Plant soup

With the flashiness of eco prints, its sometimes easy to forget the humble beauty of the simple submersion dye from various plants. This was from a variety of things growing in my back yard... simple pleasures.

Sydney botanical gardens eco dye course

Colour your textiles with plants. Friday 6th March.

In this 1 day course you will create submersion dyes with numerous plants and experiment with some simple shibori techniques to pattern cloth.

We will also explore the magic of eco prints and play with scrap metal to see some of the unique patterns and effects that can be achieved through a combination of these techniques.

This course is suitable for beginners and dabblers of dyeing who may like a little more guidance with these techniques. You will leave with new creative ideas of how to make your fabrics unique and beautiful, using natural dyeing techniques. Great for any textile enthusiast.

A sample pack of fabrics will be included in the cost of the course, with silk and wool fabrics to experiment with, string for tying bundles, some silk thread for sewing, a scarf for printing and a length of fabric. More scarves and fabric will be available to buy on the day. You are also welcome to bring in some natural fabrics of your own that you may like to experiment with.

A couple of places are still available in this course so click here to find out more and book, if you feel like joining in the fun!

http://www.thankq.net.au/event/v236/EventDetail.aspx?ref=5617662807&Event=215AU%2007

Californian bride

Here is another custom order wedding dress I have just posted off to California...

Mail order bride... gown.

Bespoke wedding dress review from client

I just received the following review from a client for whom I created a bespoke custom made wedding dress last year. I am so touched, it is a very trusting relationship to order and create a dress from across the world. 

"Working with Gina was a dream from start to finish.  I looked all over for a simple, natural wedding dress and when I found her on etsy and contacted her, it was quite late (March for a May wedding!).  The fact that I lived in the US and was having a custom-made dress done in Australia without having ever tried it on raised a few eyebrows here!  But Gina worked speedily and got it to me in plenty of time, and it fit absolutely perfectly. The dress is simply exquisite, and hardly anyone left the wedding without commenting on it.  Everyone was struck by the sheer beauty and richness of the fabric. Gina also designed a shawl and when I didn't love the design, she made another one, without charging me extra.  She has a wonderful spirit and was so generous and supportive throughout the process. "   

I feel very honoured Sharon to have shared this special time with you. Thank you for trusting in me. 

I share this with you all in case anyone else is considering having a custom made dress created at a distance. I am currently 'hands in suds', creating another wedding dress, again for the USA. I do love the trust and bond created in this process. It is an honour to be invited into such an intimate event. 

Lane Cove felt making course in May

Here is an article from the Northshore Times last week, advertising a felt making course I am running, coming up at Lane Cove.

Here is the link to this course: 

http://www.centrehouse.org.au/#!product/prd1/3593577751/felt-making-3-day-workshop

for more details, send me an email of contact the Centrehouse. 

Gina Mastio on Pinterest

Slow to adapt to technology, I have joined Pinterest finally. I'd spotted my work dotted about on other people's boards and now I have one of my own. If you're interested to see my creations from over the years, a lot that are now in private collections spread throughout our beautiful world, click here:
https://www.pinterest.com/ginamastio/my-creations/

You may like to follow it as I add from time to time some more shots. It is a great site to get lost in - be warned!
Best wishes,
Gina

Felt making courses at Mosman

2014 saw the beginning of felt making classes at Mosman Community College. I had the pleasure of meeting wonderful people and introducing them to my favourite medium, wet wool felting. It was a delight to see curiosity bud into enthusiasm and wonder, as we transformed beautiful merino wool fibres into a new textile form, felt. Using only soap, water and what we often joked as a potential gym workout (rolling the felt), participants went home with new unique creations and a feeling of accomplishment. They discovered new avenues of expression and artistic creativity within themselves, as they increased their skills through each course. 

Courses are one or two sessions, that can be added to within the term or later in the year, as the addiction for felt making takes hold! Several students began the introduction courses making woollen scarves, then followed with making hats and bags, then learning nuno felting where we combine the woollen fibres with fine fabrics such as silk. Once this technique is learnt, it opens up the possibilities to create clothing, such as unique tunics and then jackets. 

I also teach eco dyeing of textiles using plants, which can be used with hand felted fabrics or with natural fabrics such as silk and wool. Always an amazing day spent over the cauldron!

I am very excited to be offering these courses again in 2015 and can't wait to meet some new and past creative people as we continue to explore and discover this wonderful form of textiles art.

New term starts next week, for course details click here:
http://www.mec.nsw.edu.au/modules/details?ModuleID=10157