Stitch Alchemy [Paperback]

Kelli Perkins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2009

Mixing the versatility of paper with the dimensional qualities of cloth, this inventive handbook to crafting with “paper-cloth” provides mixed-media artists with the knowledge to easily transform their works into collaged quilts using embellishment techniques, such as painting, stitching, needlefelting, and beading. Though the technique is inexpensive and requires less space, equipment, and skill than dyeing fabrics for quilt making, readers will learn step-by-step how the use of paper-cloth—from making the paper-cloth itself; adding color and interest to the foundation with inks, stains, paints, and glazes; texturizing; implementing printmaking techniques; and more—can allow layers of complexity and textural appeal. Common projects include art quilts, art dolls, jewelry, and artist books. Perfect for artists interested in altered art, found and recycled art, needle felting, and nontraditional elements, this original resource is the first to cross the paper and cloth mediums.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"What I learned from Kelli has carried over into other aspects of my life. I'm trying new recipes and looking at life so much differently. Now I don't see the same old same old." — Subversive Stitchers: Women Armed with Needles

About the Author

Kelli Perkins is a librarian and a mixed-media artist. Her work has been featured in Cloth Paper Scissors, and she has taught at the International Quilt Festival. She lives in Holland, Michigan.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596681136
• ISBN-13: 978-1596681132
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.5 x 10.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #430,750 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm a librarian and mixed media artist living in Holland, Michigan. My work has appeared frequently in Cloth Paper Scissors magazine, Quilting Arts Gifts and Handmade Jewelry. I'm a member of the Sketchbook Challenge, STITCHED online video workshops and teach at Art Camp for Women. You can find my artwork in a number of books, including The Sketchbook Challenge Book by Sue Bleiweiss, The Cloth Paper Scissors Book by Barbara Delaney, Mixed Media Self Portraits by Cate Prato, Altered Paper Jewelry by Jenn Mason and 1000 Artist Trading Cards.

You can find my Quilting Arts Workshop DVD titled "Stitch Imagery" on the Interweave site at www.interweavestore.com/Quilting/Video.html and on Amazon. View a clip of the action here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl-7Taavetg

I'd love to hear from you. Contact information is on my blog, below.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

66 of 70 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Big Disappointment November 29, 2009

By M. Fregia

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Perhaps I am the only one who didn't think this book is fantastic. It is high on presentation, but short on substance. Here are specific reasons why I was disappointed.

First, I think the book is mis-titled. A few pages are devoted to a single method of combining paper and cloth: glue them together! Later we have a suggestion to sew more fabric on.

The bulk of the book is a compendium of various ways to apply color with many mediums. While there are lots and lots shown, I saw nothing original. This might appeal to a novice, but the skimpy directions for using the media would probably be frustrating.

And while there is a colorful example of each (such as sprayed on ink, rubbed on oilpaintsticks, stenciled acrylic, etc.), in my opinion they were rarely artfully done. Many were just a mess, which does not inspire me.

There were pages on inspiration which were largely brief quotes from various people. Matching a sentence to the name of the author is supposed to be an inspirational exercise?

Stitch Alchemy has an attractive cover, is colorful and includes some fun things like paper beads. Maybe I just own too many books on the subject, but I can't justify more than two stars for a book that is mixed-media "lite." Borrow this one from the library. Interweave has many magazine issues and other books more worthy of your dollars.

28 of 33 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST HAVE for Mixed Media and Fiber Artists September 6, 2009

By Normajean Brevik

Format:Paperback

This book is chock-a-block FULL of amazing mixed media techniques. I like the way Kelli incorporates techniques as well as projects to demonstrate the use of paper cloth. It's a great reference book and what you learn can be applied to other art besides paper cloth. Beginner or old pro artists will appreciate having this book in their personal library. Frankly I think that this book deserves 6 stars, it's THAT good! I'm off to the store to pick up some white paint pens... read the book to find out why. :-) Thanks for the inspiration Kelli!
Normajean Brevik, [...]

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book October 26, 2009

By Susan McIntyre VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is loaded with lots of pictures and ideas as well as suggestions for being more creative. It describes methods of gluing light weight paper on fabric and then decorating it for use in mixed media art.

The book covers many painting techniques such as stamping, inking, glazing and others. The projects at the end of the book look like lots of fun. Making the cloth paper is easy and you can create lots of pieces for projects in the future.