A Summary of the First Week

So last week I spent the first few days editing my Negotiated Study pieces slightly and making the labels for our upcoming exhibition. Then mid week I finally had time to properly get into this project.

I started by researching into birds I could possibly use for each of the continents. I also decided to try and use endangered birds so that there is more to teach children about (although there doesn't seem to be many endangered birds for Europe).

While researching I learnt about some exciting birds I hadn't heard of before. Two which excited me in particular were...

the Shoebill

and the Attwater Prairie Chicken

Definitely some interesting birds which will also challenge my sewing skills if I attempt to make them.

I then also spent a few days doing some artist research. I was talking to Ceri earlier last month about what I was planning for FMP and she suggested looking at Lizzie Finn. I found her work really inspiring. She does a lot of sewing work, but also incorporates other mediums into her work as well. 

One of her works that stood out to me was her cover for Moloko's album "Things to Make and Do".

I love all the little quirky characters she made for it, and they are similar to what I imagine myself making for my project. This also made me think about what I could do with the toys I make, whether I should put them into photoshop and do something even more creative with them.

Another artists, who I briefly mentioned earlier in this blog, is Kira Nichols. She creates a lot of bird inspired work which is mostly 3D and I can see myself creating similar sort of things. I follow her blog as I'm always keen to see her new creations. (http://www.oopsicraftmypants.com/)

This particular piece I love. I enjoy making quilt like pieces, and I would like to include this sort of detail and decoration into some of my toys.

Towards the end of last week I decided to jump straight into this project and start creating things on my sewing machine. However, I only just bought it the week before and have never used one before so spent a whole day learning how to set it up and use it! Photos of finished sewing machine works will be uploaded soon. 

Also, here is my timetable for what I plan so far. However, it is likely to change as I progress with this project.