Etsy

Hello and welcome to April & August! Thanks for stopping by. I’m Helen, and I’m happy to be sharing my pattern panel collages here on etsy. They’re original works inspired by two of my great loves, fashion and paper.

If you sew or grew up with someone who did, you’ll recognize the fragile pattern paper I use to construct my pieces. I’ve always loved the delicate nature of pattern paper. The graphic lines and typography make it seem like a work of art in itself to me. Then there’s the reality of what patterns do. They help us make things: Cut here. Pin here. Sew here. This divine paper can guide you in creating your destiny. By which I mean a darn fine outfit.

I have a particular fondness for dress patterns. Vintage Vogue dress patterns, to be specific. It may seem peculiar, especially given the fact that I have a 3-year old and a newborn, and all the fun crawling around on the ground I do these days doesn’t quite jive with wearing dresses most of the time. But I like using dress patterns because – well, isn’t there something about a dress that makes you feel pretty and special? Like you want to sit up a little straighter and watch the curse words? Maybe it’s just me.

To give the pieces some moxy, I’ve layered the tissue-thin pattern paper over stretched canvas on some pieces, and over lovely, clear Ponderosa Pine on others. Then I’ve enhanced the silhouette with fine paper selected from a contemporary color palette. The result are modern, mixed media pieces that can add a little extra swank to any environment.

Displayed alone, I think you’ll find a pattern panel collage is eye-catching. A series of three or four? Simply fetching.

Why the name April+August? They're the birth months of my husband, son and daughter.

Featured on:

http://craftedbylindy.blogspot.com/
Shout Out Sunday, 5/25/09

http://www.recycledrevamped.blogspot.com/
6/17/10

http://arttales-leftz.blogspot.com/2010/07/whimsical-wednesday.html
7/6/10

http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/the-handmade-home/decoupage-sewing-patterns-from-april-augustthe-handmade-home-125841
8/31/10