Black Opal Colours

The colours found in a black opal gemstone are so vibrant and have inspired me to use them in several pieces.
This one is a blockmounted picture made using scrumbling techniques.

 Scrumbling is the American term for free form crochet although other techniques are used here, like knitting,  embroidery and beading. The joy in scrumbling is there are no rules,  work sideways, upwards, whatever inspires me.

The deep colours are also reminiscent of a peacocks plumage.

This shows some detail in the design.

 Available from  http://www.materialassets.com.au

Snapshots from History

Some images from historical records inspire me and costumes are articles frozen in time.
The Elizabethan era and the richness of the fabrics were the starting point for this latest piece, a pic of a young Elizabeth 1 with the trademark neck ruffle.

The bodice is smocked and beaded , embroidered and embellished. Small beads drift down the skirt.

Block mounted on a painted board ,  30 cms square . The background painting was also inspired by wall hangings of the period. The richness and depth of colour indicative of the period.

I plan to work a series of these historical snapshots .. wonder which I will choose next.
Available from 
www.materialassets.com.au