Step 2 - Cover designs

The next step after the initial samples, was to get some designs on paper - the first is below.

Checking on the fabric sizes, I was unsure if there were sufficient pieces that would allow me to complete some of the longer length strips either side of the central panel (above). Another design was then worked:

This appeared to fit the fabric pieces better & could also assist with assembling individual squares. With this in mind & working with the first 2 fabric samples, I decided to 'mount' the pieces in a fabric surround as below:

This would also enable me to use some leftover plain batik fabric as the outer square strips - these ultimately being stitched like log cabin.

Cells: Step 1 (contd) - Using hand made paper ...

Here's a few other designs I'm working on - all with a 'cell-like structure' theme. (Incidentally, these are all elements of design & techniques that I have wanted to experiment with for some time & I'm using any opportunity to include them in my work.)

• Virus: I came across 2 inked paper samples - again in colours I thought appropriate for my corresponding cellular forms. One paper (below left), I inked over & then ripped (to show the paper's under structure with its white edge) into short lengths. These were then stuck in positions on the other piece & finally positioned on a handmade white thicker textured card (also can be seen here).

• Cell division: Another cellular form I wanted to experiment with is the one below left - dried glue on card which results in the cell-like structures appearing. After painting with ink, these are more visible & under certain lighting, show clearly (below right) in a different colour & somewhat reflective.

Cells: Step 1 - Using hand made paper ...

A great day in the studio yesterday has resulted in some wonderful designs for "Project:Cell" - an idea I have for a particular project (read more about this here) where I want to represent specific 'cells & their structures'. To do this I'm going to first work with a selection of paper & thought of initially looking in my existing 'store' to find if I already had something to use. (In the past, whenever I tried new techniques, I usually made extra or loads for later - then I've got it ready to hand!)

I soon came across  some handmade paper samples from a few years ago which at the time were unsuitable for something else. Looking at them now, I liked the way in which each piece (a total of 7, all in use below) had dried - its colouring, it texture & the resulting delicate & fragile nature of each piece. It symbolised the 'cells' I wanted to show & were ideally suited for "cell structure". After playing around with a few delicate 'bits' of this paper, here's the result:

Paper samples positioned on table

My working table is covered in white plastic & perfect as a 'plain canvas' to look at initial ideas. After placing them quickly down, their 'bitty' image was fitting together perfectly. I then thought about a background for them & rummaging in my paper's box, came across some woodchip wallpaper - also perfect for use as the 'hidden' wood chips were showing as 'cells' too. Using wallpaper paste, I glued them all in place (with a few minor changes) & as the paste is drying, I've noticed the paper is starting to crinkle & become more cell-like.

Same samples now on 'woodchip' paper

Watching the paper over the afternoon, I'm noticing the paper is becoming more 'cellular/knobbly' as the paste softens the paper - I'll have to wait until it's perfectly dry to see the final effect.

Close-up resembles 'cells'

For the rest of the afternoon, I've also worked on some other paper samples I found - these are also viewable at Project:Cell.