Found Object Tidal Wave III

(Above:  Found Object Tidal Wave III.  Framed: 31 1/2" x 31 1/2".  Found objects hand-stitched to a section of a vintage quilt.  Too many objects to list.  Click on any image to enlarge.)

Many people have asked about my stash of found objects. They want to know where I find things.  (Thrift stores, flea markets, antique malls, auctions, and through donations from generous people!)

(Above:  Detail of Found Object Tidal Wave III.)

They want to know how I organize my objects. (In plastic bags and small containers ... scattered on several shelves and on the floor and in an antique butterfly cabinet ... think "flat files".  Honestly, there's very little organization.) 

(Above:  Detail of Found Object Tidal Wave III.)

Yet, there is "some" organization involved!  I have a separate area for things that just aren't working for a Found Object Mandala.  These are generally individual items that don't lend themselves to being a centerpiece.  If I only have "one", it has to be a centerpiece; otherwise, I need at least four of the same thing ... multiples.  Sometimes, I only have two or three of an item.  All these things get put in this area until it is overflowing.  When that happens, I know it is time to stitch either a "tidal wave" or a "tornado".  Recently, I opted for a tidal wave!  This is it!

 

(Above:  Found Object Tidal Wave III at an angle.)

There's something else about stitching a tidal wave or a tornado.  The quilt must be something to which I want to add plenty of stitching.  Why?  Two reasons!  First, there is a layer of bridal tulle/netting over the entire surface. It is laid down before any of the objects are stitched in place.  It protects fragile seams and threadbare areas.  Please remember, the quilts I use are OLD and never is perfect condition.  Thus, I have to deal with a large part of the surface where the netting and the quilt aren't other stitched together.  The separate layers are sort of obvious.  Basically, I quilt them together, and in doing this, the netting becomes almost invisible!

 

(Above:  Found Object Tidal Wave III at an angle.)

Second reason:  Balance!  It is difficult to tell in these images, but the hand quilting brings balance to the whole.  The tidal wave itself is very, very busy.  Without the additional hand quilting, the "non-tidal wave" areas fall flat.  With the stitching, there's a subtle sense of balance.  I liked this particular quilt because my stitching shows up nicely.  There's a pleasing amount of stitching everywhere!