an evening with ATASDA

My artist talk was warmly received last Thursday evening, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank ATASDA (Aust Textile Arts Surface Design Assoc) for inviting me and everyone for coming along and making me feel very welcome - it was a most enjoyable evening. After sharing conversations with like minded folk on the various methods of re-using the humble tea bag, I was surprised by how many people are actually recycling and using them! (simple method for drying used tea bags, please see end notes).

Keeping in with tradition (using a vintage spinners wheel and foot-treadle sewing machine), my talk and demo was delivered in an ole fashioned manner by showcasing a selection of artworks from my Expressions of Love exhibitions, and providing a tactile area of  spun, sewn and partly crocheted tea bags for closer inspection.

A few snap shots from the evening, with photography courtesy of Jolanta Szymczyk

For anyone wishing to know how to dry used tea bags, here is a simple method for drying them:

Place wet/used tea bags on a porous surface* to dry i.e wood or concrete, all intact - tea, string, and label. Or alternatively, they can be air dried on oven racks, mesh trays or similar.

Tea bags can be dried in the sun or shade, however in a dry, shaded and warm positions is preferable. When the tea bags are completely dry store them in paper bags not plastic, as they go mouldy and are rendered unusable.

*a note of caution, staining may occur if drying wet tea bags on porous surfaces.

Artist Talk + Demonstration

I am delighted to announce, I will be conducting an Artist Talk and Demonstration for the
Australian Textile Arts & Surface Design Association (ATASDA). 

Close Knit CommUNITY, 2013 (Detail). One thousand sewn & spun recycled tea bags and thread. 

My artist talk focuses on the process and praxis behind my ‘Expressions of Love‘ exhibitions and how I created this series of works from over 17,000 donated recycled tea bags.  As part of my Artist Talk, I will also explain how I transform ordinary used tea bags into yarn and deliver a tea bag spinning demonstration.

Tea bag process for spinning.

My Artist Talk + Demonstration will take place at Queensland Spinners, Weavers & Fibre Artists Fibrecraft House on Thursday 18th June, 6.30pm for a 7pm start.