Shibori is the Japanese word for a variety of ways 

of embellishing textiles by shaping cloth and 

securing it before dyeing. The word 

comes from the verb root shiboru, 

"to wring, squeeze, press."

Dye pots call...truly they become addictive once you start playing around in them.  You may remember my previous blog on the art of "shibori" - the Japanese method of sewing and bunching, or folding and clamping fabric prior to dying.  Usually done in indigo, shibori produces a wonderful pattern of design using the white of the cloth and the blue of the dye.

we had a lot of fun experimenting

and even threw some folds into the red dye pot

these were just a few of my more authentic shibori pieces 

before they dried

Well, the urge is calling to drag out those dye pots and have another go at it.  It's just so addictive to unwrap the pieces and see what was produced.  But I promised myself to use up some of the fabric I had on hand before making more.  So I settled in to make this happen.

Most of my pieces this time were extra large bandana size so of course placemats came to mind.

The short cut method would be to back them with a pre-quilted fabric and sew the edges for stability.

Aren't they nice?  I used the extra bandanas for napkins.  I think this will make a lovely, and very original table setting.

Plus I can now forge ahead with my folding and clamping for the next day of dye.  I think I will try (with apologies to traditional shibori) some bright turquoise and hot orange this next go round.  And maybe even some colored cloth in addition to the white.  Now I just have to come up with some more ways to use the fabric!  Guess I could get a jump start on Christmas gifts?!

Please try this at home, or contact me and we will do a class.  It's not difficult and the designs are really amazing.  T-shirts, onesies, table runners....what else can we drape and dip??

DYEING FOR MORE,

Cindy

What is a stARTer??

A "stARTer" is like a sample: a taste of something you just might want more of!!  A "stARTer" is an inexpensive way to begin an art collection.  A "stARTer" is my own way of introducing new collectors to the fun of seeing original art on your wall everyday.

Like most artists, my website is a mix of current work, sold work, bios and statements.  But there is a special link I share where I offer original art for $70.00.  period.  That includes shipping, handling, frame if included etc etc.  It may be an experiemental piece, it may be piece I worked from for a larger piece, it may be one that just needs a loving home.  But you will never find it less expensive.  This is just my way of getting art into the hands of folks who will appreciate it.  It is my way of making art-as-a-gift affordable and my way of demonstrating to non-collectors that art in your home brings in all kinds of good feelings and latent karma.

So share this note with someone who "needs" some art.  All they do is go to: https://www.cindymichaud.com/ and click on the word "stARTers" in the top bar.  Or click here.

Check often because the offerings change....and while I plan to keep the price low I can't guarantee that a slight increase might not be needed to cover postage come fall.  Happy stARTing your collection.

Surprise Gift!

One of the best phone calls ever came on Christmas morning from the person who received the painting(s) at the left as a gift.  He had actually contacted me about purchasing it but, unbeknownest to him, his wife had previously secured it and alerted me that he might call.  I had to kinda fib my way through his inquiry letting him know he was a tad late in making his intentions known. After promising him I would consider painting another one I packed this up and mailed it to the giver.  I think I was as thrilled as he was on Christmas morning when he called to share his surprise and excitment.  Knowing someone loves a painting is a very special feeling....makes me anxious to get back into the studio and paint again!