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Refrigerator Art and Fabric Beads
No kids at home? No grandkids yet? So what do you for refrigerator art? In my case I'm doing a magnet swap with other artists. My original thought was to use some junk jewelry and do some wire and bead work on the pieces but nothing was too inspiring when I went through my junk jewelry box. So I got the bright idea of making wire pin dolls and turning them into magnets - we had learned how to make them at doll club. They were fun to make and here's their picture.
Click on image to enlarge
I really like the one with the pink bead on it so I'm going to keep it (always a prerogative!). The others are okay but kind of strange. One has alphabet beads on it that say ART but it's kind of hard to see. They are all wrapped with a variety of fibers and threads. All except one have fabric beads for legs.
Fabric beads are fun to make - take a straw and cut it into, oh, say 1" - 2" lengths. Cut a little strip of fabric just wider than the straw piece. Put a dab of glue on the straw. Wrap the fabric around the straw and glue it to itself. Now tie some fancy threads or fibers around it. Ta da - fabric beads. The straw helps them keep their shape. I suppose if you don't want the straw in it you could soak them in Stiffy (you know - that fabric stiffener stuff) - they'd be hard as a rock then! Think there's an article on making fabric beads in Quilting Arts.
But, back to the little dudes. One reason I think they look strange is because the proportions are off - one has short arms, one has long arms- but, hey, they're wire figures - so I guess they don't have to look right!
They leave for their new home tomorrow (or at least the swap coordinator's home) ... along with the Faces ATCs, the Alias Flat Stanley, a gift for Mimi Kirchner (who sent me these awesome 1970s fashion and home magazines) and probably a couple of bills too (ugh!). I guess you could say the bills are kind of a swap too -but definitely not a fun one! LOL.
These are too cute! I like 'em! They look like little bitty bendi dolls! I think I like the pink bead best, too 'cause he looks like he's dancing!
You are into all SORTS of swaps - I don't know how you keep up with it all; I get confused trying to handle the FS swap and deadlines for a couple of challenges. Sheesh! Anyway, I know everyone will love your fabric beads!
Posted by: kai at May 31, 2005 10:29 AMI love them, Judi! And not to worry, proportions don't count on "art" dolls!! Heehee! Your swap friends will love them.
Posted by: MaryO at June 1, 2005 3:18 AMlove them, they are adorable.
Posted by: Kai at June 1, 2005 5:34 AMThese are very much like the wild woman pin dolls that I've been seeing and wanting to make. They're very cute. I especially like the one with the green head and the star. I haven't tried the fabric beads before, though I've made very similar ones with paper. I think I'll try some with some bits of batiks I have. Thank you for the inspiration! I know your partner will love them.
Posted by: Melisa at June 1, 2005 1:23 PMJudi,
I've got a house full of kids, including a junior girl scout, and these are a great project idea, even for those of us with no room left on the fridge!
A google search came up with your comments on refrigerator art and fabric beads - could you direct me to pictures of the "dolls" that are being commented on?
Thank you kindly,
Barbara, Michigan
Posted by: Barbara at June 20, 2005 12:32 AMHi Judi!
Those dolls are the bomb! What gauge wire did you use?
Kathy
The wire I used for the bodies is a gold colored wire that is 20 ga.
Posted by: Judi at July 9, 2005 8:11 PMoooooooo! can you send/post the instructions?
Posted by: Babs at July 23, 2005 7:56 PMOkay, I think I've figured out the bodies; what did you use to make them magnets?
Thanks!! What fun!
Posted by: Babs at September 1, 2005 9:37 PMOkay, I think I've figured out the bodies; what did you use to make them magnets?
Thanks!! What fun!
Posted by: Babs at September 1, 2005 9:37 PMI have been making these bead and wire characters for four years and selling them as pins...although the idea is not new and they are all different...it does kinda rock my socks that anyone puts the idea out as an original 3 years into my business.
Good thing I don't care, isn't it?
What sweet dolls! I made some wire dolls last night through trial and error and then decided to see if I could find anything like it on the 'net. Yours look similar - except I just used wire and beads. I love to do this!
Visit me and my art (I have ACEOs) at:
http://majo.etsy.com
Make your own version of Judi's dolls.
Many patterns available!
