Desire more texture in your art? Add decorative threads.

an egret in the wetlands,Decorative Threads Add Texture
Wetlands Wanderer,an egret in the wetlands Above all,notice the decorative threads at the bottom of the quilt. 28″ x 27″

Add Decorative Threads for Texture

Above all,decorative threads add texture to art quilts. Furthermore,texture is part of my mantra, Color! Texture! and Movement! Therefore, I take creating, finding and using texture very seriously. Above all for me, it is fun. I get excited about repurposing decorative ribbons and threads in my art quilts.   I would like to take this opportunity to share some ideas.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/07/creating-texture-in-art/

Discovering New Materials

My artistic path evolved about the same time I found Fabmo fabric and more https://www.fabmo.org/. Fabmo is a nonprofit that rescues fabric samples and  materials from designers  to keeping them out of the landfill. In addition,they make them available to the public.   The charming decorative three dimensional details call to me.   However, I discovered these threads quite by accident. For example,I accidently took some details apart. Most importantly, I discovered lovely threads and ribbons to add texture to my art quilts.

decorative details,Decorative Threads Add Texture
decorative details
Ribbons from disassembled details,Decorative Threads Add Texture
Ribbons from disassembled details

Take Things Apart to find Decorative Threads for Texture

These small details add texture, fiber and interest to art quilts. However,some of the threads are quite long when disassembled.  Lots of room for creativity. Make a small detail by twisting and folding  longer threads. Decorative threads entered my art pieces.  In addition, I use these decorative details to add 3D texture  to both my abstract and nature inspired art quilts.

 Cinnamon threads abstract art quilt,Decorative Threads Add Texture
Cinnamon Threads, detail from an abstract art quilt detail of 23″ x 20″ art quilt

How Would You Use These Decorative Threads?

Decorative Threads Add Texture,Red detail
Red detail
Beige detail and disassembled red detail,Decorative Threads Add Texture
Beige detail and disassembled red detail

Some Examples of What I Did

In addition,here are a couple of photos of works in progress highlighting deconstructed fibers.

Big egret a work in progress
An egret, a work in progress
fibers in a work in progress,Decorative Threads Add Texture
fibers in a work in progress,

Helpful Hints

Not in the San Francisco Bay area with access to FABMO in Sunnyvale? Find interior decorators in your area. They will  be thrilled to pass on their “outdated” details. Moreover,beautiful yarns  can be found at garage sales.  Leftover pieces of interesting yarns may also be found at yard sales or Goodwill. Decorative threads are available for  purchase. Of course, interesting decorative threads are often sold at quilt shows. Does your local quilt guild have a flea market? Lots of good finds there.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, I hope that you will be inspired to try and  incorporate more decorative threads into your art quilts. Therefore, please share your successes and advice. Above all, try something new.

These articles may be of interest to you.
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/04/an-abstract-art-quilt-sunset-through-the-forest/

http://fabmo.org

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/12/the-devil-is-in-the-details-textile-details/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/12/the-amazing-story-of-fabmo-how-two-dedicated-people-can-make-a-big-difference/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/07/underwater-fantasy-art-quilt-a-work-in-progress/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/06/yarn-adds-texture-to-an-art-quilt/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/01/creating-movement-in-abstract-art-quilts/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts

By Ann

Ann Baldwin May was born and raised in Palo Alto, California. She received her education from University of California, Irvine (History, BA Elementary Teaching Credential, Masters in Teaching Spanish) Her first quilting class was in 1975. She retired in 2012 after working 30 years as a bilingual teacher and Bilingual Resource Teacher in Watsonville. After making over 300 bed quilts, she turned her attention to art quilts. Ann is passionate about using repurposed materials often from the San Francisco Design Center. She has won several awards for her work. Kaiser Permanente has purchased five pieces for their Santa Cruz County facilities. Her work has been juried into shows all over the country including San Francisco and Chicago. She participates in the juried Santa Cruz County Open Studios Art Tour. She is married and has two daughters. Ann Baldwin May Santa Cruz Art Center, 1001 Center St.#4 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 baldwinmay49@yahoo.com 831.345.1466 annbaldwinmayartquilts.com Facebook- AnnBaldwinMayArtQuilts@annbaldwinmay Instagram-annbaldwinmay

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