2012 Gwen Blakley Kinsler

Gwen Blakley Kinsler

"Crochetkween" on Ravelry

Ravelry Fan Page: Cro-Kween Designs

http://crochetqueen-royalramblings.blogspot.com

Van Gogh's "Vase with Red Poppies" was the first thing that popped into my head when I thought of famous paintings. The flower's vibrancy of color attracts me. Once I created the poppy motif and further surveyed my yarns, I was spurred on to create motifs that would both enhance and highlight it as the center of visual interest in this mixed necklace.

I used crochet, bead-crochet, hand and machine sewing to complete this challenge. Re-cycled cloth from a small pouch was used as the fabric backing, and I could not resist putting a portion of the ethnic weaving that embellished the bag on the back of my necklace.

2011 Gwen Blakley Kinsler

Gwen Blakley Kinsler

USA

Lifetime Member CGOA 

gwen@crochetqueen.com 

www.crochetqueen.com 

www.ravelry.com/crochetkween

http://crochetqueen-royalramblings.blogspot.com

The gorgeous eyes of this ceramic beauty have been staring up at me from my studio desk for several years now! Calling out, "Finesse me,"her message finally got my attention! 

I was suddenly inspired by her alluring smile and by my enthusiasm for using up-cycled materials and mixed media to turn her into a Freeform Fiber Faerie.

2010 Gwen Blakley Kinsler

Gwen Blakley Kinsler

Rolling Meadows, IL USA

http://www.crochetqueen.com/

http://crochetqueen-royalramblings@blogspot.com

Dreams Realizing

For years, it has been my dream to live in both my “worlds.” I’ve experienced life as an ex-patriot in Mexico and yearned to live there again ever since. I’m in love with my adopted city of Chicago and plan to trade my suburban surroundings for the grit, excitement and glorious beauty that are the urban confines. The Mexico piece of my world was realized in 2003, and I have enjoyed our little “slice of paradise” each winter since. Our abode, “Casa Tecolote” which means “Owl House,” embodies the spirit of Mexico with its hand-painted owl on the outer wall, fruit trees and draping bougainvilleas.  In this ode to realizing the other part of the dream, simplifying life while enjoying the city and all it entails in spring and summer, I have combined the two worlds in one freeform crocheted glimpse into my (creative) life.

The finished work depicts the significant bodies of water define location: Lake Michigan and Lake Chapala. Surrounded with a wide variety of fibers, the lakes give way to the colors and “feel” of each world: a major city with grey-tones and the color of perpetual bloomers throughout spring and summer; and a small village with hot tones of the Mexican sun and vibrant culture.

Neon jelly yarn and clay beads made in Mexico add flair to the finished concept of this mixed-media piece.

                                                                                              

2007 Gwen Blakley Kinsler

Gwen Blakley Kinsler
Rolling Meadows, IL USA

http://www.crochetqueen.com/

The paisley shape is also known as the Kashmir, serabend or almond shape.  It has been described as a drop of water, a fern-frond, pear, almond, fig or pine cone.  The origin is unclear, but it is thought to be linked to the shape of a cypress tree which symbolizes “eternal life.”

From:  “Design Sources for Symbolism” by Jan Messent

I used:

Carat, gold

Rayon embroidery floss, yellow

Berroco Crystal FX, chanterelle

Coats Knit Cro Sheen, metallic gold

DMC Mouline Metallic, gold

DMC Retors A Broder #4, gold

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2006 Gwen Blakley Kinsler

Gwen Blakley Kinsler

Rolling Meadows, IL USA

http://www.crochetqueen.com

Founder of the Crochet Guild of America and tireless promoter of crochet as art and satisfaction from sharing our passion for crochet with others


I have long been inspired by the concept of free form crochet.  The yarn from the many participants in this challenge was very inspiring to me and it was, indeed, a challenge!

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