Backgrounds: Make Them Interesting
I’ve been intrigued lately by very primitive and free spirited hooking backgrounds. Marte Bordeaux did this piece in punch needle, but it could make a great hooked piece also.
What makes it a great background? First of all you can clearly see the motif because the dark chicken and flower are outlined by a much lighter cream. Value is important, color is secondary. To soften the transition to the medium dark brown that is the ultimate primitive background, Marte used several different values and colors that create a visual bridge from the lightest value to the darkest. Sometimes she used rows of alternating colors, such as around the chicken’s head. Notice the block of tan near the flower between two leaves. I love the little pop of colors that are along the stem but are not attached to anything. See how some of the dots almost disappear because the value is similar to the puppy background. Love when that happens. Not everything needs to be seen clearly.
What else have you noticed about this piece?
See more information about this piece and other work by Marte by visiting Boggy Creek Primitives. Contact the designer, Debbie St.Germain by visiting her website.
I agree with you Marte! I don’t think there are many things that are truly “original” to any of us. We all see things everyday and we add our own touch, interpretation etc to the design. And nothing in the article says or implies that it is your design! I am anxious to see the rug now!!! Be sure to have it posted here!!
Thanks Cindi! Will do. I’m binding it differently too. I’m using actual burlap strips that are tightly woven but am stamping with primitive stars. I realize that’s the back and nobody really cares how that’s done but I have the OCD thing going on LOL!!
BTW Cindi – I just finished this design as a hooked rug. It turned out very nice. Working on binding it right now. Don’t know what I’ll do with it now though….
Oh boy, not this again. She certainly does NOT come across as this being my design. She’s merely writing about the background which IS MY interpretation. Do you even see how long ago this was written about the BACKGROUND (not the design)? Stop being so darn petty – life’s too short to sweat the small stuff as you do. I love your designs as they are primitively warm and charming so it’s so hard to think you are the designer.
I was browsing and stumbled on a link to this blog posting.
I was wondering why the designer of the pattern was never mentioned?
It comes across as Marte, being the one who designed it.
This is one of my patterns that she bought from me.
Debbie
I’ve been in touch with Kathrine Porter who designed Pocketful. Her pattern and mine (Annie’s Flower Power) will be available on my website, but probably not until mid June. I will have instructions for constructing your own footstool. Shipping it is just too expensive. Many people end up using an upholsterer to finish the stool. With the instructions, they will be able to build it for you. Very simple construction. I will be offering an updated kit for the wool also.
Thanks so much! Will you email when available, please?
I love the chicken and the background. I like the stool you did very much! Couldn’t see where I could purchase the stool and the pattern. Could you let me know. Enjoy this site a lot.
Thank you Cindi! I feel so honored to have my piece here on your website and you’ve written very nice words on my piece too. I want to email this to my mom, lol!
Hugs,
Marte