Simply completed... a one-off commission

Wowsers.  What a rollercoaster the last month or so has been.  Since I last updated you, I've gotten to know the art of giving good gerni (no, I didn't know what it was until a few weeks ago either, and yes, it does seem strange that we use water to clean up after a flood), sported some super-fine flood-chic attire (gumboots: check, I heart BNE tshirt: check), and generally had life put into perspective in a big way.  

I am kinda in back-to-normal mode down here in Melbourne and I had the perfect project to finish to ease myself back into making and creating mode.  Late last year I received a lovely commission request from fellow artist and maker Zara.  She had some beautiful vintage Japanese obi fabric and wondered if I could have a go at making a neckpiece with it.  Being a big admirer of vintage Japanese fabrics myself, I was equal parts thrilled and nervous to take up the challenge!

Here's the "before" shot of the fabric

As you may know, an obi is the sash of a kimono, which means it's long and not very wide.  This made this project a little tricker than normal and meant I had to make the most of every single inch of fabric, even more so seeing I knew I only had one chance to get it right!  

Luckily, it all worked out.  The piece turned out to be quite a statement, in shape, colour and texture.  Most importantly, Zara herself seems pretty pleased with the outcome!

Here's a couple more snaps of the final product: 

I'm showing off a new style of photography here too.  What do you think?  My lovely art mannequins will still feature, but I realised these hooks which are a great feature in a couple of rooms in our house were too good not to make use of!


Simply yours,
Phoebe