WHAT IS ART CLOTH?

Art cloth starts with creative play using fabric and thread. The fabric can be new (our fabrics), can be recycled fabrics sourced from family, friends, yard sales, second hand shops or the fabric can be the remnants; left overs of larger cloth (our kits). The threads, similar to the fabric, can be new (our threads), or recycled from old items that are disassembled.

creative play = art cloth

In my Joy of Creation online studio I share how I create art cloth through the process of creative play by altering fabrics by hand and/or machine with decorative threads. Transforming standard commerical or discarded fabrics into unique pieces of visual art that can be used as wall art, textiles for small reupholstery projects or to create an artisan "New Creation" pillow cover for your home decor.

I share how I discover, explore, and enjoy the 4 different processes found within the world of textile arts.

1. CONSTRUCTED TEXTILES: Learning about different fabrics and weaving our own textiles.
2. FABRIC MANIPULATION/MARK MAKING: MENDING -the practice of repairing, restoring, or reinforcing damaged, worn, or torn fabric items—such as clothing, upholstery, or accessories—to extend their usable life.
3. EMBELLISHMENT - Embroidery by hand and machine.
4.SURFACE DESIGN - Painting on fabric, gelli printing, hand and machine quilting; along with appliqué by hand and machine.

As a child born in Peru I found myself battling extreme anxiety (feeling restless, nervous and confused with my new surroundings) after my family immigranted to the USA when I was five years old in 1978.

The act of creative play has been my healing arts process transforming my old worries and stress into new creations of what I like to call my art memories.

This process of creative play began when my mother, who being a creative spirit herself, first assigned me the task of drawing and coloring paperdoll clothes for the dolls she hand drew for me. She had observed my distress and out of love she prayed for me and her prayers were answered when she saw me transformed by the process of creative play. As I moved my hands to draw and filled my mind with wonder of the various styles of dresses I could create; my mindset was touched by peace. Decades later this wonder and peace continues to bloom within our creative business we call ALCHEMY.

That word "alchemy" was foriegn to me; yet it was an answer to a prayer that I made in 2010. When as an adult my who life was under extreme tension to the point that I experieced panic attacks. As a Chrisitan I prayed to the LORD and he spoke words of life to me and one of those words was alchemy. Alchemy means transformation, not as the world defines, but as God defines. It is a change of mind, heart, soul, full lifestyle that when I surrender the old to Him; He will provide all that I need to keep me in eternal joy of creation.

As an upholsterer my goal is to serve every client with excellence and this can build much stress, restlessness and everything else that comes with a perfectionist attitude. I have learned how to keep my joy, by taking time daily for creative play, to surrender my burdens to the Almighty Creator, God, who transforms my soul.

Be Filled With WONDER

Be Touched By PEACE

Believe in the MIRACLE

If you want to join me in my Joy Of Creation (online studio) click here. Here is what I created using various art cloths. They were used to create TWO custom Artisan Pillow Covers for a friend's daughter who was starting college. One for the daughter and the other for her roomate. A visual reminder of LOVE!

alchemydee.etsy.com/listing/551068207

This lovely Artisan Prayer Pillow "SEEDS" was created in honor of October Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a visual reminder that no matter what comes our way, I WILL SURVIVE! Women's health is so important because the life of a woman touches many other lives. Women are sisters, daughters, mothers and SEEDS are developed in them to create the next generation.

As a woman and Upholsterer and Textile Artist my mission is to sow SEEDS of change in everything my hands touch. Whether its a hug I provide to another woman going through the battles of Breast Cancer. Or praying hands seeking for God to provide healing and restoration in the heart of women struggling to keep their mind set on God's promises. I use my hands to create art cloths that may be used to cover others with wonder, peace and the miracle of the joy of creation.

Blessings,

Sandra @ ALCHEMY