February's concept was "What are you old enough to remember?" I guess I am a member of the TV generation because a lot of my early memories have to do with television. It was a new and entertaining media and certainly made my little world larger. I remember that most of the variety shows were live and sometimes commercials were too. I remember when cartoon shows had a host. I remember seeing Johnny Carson on Name That Tune. I remember when it was OK for the kids to sit in front of the TV all evening - as long as the homework was done.
My brother (who is 4 years younger) and I were reminiscing about the old shows the other day. We mostly remember the same things - probably because he was born about the time our house got a TV. I can remember a time without it -- barely, but he cannot.
I had a grand time looking for black and white television pictures on the web. Of course I can't use them all, so finally narrowed it down to these five. Plus an old fashioned vacuum tube. I don't know if this is an actual television tube, but they looked sort of like this, so this is what I chose. Technically, many of these shows were broadcast in color. But it was many years before I knew anyone who could afford a color set. So, to me, these were B&W shows!
I printed my selection onto inkjet fabric already prepared with adhesive backing. I also printed the tube and the words "Black & White Television" onto Extravorganza. The picture does not show it, but the layer of organza adds a soft blurring to the print. Once all the pieces were fused together I did hand embroidery around the pieces. If you want to do hand work on this type of printable fabric, plan to embroider just one or two layers if possible. The tube is layered over four other layers of fused fabrics and stitching through it was really a bear! Be sure to have your pliers and band-aids handy! I did try a variety of stitches and a small variety of threads. After a trip to the craft shop, that is. I started gathering threads only to discover there was not one inch of black in my stash! How strange is that?
7 comments:
Oh, I love this! We must be of the same vintage, as I remember,also vaguely, when we didn't have a TV!
This is a really fun piece, good work!
Very original and what a contrast to the whites. Lovely!
That's a lovely fun piece - tho' being from the UK I can't say I recognise any of the shows!
I love it Liz! What a great memory idea. I also remember our first TV and we had it just in time to watch the Queen's wedding and the whole village were invited I think with sandwiches for everyone. Thanks for bringing back that memory.
This is terrific Liz. I like the black and white and the composition too. Mine is also going to use some originally black and white images--if I ever finish.
What a great piece! I remember the Flintstones well.
Most of my childhood memories are dominated by TV shows as well, despite the fact TV wasn't on for most of the day then!
I like the fact you kept to the black and white theme, it really did remind of the old TVs of the time.
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