Joanne Waithaka artistically wove a vibrant tapestry for Steve, capturing an African scene alive with warm shades of reds, creams, and browns, adding elegance to his home. What's your wish?
A request by Steve from Hastings, United Kingdom
Fabric/ tapestry wall hanging approx 90cms high by 60 cms wide approx. African scene- main colours deep reds, creams and browns but can include other colours as well.
The Journey of Creating Tapestry wall hanging approx 90cms high by 60 cms wide
Negotiation & Planning
Tapestry wall hanging approx 90cms high by 60 cms wide - design ideas and artisan proposals
Dear Steve,
I'm happy to provide an offer to your idea. However i need some specific information in order to gain more understanding to the project.
You have mentioned Fabric/tapestry, and suggested colours with an african theme and dimesions of 90 by 60 cm. My suggestions: I intend to use option a) hesian cloth/sack as a base for the stitchwork then employ 100% cottton stitching thread to come up with the african scene b) woolen tapestry then 100% cotton stitching thread for the intended imagery.
Once you have clarified on that then i shall have a clear direction to provide an appropriate and reasonable (within or near your price proposal) quote and as soon as you approve I shall proceed to provide the different sketch work proposals before the execution of the work.
I look forward to realizing your idea. Thank you and kind regards,
Absalom Aswani
Hi Absalom,
Probably the hessian base but I also thought it could include fabrics as well as stitching to create appliqué. I don’t really have an idea about the scene except I would like it to be striking in colour and design and modern- maybe a collage of African themes, skies, people , animals and scenery. It would need to be framed to hang correctly.
If it comes to much less than the cost estimate maybe would include couple of matching cushions - 40cms square.approx
Hi Steve,
Its nice to hear from you. I have made an attempt to get an image of a likely look of the finished artwork (attached) though not the theme but a finished outlook of the applique technique. I hope it works. I will also give it a finish at the helm that would allow for hanging on the wall i.e. the frame will not be included, this will make the shipping costs to come low unless if that(cost) is not an issue and i'm referring to the final overall weight and size. From the scope of work you alluded, I highly doubt the amount you suggested would include the matching cushions.
If you approve then I will proceed to present sketches for your approval.
So based on my understanding and intent to do the artwork and in reference to the finish referred, the following quote will suffice..
Hi Absalom, sorry for the delay over the holidays.
That's all fine.
I've attached an example of the appliqué technique, style and vividness I would like to see. So we could use the strong colours I mentioned previously, keep it mainly abstract like my example image but based on an African scene (i.e. sun, interesting sky and silhouettes). I also like the embroidery in your example.
To clarify the dimensions, it should be vertical - around 60cm wide and around 90cm long.
Thanks!
Steve
P.S. All this feedback is from my mum - it's a present for her.
Hi Steve,
Hope this finds you well. At this stage am happy to say that I have all information i need to proceed with the production. I'll therefore send you the sketches for your approval then color.
Regards,
Absalom
Crafting Process
How to make a Tapestry wall hanging approx 90cms high by 60 cms wide – work in progress
Hi Steve,
Hope you are doing well. Sorry for responding sooner, I was engrossed with clearing another clients work. I have started with this two sketch work for the pictorial idea. You may pick any I have separated the animal and human theme, but note that the final work may include more or change just a bit depending on suggestions from you and maybe my other additional here and there to improve the outlook. After your choice approval then i'll proceed and do a color to give you the general color outlook. But we shall work together through the final stage. I'll be updating you as we move along...
So thats over to you..hope to hear from you soonest.
Kind regards,
Absalom
Hi Absalom, here's the feedback: "I like both designs but maybe I prefer the second one because it is more abstract in design."
Cheers,
Steve
Hey Steve,
I'll be sending a colored version of the second piece ASAP.
Regards
Absalom
Hi Steve,
I've sent the colored versions for your picking so that I may proceed with the stitching.
Kind regards,
Absalom
Hi Absalom,
"I would like the colours to be mainly deep reds, browns and creams to create a vibrant look. Also the front brown area is very empty and flat- will he fill it with different stitchings or appliqués? "
Steve
Hi Steve,
It is important for me to know your opinion on the development. So far what I have sent is a reflection of how it would look like but for a few additions here and there as it develops. I also intend to introduce some animal print patterns to bring the wild feel other than the color addition and applique. So this much in general I may begin but will constantly update you with every development to the final stage. May also add or change some imagery here and there to improve on the overall look.
I have attached a few fillings with the foreground.
Regards Steve,
Absalom
Hi Absalom,
"I like the additions and the suggestions to add animal prints as well but the colour is still a problem for me as I would like the overall effect to be different deep and bright reds with browns and creams. Could the yellow sky be changed to a red one? I look forward to the updated version."
Cheers,
Steve
Hi Steve,
Hope you are well. I have tried to adjust the image color but is still subject to some additions here and there for dynamism. Hope we are getting there...Please let me know as soon as possible.
Kind regards,
Absalom
“I have chosen number 8 of 12 which is the second one with the red sky.
I would be interested in knowing how he is going to incorporate the wild animal prints- maybe an eye of a tiger could be incorporated in addition to his ideas? The more abstract the better.”
Greetings Steve,
I have attached a video of the progress of work in my studio. Just not sure with the yellow yet, though am still looking for the kind of material with the color used in the illustration...tentatively...
Regards,
Absalom
Hi Absalom,
Thanks for the video. I'm afraid, it looks like there has been misunderstanding. The colours are different to the ones I asked for. I specified the one with the red sky.
Thanks,
Steve
Hi Steve,
Still working on it, on the right side I have started working on the sky with red bright red...not the whole of it is finished yet. Perhaps the only color change is the bright yellow that i mentioned i was still looking for the right replacement color. Otherwise I have tried to stick to the Image you chose. please note that the sky is not finished just have a look at the video again perhaps I should also include the image for the progress for comparison stage by stage...
Regards,
Absalom
Hi Absalom,
I see where the confusion has come from. When you open up the images you see "Item X of 13". Image 8 of 13 is this one:
https://www.urbanchangelab.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/steveb.jpg
The sky has no yellow in it. This is the one we pointed out to you.
The colours are very important because they need to match the surroundings where it will be hung in the room at home. That's why they need to be deep and vibrant. Please also try to include more abstract elements.
Thanks!
Steve
Hi Steve,
Hope you are well. Sorry been out of touch for a while, issue is I have been out of the country on assignment and came back. Last time we touched base i took your views and opted to do some adjustment in design considering the fact that i had to make it more abstract. Will be sending you the images for perusal. i know it has taken quite longer than i would do normally but i hope I not to disappoint you further.
Regards,
Absalom
Thanks Absalom!
Dear Steve,
Had promised to send images for the progress, colours might seem off abit especially with what looks like blues... I have just tucked the materials ready for sewing in...tried other dark brown colours that really to me looked quite dull in as much as that s what you had requested...the brighter colours seem to bring in life to the overall image am yet to add the ground redish colour though...let me know what you think..
Regards
Absalom
Dear Steve,
Hope this finds you well. It is unfortunate that this assignment is taking longer than it should probably because of me finding some difficulty in interpreting you color interests and description. Was wondering if you could kindly take color pictures of the intended placing and surrounding so that I may match up and maybe require a change in design. This is where I may need maybe a pictorial reference from you other than that of a descriptive because again my creative mind can go besides your expectation.
I believe this will be a better way to clear the impasse and will see a faster conclusion of the assignment.
Thanks Steve and kind regards,
Absalom
Dear Steve,
Hope you are doing well.
Urban Change were kind enough to explain to me the grave mistake i was making at executing your assignment. I have infarct abandoned what I was initially doing given up on the work.
I have attached the image of the sketch on the Hessian material.
Regards,
Absalom
Dear Steve,
Update, to the work.
Regards,
Absalom
Dear Steve,
Attached you will find the progress.
Kind Regards,
Absalom
Hi Steve,
The assignment to me is quite done. please let me know your view.
Kind regards,
Absalom
Hello steve,
My name is Joanne, am craftswoman from kenya and we deal with tufted carpets, rugs and wall hangings. I would like to make an offer on your request. Due to personal reasons Absalom wasnt able to complete your request but i would like to take it on as a project. I would like to do sketches of your idea then we see how best tufted artistry will work. I have noted the colour schemes and will do the sketches as per the instructions. I will attach a sample of my work to help bring into perspective the kind of art we do. Thank you and merry christmas to you and your Family.
Kind regards,
Joanne
Hello steve, i have uploaded two images of african scenes, One is women pounding maize and the other is two maasai warriors. Kindly let me know your feedback so that we can either modify, rectify and possibly move on to the other step. Good day,
kind regards,
Joanne
Hi steve,
I hope you are well, please find enclosed the pictures of the production process up until the finished product for your review, thank you
kind regards,
Joanne
Hi steve,
Please find the workmanship videos attached so that you can have a closer look at the details Your feedback will be highly appreciated so that we can attach the card and a few very minor touch-ups then we can start the shipping process this week. Have a good one.
Kind regards,
Joanne
The Finished Unique Piece – Individually Handmade
Reference: ON001116E-3890
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Cost of material |
35.71
|
| Cost of labour |
178.57
|
| Cost of packaging |
17.86
|
| Cost of delivery to local operations manager |
4.46
|
| Subtotal – payout to artisan |
236.6
|
| Customer acquisition costs (advertising etc.) |
23.66
|
| Handling fee Urban Change Lab |
23.66
|
| Shipping costs from Kenya to United Kingdom* |
30
|
| VAT (United Kingdom)* |
59.64
|
| Total |
254.56
|
*Shipping costs and VAT vary depending on your location.
Each price shown is based on a unique, custom request. Final prices may vary depending on materials, effort, and delivery location.
