Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Uncle!!

Sometimes you just have to throw in the towel and turn your attention to something new!
The saga of this fabric picture pretty much parallels a situation I've been dealing with in my life and I now know it's time to back off and leave well enough alone.

"The Saddest Rose" by Judy H.

I was frustrated with someone I care about who will not accept help, although it is sorely needed.
(This is a person I've never mentioned here and who does not read my blog.)

In my frustration, I went to my fabric painting studio, aka my laundry room, and freely painted a "doodle" of a rose. I used Pebeo transparent fabric paint with water, looking for a "watercolor" effect. The watery paint created blurred edges as the color seeped into the absorbent fabric. I then ironed the fabric to set the color and outlined the shapes with a black fabric pen. I fused the piece to a thin craft batting and went over the black outlines with black machine stitching. The background needed something, so I used the black pen to make a dotted design. I then added more paint and the result was pretty bright, so I toned down the color when editing the photo on my computer. All of this work took place over several days. I am totally ugged (I just made up that word!) with the finished result and it will find its way to the bottom of a pile somewhere! 

I know I can't give up on people, but I'm finding out that, as with creative work, sometimes my efforts and persistent nudgings are just not helpful. The caring can continue, but I have to step back and accept that I can't control everything and everybody.
And so it goes...!
Thanks for reading. I'll be back on a brighter note tomorrow!

7 comments:

Simone said...

Oh Judy! Life can be so frustrating at times. I hope that things work out with the person you care about. I see nothing wrong with your rose picture. Look at it with a fresh pair of eyes in a few weeks time.x

Anonymous said...

Sounds just like a chapter from my life recently. Yep, step back, live your life. ((hugs))
Stay inspired!
Michelle
Brain Angles - Invisible Ink

sharon said...

Sweet Judy,
A former pastor of mine had the uncanny ability to preach on topics that I had been churning over, as if he could hear my heart and look out across the pews into my eyes and say "I know." Well, my dear one, you have done just that with this post. More particulars on that another time. For now, read the next words slowly, your rose is a joy to behold. Thanks for explaining all the steps involved, too.

Judy Hartman said...

Honestly, I feel like I know the most wonderful people through my blog. Thank you, friends.

Pam Perras said...

Dear Judy,
It is frustrating when you can't help someone you care about. Step back and just let them know you care. Sometimes that's all you can do. Your rose is lovely. Since I come from a painting perspective, it was really nice to hear about your process. I agree with Simone. Look at it with fresh eyes after you tuck it away for a little while. Everything seems clearer after a break—or nap! ;)

She Who Doodles said...

maybe if you approach it from a different direction. your fabric painting, how about a little dab of other colors blurred in the background? your friend, don't ask just do. just a thought. don't let it get you down.

Karen L R said...

knowing the difference between what we can control and what we cannot control just may be the secret to a happy life...

your big-heartedness and thoughtfulness are your finest gifts, judy. shame on anyone who passes them up!

xoK-