the evolution of an idea

Once in a while around here I like to share what I call "the evolution of an idea" (see here and here and here) it is like a peek inside my brain, my process and where ideas begin and how they evolve into something else. As important as the internet and technology is for my business, I typically seek inspiration for my own projects off the web and out in the world- my favorite place is the beach.

My last post from the weekend was yet another look at my obsessive beach combing hobby. My recent walk by the sea got me inspired to create a simple bag that I can take with me on my beach combing expeditions, a place to stash all my treasure and a way to keep sand out of my backpack and my pockets!

Here is a peek into the evolution of the process-

When I come home from the beach, I spread out all of my treasures and take a little time to draw some of my favorites. I was inspired to take these sketches a little further.

Using plain white muslin, backed with interfacing- I used my sewing machine to free motion draw shells with my beach combing sketches as the inspiration.

This whole process can be challenging and take a lot of practice to work up to drawing with a sewing machine and drawing "free hand"

but the outcome is so worth it!!

I filled the surface with all kinds of sea inspired images

and even added words.

I used another piece of muslin and filled the surface with more ocean inspired words.

I used mesh fabric in combo with my pieces of free motion fabric to create a long skinny bag.

Complete with a strap- long enough to fit across my body.

Then I put my new bag to use!

I hunted,

discovered,

and used my new bag to collect treasures.

Someday soon I will show you what I do with all my treasure once they are sorted and cleaned :)