tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236508928194704422024-03-04T23:20:24.047-08:00Crazy for ArtMusings, activities, and life of an art and quilt enthusiast.Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-76473306758610168862018-02-05T14:14:00.001-08:002018-02-05T14:14:46.631-08:00Mixing Fine Art and Quilting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For quite sometime I have wanted to mix fine art and quilting and have tried many ways of doing that mainly by painting on fabric. (There are many samples of unsuccessful tries and a few that made the cut but I have been unsatisfied most of the time.) <br />
I happened to see a You Tube video last night that has changed my perspective a bit. The artist was Stefan Baumann who spoke about painting from who we are. He asked the question "What subject do you see most on your phone?" My answer was quilts of course! My plan is now to draw/paint quilting and needlework subjects. Duh! Why didn't I think of this before!<br />
Here's a sketch I made last year.<br />
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Well it's a start anyway... The pincushion was my Mom's and the quilt blocks pieced by hand by a great grandmother. <br />
Hopefully my skills will improve by taking this route. I am excited by the prospect at this point anyway!Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-79494280394303309302017-05-13T08:33:00.000-07:002017-05-13T08:33:01.330-07:00New Quilty Box!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My Mother's Day present arrived today in the form of a Quilty Box. My daughter bought a subscription for me for Christmas and I have been enjoying one of these every month since then! Lucky me! There are featured designers in each box and this month is Alex Anderson. Fabric, thread, Quilters Select tape, fusible and their 5x5 ruler. I just want to say that some one at a quilting retreat had a quilters select ruler and demoed it. It has a side that DOES NOT SLIP! I bought a 12x6 but now have a trimming ruler as well. These are really great. If you see them give one a try and see what I mean. I even like the markings better.<br />
Any way, excuse my going on but this is my favorite box so far! Thanks for reading!Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-13295438932998802172017-04-29T13:34:00.001-07:002017-04-29T13:34:49.868-07:00Going to the Show<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is the art quilt I made that will go to the Sauder Quilt Show. I will drop this off tomorrow. This is paint and thread on black fabric. My last year's quilt using this technique did quite well. But we'll see. One can never count on anything where shows are concerned. I am just happy to go and enjoy everyone's work. Quilting is such a time consuming passion that we need to appreciate all the time and energy that goes into making. I really love patchwork too but have never entered one into a show. I am thrilled to get those done! Anyway, wish me luck!Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-21048745341202371982017-04-26T05:06:00.002-07:002017-04-26T05:06:48.239-07:00New Workl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This Bunny is my new painting and lives (for now) in the same room where I plan to use the Sarah Fielke BOM Down the Rabbit Hole quilt I'm working on. We're not supposed to post BOM pictures but I am busy appliqueing and learning new tricks. Thought I would share my painting. I call him "Harvey" since he is 36" tall. My spare bedrooms have some whimsy in their décor to amuse my grandkids.Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-91253276598325054172017-04-24T07:04:00.001-07:002017-04-24T07:04:30.224-07:00New Adventures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2gMZlym8AgjGALPoeShuiJnQ0F48qLfSSGn1Hh5b1B0Ur2J7K2Rt1ctsgxzoJQfJQ-Fsu3tmfEXxE1xzA7kEPgRmhhp7jWgH7tWUnF29L00gEGEZUhbjuPTK7mZIrk_sU59bzhZKiLbR/s1600/IMG_20170418_155007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2gMZlym8AgjGALPoeShuiJnQ0F48qLfSSGn1Hh5b1B0Ur2J7K2Rt1ctsgxzoJQfJQ-Fsu3tmfEXxE1xzA7kEPgRmhhp7jWgH7tWUnF29L00gEGEZUhbjuPTK7mZIrk_sU59bzhZKiLbR/s400/IMG_20170418_155007.jpg" width="400" height="133" /></a></div>
I sold this painting yesterday. I have also been displaying little paintings in an office in Ft Wayne IN. They have started to go there as well once I began the fun animals and plant paintings. Small quilts did not sell. But I like to keep my quilts anyway. Here's one I had in their office for quite sometime.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Jt4hontYOssWeFwh0i2jtQDCKTBmGQ3shLI93jnEb6jeESbmBdv-HEka7VZ9mbP7Z8tr18a9pRHP1MlSXk638Dqb6w0llCes5TIGrLp8I9m0wLs4ufNaUHIU4AQr1uqNWqvupg0a93Qk/s1600/DSC01499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Jt4hontYOssWeFwh0i2jtQDCKTBmGQ3shLI93jnEb6jeESbmBdv-HEka7VZ9mbP7Z8tr18a9pRHP1MlSXk638Dqb6w0llCes5TIGrLp8I9m0wLs4ufNaUHIU4AQr1uqNWqvupg0a93Qk/s320/DSC01499.JPG" width="320" height="213" /></a></div>
That one got some recognition at a local show. Yes it is painted. I finally decided that I need to piece or applique my quilts and paint pictures. Looks like I have the right idea finally!Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-18945964057341194462017-03-29T11:20:00.000-07:002017-03-29T11:20:13.368-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKQkXBGh0rhtJXYjkYaEdks94lcirMZZH1fapeCdPUeAYjB3ywgpbcVh3U4PAmi4g-CdTZaaOMKVj_73gjMdp7PNZzONTkuJdlqFiSo8_Nb8ki1hJmduZ95lQX-6QBzQaFpsvVrCiqpo5/s1600/IMG_20170329_140306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKQkXBGh0rhtJXYjkYaEdks94lcirMZZH1fapeCdPUeAYjB3ywgpbcVh3U4PAmi4g-CdTZaaOMKVj_73gjMdp7PNZzONTkuJdlqFiSo8_Nb8ki1hJmduZ95lQX-6QBzQaFpsvVrCiqpo5/s400/IMG_20170329_140306.jpg" width="400" height="257" /></a></div>
These are my fabric beginnings for this year's Sarah Fielke BOM "Down the Rabbit Hole" I am anxiously awaiting my package of templates in order to make a 40 piece circle for the middle of the medallion style quilt. I like that she included a sketch which I'm sure you'll see if you go to her web site. Love this quilt and I like that she does not make the design a mystery. :-)
Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-62312695511176089562015-08-24T05:09:00.002-07:002015-08-24T05:10:37.245-07:00More Quilts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh74ovlWXPmvDQYrQrvDvSjy3TBdj1gbNq0oqoGGILs9TvTufenjXXwn_yauYpF0KesJuL_Ty0oMv3XQTdYA95h6fl7bLEXdciiX44PWbOAuilQTKnsSLySwgFYfbCv7tOqw1h1ndsYbVj/s1600/IMG_20150806_190004640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh74ovlWXPmvDQYrQrvDvSjy3TBdj1gbNq0oqoGGILs9TvTufenjXXwn_yauYpF0KesJuL_Ty0oMv3XQTdYA95h6fl7bLEXdciiX44PWbOAuilQTKnsSLySwgFYfbCv7tOqw1h1ndsYbVj/s400/IMG_20150806_190004640.jpg" /></a></div>
This is the finished quilt with binding for the small group I belong to that meets once a week. It has a patriotic panel and everyone made the blocks the go around it. I was the one setting it all together. This was a first for creating a medallion. Not too tough as it turns out. Just add strips until it all works out!
Here's a picture of a quilt that fascinated me at an accuquilt booth at the Grand Rapids Quilt Show. (Don't know who the lady is) The quilt is based on a Vasarely painting. Once I had a friend who told me that I would like Vasarely's paintings.
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It does make a nice quilt though don't you think?
Lastly, I'm really enjoying Krislovesfabric's blockloc blocks! Pretty slick!
Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-34495084853423557472015-08-03T22:44:00.002-07:002015-08-03T22:44:22.452-07:00Hand Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaie644K8PAG1_941eHypbTh8RLRD4Iz1IFrGDBsT8a-6rVFvKJghAklT9GqvcLMo2PSASrn91jtlqU_iNcCvzpHrQ0S12lcJwLcVdWDixJnRLZ9EGk6a9x_-WjP1HaGs6jrFE_p8cu8EH/s1600/IMG_20150731_154702514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaie644K8PAG1_941eHypbTh8RLRD4Iz1IFrGDBsT8a-6rVFvKJghAklT9GqvcLMo2PSASrn91jtlqU_iNcCvzpHrQ0S12lcJwLcVdWDixJnRLZ9EGk6a9x_-WjP1HaGs6jrFE_p8cu8EH/s400/IMG_20150731_154702514.jpg" /></a></div>
The other day I was able to work outside on our deck. For once the weather cooperated. Not too hot or rainy or mosquitoey. What bliss, hand stitching outside. I am stitching the binding on a quilt for a local group for hospice. I am one of few people who really enjoys the hand stitching of binding process. It's such a great feeling of getting the project done and putting the touch of color on the edge with simple hand stitches. I am thinking of doing some sort of quilting or patchwork by hand I am enjoying this stitching so much. I am grateful to be able to feel the needle once again on my damaged right hand. After my falling accident this past winter my fingers were numb and tingly for a long time. I am glad to finally enjoy pain free stitching again. Now what to do after this binding is done?Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-22181479386152638972015-07-23T19:49:00.000-07:002015-07-23T19:49:01.547-07:00Kathleen's Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9FFaIbSl0os64WtNUCwxqXkPRLgH-Hm2Wwi2JW6rlg6JlJUQTUr332fQkFoE7SSObECrgv4vmTdcdqz6I56rhrz1gTTWtjlaWy0MP2dN1MAlj-e6zHoZcm_Aof5Em1lEY4eVmmao81p6/s1600/IMG_20150722_074418567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9FFaIbSl0os64WtNUCwxqXkPRLgH-Hm2Wwi2JW6rlg6JlJUQTUr332fQkFoE7SSObECrgv4vmTdcdqz6I56rhrz1gTTWtjlaWy0MP2dN1MAlj-e6zHoZcm_Aof5Em1lEY4eVmmao81p6/s400/IMG_20150722_074418567.jpg" /></a></div>
This is a very easy but completed quilt made for my cousin Kathleen who just retired. These are her favorite colors and mine too, so it was a little hard to let it go. But it's done and it lives in Illinois now.
I worried about Kathleen in retirement since she doesn't have hobbies like I do. She visited over the weekend though and I think she is doing better than I am with the adjustment. My new job has been to rehab my hand and arm and Kathleen got to go to Ireland. Lucky woman! She wisely told me not to worry if nothing gets done in any given day. She says we're retired, we don't have to be accountable to anyone. I have not been able to sew or paint for several days and I feel like I've been AWOL. I've been busy with family and an upcoming visit with my daughter tomorrow. Family first! (I guess a sketchbook can go along.) I'm retired and not accountable to anyone but my hands are itching to dig into some projects! I am accountable to myself after all!Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-63997790300508830922015-07-16T20:07:00.000-07:002015-07-16T20:28:42.421-07:00Mixed Media
These mixed media pieces were an experiments that were successful I think. I use layers of fabric and paint together with the poly clay sign. I'm thinking of transferring this idea to a canvas. My biggest problem is how to hang quilts at art shows or places to sell. Most places want a wire attached. Switching to canvas would solve this problem but then it wouldn't be a quilt anymore...
Anyway, this pieces were made during my healing from a fractured elbow and shattered wrist. I am trying my best to be positive and grateful for the mobility I've regained even though I am realizing I will never be quite the same. My hand feels like the tendons are stretched too tight and recovery has been expensive and painful. But, the numbness in my fingers has disappeared and I can play the piano, use a needle and hold a paintbrush, along with many other things we take for granted. So----Love Wins! and Onward!
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Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-8678944099464314572015-07-08T16:22:00.001-07:002015-07-16T20:40:45.250-07:00Being Honest and Different<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsCMBW0SV9mUqOSphxV14TrinwrBOzyuIJgHvXGucjSeLkaOALEsnXKy7oMryV7HuNnHY4tQBz3T0gz5RTxQno3ZIbpQ1Mqkt2w6WLh9RVkOTS3tGvMT1W-EzlPRZrg5WiPlk58f9o-ck/s1600/DSC01405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsCMBW0SV9mUqOSphxV14TrinwrBOzyuIJgHvXGucjSeLkaOALEsnXKy7oMryV7HuNnHY4tQBz3T0gz5RTxQno3ZIbpQ1Mqkt2w6WLh9RVkOTS3tGvMT1W-EzlPRZrg5WiPlk58f9o-ck/s640/DSC01405.JPG" /></a></div>
I now call myself an artist and maker. Disclaimer: This label does not mean that I support myself with my art or quilts. Nor does being an artist mean to me that the art one makes is good. Being an artist to me means trying to make images with meaning, and if I'm lucky, to others as well. I have sold a few pieces. That always makes me feel validated, but I'm not making a lot of money and that's ok. I just want to make meaning.
During my teaching career there was a lot of emphasis on perception. Perception is everything I was told. I tried my best to present my best to the public and to the kids I taught. I could relate to the trials of some the most challenging home lives of my students. But I never understood why. It wasn't until I started asking questions from older family members that I learned the truth. My Dad was emotionally and physically abusive to my older brothers. I was in kindergarten when the youngest brother married and left home. I had no idea. I had a completely different experience growing up. But yes, Dad could be scary.
My Dad died when I as ten years old. Soon after my Mom and I moved away from the country to a different school. I was bullied a bit. We didn't have that label then. I just shrugged it off and did my best to work on my music and from time to time some art scribbles. I did have friends so none of it was very traumatic. But I always felt I was holding back information. I had a very serious interior life but never shared this side. Like most kids, I just wanted to fit in.
As a young adult with this background, choosing a spouse can be problematic. Fast forward 17 years after finding things weren't working, we split up. I wish I had understood that my early home life had started seeping through that marriage. I didn't understand those early experiences until two years ago. (I'm 58)
It's a good idea to work with a good therapist. While facing the truth is tough. Hiding your life experiences is not good for anybody. I even developed asthma and throat symptoms that I associate with not telling the whole truth. Ignorance is not bliss.
Brene Brown has written a good book about vulnerability. I'm doing my best through my art and quilts to speak the truth and be vulnerable. The quilt at the top of this post has symbols in Morse Code. It spells "Love Transforms." I know this is true.Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-42953400262138479442015-07-07T20:58:00.000-07:002015-07-07T20:58:16.278-07:00Paint and Quilting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZO4u8EmYIUSTkcj_ofHbAgWBEdjvgW_-ze2As9MuBvxruKDLFJFIw05PrywQ9XeqKLXqhGut6zFZC0oN4A0ppwrk2NQkUCw7fNbxGpDTVnPll9El8lG3yGDIqY_xxEsH1gfoXn8hFRQcS/s1600/IMG_3581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZO4u8EmYIUSTkcj_ofHbAgWBEdjvgW_-ze2As9MuBvxruKDLFJFIw05PrywQ9XeqKLXqhGut6zFZC0oN4A0ppwrk2NQkUCw7fNbxGpDTVnPll9El8lG3yGDIqY_xxEsH1gfoXn8hFRQcS/s400/IMG_3581.JPG" /></a></div>
This is a sample of new work that I am excited about. I am using fabric as the underpainting, then a layer of paint, then, fabric collage, more paint, thread painting, thread sketching and polymer clay. Yes in other words, mixed-media. I am happy to work this way now. I have also solved the problem of how to depict people by using photos in the collage process. (I don't have a sample picture today but will next time.) I have a new phone with photo capabilities that I can email and so on. Finally I belong to the 21st Century. :-)
I love this new process. I can change things as I go. Nothing is set in stone until the sewing stages. Oh happy day!Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-62289262341524809682015-07-06T19:50:00.000-07:002015-07-06T19:53:37.848-07:00How to Become an Artist without an Art Degree--Chapter 1 My Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9eW0nTeHFVCiYgMRNJ8cCJBbF4R81kAH4dQUBP2UaeJHa1KlOTQTpsLBcXIBzMeln8aPIlvTJ6tde2uzbXWNmJf2c8FcWvNzTmkx7TBD3iBARXR7bksF3TDEx07rk31BsITZSxLOYnck/s1600/DSC01407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9eW0nTeHFVCiYgMRNJ8cCJBbF4R81kAH4dQUBP2UaeJHa1KlOTQTpsLBcXIBzMeln8aPIlvTJ6tde2uzbXWNmJf2c8FcWvNzTmkx7TBD3iBARXR7bksF3TDEx07rk31BsITZSxLOYnck/s320/DSC01407.JPG" /></a></div>I first became interesting in "making" about the same time I was due to have my first child. Really bad timing in a way. Everyone knows that children take precedence over almost everything, especially as babies. But I had taken my first quilting class and I was hooked. Unfortunately I was not very successful with several of my beginning attempts. The teacher had taught basics choosing seven sisters as one of the first blocks! We were also piecing by hand and oh what a mess that was! I can laugh now that I am teaching the Hunter's Star . However I have Deb Tucker's ruler for accuracy. What a difference! I have come to enjoy making quilts of all kinds however, I eventually felt the need to try other things
Fast forward 15 years and I was making quilts yet not feeling the same satisfaction. I tried rug hooking, weaving, and embroidery, painting, polymer clay, and free-motion machine embroidery. I have pretty much dropped the rug hooking and am considering trading those supplies with someone for a piece of art. The weaving stuff, I'll hang on to. I just have a table loom and it doesn't take up much real estate. I have started to put together the others into mixed media art quilts.
After all of these experiences the painting bug is a strong pull. I am putting paint on my mixed media quilts now, but several years ago I was brave enough to take a painting class in a college setting. I LOVED it but eventually missed sewing. The painting above was done after the painting class. As fun as it is, I just didn't continue to paint in that fashion. Instead, I've been trying to integrate both painting and sewing.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCl-abxcQwE2UWRpo9RsfQ4zjL5bhHCR4dwtnmwBuCW0carqQfADUY0mQ0aw-tJeCrazGRqsfzeriemtXLPg9NZuV0fZB9QIj3Lyc2NR5v35ckt3qzoq1H5YhIpXjboKW_4oXEK2m83dF/s1600/DSC01404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCl-abxcQwE2UWRpo9RsfQ4zjL5bhHCR4dwtnmwBuCW0carqQfADUY0mQ0aw-tJeCrazGRqsfzeriemtXLPg9NZuV0fZB9QIj3Lyc2NR5v35ckt3qzoq1H5YhIpXjboKW_4oXEK2m83dF/s400/DSC01404.JPG" /></a></div>
This is one of my pieces that I feel was successful. It's called "Beginning Band" These are the instruments that I taught 5th and 6th graders during my music teaching career.
Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-85127777171293876542015-04-22T07:00:00.000-07:002015-04-22T07:00:13.052-07:00Teaching Quilting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAOkur-EQLLuQRAj-ZsiapJGfJSr9kScyQ4l0WDn_m2QKJrmY41STWusGRdopYie_UAzWLX0zLputCz6ydW9U6I7uB-xZXFCjJtjTeb99JAgUazu8ete7biF4xg2htXN4YUN2awMrmCbP/s1600/DSC01481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAOkur-EQLLuQRAj-ZsiapJGfJSr9kScyQ4l0WDn_m2QKJrmY41STWusGRdopYie_UAzWLX0zLputCz6ydW9U6I7uB-xZXFCjJtjTeb99JAgUazu8ete7biF4xg2htXN4YUN2awMrmCbP/s320/DSC01481.JPG" /></a></div>
I taught music for over thirty years including studio piano lessons. I loved it. But then there came a day when I felt I'd done all I wanted to in my school teaching. I have wanted time and energy to work on my quilting and art and find out what my "style is and improved my patchwork skills.
I discovered Deb Tucker's trimming tools around the time I retired. I am over the moon with her premise which is, cut units a little larger, then trim. She has rulers that strip piece eight point stars. Holy Cow! I started with the Rapid Fire Hunter's Star. I actually walked a local group of women through the process in order to make a charity quilt.
Here is a photo of the charity quilt:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JNf2ZZYxaNlS2CANtEr1t5H3Rk8fbkXnoVNPmuNvoKlwLzb2UuQEGUKYytvME2hduLw50zt2QwA1hdSPq4y27Fd3TZY5vp5NLWI5-XQKILhzQ3mNjcvkhEB6oAZJ8OwOoFqnKkGRd4q2/s1600/DSC01484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JNf2ZZYxaNlS2CANtEr1t5H3Rk8fbkXnoVNPmuNvoKlwLzb2UuQEGUKYytvME2hduLw50zt2QwA1hdSPq4y27Fd3TZY5vp5NLWI5-XQKILhzQ3mNjcvkhEB6oAZJ8OwOoFqnKkGRd4q2/s320/DSC01484.JPG" /></a></div>
I then taught a group of students at Sauder Village. Here is a student block :
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These go together really well with a scant quarter inch seam. This class went really well and I had great students.
I am now working on the Lemoyne Star. Deb Tucker has a ruler for this and strip pieced technique. I am teaching this Aug 15th at Sauder Village, but they need something for their publicity. I am working on a sampler that needs to be done by May 5th! Yipes! Better get busy! Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-46996065474389102382015-03-08T14:44:00.000-07:002015-03-08T14:44:55.060-07:00What if we used journals in order to make meaningful quilts?Recently I have been curious about art journaling. I love all things paint, have collected many supplies and have wondered if this could be something I'd enjoy doing. However, I feel the tug of making quilts as being a more authentic way of "making" for me. But what if I used the journaling in order to create more personal quilts?
I watched a video of Thomas Knauer talking about his process of designing quilts for his family. His aesthetic is very modern and clean,and his quilts are designed with meaning and messages. He successfully created a quilt for his aunt and her same sex partner using quite mundane patchwork in the colors of the gay pride flag, and, in order to represent their marriage, his quilter quilted the pattern of the double wedding ring! Genius!
The quilting industry is flooded with quilt kits and matchy fabrics. I don't think it's wrong to make quilts from kits or one line of fabrics, but I think most quilters want to make quilts their own in some way. Tweak the fabric or design, add specialty quilting or embellishments and we're good to go. But some artists do more. They hand dye, draw, paint, add surface design. The ideas are endless. I have taken classes in most. But, I don't seem to stick with them, except for painting an occasional art quilt in the summer. During the "dark night of the soul" times, I turn to traditional piecing. There is peace for me in piecing, ironing, and watching a quilt come together. I like to think about the people they're made for and create with them in mind. I can set aside my personal concerns and think about that loved one.
After my best fried and coworker died I designed and quilted several quilts for coworkers who were retiring. It was one of the most prolific times of my life! I had another set back right before Christmas. I fell and damaged my dominant right wrist and elbow. I am unable to play the piano very well at this writing,(a skill I've earned from 6yrs old) BUT! I have figured out what tools and changes were necessary in order to SEW! Even with one hand!
Part of the fascination with painting and surface design for me, was the idea that I could make more meaningful quilts if the fabric had more of my marks and showed my "hand." I'm beginning to understand that pieced quilts can also contain our thoughts and ideas yet not necessarily shout at the viewer. I want my meaning to be subtle and sometimes private. How do I go about that? How about thinking visually in a journal?
I have collected images and kept an image file then switched to putting them in a large sketchbook. (Sort of pintrest in hard copy.)Last summer I created a folder with inspiring words and images in order to create a painted quilt. Even though the quilt is whimsical, there are deeper meanings behind the images. For example the big swirl is about feeling personal power.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBAWCatYXDKv9eNrxXtVAeezjGsrQYcEs6YdTHG-feoVqvAZM87mA5VUvTDuyOLJeD5YUh7BjR2zvyhLfw3HHgwwqAwAoTPbqybV5QB8Y3IcwOz5eK5qGXGYUK7e3vYKlxpgtonUnBO2F/s1600/DSC01348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBAWCatYXDKv9eNrxXtVAeezjGsrQYcEs6YdTHG-feoVqvAZM87mA5VUvTDuyOLJeD5YUh7BjR2zvyhLfw3HHgwwqAwAoTPbqybV5QB8Y3IcwOz5eK5qGXGYUK7e3vYKlxpgtonUnBO2F/s320/DSC01348.JPG" /></a></div>
I really enjoyed creating this way and I hope to continue to post about this process. Let me know what you think!
Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-43922511711712022302014-08-16T04:10:00.003-07:002014-08-16T04:10:32.857-07:00PaintingI have been really excited lately because I have been learning to watercolor. That's right, I found a WONDERFUL teacher named Lynn Diamente from Columbia City IN who shows her paintings at the Orchard Gallery in Ft Wayne In.I don't think she has a web site. <a href="http://www.theorchardgallery.com/GalleryMain.asp?GalleryID=47276&AKey=YKN7NC8K"></a> She is a wonderful artist and shares all her info so well. I'm very excited.
My Mr Ken and I went to Chicago over the weekend and I was very excited to see the modern wing of the Chicago Art Institute. It was almost blinding! It was so white and light. Beautiful. Before we came home we walked to the Navy Pier where there was a small obscure gallery of Tiffany glass windows. I thought how like watercolor they were with their glowing properties. The next thought I had was "Gee, wouldn't I be good practice for me to draw and paint these? Well, we'll see. I guess they sell the designs in Dover books for people to make windows and transoms, so why not paint them? It would be good practice without the worry of composition. We'll see.
This painting obsession is not new. I have been painting quilts for sometime. I guess I just need to take the leap of faith that painting traditionally is possible for me. Here is a picture of a painted quilt from a few years ago.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CB6yQ4Y-94o3lDr2hx65ZohGDyhPQQe4_0Abkud9540iLaufiai3UfV8fmmm9EDlW1Uqu8dukTRBItbRp2y5XxHUCwJgTmuyb7TeAGMkx3567J3nkC1JeMmSLS47QmxiJCGUkoAp3DEy/s1600/DSC01404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CB6yQ4Y-94o3lDr2hx65ZohGDyhPQQe4_0Abkud9540iLaufiai3UfV8fmmm9EDlW1Uqu8dukTRBItbRp2y5XxHUCwJgTmuyb7TeAGMkx3567J3nkC1JeMmSLS47QmxiJCGUkoAp3DEy/s320/DSC01404.JPG" /></a></div>
I painted sections of musical instruments on raw canvas and pieced them together. It won an award at an art show. I was floored to say the least. I will be posting more since I am now retired and this will be a diary of my progress. Wish me luck!Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-14311339753841424452014-04-19T12:42:00.000-07:002014-04-19T12:42:09.435-07:00Quirky Quilt
Here's the quilt that I made a breakthrough with. I finally posted it on facebook and it is getting a positive response. But so is the kitty photo. But it's all good.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxwhRMwSvVmStvu0Ey91GVrODYY1pntZz8raRrEbIdmSgaM_PGm9PNUfzcYRLdm91d0ySGBRbM3cY8_gsh9NcCvBTNmQxA9k5YiTk73mhNZx4ONMF7nI0WATzUJ3MI-LOHOtr22pN5vQ7/s1600/DSC01348.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxwhRMwSvVmStvu0Ey91GVrODYY1pntZz8raRrEbIdmSgaM_PGm9PNUfzcYRLdm91d0ySGBRbM3cY8_gsh9NcCvBTNmQxA9k5YiTk73mhNZx4ONMF7nI0WATzUJ3MI-LOHOtr22pN5vQ7/s320/DSC01348.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHIO4TqpbR708p1J4oCflgEJCq09XZHy9qYAH2kXuLm4C1MQG2C6UWNWLwBZoEYEXt2qF6MqvWavnpcWxcJrAFhhBjpOHkF7k8OYAuRbVuuwLfUVFSKd9kox-Gt3NyrIgqbr4shSIb9aS/s1600/DSC01396.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHIO4TqpbR708p1J4oCflgEJCq09XZHy9qYAH2kXuLm4C1MQG2C6UWNWLwBZoEYEXt2qF6MqvWavnpcWxcJrAFhhBjpOHkF7k8OYAuRbVuuwLfUVFSKd9kox-Gt3NyrIgqbr4shSIb9aS/s320/DSC01396.JPG" /></a>Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-36494581281642280102014-02-09T11:54:00.000-08:002014-02-09T11:54:22.952-08:00New kitties and clay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9qNApwWJhgydAZpmitu7sYCb1WHdHEESg8St4ANjW8mtQfete31VuUDqRYOQyLPbhhMFSgPtHMGQbd-gAKywWmuexJGLtYsIlm1EZY1kRt3ak_lND47DBTR-kxAHIEl1wgNIpOyvNRhP/s1600/DSC01381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9qNApwWJhgydAZpmitu7sYCb1WHdHEESg8St4ANjW8mtQfete31VuUDqRYOQyLPbhhMFSgPtHMGQbd-gAKywWmuexJGLtYsIlm1EZY1kRt3ak_lND47DBTR-kxAHIEl1wgNIpOyvNRhP/s320/DSC01381.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2phYGsyW2LA3kZ7a2TeQcDv_TOP8MyhusICeoY8AXFlJXgRvwUsTOz5CV6vA_J4OcvcTB4KeE43_UccHBp-Sqhs2n1B8p2wsjTiEulkng54xoQxEBT4CZWjhlM5fFnXI2nb13SE2_enka/s1600/DSC01380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2phYGsyW2LA3kZ7a2TeQcDv_TOP8MyhusICeoY8AXFlJXgRvwUsTOz5CV6vA_J4OcvcTB4KeE43_UccHBp-Sqhs2n1B8p2wsjTiEulkng54xoQxEBT4CZWjhlM5fFnXI2nb13SE2_enka/s320/DSC01380.JPG" /></a></div>
Ken and I are new parents to two kitties! The tiger is Allie and the tuxedo kitty is Wally! I have been working on more clay as well.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWJqwQMrTrhyphenhyphenW45HfhROe3dPwkmtl9yV-sJwEj9oxecLqxTPlioSsqTrS9SAAYMF1x0T4rK5FS-E6-7nHwLAAkC9Y6OFqk_5Lo4J-Q3KR8yo6ALzpWCkk-OU6LGEo7gVL6FoebebPf9sK/s1600/DSC01369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWJqwQMrTrhyphenhyphenW45HfhROe3dPwkmtl9yV-sJwEj9oxecLqxTPlioSsqTrS9SAAYMF1x0T4rK5FS-E6-7nHwLAAkC9Y6OFqk_5Lo4J-Q3KR8yo6ALzpWCkk-OU6LGEo7gVL6FoebebPf9sK/s320/DSC01369.JPG" /></a></div>Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-42114579336285382962014-01-27T14:03:00.000-08:002014-01-27T14:03:52.556-08:00Retirement and what happens nextNot long ago I made the big decision to retire from public school teaching, which will happen at the end of the year. I promised my husband that I would continue to work part time and I hope to do this on my own terms. While teaching piano lessons will be involved at some point, I have always dreamed of being a craft artist. I have collected and experimented with many art supplies and taken many classes (mostly from quilt artists). I have found that while I love painting, I love quilts and all things geometric. I also found that I enjoy polymer clay, and this medium seems to be the only thing I could make many of and not be bored. SOoooo I have figured out how to marry all of my passions. I have been making polymer clay pins and charms in simple quilt patterns by painting on the clay. So far the clay is in the shape of little houses. Quilt houses in clay are born!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPMbwDaDUEBb31_7mNhmfNl4nmu28TLhc7FgI_TgMRfghtR60cJgyQQUEdjXdHoZAmGJ53M7Bb8HlZtTqSQU4IKiQEs_UBG_vUqXRhaqcVYG2F9ISpyYkI5wlvnv3_0-wBuzCtonqq6gw/s1600/DSC01368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPMbwDaDUEBb31_7mNhmfNl4nmu28TLhc7FgI_TgMRfghtR60cJgyQQUEdjXdHoZAmGJ53M7Bb8HlZtTqSQU4IKiQEs_UBG_vUqXRhaqcVYG2F9ISpyYkI5wlvnv3_0-wBuzCtonqq6gw/s320/DSC01368.JPG" /></a></div> I have some technical issues to resolve, but I think I may be on to something. Tell me what you think! Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-13064325552524787762011-06-19T06:20:00.000-07:002011-06-19T06:20:06.199-07:00Cherry House Quilt Completed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtxb5N6SGLqga9YzLkCrS8lw0i0SD_knydYYmFqMJ6Be0fDO7frUqfi7xqh-NrpwRo6tkfB5b-4dw9jPipq39KeEupPCZrl6iK7s7xSoVJ_xHvbK_wUWBl2oPcVX-XnytkZfH9P9FVXn1/s1600/bianca+quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtxb5N6SGLqga9YzLkCrS8lw0i0SD_knydYYmFqMJ6Be0fDO7frUqfi7xqh-NrpwRo6tkfB5b-4dw9jPipq39KeEupPCZrl6iK7s7xSoVJ_xHvbK_wUWBl2oPcVX-XnytkZfH9P9FVXn1/s320/bianca+quilt.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I finished this last summer but never got around to posting. I lost a dear friend and didn't feel much like posting. Now I am hoping I have my mojo back.<br />
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My sister-in-law has a gift for decorating. Cherry House's design worked wonderfully!Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-69705562662017756452010-06-21T08:31:00.000-07:002010-06-21T08:54:31.686-07:00New Quilt CommissionThis past weekend my husband and I traveled by car to Alexandria VA where we visited my husband's brother and his wife. They have been working on remodeling their beautiful townhouse and I might add with wonderful taste! My SIL loves muted greens blues/camel/silver. Her kitchen made me think of a sequin dress, with its beautiful gray, black silver shimmery glass tile. Wow! I was very inspired.<br /><br />Their bedroom upstairs is still under construction but they had chosen the wall color. Beautiful deep dusty blue. I had taken my swatch book. Robert Kaufman has a Kona cotton solids swatch book that I think I purchased from Hancocks of Paducah maybe? Anyway, before I left I was inspired as well by a blog called Cherry House Quilts. I love what she is doing with solid fabrics! I want to do that too! (I made our King size quilt from solids found in a local quilt shop) But I haven't done anything since beside start collecting more solids<br /><br />Anyway, I am totally in love with Cherri House quilts. She has a book out called "City Quilts". I ran to the store the same day to buy it. I took it along to VA and what do you know! My SIL has been trying to find a quilt and wants me to do a version of City Shops. I can do this!<br /><br />I am signing up for the process pledge. I hope to really document the making of this quilt and some others on this blog.Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-57448227025211326322009-06-29T11:06:00.000-07:002009-06-29T11:21:32.201-07:00Amish EncounterYesterday Ken and I went for a walk down our little country road. We know most of our neighbors on our mile except for the people who bought the property across the road from us. As we started out, we saw an Amish buggy approaching and we all waved, smiling casually. We continued on wondering if they were the new neighbors or others. On the return we saw an Amish couple on bicyles. They stopped to chat and we found out that indeed they are the owners of the property. They built the house as a get-away and or retirement home. I get-away we thought?!!!! (I wish we had a get-away place) Anyway , they said they only live 15 miles away and it only takes an hour and a half to get here! :-) Ha! I talked to the lady whose name was Ida. I couldn't help thinking she was such a gem. I told her I was a quilter and was she? Well she said she tied her quilts but her mother had quilted. (Later Ken told me he found out this couple had raised 8 children. No wonder she didn't have time to quilt!) She offered to come over and quilt with me sometime! Now what to put in that frame...Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-25321472190132197522009-04-04T05:18:00.000-07:002009-04-04T05:20:14.885-07:00EEEE HAAAAA!We hve new internet cababilities! I can now post pictures! Wow! Stay tuned!Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-8177810076572824032009-02-14T15:42:00.000-08:002009-02-14T16:07:47.681-08:00perception vs intentionI just finished reading a post by my good friend at school whose son wanted to make a "different kind of valentine box". He chose to make a serpent box and my friend posted pictures of her dad and son working on it. I was a spectacular effort. As I read the comments, however, my friend said that her son's teacher was less than complementary about the box and he was crushed.<br /><br />I am a teacher as well and I try really hard not to say anything to discourage young people's artistic afforts. Sometimes it's hard. I have heard kids sing solos that I'm sure Simon Cowell would have made merciless comments.<br /><br />I know that perception and intention can often conflict. I recently had a student that was having a hard time getting going on his instrument and I got a note from his mom saying that he thought I had given up on him. I felt so bad. I had NOT given up but simply wondered if he had given up on himself. I had had several kids quit band recently and thought he would be next. My ego was wounded. His perception of himself was skewed.<br /><br />After getting the parent note, I gave him a big pep talk and he returned the next week able to play his instrument better than he had ever done. The kids and I cheered for him and he was so proud. I pronounced him a player and now he is. His mom is very pleased.<br /><br />Was I at fault? Centainly not intentionally. All I can do is go on and learn my lesson. All kids need support all the time for their efforts. So do adults.Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123650892819470442.post-84080722737237167402009-02-09T16:10:00.000-08:002009-02-09T16:39:56.108-08:00Success vs. FailureToday I read a post by Luann Udell that made me stop to think. She was lamenting the fact that she had met her goals and didn't know where to go from there! She has done some pretty remarkable things art wise and I guess she's probably scared because of the economy. Can't blame her. I wish her well. She writes an amazing blog posts too.<br /><br />The really interesting part of her post regarded our ideas about success and failure. The best part about art is that when something goes wrong sometimes the thing that went wrong can become the most successful part. Several weeks ago I was polishing a polymer piece that would become a pin, when it shot out from beneath the buffer wheel and the tip broke off. Of course this had been my favorite piece of the series. However, instead of throwing it out I patched it with some scrap clay that contained silver leaf. I was really pleased with the results! I plan on repeating that happy accident on other pieces! Sometimes art just happens!Crazy for Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02958670054739308415noreply@blogger.com2