Sometime during the first week in January, I discovered a blog – http://calendargirls2008.blogspot.com/ – and instantly fell in love with the concept. I mulled it over and decided to see if any of my friends thought it was a good idea. Not only did one of them think it was a great concept but she said, “If you go ahead, sign me up.” So with nothing ventured, nothing gained, I went ahead. I then emailed everyone in my address book that I thought might be even remotely interested and over the course of the next couple of weeks had 10 other artists ready to start. We began on January 25th with a picture of a tortoise. The picture was proof photo from an on-line stock photography company, so I won’t show it here. Everyone was then given the task of interpreting or being inspired by the image, creating a 4×6″ fibre postcard and popping it in the mail to their 1st swap partner.

The results have been fantastic. Here are the first few:

Linda’s Tortoise:

Linda's tortoise

I had to look at the picture for a while, but eventually I heard him shouting “blackwork” at me. I started looking at different blackwork patterns and tried to pick some for the tortoise’s shell, but I thought it would be more effective to use only one pattern for everything and just change the colours in the different areas. I looked at elaborate patterns, but since the colours were going to be the focal point of my tortoise, I decided on a simple pattern of hexagons and squares. I used backstitch to outline the colour changes as I wanted it to blend in with the blackwork and not stand out and detract from the design. I had always wanted to do a picture with an overall blackwork pattern and just change the colours, so I was really pleased with the way he turned out. I will definitely use this technique in the future.

This one is by Sue.

This one is by Sherry.

and she was so inspired she did another rendition just for herself

Gillian’s Tortoise

When I saw the photo that Sandra had sent, I was struck by the contrast of the hard, scaley tortoise and its soft colours and gentle curves. The colours and curves made me think of old paisley shawls, and this is the design I eventually stitched in crewel.

Joyce G’s tortoise:

Here’s my rendition. I keep wanting to call him McTavish. He is in canvaswork.

Kim’s tortoise

Carol’s tortoise:

Gloria’s tortoise all the way from Mexico

And so in the way of tortoises everywhere, we still have a few to come. Slowly but surely.