RavenSpeak Quilts

Friday Fast-Piece Applique Spotlight #2

2012-02-03T05:15:00.000-08:00

It is always fun to hear from quilters far away who have bought my book(s) and found using the Fast-Piece Applique construction technique freeing. This is how I felt, too, as the method came together after trying this way and that. My guest this week is one of those special quilters who uses the technique to express themselves.

Please, meet Annette Burston and make sure you check out the details for she does love to stitch, and click on the links to find more of her work out here on the web. (first Annette's answers to the questions)

How long have you been quilting?

I have been ‘art quilting’ for about two years now. I can’t honestly say I’ve never been a ‘traditional’ quilter, for I have made a few pieces in that style. My love of curves and all things irregular and ‘squiggly’ in design really is what led me to this form of quilting.

How did you get started?

I have been doing one or another form of arts and craft since I was a very young girl. My mother and grandmother used to sew and do needlework a lot and this really inspired me. I think when I discovered basic appliqué, I first realized that quilting doesn’t necessarily have to be all about squares and conformity. Many years later, as the internet came to be more prominent in our lives – I was able to see what other people were doing around the globe and I was inspired by the range of techniques out there. I’m a very visual thinking person, so magazines, books, art fairs all added fuel to my smouldering creative fire that has since then turned into a full scale passion.

I discovered art quilting in recent years and have been greatly inspired by several artists, one of which is Rose of course. At last, here was a way of combining my love of fabric, with a touch of mixed media and stitching/embroidery that all came together in a way that was just totally fun and exciting. It allowed me to express my real self and daily life.

I have very recently started my own label and finally feel that I’m gaining an identity with my work. I’m only small scale for now, but having fun and making some wonderful friends along the way

What makes you happiest about quilting?

Quilting allows me to express my creative side and to indulge in my almost fanatical love of fabrics and colour. I often use my photographs and real life experiences as prompts to quilting themes. I don’t profess to being great at it, but I put my heart and soul into each piece, and to me – that’s what art is all about. If something I can create can make someone else feel great when they see it, then I feel well rewarded. I have met some wonderful people from around the world through quilting and they also give me great support and feedback. I’m always thinking of new ways to do things with what I know, and new ways of using existing techniques to create something different.

How did you find Fast-Piece Appliqué?

I discovered the Fast-Piece Appliqué method when I discovered Rose’s books and was instantly intrigued. I gave it a try and have never looked back. I had been appliquéing for many years already, but this method just made things a whole lot easier.

What do you like best about the technique?

Things come together relatively quickly with not much fuss (and let’s face it, we all love that). The technique allows me to create great backgrounds and features, then how much embellishment I use – is up to me. The technique is easy to do and encourages me to dig into my stash of fabrics that I just can’t bring myself to cut, and be brave enough to use them.

Rose has been a wonderful support and the thing I really like about her technique is that her passion for it also inspires me. This makes the journey fun !

Click below for:

Annette's website –

Her etsy store –

& Her blog (although soon to be moved)

Friday Fast-Piece Applique Spotlight #1

2012-01-27T06:20:00.000-08:00

It has been loads of fun to share my Fast-Piece Applique method with so many quilters through my books and personal appearances. It is a fun, fast way to stitch together your own designs, and many of you have let it find a way into your own quilts.

Would you like to meet some of them? Well, on Friday's, right here on the blog, I'll be turning the spotlight on one, fun loving quilter... it could even be you!

Today I'm really pleased to share with you the wonderful Melanie Wilson who has taken Fast-Piece Applique to her own personal heights. I feel honored that she chose FPA to stitch together her award winning designs.

Melanie took first place in the McCall's Quilt Design Star 2011; and last year her quilt was amongst the winners of Quilt Your Colors contest in 2010.

She and her winning quilt will be featured in the McCall's May/June issue, so you'll definitely want to get a copy.

I asked her those questions we all want know the answers to:

How long have you been quilting?

I began quilting about 6 years ago. Up to this time I tied quilts and thought that was quilting. NOT, not the same at all!

How did you get started?

I began watching Simply Quilts and at first I wondered why people would cut up perfectly good fabric and sew it back together. Didn't they have anything better to do with their time, I wondered. As I began to view more episodes I could see how many different techniques were used and how there was no limit to peoples imaginations in how to create something wonderful! I became hooked! I had hours and hours of episodes stored on my DVR so that I could watch and re-watch them. I finally got a new sewing machine after wearing mine completely out after 33 years of very frequent use and with it came a quilting class of which I made "First Star" which was my first completed quilt. I was so hooked!

What makes you happiest about quilting?

I'm learning that if I can imagine it, I can find a way to do it. The more I quilt, the more I have to learn and I love learning new techniques! One of the new techniques that I have enjoyed soooo much is Rose's Fast Piece Applique. People are always wanting to know how to do it. Each day I get to quilt is a perfect day!

Today in the Studio -

2012-01-24T06:43:00.000-08:00

My mind-mapping aside and my admin branch under-construction I am happily able to give you an update on the commission piece coming together in the studio. The piece is really three pieces that when measured as a whole will be 9ft wide and 6ft long. Good thing I have a open wall space in the back studio.

This month and next will continue to be busy and while I work on these pieces I will also be running off to teach and prepping for my two-week teaching cruise to Hawaii. BUSY... but loads of fun.

I have also heard from so many of you that have taken a class, or learned Fast-Piece Applique from my books that I am working on feature for the blog - Friday-Fast-Piece Applique Spotlight. First up, this Friday, will be Melanie Wilson who has used the FPA methods to stitch her McCall's Quilt Design Star 2011 winner, and others winning quilts, too!

In the meantime you've been patient with me as I have been moving along on the commission works so to catch you up I'm giving you a pictorial overview starting at the beginning.

The patterns are drawn -- and await all that comes next.

Bins and stacks - fabric everywhere is pulled for selection.

ok, students -- here is my set(s) of numbers to help keep me sane during in the selection process.

After all the sorting and auditioning these are the selected fabrics.

On to cutting the pattern(s) apart -- do you know what comes next?

Mind - Mapping Check-In

2012-01-19T06:06:00.000-08:00

As 2012 rolled in all seemed rather elusive and unfocused. The mind mapping 2-minute lesson really helped me to identify the larger areas of my work life, and as Roisin said the mind dump had the immediate calming effect that I needed.

It let me get it all out of my head and out there for me to see. Each major category has it's own branch that then can be pulled out and mapped on it's own. Once mapped out, tasks can be added and the priorities seen.

My own two branches that needed tending were -administrative & -product development.
Time is still tight, but I can now see what must be done and know that all the other things have there place on the map and will not be forgotten.

and, even though my original mind dump was with paper and markers I found a great app for my iPad that lets me take the maps along and work on them anywhere. my app choice... iThoughtsHD

above is a peek at my admin map -- what you can't see are the little +/- sign indicating more branches to be seen, but they are there to guide the way.

I'm off now to find some more coffee, check the map and start my day.

2-minute Lesson /or Pulling it together in 2012

2012-01-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

True confession here! Things for me since the fall have been almost totally out of control. Amazingly good stuff on top of holiday stuff, but good or bad doesn't change the crazies you feel while being pulled in a hundred different directions. And, worse than anything, 2012 rolled in I was having a hard time focusing on just what I wanted to do with my time and energy.

Those closest to me will attest to Rose having the crazies, and I knew that it is time to take a step back and gain clarity, but HOW?

Luckily, a dear friend/ Roisin-Creative Dynamix, on the other side of the world helped me do this. Her two-minute lesson on how to mind-map has enabled me to find a pathway through the chaos. I had heard of mind mapping before but never really tried it. Roisin told me to get some markers and a big sheet of paper and drawn a circle in the center and mark it 2012/work. Then draw lines or arrows from that notating everything you can think regarding the various things related to 2012/work.

Just taking 10 minutes to start this mapping made a huge difference in how I felt. I now had cleared out the major areas that I know are part off my work life from my head, and each noted areas could now be seen, worked on, fitted in and generally (as I see it) dealt with. Opening up pathways of conversations with myself and others, too!

I am highly recommending that you give this a try, and there are a ton of resources out there that can help you open the gate and allow you to walk existing paths and carve out some new ones.

Each of these lines lead me off in a clear direction. Try it for yourself!

Just since yesterday I even found a couple of apps for my iPad to help with this mind-mapping journey... I can hardly wait to get going!

Stitch-by-Stitch

2012-01-01T08:01:00.000-08:00

On this first day of 2012 I find that I am grateful for all the good things that have come into my life so far. Some seem to have sprung up overnight, yet I know that most have required nurturing, and a willingness to hold on tight as the chaos that sometimes sets things whirling kicks up. In those times I am forever grateful for the lessons of those that have helped me understand that nothing worth doing can just miraculously appear. Good things come together one step at a time. But everything begins with that first step.

Nowhere is this clearer than in my quilts. Some inspired by bright, clear sunny days and some that come from the whirling chaos. Each coming together, nudged along stitch-by-stitch.

The four quilts here are part of Noble Seasons, an invitational exhibit that has been traveling for several years. This year’s Winter quilts will be seen in many places. Then for a finale all the quilts will be seen all together. My own pieces are the same size, 45”x 45”, and each show my ravens at play.

Stitch by stitch, all good things have a start-a middle and an end.

it's in the air

In the words of Edith Lovejoy Pierce
We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.

bounding thru the woods

amaizin'

winter frolic

Guess it’s time to get stitching!
Happy New Year

How Quickly Things Change

2011-12-28T06:25:00.000-08:00

I awoke on Monday, the day after a fun, wonderful Christmas day with friends and family to find myself smack dab in the middle of chaos. Mind you I knew what I was in for, and I had prepared for the onslaught, but nothing really prepares you for having your entire home turned upside down. What am I talking about?

Some time ago, my husband and I decided to remove all the carpeting from our home and put in hard wood flooring. There ensued the enevitable shopping and picking of installation dates and prepping the house. But, when the installers said they would start one room and work their way through the other three I thought there would be a transferring back of what was removed.

Silly me. As some point yesterday there was probably a few feet of usable space for me to try and tuck my laptop into and try to work. AND, the kitties think they have been moved to a noisy, excessively rude planet...and they want their old space back!

In the middle of this my desktop system died and all hopes of getting scans done for my current project were totally, totally dashed until, taking a deep breath, I said there has to be a way. Then low and behold that simple scan app, downloaded to my iPad on a whim a while back, came to the rescue.

Here are a few pictures of the mess.

Edgar finally found a place of refuge after I moved his fav pillow to the floor at my feet.

Looking into the master bedroom - yes, there is a bed in there somewhere.

Here Edgar winds his way through the stacks of wood awaiting installation.

Today is the studio!!!!!

shhh...everyone's still asleep

2011-12-25T06:43:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, Everyone!
The cats and I await the household to awaken and for the day to commence.
So much wonder and anticipation.

Enjoy your day, and your own celebrations....

Wild Weekend

2011-12-12T12:38:00.000-08:00

The weekend had been filled with friends and visitors stopping in for my Open Studio, but right in the middle of the whole thing came the announcement about the arrival of a full lunar eclipse way earlier than the crack of dawn on Saturday.

I could not resist the idea of seeing this happen first hand, so I headed out around 5:30 and headed up the hill for the seemingly best vantage point. Many of you know that I live on a hill smack-dab in the middle of Long Beach and on a clear day I can see downtown Los Angeles to the NE, Catalina Island to W and up and down the southern California coast.

Well, I was not disappointed. I pulled up and found that I was far from alone in my desire to see the red moon. Cars were already beginning to line up along the two lane road that sits along side of the hill top park, and folks young and old were taking up the watch.

I took over a spot to enjoy the spectacle both in the sky and there in the park.

Not really thinking about serious picture taking I just grabbed my digital camera...of little value in the middle of the darkness of the early morning. Not worrying too much, for it was obvious that there would be plenty of documented photos to be found, I settled in.

The full moon was slowly being engulfed. Brightly it still lit the sky, and I sang quietly to myself an all time fav song; John Renbourne's, Travellers' Prayer. There were more than a dozen stars making themselves known even with the lights of LA trying to outshine them all.

As more and more of the shadow of the earth took it's bite out of the moonlight in front of me, I could feel the sun rising to my back. It was a grand feeling watching the moon disappear as the colors of the dawn light spread further and further.

I was happy to have chosen to get up and out to experience this for myself.

Remember that silly camera? Well, as the dawn light came it provided a fun backlit photo opp of those others who chose also to see this for themselves. This is the picture I'm sharing with you here.

Open Studio Sneak Peek

2011-12-08T15:22:00.001-08:00

I've been working to pull everything together for my Holiday Open Studio and thought I'd share a bit of what's up...literally in some cases.

Quilts...of course!

big and small...

silks, silks, silks...

patterns & stuff...

and my greeter, Edgar...resting up

there's lots more, and goodies to nibble, and a holiday tag crafty fun project...hopevyou an stop by!

Winter Quilt Continues

2011-12-01T06:18:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was a fun-filled, yarn-filled day, and all the couching for my winter piece is complete. Thanks to mom the quilt had been sandwiched up and was ready to go. I just needed to pick out some yarn...

Set the machine for zig-zag...throw my couching foot into place...

and keep stitching...

Today I'll be working on the machine quilting.

2011 Holiday Open Studio - Coming Up Quick!

2011-11-30T05:36:00.000-08:00

I'm happily heading back into the studio after a wonderful
Thanksgiving break...
What's Next?
Getting ready for my Holiday Open Studio.
Hope you're close enough to stop by!

What ever became of winter

2011-11-29T09:41:00.001-08:00

This past week, like everyone else here in the US, I've been busy with family, friends and of course food. My big contribution to our TG festivities was pumpkin pies...having mastered the family recipe people just drop off their pie plates for filling. Six pies later, and an email picture sent off to my sister in Hong Kong for holidays, I was done.

I even had a few minutes to put my mom to work pinning 'winter'...

She's headed home today...and I'll be picking out yarns to begin the couching.
...just in case you've not had enough pie here's a bit more!

Oh, Thank Cuteness:

2011-11-22T11:01:00.000-08:00

When I saw this little project I was immediately entranced. I love seeing all the pictures of the cuties around us and what a perfect time of year to to say thank you for all the cuteness.

With that said I immediately set out to think of all the cuteness I could possible share. Hmmmmm.
I've got a couple of really cute - troublemaker, cats: but Edgar and Nikki in all their cuteness barely tolerate having their pictures taken. This said I was reminded of another 'once' cute -- now, wouldn't dare call him cutie, soul who just barely tolerated his mom taking a picture character.

The picture I'm sharing is of my son, Aragorn.... once this young man who was tolerating his mom's request for a clown photo. I had to pull this off the wall above my desk and scan it --- yes, this tells you a bit about it's age.

He has always hated this photo, and though he is now a grown man, with home and family of his own he will always be my cutie.

Winter - Next Beginning

2011-11-20T06:47:00.000-08:00

this was the stack that awaited me on Saturday morning....

A quilter friend of mine who spent many a day helping me stitch up projects for my new book made the comment that she now understood how getting the top done was really just the beginning of what was to come.

Well, she is right. With the quilt top done, for me, the fun begins.
But to get you caught up.
Yesterday started with a pile of pieces and ended with a finished quilt top.
Today that top is hanging and all sorts of things are being contemplated as I go forward.

this was my last piece..
and, notice I use masking take instead of pins on the freezer paper

no room for a great picture of the quilt top, but I think you get the idea

Now, I have to go find some batting.....

and, start picking out yarns for the couching. Hmmm.
Happy Sunday!

Winter - Beginnings

2011-11-18T05:03:00.000-08:00

The raven in my winter quilt is happily
sliding down the hillside in his plastic saucer.
Here are the initial drawings,
the pattern blown up,
and a stack of raven-like fabrics.
Now, I'm ready to start piecing it all together!

Is it Winter Yet?

2011-11-17T08:39:00.000-08:00

With my batteries re-charged I dove into my next project. This is the last of the seasons quilts that have been traveling over the last several years in an invitational exhibit called Noble Seasons. Personally, I chose early on that each of my season quilts would be the same size, and each would be a place where ravens could fly. And, the idea for my winter piece has been percolating all year....

I got a great start and will be sharing the day-to-days of creating winter, but I thought I would share my earlier seasonal contributions today.

Spring - It's In the Air

Summer - Bounding Thru the Woods

Fall - A'Maizing

If you have a chance the exhibit of Noble Seasons - Fall
are hanging at the Soft Expressions Quilt Gallery -- Anaheim, CA

Battery Re-Charge

2011-11-16T05:35:00.000-08:00

I love my small Nikkon camera but over the last month or so it has been giving me grief. Never holding a charge and dying just when I needed to take a picture of this or that during my 'book' phase. This all ended this morning as a new battery (finally purchased) was slid into the charger. I was hoping for a quick charge to get my camera behaving before setting out for a bit of recharge for myself. And, voila! This new little beauty charged in record time and I was off.

My own personal re-charge started when I picked up my friend and fellow quilt teacher, Susan Carlson, for a bit of LA run around. Susan has been visiting several quilt guilds here. Her own home sits along the Atlantic coast in Maine, so we went off wandering along one of my favorite local Pacific beats.

The road led along the rocky coast through Palos Verdes, where we stopped for a bit of Japanese food. The perfect weather, and great company. made it really hard to leave this lovely spot, but we pulled ourselves away for a bit of a wander through Angels Gate- where we saw the Korean Friendship Bell and also the Angels Gate Lighthouse...

Here are just a few pixs from the day. I hope they give you a bit of a re-charge, too!

The Crate is Closed!

2011-11-13T07:12:00.000-08:00

This is my 300th posting to my blog, and I should really not be surprised by the fact that something that I couldn’t believe I was going to do has turned out to be quite a bit of fun. It’s fitting too that that first posting was right around Thanksgiving(2008) and when I went back to read it, it would pretty true about what’s happening right now. My mom is visiting soon, and I’m feeling a need to head out to take in a bit of LA stuff…like shopping…maybe tomorrow.

I am grateful for all the things that remain relatively constant … like turkey at Thanksgiving, but I am also grateful for all the amazing twists and turns that continually spice up the journey.

The crate pictured here is one of those twisty turns. Why a crate? Yesterday this crate was filled with all the ‘stuff’, manuscript, picture stiff and of course quilts. All for my next book. YEAH!

It’s exciting to work on a book--to be able to fill the pages with all sorts of things you want to share--but, it is even more exciting (and a bit scary) to pack it all up and ship it to your publisher.

Why a picture of the crate?

It is now turned over to others, and while I would love to show you all the stuff in ‘the crate’ it all must remain a mystery.

So 3 years and 300 postings have brought me to this wonderful spot. Exciting and bit scary. Happy it is on it’s way, grateful to my wonderful friends who helped me, inspired me, and yes pushed me when I needed it.

What’s next?

E-Mail Treats

2011-10-15T06:11:00.001-07:00

I've been thinking and thinking about getting a bit of time to post here, and have been crazy busy between my traveling and teaching and trying to get everything written and stitched for new book... well, I think you'll forgive me.

but, I just had to take the time to share this picture with you.

An e-mail brought this to me on Monday and it made me step back.
Thank You Elizabeth Miller!
I met Elizabeth in North Carolina last month were she started this quilt...called (very appropriately) Autumn Pear Tree.

Such a beautifully finished quilt!

Make me want to head down the path and find a couple of yummy pears.

Hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

Happily helping others stitch away at PIQF!

Location:Santa Jose at Pacific International Quilt Festival

A Perfect Sew-In

2011-09-20T07:11:00.000-07:00

the prepped fabrics awaiting stitching at the beginning of the day

What happens when you bring fabric, friends and food together?

Well, if they are quilters it is likely to turn into a SEW-IN.

This past weekend a group of my friends volunteered to help me get some of the quilt projects for my upcoming book stitched together. So I prepped fabrics and patterns, laid in a supply of yummy food and got ready for the fun. Sam, Natalie, Jake, young Sam & Vicki!! & fun it was to have everyone here in the studio. A big heartfelt thanks to the stitchers you see here, and the one behind the camera(Nat), too! Hope you can get a bit of an idea of all the fun projects that are coming in the next book.....

our youngest quilter help set the table - while everyone else lined up for sustanience

tops done --- now the fun of the quilting & the shine-up begins!

Let's Talk

2011-09-16T05:44:00.000-07:00

Deadlines of my own choosing have been keeping me quite busy..and this week I'm gearing up for a Sew-In at my house on Saturday (omg-that's tomorrow). So as much as I might like to head to the beach with my chair and book in hand for a quiet afternoon it isn't going to happen. BUT, I had heard such great things about Jeanette Kelly's solo exhibit that opened last week in Anaheim, I just had to head on over.

Jeanette is a member of my Tuesday design group and we have been aware of how much work she has been doing to get this together... it should not be missed.

She is presenting the works as a conversation about art quilts and fiber works, I would say it is a conversation with these works. If you have an opportunity to see the show, you will not be disappointed... and don't forget to become part of the exhibit yourself by adding your own words to the conversation about Why Art?

Jeanette Kelly: Let's Talk
at Soft Expressions Upstairs Gallery

1230 N Jefferson St #M
Anaheim, CA 92807
Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm

Teaching & Sharing with the Ladies of the NC

2011-09-12T13:55:00.000-07:00

Had an incredible time last week visiting North Carolina and the quilters of the Charlotte Quilt Guild. They have a wonderful group. Just to give you an idea - 65 woman stood up as a group, each holding a charity quilt turned in just for THIS month. The quilts were great, then they did a count down and it was a bit emotional as they hit 40, 50... then 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65!

Needless to say this is a strong, energenic group -- and when it was my time to call for volunteers to become part of the human color wheel -- so important to my color it bold lecture, that there was no holding them back. It was a fun, learning opp for us all.

I followed this up with three days of workshops, and the pictures here were taken at the end of the 2-Day Dream Landscape.

Personalize a free digital slideshow

And the Winner IS!

2011-09-06T13:51:00.000-07:00

Thanks to each and every one of you who jumped in, left great comments. Wish I had enough fabric to give you each a bundle. When it came time for picking I turned it all over to my husband. No one could accuse him of playing favorites. Thank you Dave!

and the winner is...

Mary Murphy!

Wishing everyone a great week... I'm off tonight to North Carolina and a visit with the Charlotte Quilt Guild!
Fun, Fun, Fun

Celebratory Fabric Give-Away

2011-09-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

I have been working (hee-hee) on book three.... and happily have gotten my first chapter off to my editor

--time to celebrate a bit!

and, what better way to share this gleeful feeling than to give-away some fabric.

If you've been checking in at all this week you'll see that I got to visit and tour Robert Kaufman fabrics and it just so happens that they were is a sharing mode, too!

Here it is! Loverly -- Loverly -- Luscious and BIG stack of fat quarters.

I'll be drawing for the winner of this pack on this coming Tuesday morning, and to get your name to win you must:

Follow me here on the blog & leave a comment for this posting.

and/or
Click like on my FaceBook Like page and leave a comment for the fabric give-away there.

Want your name in twice? Just join in on both blog & facebook.

A Walk in the Wilderness - Field Trip!

2011-09-01T07:11:00.000-07:00

This past Tuesday I headed off for a new LA adventure. This time it was taking a walk through the wild and wonderful world of Robert Kaufman Fabrics. I'm sure your scratching your head going wilderness? fabric? Well, there really are a couple of reasons to call it a walk in the wilderness. The first, was that it was a vast, new place I had never even imagined, and secondly at times walking amongst the fabric warehouse felt like I was walking through the forest. This forest made of cardboard rolls. See for yourself.

A big thank you goes out to the folks there that gave me and Natalie a private walk through. It starts in the showrooms where your surrounded by samples, and boy RK has tons (literally) of fabric being sent out into the world. Nat and I learned a bit about the printing processes used... from Batiks right through wonderfully printed designs.

The first pic here shows the before and after the use of a copper chop block to wax up the dyed fabric before the addition of design all by hand.

The second, (which is amazing) of the complexity of how a joint must be carefully designed and used when screen printing. You can see it on the back --- but never, never on the front.

Then it was off into the warehouse...ok, warehouses. The first was just a cavernous space filled, seemingly from floor to ceiling with fabric coming in. Coming in, wrapped in a variety of ways, organized so that everything can be found and pulled as needed and sent over to the other warehouse where all that fabric is prepped to go out into the quilt world.

In between the two warehouses is a huge space where there are folks that just make the boxes and bolt boards like these for the Kona Fabrics. This picture was taken of just one small little spot within the mountain of these boards awaiting fabric.

After walking through the wilds of the warehouse we went through the art rooms - yes, rooms... and sorry no pictures here. You'll just have to take my word for it when I tell you that there is creative fun happening in those rooms and they've got plans for lots more!

Hope you enjoyed a bit of the walk on the wild side... and believe me when I tell you that you can just not even begin to imagine what it takes to get you, me and all the other fabric fiends amazingly wonderful fabric!

Being Thankful

2011-08-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

The sun was coming from the west and the shadows began to get a bit longer. Then as we stood there chatting, a breeze began setting the fabric strips, each with a message of thankfulness, each brightly colored when originally tied....slightly fluttering.

This is how most of my visit with Val Kamikubo went this week. Peacefully keeping you a place of thankfulness.

Val and I live within 15 minutes of each other, have kids around the same age, and have a love of all things fabric in common, but we had never met before Twitter. Now, we've been tweeps for quite a while and have been able to share in person as well. So, I just had to stop in and visit her 2011 Thankfulness Installation. Starting back in January Val began taking strips of fabrics each day and writing something she was grateful for on the fabric and giving it to the elements.

I really went to experience it for myself, but there were a couple of questions that I found I was curious about. Has having this here made a difference in how you feel? Val shook her head yes, and said it made it hard to remain upset when just a glance made you appreciate all. Do the neighbors think you're crazy? Laughing quietly Val said no, but one friend said she really should have put it out in the front yard. With 10 strips going up each day Val has been working through some of her creative options to do with it all when it was time for it to come down.

Here for you to enjoy are some pictures of Val putting up a strip for the day and pictures of the wall as well. As you take a look at them I suggest two things...

Think about something you are thankful for
& Imagine the breeze just fluttering through all those lovely reminders

A Long Ago Summertime Collection

2011-08-21T05:29:00.000-07:00

What was the first thing you started collecting? I seem to recall trying to collect sand castles...my older sister Sherene was there giving me sage advice on how to build a proper turret, and boy I did love those castles. But, they all were taken away with the waves...this must be the reason I started picking up the shells. A bit of a memory that could be kept in your pocket, taken out later, and bring back the 'feel' of being at the beach.

In the early '80s, while living in Florida my bff, Kathy, and I had wonderful days wandering in the sun and searching out these little plastic charms. No beaches for us, we loved to wander the flea market on Sunday, and these little bits are the memory of those days. It is no wonder that even with a long distance move and what seems like a zillion years I still have these, and boy have they needed a cleaning. Finally this week they got it!
Hope you enjoy these small, funky '80s plastic charms. The necklace has 50 of them.

Anthology Fabrics

2011-08-12T08:02:00.000-07:00

One of the benefits of living in Los Angeles is that it is the home to some wonderful businesses....including some incredible fabric manufacturing companies. New on the scene in the last couple of years is Anthology Fabrics. And please don't equate new with a small line of fabrics... anything but can be seen in the showrooms, and website pages of this fabric-maker. Since they first came on the scene I was attracted to the strong colors and intriguing designs, and yesterday I was able to lucky enough to walk through their facilities.

The showroom was amazing. Kind of a room of opposites for besides all the fabrics lined up -- ready to run your hands over and definitely a treat for the eyes, the room was adorned with modern furnishings and spiced up with an old treadle sewing machine and framed batik stamps.

But, I loved walking through the warehouse. Stacks, and stacks of colorful fabric awaiting shipment. So much creative opportunity in one BIG space.

I hope you get a bit of the feel of the place and a little inspiration rubs off from these pictures.

Woolie - Fun

2011-08-10T07:09:00.000-07:00

I am home for a bit and taking advantage of some studio time and general home time. Feels great to have all my stuff close at hand so when an idea strikes -- the magic begins. Over the last week I've been working on a new project and incorporating some of the fun new products that I found at the Long Beach Quilt Festival. One of the these was Soft & Stable (wonderful stuff -just right density for bag construction and other fun things, too!).

The project came together quickly so I when I got to one of my favorite steps (making a closure) I had a grand time pulling out a woolie from my stash jar and stitching & beading it up. Here's a few snaps that show the way.

(want to make these little woolie's yourself? wool and kits are available on my website)

Ground Clouds?

2011-08-03T07:33:00.000-07:00

love the quiet of the early morning... not a cloud in the sky,
but there were flowers to inspire along the way

The Quilt that Disappeared in the Night

2011-08-01T16:53:00.000-07:00

Ok, ok, this might be a bit of an exaggeration. The quilt I'm sharing here is one that was specifically made for the Quilts on the Wall special exhibit - Bridges. When the opportunity first presented itself there was no instant inspiration... and it wasn't until much later (and much closer to the deadline) that the light bulb went off and idea presented itself. I was happy about this for my good friend jo Griffith was overseeing this juried exhibit and had asked me to participate if I could. So, the quilt was made.... the title 'Watch Where You Step' and the piece pleased me, but off it had to go. First to jo, who then handled working with the jurors and hanging crew until it finally appeared at the Long Beach Quilt Festival this past weekend.

I was all excited, seeing the piece once again after abandoning it at such an early age. Excited, too that I was going to get to have it back -- I even made a special place for it to hang at the front of my home, but I must have skipped over the part that it was to be traveling. I really thought this was a one time deal -- oh, well, it will come home eventually. The picture below is of jo, who is such a great handler of all us quilt artists and an amazing promoter of us all. I could not help snapping this as she wisked away the quilt(s). Thank you jo.... for ALL you do!

And, thank you all for listening to me wine a bit, but I think anyone can understand wanting just to get back a piece of artwork you let go of way too early. Hope you enjoy seeing it here, and seeing jo in the second photo wisking it away to be packed up and sent on to... I think the next stop is in PA.

Long Beach Quilt Festival or Bust

2011-07-30T11:26:00.000-07:00

It has been a whirlwind summer. Loads of fun and definitely not lacking in places to go, things to see & do. A couple of weeks ago I was visiting my friends house -- she is the owner of Beyond the Reef Patterns and was up to her eyebrows in fabric she was prepping for the 'happening NOW' Long Beach International Quilt Festival.

When I did I fell in love with some wild Marcia Derse fabric --- I just had to put them into a quilt... and then of course have it all ready to demo for Natalie's booth.

Well, here's the quilt... and you'll find me all this weekend at the show, and at Beyond the Reef from 12-2 on Fri/Sat & Sun.

phew...I'm off and hope to see many of you there!

To Bill Volckening:

2011-07-18T08:22:00.000-07:00

While in Sisters I was really pleased to have had a chance to hear the lecture of Bill Volckening. Most of you know me as the art quilter....but there was a time that I not only created more traditional work, but studied to become an quilt appraiser. My love of the quilters that came before me and to those who will come after me is strong, for we are linked together in stitches. Bill's wonderful collection was thrilling to see and oh how I love New York Beauties! My love of this little treasures was made even stronger in the '90s as paper piecing made these 'a tiny bit' easier to stitch together.

It was also during this time that I was the president of Flying Geese Quilters of Irvine, California. As their custom, they create a special quilt for their outgoing presidents... AND THEY ASK YOU WHAT YOU'D LIKE TO HAVE! I was lucky enough to have a smart, savvy wonderful quilter in charge of creating my quilt --- Nancy Jacobus, and if you know her please pass along this big thank you. She held mini workshops before guild started to get the 'points' stitched just right. And, I do hold this quilt very dear indeed. (they even got ravens in there-just for me)

I feel that Bill should see this unique and wonderful quilt, and I can't help but want to share it with all of you, too. Enjoy!

Mixing It Up at Sisters

2011-07-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

This was my second year teaching at Quilters Affaire...and this first picture was taken during the What's On Top? Embellishments class. Students had a fun, but fast day learning 10 different ways to embellish -- and since we were in a school with whiteboards begging to be used... well, I just couldn't resist.

After a wonderful week of classed, I stayed on for the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. Last year I stood in amazement as the quilts went up and with camera in hand happily recorded some favorites. This year I jumped in, volunteered and got to hang quilts and help out at the children's booth.

There was little time for picture taking. But, what is etched into my memory is that with 1400+ quilts that were hanging, no one was left out. Traditional quilts hung happily along side of art quilts and there were modern quilts hanging as well... all equally wonderful and all amazing the thousands and thousands of visitors that descended upon the city as the sun came up.

The newspaper guide of the event contained the wonderful mix-up of genres of quilts too, for there were special exhibits of Gees Bend quilts, SAQA and the Modern Quilters of Portland... just to name a few. And, of course there was the SHOPPING! I admit that I got a bit carried away with my purchase there of wool roving.... but, I couldn't help myself. It also may work out to benefit you as well, for I'll be posting these to website-embellishments-products page. (wool will be posted by this weekend)

Mention Gone Crazy in Sisters and receive free postage on 1 - item thru July 31st!

I feel especially blessed to not only live to see so many 'types' of quilts being displayed at Sisters, but to be part of it all as well. The lines are being crossed between us all and the mixing of it all will lead to even more beautifully designed and executed quilts.... and of course the next genre.

The Streets of Sisters

2011-07-10T14:21:00.001-07:00

... are once again open to traffic, as the 36th Annual Sister's Quilt Festival came to a close. It seems hard to believe that it just aweek ago that I flew in and had a grand time seeing all sorts of fun demos that the whole town sets up, and this is before Quilters Affaire (a full week of soooo many classes got started-including mine!)

There were too many fun demos that day, but Sara Bella upcycle had one idea I plan to try out(wildly fun).

I promise to write about more... but it will take some time to sort it all out. 'til then I'll be wending my way back home. Here's a photo coming into Seattle.

Location:between flights in Seattle

Italian Inspiration

2011-06-26T13:55:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen (or given or received) one of those tourist t-shirts that say something like, My Parents Went ___ And All's I Got Was This Dumb T-shirt.... Well, my tale may not be as bad as all that, but recently my sister and her husband went for three weeks to Italy. What everyone at home got was wonderful tales of what they did, what they and of course what they ate! One of the last places they visited was Perugia and these were the photos that turned up in my email for that day. Of all the pictures they have shared so far these are my favorites.

One of them is screaming at me to 'make it into a quilt'.
Can you guess which one?

Just In - From Asilomar

2011-06-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Mary Mayne just forwarded these pix on -- and I had to share!

Anyone taking my workshops may have taken part in 'morning sharing'. I gather the students for a bit of time together. One of the things I like to have everyone do is give themselves 'permission' to do something they may have been wanting to do, but were having a hard time. (I have to give credit to Kara Jones -Mother Henna's book - 1,000 Permissions Granted for the idea)

The group in Asilomar gathered from all points -- with students from England, Scotland, Illinois, Washington and California -- and most wanted to make sure they got down to the beach to get their feet in the water. Seeing that we were to spend Memorial Day together it seemed quite fitting that we planned to have a bit of our own picnic on the beach. Needless to say we had a blast and of course we needed pictures. As we got in close for a group shot we handed five cameras to a poor young gentleman who just happened to be standing there. Then many of us got our foot in the 'beach toes' picture, too! It was just a bit more proof as to why Asilomar is such a fun place to take an Empty Spools workshop.

In looking back it was pretty smart to have the teacher be part of the adventure - this way insuring no one was late back to class.

More from Colorado

2011-06-18T11:54:00.000-07:00

Had to post some additional pictures from my visit to Colorado. Both of my hosting guilds were wonderful and I was made to feel very welcome. The smilebox slideshow shows just a few of the photos that I took while we turned our minds away from quilts to head up into Rocky Mountain National Park -- a detour I will be forever grateful for. The afternoon light hitting the mountain range was breathtaking.

I am following this up with a class photo -- guess in such a wonderful place you would expect to see the many versions of the beauty around them. Make sure you find the quilt with the bear--waiting patiently at the picnic table.

Personalize a photo album

Have a wonderful weekend!

Capital Quilts

2011-06-16T19:23:00.001-07:00

On my arrival to Denver, I battled the multiple FULL trains to get my bags picked up then found myself in the first of several wonderful guild hosts & hostesses. This day Judy planned a visit to the Colorado capital were they just happen to have an awesome quilt show... you really had to think whether the building or the quilts were the stars...this along with a personal tour with Judy's daughter who just happens to work there. Enough words... check out the pictures and enjoy.

Location:Denver Colorado

Queen of Clouds

2011-06-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

This seemed like a funny name, but several of my students this past week in Asilomar told me that they love the clouds as they are stitched in my quilts...hmmm...got me thinking. That aside this group of quilters (literally from around the world) was an amazing group. They jumped right in from the start and were able to go up as a group on day 2 to show their 'trainer' quilts... and from there they went on to create some really wonderful quilts from their landscape photo choices.

The picture below is the group (minus one - Ruth, left a bit early and missed the picture, but hers are wonderful, too).

In the slideshow each of the students appears with their project... guarantee you'll enjoy clicking through them.

A slideshow design by Smilebox

Finally, I heard from the group many times about the clouds and I must admit that I truly love to watch, and pay attention to clouds, their color and presence .... maybe there will be an upcoming booklet of cloud images. I know the skies as I drove home yesterday were truly inspiring - do you agree.?

for now, I am home working at least for a bit and will be enjoying the skies close to home.

Heart Rock #1

2011-05-26T07:54:00.000-07:00

This little treasure was found while wondering on the beach last week along the No.CA coast. I was lucky enough to be invited to present and teach for the Pacific Piecemakers of Gualala, CA and boy what a time we all had. They meet in the fabulous Gualala Art Center which if you are traveling in the area, it is a must see.

Anyways, this is hopefully only the first of many heart shaped rocks that I will find along the way as I travel to so many fun and beautiful places.

I posted an album of pictures of the coastal drive, the steep walk down to the beach and even a few of the flowers found along the way. These are out on my FaceBook 'like' page, so I hope you click over and check out the rest.

Tomorrow I am off again to a wonderful place. Asilomar -- on the beach in Pacific Grove, CA -- there I'll be teaching for Empty Spools Seminars -- can hardly wait. And, maybe there will be a new heart shape rock found along the way. Be well!

On the Road

2011-05-20T08:37:00.001-07:00

This week finds along the wild coast of norther California...a and having wonderful time! Yesterday I taught Fast-piece Appliqué to a group at the Gualala Arts Center, and today at noon I will presenting a trunkshow of art quilts... What could be more fun?!

This morning I headed out for a hike down to the water in search of just one heart shaped rock. So there are pictures. Most will have to wait til home, but I did snap a few with the iPad and will try to attach them here. Happy Friday!

A Bit of Quilt Market - GiveAway

2011-05-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

It was a wonderful, wild time gathering at schoolhouse presentations, then wandering the aisles of Quilt Market. So much to see in only a few days.

everyone milling about & making there plan of attack for the schoolhouse sessions

As I made my way I saw many wonderful things, but as I turned one of those corners I saw Sue standing in her booth I had to walk over and say hi. Sue Spargo in the middle of all her wonderful patterns and WOOL...gotta love all the wool. We were chatting for a few minutes when the tree of red birds caught my eye...

Sue with the tree of red birds!

Well, (you know me & my birds!) I just had to have this to share. Sue graciously gave me a signed copy of her new book (with the wonderful little bird pattern) to share with you.

Since I only have the one to give-away here's how you can get your chance to win this copy.

You can LIKE my Rose Hughes - Ravenspeak Quilts Face Book page
then leave a comment on the fb page saying "I'm in" for the Sue Spargo's Spring Quilt Market book giveaway.
OR, become a blog follower and leave a comment on this blog.

The lucky winner will be announced next Monday!

Blogger's Quilt Festival - Yeah it is Spring!

2011-05-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

Thank you Amy for the wonderful sharing of quilts through this Bloggers Quilt Festival, and all the others! I do love participating. This time around I am sharing a very special quilt -- recently completed --- though, it has been 20 years in the coming to fruition.

I call this quilt A Long Ago Wedding -- and I made it this year to commemorate my own wedding to my husband (David) -- Wedding vows taken in the little chapel below Half Dome in Yosemite. On a March day-fresh with newly fallen snow. I shared the whole process of seeing this come together over the last few months here on my blog. The last posting included links to each of the others, so I if you do want to read-all-about-it you can.

I feel really grateful to have had a chance to finish this piece and share some of my fondest memories through it, and I do hope you enjoy seeing it.

Student Work - Karen Eppler

2011-05-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Karen took the one-hour Make-It University workshop in Long Beach last summer where I got to share with attendees one of my favorite things --- Woolies! I loved seeing what Karen used hers for, and hope you do, too!

Karen's Words:
I am sending these via my phone but still working on figuring it all out, This is a close up view of the woolies I made with you at the Long Beach Quilt show. When I took them home, I cut them in half and turned them into flowers. They are on a purse I made from a shrunk sweater. Feels so good the actually use something I make in a class. Hope life goes well with you and you are busy teaching and enjoying it. Have a great day.

Student Work - Sarah Brewin

2011-05-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Sarah is an amazing woman-- living in Massachusetts she reaches out to help women in Kenya learn how to support themselves through a love of fabric. Her quilt is based on pictures she took during one of her many, many trips to that area. Presenting here ... Acacia Tree in the Mara

Sarah's Words:

All is well here, I finally finished my Acacia Tree from the workshop in September – attached a picture for you to see. I love it. Did lots of beading and had a wonderful time doing it. I was out of work for 9 weeks this winter – had foot surgery and couldn’t do much of anything. I have developed a new respect for feet!

The Basket project is going well – we finally have our web site finished check it out www.friends4kenya.org and I am planning on going back to Kenya the end of June... can’t get there any sooner.

Student Work - Eileen T. Wintemute

2011-05-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

Today I am delighted to share with you this lovey quilt by Eileen Wintemute:

Eileen's words:
I thought you might like to see something finished from one of your classes. I recently finished the attached quilt (The Beaded Forest). I started this in the class that you taught for Flying Geese Quilters Guild last year. The method you taught was fast applique, where one edge is tucked under another and the raw edge is covered with yarn zig zagged on. I am happy with the way the quilt turned out. Thanks for the class!

Student Week - Kick Off - Cristie McGuire

2011-05-09T08:27:00.000-07:00

Hi All -
Some months are just busy, and May is one of those times for me this year. I will be popping in an out and I thought it would be a great time to share some student works. These are photos taken of the quilts project either started during of from things learned in one of my workshops. Wherever possible I have included the quilters own words.

Hope you enjoy these & have a great week! ~Rose

To start off the week we have a piece by Cristie McGuire--

Cristie's own words: I finally finished the quilt of my walk along the Seine River in Paris on my 50^th birthday, in which I used your fast-piecing appliqué and embellishment techniques that I learned in your classes this past spring (i.e., the fast-piecing applique class sponsored by Canyon and embellishment class sponsored by Seaside).

The quilt is small (17.5” x 25”), but very lively. The quilt is heavily beaded. I loved doing the quilt and got carried away with the beading (I am not sure if the beading shows up well in the pictures). The title of the quilt is “I may have been born in San Francisco, but I left my heart in Paris.” If you look closely there are three heart shaped beads in little pockets in the cloud at top left (am not sure you can see them in the photo). I loved using your techniques and plan to use more of them in the future. I have already got plans to embellish my Lyn Mann “birthday” quilt using a combination of your embellishment techniques. Fun!

Taking A Moment

2011-05-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

It is early in the morning as I write this. I enjoy the quiet of the morning. Me, the cat and a cup of coffee finding a way to welcome the day. Today is a special day... my birthday, and I knew that there were cards waiting to be opened on the dining room table. I chose to leave them all unopened until today... to enjoy in the opening of the envelopes and reading the greetings. So often now our greetings come electronically. So quickly things come and go. Now, with the cards lined up on the countered to be enjoyed, for the heartfelt words remembered as I glance at them throughout the day - for the smiles they bring... the day begins.

The busy-ness we find ourselves involved with can keep us running from the time of waking through the moment it all lets us go to sleep. It is the moments we take to stop, look around us and reflect that stay with us. Enjoy in the moments taken.

It was a specially taken moment, a few months ago now, that I reflected on the memory of a snow-filled March day in Yosemite... on the chapel in the meadow below Half Dome, and on the wedding that took place on that sunny day. That moment taken is what brought me to this... my completed quilt honoring that day.

I hope you enjoy the quilt, and also the tale of it's creation. If you missed the earlier postings, I have linked the five other step-by-step chats here.

Designing - Stitching - The Top - Quilting - Dimensional stitching - Beading

I also hope this may encourage you to take that moment for yourself...
only you can give yourself this gift.

Don't Give Up on Me

2011-04-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

Boy, it has been BUSY this week... but almost all really good things. I have been working on several different projects. I finished up the Yosemite Chapel quilt and will be taking pictures of that soon, and I have moved on to some other BIG idea things... but, these must remain under-wraps for a bit while longer. I haven't even had a chance to really dive into my bag of goodies from last week's field trip.

It seems like with springtime things just start happening really, really quickly. In this I know I'm not alone... just look at what my friend Susan Willen has been up to! She's been dyeing fabric for weeks -- during any small sun break we may have had. Now, she has her 150 yards of fabric ready to head off to take a Nancy Crow workshop. Don't these stacks look yummy? and, I had to throw in at least one photo of Susan's work, too!

Enjoy!

unCommon threads-- FIELD TRIP!

2011-04-22T05:59:00.000-07:00

This week design group decided to hit the road for a field trip, and just like the ones back it school, it was a day filled with fun, laughter, exploration and discovery. Even our dedicated driver had to add several 'addendum' to her bucket list as she drove in areas never traveled before. Through the day we got to find our way through three previously unexplored (by us) LA destinations. Click over to my Facebook Albums to see pictures of PartA- The Rodium Flea Market (Wed/ Fabric Day) & PartC- Kyoei Treasures (Kimono Fabrics).

Here you will find pictures of a wonderful fiber exhibit that is currently showing at the art gallery on the El Camino College Campus -- unCommon threads --
and if you get a chance to see this in person, you will be treated to the works of 12 wonderful artists. These are just a few of my favorites.

unCommon threads
March 28-April 29
El Camino College, Los Angeles

Second try

2011-04-21T05:41:00.001-07:00

Ok, now it's time for a second try. thanks for bearing with me as I figure out some of the ins and outs to this iPad'ing. today if all goes well you'll be treated to seeing a couple of photos showing the two postcards I stitched up to be auctioned off this summer in Sister's Oregon.

First Try

2011-04-17T06:43:00.001-07:00

This fine Sunday I'm gonna give posting from my new iPad a whirl. The words are easy but I wanted to take the camera around the block for a little test drive.

Well, it looks like a photo has arrived.. Now to hit publish. This little vignette was my morning coffee & a bit of beading.

I'm crossing my fingers.

Judith Content's Magical Garden

2011-04-14T04:53:00.000-07:00

I picked the right day to visit Judith, for she told me that it was just this past weekend that she had been able to get out into the garden to sort it all out
after a wet & wild winter.
(You could never tell from the pictures,
for every little area has its own bit of color magic happening)
ENJOY!

A Visit with Judith Content

2011-04-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

A Color Treat - Visual Feast
It has been some time since I first met Judith Content, and for much of our first year it was over phone conversations during monthly exhibition committee meetings for SAQA (Studio Art Quilters Assn)... but the best was meeting Judith in person. Such a kind, intelligent person and for an extra bonus she is an in incredible artist. She may not remember that first time meeting, but I was visiting her area and made a plan to stop by her home. She mentioned that she was having a group meeting in a few days and that she was painting the front of her house to get ready.

Ok, so what would you think if someone said, "I'm painting the front of my house". Well, whatever you might think it probably would not prepare you for the front of Judith's home, nor the inside, the studio and definitely not the garden.

The colors always change and the collections grow and move around.. A true visual treat. On Monday I dropped in again and took pictures-that she has of course said I could share with you.

There are a bunch of pictures, so today I'm posting Judith - the house & studio, tomorrow.... the garden!

Hope you enjoy the visit.
Please let me know what you think &
I'll be sure to share the comments with Judith.

Confessions-Non Techie Gotta Have...now Delivered

2011-04-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

I'm right now sitting in Santa Cruz after having an incredible weekend of fun with the members of the Pajaro Valley Quilters. We laughed together throughout the day on Sunday, and the group's quilts really showed that they were enjoying learning about Fast-Piece Applique. Monday was a wild day of chatting, shopping and just plain having fun -- then it was topped off with a wonderful meeting where I shared information on color- and how much I love using it, and how that may not have been the case when I started.

And, while I promise to share photos of some of the fun happenings the one thing throughout the weekend has been me tracking my new little iPad2 -- I have been excitedly watching it's progress as it makes its way to me from the other side of the world.

It is here that I must confess... I can hardly wait! I, who never really stood in line for anything...stood in line for this little piece of technology -- and when that did not pan out, I ordered it on-line/ dreading a bit JUST HOW long it was going to take to get to me... now, finally it may be at my door.

I'll let you know.

But, I'd love to know what (if anything) you have sooooooooooooo wanted that you stood in line for?

Pictures and fun shares from my time in No.California will follow soon, I promise & maybe one of my new little techo buddy. Til' later --- Have a great Tuesday!

Update-Update----DE--livered!

Pulling the Beads Out ...yes,for the Yosemite Quilt!

2011-04-07T16:47:00.000-07:00

The stitching has slowly been coming together and today the fun really begins.
The beads come out!
I've included a couple of close-up pictures of the stitching with a few beads thrown out there to try them out, and then a bunch more.

Just in case your interested I've thrown in pictures of my bead stitching kit

-the little drawers-- the ones with the BEADS!!!

For this quilt I pulled from the white, purple and teal bead drawers.

I was really in search of a bunch of choices that remind me of snow...

Which ones would you pick? I'd love to hear which ones you think may work out, so I've given each grouping a number. Just pick out your favs and leave me a quick note in the comments.

Yosemite - Catching Up

2011-04-05T06:36:00.000-07:00

In the last Yosemite quilt posting, I was getting started on the machine quilting. Now, with the top done, sandwich made, couching & machine quilting complete.... my Yosemite Chapel quilt is now at my favorite point.... embellishing!!!

What you see pictured here is my little hand work kit out and have selected a wide assortment of cotton embroidery floss. I have plans to use the stitching to give a bit of color lift to the sky's deep aquas -- add another layer of twisty branchings to the big trees -- and give a bit of shape to the others while hinting at the snow. Am still working out just how I want to work on the chapel itself, but this is the time that the quilt speaks to me -- letting me know just what it might need.

And, while for me it is tons of fun to work on the stitching, I admit my mind starts wandering through the bead drawers --- so, by the time the stitching is done, I can hardly wait to get beading.

The Wake-Up Green

2011-03-31T10:45:00.000-07:00

Everywhere I turn...
out on my morning walk...
looking out the window....
in other people's postings here on the web...

there is a blossoming... the world is warming up, turning green...
trees with new coats of green; a happy bursting forth of new green...the WAKE-UP green.

The perfect canvas for the riot of wildflowers...daffodils, cherry blossoms,
and purple flowers of so many types as the list would be way too long...
but all the inspiration bead shopping; flower beads, to help celebrate the season.

How did I do?
Couldn't leave the downtown LA area without shopping for a bit of fabric, too.
check out my shopping map for my favorite places

Sketchbook Postings - Sole Survivor

2011-03-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

This week there were lots of fun designs that appeared. NOT!

Seems like the Tuesday Group chose to jump right into gelatin printing...
Go Figure!

So, rather than seeing different drawings and interpretations I'm sharing a bit of the day of printing fun. Tomorrow is another printing day...
any suggestions of sketchbook words?

Iowa Dreaming

2011-03-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

This past week I had my first ever trip to Iowa. I flew into Des Moines with high hopes and all of them were most excessively, exceeded. I was greeted by Pat,

from the Des Moines Area Quilt Guild and from that moment until the time when I was dropped off at the airport by giddy-as-school-girls Cinda & Joyce the laughter and conversation never seemed to stop.

One of my favorite things to do when I travel is find and experience 'local' stuff and there was no disappointment in this part of my trip either. The first night - after visiting the lovely Creekside quilt store, Pat & I were joined by the members of her small group (in CA we call them friendship groups) at a local favorite Living Farm for great food and lots of quilt talk.

Tuesday I presented two lectures to the guild members -- 1st was my trunk show -- which is always fun, for there is nothing like sharing quilt stories & the quilts themselves. Then, during the evening lecture that things got a little 'different' for me.

This is when I got to experience a 'new' first -- the first time I have heard the tornado warning sirens go off and headed for shelter at the place we were meeting. It took a bit of time, but the meeting started in the sheltering room and I did get to present my 'Organized Quilter' upstairs with the sounds of heavy rain making us all feel glad we were inside, rather than outside.

On Wed & Thur I presented two workshops, BUT just after everyone got settled into sewing on Wed and I started to take a few pictures the camera ran out of juice. You can get the jist of it from the few photos I do get to share with you.

All in all -- I can not wait to go back to Iowa and get more time to explore.

Tuesday Teaser

2011-03-22T04:27:00.000-07:00

The Tuesday Teaser subject this week is:

'sole survivor'

Join in fun, and share with others your own Tuesday Teaser

drawing & collage, or words & short tale.

It’s easy, so grab your sketchbook or some paper.

1. make a timed drawing (5 minutes) of something/ anything that comes to mind when you think about the teaser

2. create a collage (15 minutes) using the drawing ideas to guide your way

Or if you love is of words…

1. make a list of all the words this week’s teaser makes you think up (5 minutes)

2. create a short tale (15 minutes) using your word list

I'll be posting the design group's sketchbook results on Monday-next.

I'd love to share yours, too so email your drawings or word wanderings to me... Tuesday Teaser and I'll include as many as possible!

Quilting Begins on the Yosemite Chapel Quilt

2011-03-18T07:09:00.000-07:00

Though my day yesterday was filled with catching up with emails, getting correspondence underway again and general paperwork.... I happily found time in the afternoon to get some stitch time in. In the first picture today, there is a look at some of the completed couching... yes, I did say completed!

With the couching done I started to contemplate the machine quilting that I wanted to have on the piece.

When I begin this process, I hang the quilt back up on the wall and let it tell me where 'line' may be used to enhance the design. Afterall, quilting adds thin lines to your piece and this may be used to add detail, or used to pull entire sections together. (for thicker line elements I use embroidery floss hand sewn)

To get started I pull out threads I believe may work out well and lastly, I grab one of my favorite tools -- a Chacoliner/ by Clover.

I've included pictures that show the threads & chacoliner tool. Then below are two photos of one section where you can see how I use the chalk tool to block in my stitching and finally, how that same section looks after being quilted.

The quilting will continue... then it's on to the point where I square up my quilt and machine stitch that pile of binding onto the edges

But, that's not the end --- it's just the beginning, and you'll have to stop back again to see what embellishments I'll pick to use.

Happy Stitching!

Yosemite Chapel - Quilt Saga Update

2011-03-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

I am home and in-between travels to Texas and Iowa -- and, luckily for me there is a bit of time that I am able to keep working on my Yosemite Chapel quilt. Right before leaving for Quilting Adventures in Texas I stitched and stitched away to get the top done. I thought it would be fun to show during the evening when the teachers got to share their own work.

I did manage to get it all pulled together, but I have to admit that in the process I broke my own rule.....'never cut or sew on anything important after 9pm'. Being a morning person, by nine at night I start to really slow down and through the years I have learned - or so I thought... well, thinking, just this time/ I was so close..

should have thought again... would have saved a lot more time and effort if I would have just waited til morning.

In any case, the quilt top is DONE, done, done and lickity split it was layered and pinned.

This is how it traveled to and was shown in Texas - along with the original unfinished quilt top. The folks there totally understood me when I declared that I must have been possessed when I chose those fabrics. I think most of us have been there!

Since coming home I have been working on the next step - couching yarns -- so the saga will continue...

Tuesday's Teaser - Sketchbook Challenge

2011-03-15T17:18:00.000-07:00

The Tuesday Teaser subject this week is:

bingo

Join in fun, and share with others your own Tuesday Teaser
drawing & collage, or words & short tale.

It’s easy, so grab your sketchbook or some paper.
1. make a timed drawing (5 minutes) of something/ anything that comes to mind when you think about the teaser
2. create a collage (15 minutes) using the drawing ideas to guide your way

Or if you love is of words…
1. make a list of all the words this week’s teaser makes you think up (5 minutes)
2. create a short tale (15 minutes) using your word list

I'll be posting the design group's sketchbook results on Monday-next.
I'd love to share yours, too so email your drawings or word wanderings to me... Tuesday Teaser and I'll include as many as possible!

CHALLENGE: How about a little sketchbook twist? Every once in a while it's good to through a little twist into these stretching exercises. How 'bout spilling all your collage strap materials onto the table; then close your eyes and grab a handful. Using just these scraps create a collage... no peeking now! Have fun.

Sketchbook Postings - Exit Serenely

2011-03-14T04:08:00.000-07:00

Exit Serenely

I shared this little 'get started' exercise with my workshop attendees in Texas and it was quite a lot of fun to see all the different takes and sketches these little words evoked.

My own drawing started with eyes - first open - then closed - then discretely averted as one might do when slowly backing out of a room. At least one of my students sketched a serene picture of the BIG exit and others chose versions of rivers running - water exiting...

Meanwhile, my design group at home also used these words and I hope to be able to share the pics later on this week.

What came to your mind?

Homeward Bound

2011-03-12T12:03:00.000-08:00

below are just some of the students
& (of course)their quilts. Enjoy!

Well, the fabrics are all packed up and have made
their way home now, but the learning, laughter and fun have left their imprint on us all --

Over the Shoulder

2011-03-10T21:01:00.000-08:00

Mounds of fabrics in the hands of quilters - especially quilters with 5-days where they get to hang out with other quilters, learn from fun teachers, have someone else cooking.....turn into wonderous things. On this particular day we can take a look over these adventurous souls shoulders and take a peek at just what they are stitching together.

It would be cruel not to share some of the work these guys have worked on all week, so hope you'll stop by again soon to check them out.

Mounds of Fabrics

2011-03-09T21:20:00.000-08:00

What happens when you sit 15 quilters in room -- mix in lots, and lots, and lots of fabrics, a bit of new, fun things to learn & of course a multitude of electrical plugs??? Well, almost immediately the mounds of fabrics spread out, grow and generally start to reach for the ceiling...

Well, I'm dieing to find out, too. So, I promise to share photos of the incredible (they just have to be!) quilts being stitched together in just one of the classrooms in the hill country of Texas this week. Stand By!

Tuesday's Teaser -Sketchbook Stretching

2011-03-08T02:30:00.000-08:00

On the Road
The Tuesday Teaser subject this week is:

exit discretely

Join in fun, and share with others your own Tuesday Teaser
drawing & collage, or words & short tale.

It’s easy, so grab your sketchbook or some paper.
1. make a timed drawing (5 minutes) of something/ anything that comes to mind when you think about the teaser
2. create a collage (15 minutes) using the drawing ideas to guide your way

Or if you love is of words…
1. make a list of all the words this week’s teaser makes you think up (5 minutes)
2. create a short tale (15 minutes) using your word list

I'll be posting the design group's sketchbook results on Monday-next.
I'd love to share yours, too so email your drawings or word wanderings to me... Tuesday Teaser and I'll include as many as possible!

This week's word comes to you from Texas- the words just popped into my head as I was waking up... I may just have to share this little exercise with my class today. In the meantime I wish you all a great, creatively, productive week.

Sketbook Posting - Screw

2011-03-07T04:52:00.000-08:00

This week there were lots of fun designs that appeared.
It was interesting to see the different perspectives
we each took on this very small little 'thing'.
We also have someone who used this week's word to stretch themselves into a little story.
Click over to see Claudia's 'word-work'.

Yosemite Quilt Saga Update

2011-03-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

I do love it when a plan comes together. So it is probably no wonder that I love quilting. I really don't care how spontaneous one works there is always an element of what steps to take, and in what order to every piece created. Some steps are highly creative and others are just things that must be done in order to use your materials. The steps documented here today are a mixture of both. They're gonna walk you through what happens after that design is completed.

I use an overhead projector to enlarge my designs -
this is what it looks like behind the scenes.


Here the design is enlarged using pencil-- for there is always time to tweek the design or make changes

the marker comes out and the patterning process continues-
one to be the guide and one to cut up

ahhh ---- picking out fabrics/ one of the best parts!

here the fabrics have all been picked
and we're ready to prep everything for sewing

One Word Adventure -

2011-03-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Claudia took a shine to this week's word -- SCREW.

She set her clock and first came up with her list, and then put her little story together. Note, that the listed words are bolded. THANKS Claudia for sharing!

Using Screw

I was watching a screwball comedy featuring Lucille Ball when my husband, the carpenter, walked in. He was working on repairs while I was nursing a screwdriver.

"Have you seen the phillips head screwdriver?" he asked. "There's a broken screw in my wood project and I can't budge it. I had it screwed down as tight as a screw can be and it snapped off. Or the threads on the screw stripped, or the sharp screw point broke, or I need a flat head screwdriver to pry that rusty screw loose."

Not wanting to leave my cocktail, I asked him "Did you check by the screw jar collection? Or maybe it's with the wiring project you were working on. Or try by the metal cabinet, the doors are open and you might find that shiny tool in there."

Sure enough he came back and said he'd screwed up when he screwed in the silver screw, but he found a new project with a screw loose.

"Don't get sidetracked, you screwy guy! We need to take the dogs to the zoo!"

Designing Yosemite

2011-03-02T08:27:00.000-08:00

As promised, you will get to share the Yosemite Chapel quilt in the making. Since I last wrote I have been happily busy finishing up a large quilt for an upcoming juried exhibit, and keeping up with the day-to-day tasks required to keep my quilt art business humming along.

In between the stitching, paperwork, meetings and other stuff I started pulling images together in order to have a starting point to creating my design. This meant pulling out the wedding pictures - always a heartfilled enterprise. Seeing everyone that was there, remembering all the 'little' things that make the whole experience. To that end I also found a favorite photo of Dave & I - taken just after entering Yosemite Valley-- long ago.

I also found pictures taken of the chapel on the day of the wedding. So with a few photos and much more memories I set about sketching.

First off, I knew that the reality of how the chapel sits in the field below Half Dome was not how I wanted it to be in my quilt. So if you are a believer in real is real, then you may not want to read on. I on the other hand believe that my quilts tell my story -- express my feelings about a point in time and the landscape.

What I remember is the walk through the snow to the chapel and Half Dome above -- in order to get it this way in my quilt the chapel must be turned slightly --- I don't want to show folks the side - I want to share the walk to the front.

Here's what I have so far... still sketching in the various elements. I am please so far, and hope to get it completed soon so I can pull fabric!

Tuesday's Teaser - We're Backkk!

2011-03-01T17:13:00.000-08:00

The Tuesday Teaser subject this week is:
screw

Join in fun, and share with others your own Tuesday Teaser
drawing & collage, or words & short tale.

It’s easy, so grab your sketchbook or some paper.
1. make a timed drawing (5 minutes) of something/ anything that comes to mind when you think about the teaser
2. create a collage (15 minutes) using the drawing ideas to guide your way

Or if you love is of words…
1. make a list of all the words this week’s teaser makes you think up (5 minutes)
2. create a short tale (15 minutes) using your word list

I'll be posting the design group's sketchbook results on Monday-next.
I'd love to share yours, too so email your drawings or word wanderings to me... Tuesday Teaser and I'll include as many as possible!

This is a word of many, many meanings... we had a bit of a chuckle over a few of them today. Have fun!

Tuesday's Blanks Filled In!

2011-02-27T05:42:00.000-08:00

BLANKS FILLED IN...
I had a great day Tuesday...filled with chatting via Skype with a friend in Ireland, followed with breakfast out with an artist buddy followed up with a short trip to the Long Beach Depot for Creative Reuse where I found these little wonders. I had said don't tease me, but a trip to a store like this is just the inspirational nudge one may need. When I saw these cardboard thingies I thought of stencils of houses... my friend saw kitties.

What comes to mind for you?
These were amazingly expensive, too! All of 10 cents...
After a fine morning of chatting, and searching I headed back home and happily began beading my large quilt project... and today, Sunday, it is almost done. I am looking forward to sharing it here and of course, then starting the designing on my Yosemite piece.

Happy Sunday All ---
Wishing you a wonderful, creatively fun day!

Don't Tease Me Today!

2011-02-22T06:33:00.000-08:00

Design Group has declared this a week off!
This means that there is no official (right, like anything is really Official) Tuesday's Teaser. Maybe I can use this time to work on my Yosemite quilt design.. or stitch further on my current art project.. or maybe use some of those early teaser exercises to inspire my next project, or maybe - What?!?

The day is full of possibilities -- I'd love to hear what you're up to today,
and I promise to fill in the blanks of my Don't Tease Me, Tuesday - LATER!

Enjoy the day, and take the moments given to you to daydream
and allow creative thoughts to reach you.

Sketchbook Postings - Sunday

2011-02-21T05:13:00.000-08:00

Admittedly, we pulled out three words from the basket -- the first two were boo-hoo'd and then came 'Sunday'. Immediately someone said 'don't tell me how it is spelled'.. and we were off. I was thinking of sunny days -- what came to mind for you? Me recent renderings seem also to have taken on a mandala influence... might be my friend Warren's influence from over at the Daily Doodle . In any case below you'll find mine and a few from members of my design group.

Time is Flying - It is Time

2011-02-19T06:37:00.000-08:00

I've been working on focus this year and feel like I am taking steps (small as they may seem) in this direction. I have put these steps on paper and worked out a plan to keep me moving. Moving I am, but you know there may be sidetracks along the way and I uncovered one last week. This one came up as I was calendaring and realizing that my hubby and I are celebrating 20 years of marriage this March. This got me thinking about that long ago wedding in Yosemite -- freshly fallen snow and the whole valley looking like cake covered in beautiful white frosting... Back then I was a brand new quilter, and of course I had to have a signature quilt to commemorate this special day. Well, admittedly I did have the guests all sign blocks and even made them into a top -- but, OMGosh who on earth picked those colors?!? I have no trouble understanding why this quilt was never finished.

I don't have many UFO's but this is one of them. From that first year of quilting, till now, I wanted to create a Yosemite quilt and I had even started collecting images of the scene I first wanted to stitch together. The chapel at the foot of Half Dome - of course. It is time, and I will be off - wonderfully sidetracked - to make this quilt. I'm posting a picture of the original quilt top -- and I hope to enlist my friendship group to maybe help me unstitch those signatures blocks so I can include them on the back.

It seems fitting - it was right around my 10 year anniversary that I set off on the road to creating the Fast-Piece Applique method that I use, and have written about, to stitch my quilts together. I made the quilt By The Light of the Moon based on that year's anniversary trip to Mendicino. So, now is the time for my Yosemite Chapel piece.

Would you like to hear about it as it gets pulled together? I'll be filling you right here as I get going.

You can all be my accountability partners for this project.

Wish me well.

(maybe I can even figure out a way to represent the hiking boots that I had to wear to the chapel. Worn to get me through the snow and then changed in order to walk down the aisle).

Tuesday's Teaser -Sketchbook Stretching

2011-02-15T13:21:00.000-08:00

The Tuesday Teaser subject this week is:
Sunday

Join in fun, and share with others your own Tuesday Teaser
drawing & collage, or words & short tale.

It’s easy, so grab your sketchbook or some paper.
1. make a timed drawing (5 minutes) of something/ anything that comes to mind when you think about the teaser
2. create a collage (15 minutes) using the drawing ideas to guide your way

Or if you love is of words…
1. make a list of all the words this week’s teaser makes you think up (5 minutes)
2. create a short tale (15 minutes) using your word list

I'll be posting the design group's sketchbook results on Monday-next.
I'd love to share yours, too so email your drawings or word wanderings to me... Tuesday Teaser and I'll include as many as possible!

For this one you may want to ignore how it's spelled and let the word speak to you. I had a great time with it! But, getting started is a must.

Sketchbook Postings - Ovation

2011-02-14T08:20:00.000-08:00

When I heard 'ovation' it made me think of waves of clapping, happy, exciting people... but mostly the waves.
What ideas did 'the teaser' pop into your head? Below are my quick sketch and timed collage
based on this week's word.

Calendaring: Resistance is Futile

2011-02-13T09:29:00.000-08:00

Last week I found blogger Kesha Bruce and I jumped into my long overdue review of my self journey. I mentioned the need of focus last week and I have been using Kesha’s words of wisdom to guide me through this needed venture. She first calls our attention to the need to have an End Game.

You need to know where you wanted to head off to before you hit the road. Since many of use spend a great deal of time doing many things because they are expected of us it can be a bit daunting to acknowledge just what it is that we want, let alone put it down on a piece of paper and map out a plan on how to get there.

I’m here to tell you that resistance is futile, and it may not be as painful as you believe.

My End Game started by determining ‘my’ income. After all, I work for myself, and who but me can figure that out.

I’m not going to tell you that committing this to paper was easy. All week long there were two work stations calling my name. One with the sewing machine, with a really fun new piece needing stitching...

And the other, with computer and calendars calling from the other side of the studio.

Then I found a quote by Ursula LeGuin –
“It is good to have an end to journey towards;
but it is the journey that matters in the end.”

This was the next nudge I needed (I did mention resistance, right?)

I took a look at my revenue streams – teaching/ art sales & commissions/ product sales, etc and mapped out the potential, including my personal goals in each of these areas.

On a roll now I could see how the marketing plans could be produced in accordance to the importance of each of these in turn…

Ok, here comes BIG resistance…
for me, it is really hard to plan for myself. Schedule myself!
Those that know me well might think I’m lying here, for I’m the ultimate planner, and a really good project manager…. But this is more daunting, it is a schedule to make it all happen!!!!

Breath… time to go back to the smaller pieces.

This is what helped me this week. It is great, and totally needed, to have a big plan…. But it is the journey that matters in the end… the little pieces. Figure out the little pieces that you identify you need to have in place to get to the End Game. They all add up in the end, and in order to deal with the inevitable, finding one is working better than another, I built in review points.

Enough… this next week I’ll be working on my weekly schedule. Need to make sure there’s enough time in the day/week to get the things done that I want.

Is it Tuesday? Time for a Teaser

2011-02-08T06:23:00.000-08:00

The Tuesday Teaser subject this week is:
Ovation

Join in fun, and share with others your own Tuesday Teaser
drawing & collage, or words & short tale.

It’s easy, so grab your sketchbook or some paper.
1. make a timed drawing (5 minutes) of something/ anything that comes to mind when you think about the teaser
2. create a collage (15 minutes) using the drawing ideas to guide your way

Or if you love is of words…
1. make a list of all the words this week’s teaser makes you think up (5 minutes)
2. create a short tale (15 minutes) using your word list

I'll be posting the design group's sketchbook results on Monday-next.
I'd love to share yours, too so email your drawings or word wanderings to me... Tuesday Teaser and I'll include as many as possible!

Don't think about this one too long -- just DO IT!
I was really surprised with my results, and I look forward to seeing YOURs!

Focus, Focus, Focus

2011-02-05T09:27:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of this year everyone seemed to be picking a ‘word’ to best describe what and how they saw 2011 unfolding. My word of choice though not fanciful, or remotely inspiring to others, was FOCUS.

I wanted this year to be one where I could stand back, take a look at just where my life has been leading me since I took the ‘leap’ into my art life. There has been so much that I have done since that time back in 2003… many tasks undertaken, many goals set and achieved and I have been exceedingly grateful for this amazing time.

It is just now it is the right time to figure out what I really want to do and set about doing it…. FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS!

I drew the word onto a sticky note and hung it above my computer when January began.

Then… January began… and once again I set about moving though my daily life. Work, family and goals, and looking back it was not unproductive. In fact, it was a productive and successful month. I had some wonderful present & teaching opportunities, my website & blog were updated (per my goal), BUT, FOCUS was left staring down at me from the sticky.

Like Gibbs on NCIS, my gut is gnawing at me.

You know how when something is meant to happen… you say it out loud… and the universe answers. Well, I have received answers from many directions and finally one has hit home.

Out on Twitter yesterday, I found an RT (for non-Twitterers this means retweet – or the resending of a message they have seen/liked and wanted others to see, too) from someone that I follow pointing me to the blog of Kesha Bruce.

Her words resonated with me, and I could see myself as she described herself… only her journey began last year...luckily for me, she shared it along the way. She provided me with the doorway and I'm ready to step though. A plan is needed!

More to follow as my journey --- guided along by Kesha’s is explored. Starting back to her blog entry of March 11, 2010 and her One Year Plan.

Sketchbook Postings - Blooming

2011-01-31T07:00:00.000-08:00

Blooming was a great kick-start for me... I can see all sorts of possibilities from these humble little exercises.
Did 'the teaser' leave ideas popping into your head as well? Below are my quick sketch and timed collage
based on this week's word.

From My Heart to Yours

2011-01-31T06:32:00.000-08:00

Here’s an easy & fun Valentine’s Day project that you, your friends and your family would love to make or receive, and each is made using crayons and fabric paint.

MATERIALS

For the heart fabric you will need:

4 ¼” x 5 ½ “ of white pre-washed cotton fabric

crayons (glitter, metallic or gel crayons work great!)

heart rubber stamps without words

found textured items for background – a plastic tablecloth was used for the samples

Freezer Paper

Fabric Paint (I use Createx Airbrush Paint)

1” Paint Brush

Small plastic cups or lids (for palette)

Paper Towels

Iron/Ironing board

To turn your painted fabric into a quilt card you will need:

Piece of batting, 4 ¼” x 5 ½ “

Piece of backing fabric 5 ¼” x 6 ½ “

Sewing machine

Pre-made 5”x7” card and envelope

INSTRUCTIONS

coloring and painting the fabric!

Select several (4-6) crayons from the same color family (i.e. reds or pinks or blues) mixing them gives more dimension to colored area
Place rubber stamp or textured item under the fabric, face up, positioned where you would like image to appear on fabric
Holding the item in place under the fabric, rub one of the crayons over the fabric revealing the design as you rub. Press hard, changing colors as you rub until you have the item colored as you like
Move or change the textured items along, under the fabric, coloring until the fabric is colored as you like.

Once the coloring is completed, IT’S TIME TO PAINT!

Lay a piece of freezer paper out that is slightly bigger than the fabric to be painted.
Select the color(s) of paint for the background of your work
Mix paint using approximately 1 tsp of paint to ¼ C of water
paint over the entire piece & allow to dry
Once dry, place painted fabric between layers of paper towels and iron to remove the wax and to heat set paint. Iron to heat set for time indicated by paint manufacturer.

PUTTING THE QUILT & CARD TOGETHER!

1. Sandwich the quilt top fabric (face up); with the batting and quilt back fabric (face down), making sure that the top & batting are centered over the backing fabric

2. Bind the little quilt as you like

You little quilt may be machine quilted/ painted and embellished as desired.
The final step is to tack the little quilt onto the front of pre-folded card stock 5”x7”.

Your card is now ready to send, but don’t forget that this fabric painting technique can be used year round for making your own fabrics for your own uses.

If you’d like a few more project ideas or to learn more about color & designing fabric you may want to purchase my e-booklet with video on Crayon Painting!

Gotta Share the Mojo!

2011-01-27T15:54:00.000-08:00

January is slipping by, and I just could not let it get away from me without sharing some great/ fun mojo dolls that were shown to me way back during the first week of the year. I had been at the Santa Monica Quilters and Sherry Kleinman (a fellow quilt artist) stepped up with a large paper bag in her hand.

She quietly said that she had seen the posting on the Mojo Dolls just before Christmas. She went on to explain that she always does a family craft project for the holiday and after seeing the post... well, the Kleinman's went Mojo! What was in the bag? Just some of the most fun, creatively nurtured Mojo Dolls!

Sherry sent these pictures on so I could share them....

Don't you love them!?!

Another Tuesday Teaser - Are you Ready?

2011-01-25T18:35:00.000-08:00

The Tuesday Teaser subject this week is:
Blooming

Join in fun, and share with others your own Tuesday Teaser
drawing & collage, or words & short tale.

It’s easy, so grab your sketchbook or some paper.
1. make a timed drawing (5 minutes) of something/ anything that comes to mind when you think about the teaser
2. create a collage (15 minutes) using the drawing ideas to guide your way

Or if you love is of words…
1. make a list of all the words this week’s teaser makes you think up (5 minutes)
2. create a short tale (15 minutes) using your word list

I'll be posting the design group's sketchbook results on Monday-next.
I'd love to share yours, too so email your drawings or word wanderings to me... Tuesday Teaser and I'll include as many as possible!

But I think this week's word can really get me going.... how about YOU?

Sketchbook Postings - Solitude

2011-01-24T19:55:00.000-08:00

Did you have any light bulb ideas after you left last Tuesday's Teaser, SOLTUDE, kick around for bit?
Below are my quick sketch and timed collage based on this week's word.

Blast From the Past - The Mental Approach to Sewing

2011-01-21T08:02:00.000-08:00

Just last weekend through Monday I spent with the members of the Conejo Valley Quilters. One of these is my 'good friend' Jake. Amongst all the chaos that having very young people (Hi Sam!) (Dana, too!) living with you and all the activities of family (including a couple of cats) was my visit. It was a fun time! I even got to share a Valentine's Day crayon & painting project with the kids. The workshop attendees were filled with great ideas & it was fun also to see them bring their quilts to show the next day at the meeting. All in all it was a nice trip with an energetic-happening group. I just wanted to share a very funny reprinted article that came out in their newsletter. As you read it, please note that am sitting here in my jammies, coffee at my side.... you get the picture.

Got your lipstick on?

A Treasure Trove of Quilts

2011-01-19T09:33:00.000-08:00

It's time for me to take a few minutes and catch up with sharing a few fun things I have run into during my recent traveling. For instance, while I had a wonderful time teaching the members of the Ladies of the Lake Quilters you know I was out wandering around during my downtime... that's where all the wonderful pictures of sunrise came from.

Well, I also had the chance to go just up the road to Kelseyville where there is a wild and wonderfully artistic quilter named Shelley.... And, she shares the most incredible fabrics at her store right there on Main Street. She has the gift of color, and know how to make a quilt design glow. In addition to the normal items you find in a quilt store, Shelley fills hers with incredible quilt tops that she makes and sells there. The store is a special treat and if you do find your way there you must stop in!

I took a few pictures--hope you enjoy them.

It it's Tuesday-- Here's the Teaser

2011-01-18T06:12:00.000-08:00

I have been off traveling over the last couple of weeks and having a great time, and I definitely have some interesting finds along the way. These will be making their way into my posts over the next few days, but I wanted to jump back in with the Tuesday Teaser. Hope to see how this 'word' kick starts a bit of creative play from many of you. Happy Tuesday!

The Tuesday Teaser subject this week is:
Solitude

Join in fun, and share with others your own Tuesday Teaser
drawing & collage, or words & short tale.