in fine arts which is evident in her work.


Her garlands are the perfect unique decoration for parties (I just ordered some for our holiday party), weddings, or just general whimsical decor around your home. Make sure you stop by her online shop and check out all the little goodies!
— Shayla LaFreniere
all photos via Yellow Bird, Yellow Beard

-scarfs-

-scarfs-:

inspiration board

textiliri

textiliri:

my new art textile all made from hand dyed silk cut-outs
TextileLiri group exhibition | Periscope gallery
curator Ayala Raz.

Cross-Stitch Installation at Patria Restaurant

Cross-Stitch Installation at Patria Restaurant:
As a confessed textile nut, it makes me weak in the knees to think about covering an entire wall with 17,000 stitches. This incredible installation at Patria Restaurant was created by Commute Home, a Toronto firm. The cross-stitch portion is actually a screen, created by Laura Carwardine, which was laid over a two-story feature wall designed by Marlo Onilla of Biography Design. The full process took over two months to complete, and Commute created an awesome time-lapse video of the project so you can see the hard work that went into it. I love the idea of laying screens over a wall like this; it would allow you to take the piece with you if you ever left, and it would allow any artwork or paint beneath it to be cleaned or repaired if needed. The pictures really say more than I can, so I’ll let them do the talking. I’ll just take a moment to give Laura, Marlo and everyone at Commute a big digital slow clap for this amazing project. Visual inspiration like this is my favorite way to start a morning. xo, grace


More photos after the jump . . .
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Punti Woven Bench by Gaga & Design

Punti Woven Bench by Gaga & Design:

The new Punti bench from Gaga & Design is a fun asymmetrical piece that consists of rings woven together in signature Gaga & Design style. As they mention, it’s “is roomy enough to seat three people and one cat.”

Designed by Neil Nenner, the metal shapes are woven together with synthetic fibers to become one sturdy unit.

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© 2012 Design Milk | Posted by Jaime Derringer in Home Furnishings | Permalink | No comments