I often get email questions. I like getting questions because most times, they are questions about things that I do without thinking about, just because I've been doing this for so long. Those questions often give me something to blog about. The latest question was about labels on my work.
My very first quilt teacher used to nag and nag all of her students about labeling their work. I think just about every class I went to ... and I did a lot of classes ... she would say something about how important it was to put your name on your work. It did sink in.
Basically, anything you make, unless you know you're going to throw it out, should have your name and date that it was created, somewhere on the item. You've spent a lot of time creating your work, it's art and to acknowledge that what you do is art, you label it with your name, as the artist and the date that it was created.
No excuses. Label your work.
It can be something as simple as embroidering your initials and year, or it can be elaborate with fancy drawn designs. However you wish to show yourself as the artist is completely up to you.
This picture is blurry, but it shows how I do my own labels. It's just tea-stained muslin which is signed and dated. Before I make the label, I iron interfacing onto the muslin. The interfacing gives it a little more stability so that it won't bunch up when sewing the label on and also it helps to keep the fabric pen ink from bleeding through. I've tried using an extra fine Sharpie marker for signing, but it bleeds through a LOT, so I've found a permanant fabric pen that works nicely and I use it only for my signed and dated labels.
This one shows the coneflower that I always draw on the label too. Depending on the season, I switch that drawing up ... maybe a pumpkin in the fall or a Christmas tree for the holidays. Most times though, I draw a coneflower. (I love coneflowers). I color in whatever picture I draw with colored pencils.
I guess I've been doing the coneflowers on labels since at least Jan, of 2005 because this little penny rug that I have hanging in my dining room tells me so!
5 comments:
Hi Cathy!
I enjoy your blog SO much! Thanks for sharing your wonderful talent- you inspire me to keep stitching!
Paulette
Love your sunflower piece! My Mama loved sunflowers!
Great idea to sign your work. And your's are truly works of art.
Have a great week!
Thank you for the muslin label tip. That is such a personal touch.
I love your sweet lables on my treasures from you! It is a good idea!
Hugs, Lisa
Thanks so much! I truly stumbled upon your BLOG and not a minute too soon either! I've had such a "block" about how to label my own handwork and VOILA! You have provided the inspiration when I needed it most.
Thanks - I'm looking forward to poking around what I've missed, and becoming a follower!
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