Wednesday 31 August 2011

Art Work on Bags & a Cushion...

When my children attended pre school many years ago, they were exposed to a wonderful art program. Amongst many other works of art they created, were some fabulous paintings on fabric. Two of these I made into a cushion over twenty five years ago. My two eldest children each created their art work with leaf printing and sewing. My daughter sewed the butterfly and my son the mushroom. This cushion is still in use over a quarter of century after it was made.



I recently found another two fabric paintings created by my kids whilst at pre school. These works of art were initially used as place mats, but had been carefully put in a cupboard for safe keeping. I wanted to put their art on show. This is what I came up with...

 ... a carry all tote, with gussets. My daughter created this art work. It depicts the whole family in front of our house. She's painted me in the red and yellow spotted dress. She is the one with the blue hair. Next in line is Mr TMW, her father. The two smallest are her little brothers. If you look closely, you can see two of the flowers are outlined with sewing.

I've designed the bag so it folds up easily. Inside I sewed a large pocket. Unfortunately, I sewed it upside down and didn't realise until the bag was finished. I didn't fancy unpicking, so I've left it as is; an upside down pocket, which of course doesn't work, but I'm the only one that knows that.


... and a second carry all tote. I've just washed it and it really needs an iron. My eldest son painted this. The original was twice the size. I cut it in half. One half is the pocket you can see on the front; right side up. The second half was used to make a pocket inside the bag and the tab to close the bag. It's a nice strong bag because of the fabric used, but it still folds easily.

I just love to be able to see and use my kids' art work, instead of having it safely stored away. I'll take more photos with nicely ironed bags.

14 comments:

  1. What a brilliant idea to preserve your kids artwork! I think I'll have to go and get some fabric paint and give this a go! My kids would love it!

    (and I love that you have an upside down pocket in your bag - you could start a new trend!!)

    Thanks for linking to the Creating Success Worldwide blog hop!! Hope you'll come back again next week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  2. Love it! I need to start making some bags with my kids.

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  3. That nice purse, mother and daughter are two artists.
    Thank you for the visit.
    NĂºria.

    Thank you that the translators exist online! Jajaja

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  4. Hi Pam! I totally dig the first pillow - the motive just seems so balanced and artsy! What a nice way to make memories :o)
    Thanks for visiting the blog hop and my page this week!
    cheers
    yaga

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  5. I love this idea! the finished projects are precious!

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  6. What a treasure! It must have been like a time capsule finding these. :)

    Thank you for visiting my blog (Crafty Critique) today. I appreciate your interest and support!

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  7. you have an artist there at home! i file my Daughter's (4.5yrs) paper sketches, may be now i can give her some fabric and fabric paint to play with and make something out of it!

    Thanks for following Adithis Amma Sews Hope you fine 'Sew Skirts September'a month long event showcasing styles is useful to you. The basic skirt and Circle Bustle skirt tutorial are available now!

    I am your newest follower !

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  8. Thanks everyone for the lovely comments.
    Madison, a Time Capsule is exactly what it was like.
    Creative Mama, I know I will learn many new techniques and shortcuts via Sew Skirts September.

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  9. Such lovely stuff. Got your link from the blog party

    Cheers from Bangalore ,India
    Dr Sonia S V
    http://cardsandschoolprojects.blogspot.com

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  10. Very cool...awesome idea! Thanks for sharing the fun! POP ART MINIS

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  11. I love the leaf paining idea...I will definitely have to remember it for a rainy day!

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  12. A very brilliant way to treasure the little ones' good days and artworks. A keepsake for life. Talented mum and creative kids.
    Thanks for your nice words of my blog.

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  13. Oh my gosh these are fun! They would make great gifts to parents and grandparents. Awesome!

    I'd love to have you share this and any other of your amazing posts over at my linky party Create and Share. It posts every Wednesday. We open the party Tuesday evening at 8 pm for those who like to link up early. Hope you stop by... http://thetrendytreehouse.blogspot.com/2011/09/create-and-share-features-too.html

    Tara @Trendy Treehouse
    http://thetrendytreehouse.blogspot.com

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