Amazing Textile Collage

This is my latest addition to my FoundVintageStyle.etsy.com shop. How anyone could have cast aside this work of art is hard to fathom but somehow it ended up in my hands...

Let me describe this for you as it likely isn't evident from my so-so photos... although if you click on the photo to enlarge it you get a much better sense of it...

This work is created by piecing together cut out fabric shapes and gluing them, seamlessly to a board. The joins are just incredible.

As in a superior quality quilt, this artist knows how to achieve depth; shadow and light from just the right tone and color of fabric. The patterns and colors of the fabrics used are subtle, sophisticated... they all appear to be woven wool textiles.

As a fabric artist myself, I fully appreciate the talent of V. Rivadeneira, the name signed in the lower right hand corner. Whatever path this picture took to land in my hands I can only imagine. Like with so many possessions of families, as generations come and go these gems will have their own journey... UPDATE: This work of art's journey just took another path. It has been sold, which is lovely but I shall truly miss it...

New Wraparound Cuff/Necklaces for Fall '08

A preview of new textile creations to come...
This photo shows a detail of 2 of my Wraparounds. They are strands of vintage fabric heartily embellished with hand dyed lace fragments, vintage buttons and trims. They wrap around the wrist 3 times for a bangle effect and close with a chunky snap.
They are also suited to draping around the neck as a necklace. There are many ways to make this flexible adornment 'your own'. That is what appeals to me about this design. By wrapping it in your individual style, or pinning something of your own onto it, this unique piece can be further personalized. They are lined with ribbon for comfort, which is the key to effortless style...

Vintage Barkcloth Fabric

One of the primary elements of my textile jewelry is vintage barkcloth fabric. On several occasions I have been asked what that is. So, if you would like to know a little more...
The term barkcloth refers primarily to the nubby weave of this particular fabric. It is made of cotton, or at times a mix of cotton & rayon or linen. It was first introduced in the 1930's during the Art Deco period. Having a medium to heavy weight made it ideal for home furnishings such as drapes or upholstery. In the 30's the most popular motifs were florals & tropical prints. By the 1940's scenic imagery was in vogue; from nautical themes, imagery depicting the American West to pastoral landscapes... As science and the space age took hold in the 1950's a new look in barkcloth emerged; referred to as the atomic period. The elements were more geometric with influences of artists such as Miro. Kinetic designs featuring boomerangs and starbursts were also a part of this new look. Florals were not in style anymore.
For the past 25 years or so the look has come back with the popularity of the vintage/retro aesthetic. Reproductions are available, which makes finding large quantities with no damage a lot easier. However, there are still many great finds to come across at flea markets etc. I have found myself a wonderful source where I can get small pieces of many exceptional fabrics that have been sourced from all over North America. I get inspired by each and every piece in my collection!

my first post

Today I decided to photograph my latest textile collage. I'm not sure that the lighting is the best yet but I'm putting it out there as a start!