Sunday, January 15, 2017

Kathy's Boundaries: Hydrostatic Surface Tension



For as far back as I can remember, I've been intrigued with droplets of water; how they remain separated from each other; and then at some point in their "lifetime" how they roll down or across a surface and eventually merge with other droplets to become larger versions of themselves !

Are there BOUNDARIES that keep them separated from each other ? And what causes them to eventually merge, forming bigger and heavier drops (that is, if they do eventually merge or they remain as separate drops !) 

This phenomenon is called "Surface Tension" or by another definition "Hydrostatic Surface Tension." Google Search provides abundant scientific information about this subject ... probably more information than I could ever read and / or understand !

A Google Image search for "water drops" provided extraordinarily beautiful sources of inspiration !  [Thank You  Google !]

I used hand-dyed silk for the background of this quilt, then mounted the quilt on 2 layers of batting to provide extra depth.  To separate the "rows" for the droplets, I used Madeira and Sulky metallic threads to create vertical columns in random widths.

And then the fun began !   Using "Swarovski" Crystals, and other purchased "Hot Fix" notions, I used my Hot Fix heat tool to apply each of the 'water droplets' onto the background .... one little, tiny piece at a time !    Seen in just the right kind of light, the crystals, et al glimmer and shine just like tiny water droplets.

A close-up

12 comments:

  1. An intriguing and interesting take on this theme of boundaries! And a really beautiful quilt!

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  2. What a very unique view of boundaries. Science gives us such a rich treasure of inspiration when we look.
    Beautiful. The hot fix embellishments really work as droplets.

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  3. Beautiful piece Kathy! I would have never thought of this - very creative idea and the crystals work so well. Hope to see this in person some time!

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  4. This is a fresh view at the theme of boundaries with just the right tool to depict droplets

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  5. So much fun. What a great interpretation of boundaries. I also love water droplets.

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  6. I love the droplets. I look at drop lets all the time on leaves. This would make cool fabric from Spoonflower!!

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  7. Beautiful colors. Lots of patience to do the crystals. Well done.

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  8. I love rain! I have always thought I was part duck. This is a fantastic interpretation of the theme. I love the science theory to explain boundaries. The colors are wonderful.

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  9. This is truly beautiful!! Reminds me of the curtains on the old variety shows, how they used to shimmer. Definitely an eye catcher. Would love to use some crystals now after seeing this. Lovely!!!

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  10. Kathy, I think this is my favorite of all the 12 x 12's you have shared. The colors are breathtaking and I love all the crystals you have added. So beautiful!

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  11. I can almost hear the pitter, patter of the rain drops. A very effective use of "sparkle". I really like this quilt, Kathy!

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  12. The richly dyed background was the perfect setting for the 'droplets'.. this was an amazing piece. really spectacular.

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