Commission Days 5,6,7 & 8

I've been so busy since working on this project that I haven't had time to write about the final and intense last week of work.  Here it is in pictures and I will post an update with text and more pictures. in a few days.

In the meantime, however, I got an email from the gentleman in New York who commissioned this piece.  Here's what he wrote:

Olive explores the Chaos

Hi Lauren,
The silk got here yesterday.  It's absolutely amazing, way way beyond my expectations.  The details in the leaves and birds is absolutely gorgeous.  Thanks so much for taking on this project.  I just dropped it off at the tailor and will keep you posted as to the progress & end result of the blazer.  Thanks again, it's wonderful!!

Filing system for silk screens

Organized by Species of Tree, Bird, Fish, etc.

Ready to print!

First stage: the main grouse motifs

My assistant hand-applies resist to the grouse images

Leaf motifs are added

There are a lot of wings to resist...

Painted grouse showing resist marks, painted leaf, and other elements. 

Screening the final "top" design element, a faint scrub grass allover pattern.

The full finished effect before steaming (setting the dye).

Close-up of grass over-print before steaming.

Close-up of grass over-print before steaming; resist lines in grouse tail in lower left.

Rolling the finished silk for steaming.

Lucky Pot and her Happy Food

One down, one to go: silk rolled in muslin, wrapped in kraft paper.

So many things can go wrong...

My trusty stove-top steamer with Lucky Pot on top.

One full length of steamed, rinsed and ironed silk.

Ready to send --  say goodbye!