My dear friend Pauleen Gomke is an extraordinary textile artist. A life-long collector of exquisite vintage ribbons, laces, trims and fabrics, she magically combines all these elements in her delightful creations. My previous post on her fabric crowns shows more of her fabulous, museum-worthy work.
It was my dear mother who first introduced me to the wonderful world of Pauleen, fifteen years ago. “You must come and see Pauleen’s froggies!” she demanded. And so I went to meet this artist and tour her beautiful home filled with whimsical stitchery, ceramics and vast collection of Asian antiques and textiles.
I was instantly mesmerized, not only by her collections, but by Pauleen herself. Ageless and effervescent, Pauleen simply radiates joie de vivre…and that spirit is evident in every whimsical thing she touches. These fabric frogs are one example of Pauleen’s amazing, timeless creations. They appear to have just hopped out of an enchanted fairy forest.
It is the skillful combination of pattern, texture, color, form and exquisite attention to detail that makes Pauleen’s work so captivating. In this closeup of the female froggie’s face that you can see the jewel eye, velvet corduroy face, and the nest “hat” made of Victorian millinery flowers.
Note the (real) miniature charm bracelet!
and feet embellished with Victorian millinery flowers
and a leafy necklace made of organza and vintage glass embellishments
and a silk ribbon “necktie” down the back, with miniature
pearl buttons
The male’s forehead is textured with painted split peas!
more velvet leaves and silk ribbon, and split peas on the back of his head
and a collage of velvet and silk leaves down his chest
and a bouquet of organza leaves. The edges of them are
singed (to prevent fraying) by quickly holding them over a candle flame.
