Painting Snuggies


The outdoor show season for me, starts next weekend. That means I will be bringing paintings to display in my booth to several upcoming art festivals. Keeping the frames and paintings free from nicks and scratches is always a problem. I am hoping these felt bags I made in several different sizes will do the trick.

I cannot take credit for this idea - I saw another artist (Rodgers Naylor) at a show last summer who made felt bags for his framed work. He used a hot glue gun for the seams. Since most of my paintings are larger than his 16x20s and 11x14s, I used my sewing machine to stitch up the sides. I made them ample enough to accommodate a frame or gallery wrap canvas.

I am no seamstress. It's been so long since I used my sewing machine, I had to read directions on how to thread a bobbin, which I ended up doing 5 times. I used a zig zag stitch, so the seams are pretty sturdy.

I am a bag lady now, but don't ask me to stitch up some bags for you because I HATED every minute of it. If you want to do this, I would suggest you wait until you see a sale on felt at your local fabric store.

18 comments:

SarahBowie said...

I sewed so much as a teenager - made my own clothes and all that - but now I have dreams where I can't remember how to thread the machine needle, much less the bobbin. I'm impressed with you!

Nancy Standlee said...

So cool and I used to sew all the time but not anymore. One of our CBC members got moving bags like from UHaul and also used from the thrift store and made some great ones for our CBC large 32" paintings..some with handles and it sure helps protect them.. Yours look fab in colors!! and I like the idea of glue!

Dana Cooper said...

Great idea, thanks for the tip! Good luck on your show!!

Pam Holnback said...

Great idea! Thanks for sharing!

NORA KASTEN said...

You've got a GOOD plan, Carol, and wishing you much success on your upcoming shows.
Nora

Saundra Lane Galloway said...

Awesome idea my friend...I just may be borrowing that idea as well...:)

Kristen's Paintings said...

Thanks for the idea! I'm experimenting with the "Link Within" Widget- an idea I got from your blog.

Roxanne Steed said...

That's a great idea! (now where is the manual to my old sewing machine?)

Julia Kulish said...

Great ides - thanks for sharing.

Autumn Leaves said...

A fine job and a fabulous idea, Carol. Fortunately, I shall not have to lug out my machine as I have no paintings to travel. They are all hidden away in a drawer or a black plastic trash bag in my closet! LOL

David Larson Evans said...

Great Idea. Hey can I use the photo for a painting I love the way the light hits the colors.

Rosemary said...

Thanks for the tip! I bought some quilted comforters at Goodwill and plan to make bags. It's time I got busy and got the job done! They won't be nearly as pretty as your "Snuggies"! Good luck with your shows - and the book is awesome!

Melody Cleary said...

Very good idea....I have a friend who did this with fleece. Thanks for reminding me!

Kelley Carey MacDonald said...

What a fabulous idea - although I've thought of it before, and could only think 'flannel', felt is stronger and thicker, and a much better idea. I've given my sewing machine away, but maybe I could find a friend who has one and PAY for her to make these!!!! Good luck with your 'season'!

Kristen's Paintings said...

Wow, maybe you should market the idea! You could get someone else to sew them for you. ;) You picked great colors BTW.

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

I am also a 'bag' lady.
These are very cool.
I love your work, Carol.

Dean Grey said...

You clever girl, you!

-Dean

Heather Karp said...

Great idea!
Also, thank you for seeing the positive side to slow sales. There's always a positive side!!!

LOVE YOUR WORK!!!
Heather Karp