Black & White Cookie Fabric Mandala

I am embarking on a new series of art quilts--mandalas of common objects elevated to divine status. The subject of my first mandala is New York City's black & white cookie. This high-calorie treat is one of my favorites, and eating one makes me immensely happy. What an ideal object for contemplation!

This mandala measures 24 inches in diameter. It is made of batting-stuffed coils of fabric attached to each other with zigzag stitches. The cookies, yin yang designs, and the Buddhas are paper covered with tulle netting and appliqued. Beaded crochet and sequins lend the final touches.

Wrapped fabric wall hanging--Aqua Vortex

Inspired by Susan Breier's book, It's A Wrap, I have taken her basic technique to construct a firm base onto which I created a design with applique, beads, and paint. This piece is titled, "Aqua Vortex" and measures 24 inches in diameter. It has been accepted into "Celebrating 10 years of Art Excellence" at the Bowen Center for the Arts in Dawsonville, Georgia, Sept 3-October 2, 2010.

Wrapped fabric Elvis bowl

I have spent July through August working on a technique that is new for me--wrapping fabric strips around strips of batting and then sewing them together with a zigzag stitch to create a background/platform for design and embellishment. This was inspired by a workshop I took in late June based on the book, "It's A Wrap" by Susan Breier. My first efforts were inspired by projects in the book, bowls and vases. Of course, I added my own twist and made a bowl dedicated to The King.

Evil Eye Fabric Postcards

These quilted postcards are meant to be charms against evils of the world. They measure 4.25 x 5.5 inches and are backed with card stock. Each can be sent as a postcard through the US mail as long as it is hand-metered first for non-machinable postage. I have successfully sent dozens of these for less than a dollar each throughout the United States. Recipients are always surprised by the intricacy of the work and have expressed pleasure in receiving them. As they are essentially miniature works of art, each card has a small tab attached to the back for hanging.

The back of each postcard reads:

Dear

Because of:

Oil spills/global warming/wars all over the place/hostile nations/volcanic eruptions/serial killers/talk radio morons/fundamentalists/earthquakes/corrupt politicians/bad cops/drivers who text/medical errors/terrorists/defective merchandise/corporate greed/food poisoning/sexual predators/ telemarketers/home invasions/rabid animals/escaped lunatics/vengeful ex’s/abusive caregivers/crazed gunmen/crooked mechanics/shady lawyers/early-onset Alzheimer’s/high cholesterol/the obesity epidemic/gang initiations/that guy who gives you the creeps….

You need evil eye protection for your family, friends, and yourself.
Hang this card in your home, office, or keep it on your person at all times.

Sincerely,


I have them for sale in my Etsy store.
http://jbbroaddus.etsy.com

Needle-Felted Devils

These wool devils measure approximately 20 inches long. They can sit or they can be hung from a ring that is attached to the neck. Because so many artists make angel dolls, I thought I would make a couple of devils for balance.