Apron Part 2- collecting names

A really enjoyable activity for a beautiful spring day, collecting names for my apron. I'm getting to know this little church yard quite well now and can locate easily many of the names, starting was the easy part, applying the names and "wife of" intuitively across the apron , trying to vary the size, placement and names across the fabric. It got more challenging as it filled up then the fun part was seeking out names/ fonts that would fit into the spaces.

I love seeing the names rise up through the fabric, its totally magical. the fabric works much better than paper as its light enough to pick up the details but strong enough not to tear. It required a steady hand, keeping the fabric in place against the wind and the friction.

some of the rubbings were more successful than others simply dependent on the texture, and condition of the stones. I'm very pleased with the overall effect. I didn't plan it too much other than knowing I wanted the name Mary on the bib of the apron and seeking out some decorative designs to embellish.

I used the same stick of graphite throughout to keep the shade uniform. The apron picked up bits of leaves and the odd grass stain and general dirt during the process which is all a part of it.

I discovered a very limited range of women's names, the most popular being Mary, Elizabeth / Eliza, Sarah followed by Catherine, Martha, Anne, Suzanna, Ellen, Rebecca, Sophia, Ruth and Rachel.

The names are repeated on the apron as they are repeated in the church yard.

It felt like a ritualistic activity, I performed all the work alone, carefully, peacefully and respectfully and found it quite a meditative act.