Doodles,

Posted: March 10th, 2010 under .
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It’s March…. A time of blustery weather with sweet smelling daffodills.

Posted: March 3rd, 2010 under .
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I read a book last week which has stayed on my mind, my thoughts keep returning to the different parts of the story. That must be the success of a really good book. The book is by Geraldine Brooks, The People Of The Book. The lengths certain people of power and means will go to in order to possess a valuable book from a distant past. Now I want to hide away in my studio and make an illuminated book of my own. More than a daily journal, but a book of thoughts, insights, memories, and advice to leave for my children. ONE book…they must share…..so this book needs to be …beyond anything I have ever designed and made.

Wish me luck!

doodles

Posted: February 25th, 2010 under .
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We do not usually have snow this far south.  On Thursday we woke up to SNOW!

Very inspirational for some new art projects,

doodles

Posted: February 15th, 2010 under .
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Quilting Arts Magazine has uploaded pictures of the entries which were not chosen for publication in the magazine for the challenge: “Inner Animal”. Take a visit and see all the talent and whimsy of these art quilts. Also, I am pleased to know my entry was posted to SewCalGal blog! Enjoy the small online exhibit:  “Quilting Arts”  

doodles

Posted: February 14th, 2010 under .
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Quilting Arts “Let Out Your Inner Animal” contest – A Fun Challenge!

I thought about this a lot…maybe too much   But knew what my inner animal was without a doubt!

Doodles' Inner Animal

Posted: February 5th, 2010 under .
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 Oh No! Not for me.  (I would be in trouble if it were, *grin*) 

But I do have a little rant today…..Why do many people want to put a price tag on works which are made from the inner soul of an artist?  Why is the appreciation of the art piece only of value, if it has broad appeal for a commercial market?

 

I have had the awesome thrill of selling pieces of quilted art.  When one of my original designs is appreciated and sold to someone I do not even know, I am really excited!  I like $$$$….but for me, it is not the “WHY” of making quilted art.

 

I understand the need of an appraisal to establish the value of an item of work.  That is a smart decision! But it really rankles me when a family member or friend looks at a piece I am especially proud of and asks, ” How much are you going to sell it for”? “What is it worth”?

There are days when I can hardly wait to escape to my small studio and turn on the different machines, plug in the iron, clip the MP3 player to my shirt, fondle the cones of thread, and then let my imagination go free.  These times are not as often now as in the past, so the time I have now is even more of a treasure. 

 

I can not imagine making the art pieces exclusively for financial gain.  That would change the emotional feel of the piece for me.  I have made commissioned pieces, but even then, I put lots of thought, energy, and even sing prayerful phrases as I work on the piece for a particular theme or person.  If someone sees the piece, feels a connection or likes it enough to pay the price I ask, then so much the better!

 

SO, for me….. it is not all about the money……but it is all about the heart and soul being stitched into a very special piece of art.  Not every piece I make is extraordinary. I have made many inspirational pieces which were for the expression of a time or experience.  Once the therapeutic effect has been achieved, I can put the piece aside and move on to a different project.

 

OK, little rant is over.  

 

Enjoy what you make, grow in the process, and feel at peace.

doodles

A Different View

 

Posted: January 17th, 2010 under .
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Summer's last Gift for me

 The last Dahlia bloom from my garden was carefully clipped last week.  She is BEAUTIFUL !

Of course her face will appear in an art quilt soon.

Enjoy,

doodles

Posted: December 8th, 2009 under .
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A wonderful morning for walking through the woods, to the pond, and watching the falling leaves.  God’s Art in motion!

Posted: November 20th, 2009 under .
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Quick & Easy Block Tool App Giveaway from C&T Products

Quick & Easy Block Tool App

Quick & Easy Block Tool App

doodles

Posted: November 18th, 2009 under .
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Sorry for the absence recently. I have been unpacking my sewing and quilting items to try and fit into a smaller studio. Although the large room is neat, there is so much woven into this limited space, it looks a bit chaotic. With four machines, 2 separate fabric shelf units,  a small sitting area, and my smaller office…..I am thankful it works for me

doodles

Aaahhhh…now to create!   

Posted: November 14th, 2009 under .
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A Flutter Away

doodles

Posted: October 19th, 2009 under .
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I am participating in a Stay At home Challenge to make small art quilts for the Alzheimer’s Initiative. The Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative ( www.AlzQuilts.org ) I will post the progress as it unfolds!

I choose to Live today with JOY as I help guide my mom through this confusing maze.

doodles

Posted: October 16th, 2009 under .
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Through The Looking Glass….

A Rainy Day as seen through the Door

Posted: October 5th, 2009 under .
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Posted: October 3rd, 2009 under .
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This weekend’s full Moon has a special name–the Harvest Moon. It’s the full moon closest to the northern autumnal equinox (Sept. 22). 

Enjoy the moonlight.

Posted: October 3rd, 2009 under .
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How much embellishment is too much?

I will usually take a picture with the digital camera of the different possibilities for finishing an art quilt. It is amazing at the perspective you will gain as you look at the digital images. It makes keeping objects in scale and proportion so much easier. Audition your fabrics together, buttons, charms, and beads before you put the extra work directly on the quilts. It works for me!

Have fun,

doodles

Posted: October 2nd, 2009 under .
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Posted: September 24th, 2009 under .
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Ok….. so I have been designing and planning a new art quilt. There seems to be a hum of undercurrents within my studio. I smile as I listen and watch closely.

• The fabrics on the shelves have been singing a chorus of “Pick Me, Pick Me”!
• The thread spools are vibrating in their racks and drawers saying, “I wanna Play, too!”
• The scissors and rotary cutters are in a duel over which tool will be the most efficient.
• The beads, trims, and Angelina are dancing the shimmy to be noticed.
• But the machines…Oh the Janome, Babylock, & Bernina are sitting smugly on their tables with a content smile.

They know my procedures. Each machine has it use and time in each quilt. I am smiling to myself as I continue to sketch and plan and listen to the energy all around the studio. OK…..so who will be chosen for the latest rendering of my quilt dreams?

Stay tuned,            doodles

Posted: September 23rd, 2009 under .
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Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza XVI

Yaay!! I have two quilts on exhibit here this year!

“Fragments – Urban Decay” & “Metamorphosis”
presented by Fiberarts Connection of SoCal
9/17/2009 – 9/20/2009
Greater Philadelphia Area, Pennsylvania

 

Fragments Of Fire

 

Grandma’s Flower Garden Gone Wild!

Wish I could go to the Festival!

Posted: September 18th, 2009 under .
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Posted: September 6th, 2009 under .
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Mom’s Midnight plant is Waiting For The moon … #3  

Beautiful moon this week!

Posted: September 4th, 2009 under .
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Posted: September 2nd, 2009 under .
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