Looking For The sun in WNY

This has been the working title for a quilt I started recently.   It may just end up being it's official name.  Today (sadly) seemed like the perfect day to work on it some more.

This is the quilt top as it is now.

The background is constructed ala Ricky Tims Convergence pattern.  There are 2 different (believe it or not) blue fabrics put together in the convergence technique and then I added the yellow on the diagonal.

The sun in the corner....we all know it just HAS to be out there somewhere.   Still not sure about the circle piece.   It is not permanently fused yet.   I have a nice yellow circular styled bead that will go either on the circle or in place of the circle.

We all know what this is...........the snow!   It is a patterned tulle which I think does exactly what I wanted.  It is very subtle and I plan to add white/blue/crystal beads.

Stained Glass Window to the World!

Final version of my mosaic for Kathi's class.    To me it looks like I'm looking through a stained glass window onto a landscape.   The borders suggest a landscape of waters, grasses, sky etc.   Maybe not as inventive as some, but I like it.....and it IS - my colors!!!

Cream Cheese Pumpkin bars

I love these.   I've made these for many occasions now and the other night for Kathi's birthday celebration.   They are really easy and so good!!!

1 pkg. Pumpkin Quick Bread Mix
3/4 cup water
3 tablespoons oil
2 eggs

1 8-oz pkg cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup chopped nuts


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 in. square baking pan.
In a large bowl, combine pumpkin bread mix, 3/4 cup water, oil and eggs. Mix well
Pour batter into baking pan
In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
Pour cream cheese mixture over top of batter and swirl through batter with a knife to create a marble effect.
Sprinkle nuts over top and bake for 35-40 minutes.

RAFA Show

The RAFA Arts Council Show is up and it is gorgeous (in my humble opinion).   My piece is my interpretation of a photo from Stony Brook State Park gorge last summer.  I used thread embroidery for the leaves, some painted/dyed cheesecloth and beading to represent the orange lichen.   This photo was taken by a fellow RAFA member, but it may well be the best photo I've seen of it yet!!!

Landscape Quilt

This is my latest landscape quilt - finally I think I'm"mostly" happy with it.   I had some issues with not enough shading and trying to get the water just right.   It is from a photo, the photo is manipulated to have 3 birds instead of just one, then printed on to printer fabric and worked into a larger quilt with commercial fabrics, tulle, metallic threads etc.   I just couldn't get the water around the birds to blend in with the commercial fabric I had chosen.   I finally fused small strips over parts of the printer fabric to blend in.     The first photo is the one I took in Maine, the second one is the manipulated photo to show the 3 birds that was printed onto printer fabric and the last photo is the finished (at the moment finished) landscape quilt.

This is the finished quilt!

Fabric Key Rings

It's not that I have been doing much - just nothing really noteworthy of posting.

Our guild is hosting the New York State Consortium of Quilters in June and we are making favors for each visitor.   We decided on these key rings - thanks to Kathi for the unique idea.   This is something totally different than what we usually get and each person who makes one will add their own twist, so they will all be different.   I love it!!!!   Here is my first one.....I don't have it totally embellished yet - and maybe I won't.   The colors are quite bright enough!!!!

Mosaic

Art C Girlz had a Mosaic project night, led by Kathi.   I was home sick, so I didn't get to do it with everyone else.   So, I tried it on my own tonight.   OK, I'm a bit too "Type A" because I grew increasingly frustrated with trying to get my shapes to exactly line up - they wouldn't and didn't seem to be all the same size - supposedly 1" square.   Anyway - my attempts are shown below.

 This is my orignal fabric - a batik.

This is the new arrangement of all the fabric squares.   I left black showing between all the tiles for 2 reasons - to even out the squares and to make it look like stained glass.    I don't know if this is the intent of the project, but it is what I came up with.



Free Motion Heart

This is what I played around with this past weekend.   I love to free motion feathers (no I don't usually mark them) and I wanted something soft for Valentine's Day.   It is pink Sulky Rayon thread on white silk.   Obviously it still needs a binding, but I've been sick and not able to get to the store to buy more silk fabric.   Soon, though.....

Here is an overall picture and a closeup.

Postcards for RAFA

I seem to be lacking in a whole lot of productivity right now.   But, I did finish some postcards for RAFA for the Arts Council Show.  Members donate their postcards and the Arts Council sells them and retains the monies obtained for the cards.  Here is my small lot of cards that I finished....

 The whole grouping to the left.

On the right is one I started with

threadpainting.   I like it, but it

won't be finished in time to take

tomorrow.

I like using the vareigated threads.

(I am a thread junkie as much as

a fabric collector).   

I like doing feathers - as to the left; on the right is playing around

with fancy stitches on my machine.

 

Just some fancy scrolls and

crystals.

To the right - a Christmas fabric enhanced with gold metallic thread and crystals.

Good Bye To a Friend

A friend of mine in the RAFA group and our small QA group is moving away - to Texas.   I haven't gotten to know her all that well, but she asked each of us in the small QA group to make a page for a book she is compiling - to remind her of us.   I struggled with this - not knowing her all that well, not being able to interpret what I wanted in fabric...........and missing her good-bye party last Thursday.   I finally finished today (the 3rd attempt) and I like it best.   It says what I want her to know about me.

This is a sheet of scrapbooking paper
which I fused to a sheet of stiff peltex.
The paper is gorgeous and references
 happy moments of friends and family.

I told her first of all that purple is my favorite
color - referenced by the color of the sheet
and of the pen I used to write my good-bye.

  I said that I was a trained musician - piano.   I made the treble clef sign by making a stencil and then sponging copper lumiere paint onto an orange butterfly fabric.   (That fabric was to be my initial piece or page, but it just didn't work. 

I love butterflies - no surprise to anyone who knows me.      

In my art quilts, I am drawn to nature.   The small copper colored piece at the bottom says "Memories".  

I am happy with this, now that it is finished.

Baby It's Cold Outside..........but.........

My orchid just flowered............on the coldest days of the season, no less.   Crazy Flower!!!   At any rate, it is a welcome sight.  I love the orchids and am always amazed when they flower the next year!!   Two more to go - I hope they flower too!

Phalenopsis - isn't it pretty with its stripes!!!

Yes, I'm shooting into a window, but it REALLY IS that white outside.....I'm just saying........

The Chocolate Challenge is revealed!

Great art picks up where nature ends.........................Marc Chagall Quotes
Today our chocolate challenge quilts for our guild challenge were due and turned in.   What an awesome display of talent!   I can't wait to view the show in the Richmond Library in Batavia, NY during the month of February.   Everyone will be impressed (and hurrying out to our local chocolate shop, Oliver's Candies, to buy some chocolate.)

This is one of my entires - called "Melted Chocolate".  

 I did this entirely in silks.   I've always wanted to use

 silks because of their sheen and this doesn't disappoint.

 I like curved piecing (many don't), and it just conveyed

 the whole idea of stirring melted chocolate to me.

On the right is a closeup of the piecing and the quilting.

My other entry - called "Chocolate Covered Raspberries"   It is a mixed media piece
 using fabric, paper & yarns.   The idea just came to me when I accidentally tossed
 the pink circles onto a piece of brown fabric.  The paper around the edges is to
signify the fancy papers often found in a box of chocolates.

On the left is a close up of the swirl quilting in the brown fabric to signify the swirls on the top of a piece of chocolate.  

On the right is a close up of the circle quilting done in the border.

Circles have always intrigued me.

Chocolate Challenge work continues

Another teaser hint...........what's your best guess?

Do they look good enough to eat?

Saturday we turn in our chocolate challenge quilts.   I have two - this is a teaser for one of them..

Chocolate

There should be something revelatory about art. It should be totally new and creative, and it should open doors for new thoughts and new experiences...................Tracey Emin

I don't have any pictures right now because I'm working on the Guild Chocolate Challenge.   All can be revealed after next Saturday. 

But, I did like the above quote.   My piece I'm working on right now is quite different for me.......it is a new & creative idea using new techniques or materials.  It is being done with no thought as to how it will be received by anyone else (including a judge) - but only because "it came to me" while trying to do something else.  This is something new for me!

I may have 2 pieces for the show and the other is probably more traditional - for me................or is it???

Happy New Year & It's finally done!!!

This will be my last post of 2010.   I've done way better on blogging this year than last year.   Hopefully - next year will see even more posts (if anyone out there is reading them).

Finally done (well except for the hanging sleeve) is my quilt for the RAFA Arts Council show to be held in March.   Our RAFA (Rochester Area Fibre Artists) will have a display at the Rochester Arts Council office for the entire month of March.   Last year I didn't have one in their show - I was new to the group, didn't have time after it was announced - blabbity, blabbity, blabbity!  When I saw the book they published with all the pictures, I knew I wanted to be in it this year.   I almost wasn't - due to the move and all, I sort of lost my impetus and steam on finishing projects.   But the idea for my quilt was always percolating in the back of my head and a small voice was telling me I could still get it done in time.   So, I charged ahead, starting right after Thanksgiving - a month later it is done.

 This was the inspiration photo on the left!

The photo on the right was of the orange lichen

all over the side of the gorge.

 At the left is the completed quilt.  I used 2 different

fabrics, cut different size strips of each and put them

together Ricky Tims style.   I thought they fit perfectly.

On the right is a closeup of the leaves and the cheesecloth I added below the leaves.   The leaves are done entirely of thread - lots and lots and lots of thread.

There are bright orange beads to depict the orange lichen on the walls.

 

Another closer viewof the cheesecloth.

All in all, I'm very happy with this quilt. I tried some different techniques and am please with the texture they added.






My resolution for the new year is to find more time for play and for my creative endeavors.   I am grateful for my artsy friends who keep me inspired with their ideas and their support.    My wish is for a healthy and prosperous new year for all of us.

RAFA Quilt

My RAFA quilt continues to "take shape".   I seem to stop and procrastinate over each step - but, it's getting there.   If you don't remember, the theme for this show is "On The Edge" - portrayed anyway you want it.   I chose to portray the edge of the wall at Stony Brook Park near Dansville, NY.   It is an adaptation of a photograph I took.....orange leichen on the dark walls and a single plant with these leaves coming out between the stones almost at the very bottom.

I started out by creating these leaves.   They are totally done with threadwork.  Lots and lots and lots of thread - at least 6 different colors of thread to give shape & dimension & texture.   I LOVE them - they add so much dimension.   Here they are just pinned to the background.

Yesterday they were appliqued to the background.

I struggle to get a good picture of the beading.   I wanted to portray the orange lichen I saw on the walls, a friend suggested I add orange beads.   It's great, they are the exact color of the deeper orange in the fabric and they do add texture.   They just "wimp out" in a picture.

This is the most recent step - adding the stems to the leaves and then some cheesecloth, dyed with Dyna Flo.   I love what the cheesecloth does for the piece.   I may add some more along the bottom.  

I left this picture bigger as you might discern some of the beads in the orange parts near the top and left side.

Straight Line Quilting

It doesn't sound very complicated, but it adds such a nice dimension to a quilt - especially when curves in stitching or gradations of fabric are present.   I'm doing one such thing now.   Varying size strips of 2 batiks were stitched together - Ricky Tims style.   I started quilting the gradations, but then saw some straight line quilting and decided I wanted to try that.  It's not stitch in the ditch - it's straight lines across the quilt; 1/4 inch apart.

This is the general look with the 2 fabrics.   The color isn't exactly the colors of the fabric as the 2 different batiks tend to meld together better than this.

Another view - you can see some of the stitching - it looks crooked because of the gradations, but it isn't.   This is just to be a background for some dimensional leaves.   In the orange sections I will portray - lichen.   How?   I'm not sure yet - but I have a couple of ideas.   It needs to pop off the quilt and be dimensional.

Much better colors of the background - and these are the thread embroidered leaves I will be attaching.

Reverb10 for December 23.

Prompt: New name. Let's meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why?

Easy - my alter-ego name is "EJ - my initials without my last name!   Why?   I think it sounds like someone who is cute, spunky, energetic, creative, popular (everyone wants her around).  

Reverb10 for December 22

Prompt: Travel. How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year?

Easy:   My big travel was a cruise.   We were aboard the Carnival Glory for a trip to New England, Canada, Nova Scotia etc.   It was our 40th anniversary celebration with good friends of ours.   We had a fantastic, supper, wonderful, unforgettable time together.   I'd do it again in a heartbeat.   It was noteworthy as I went out of my comfort zone to travel in a different way - one where I gave up control, just different than I had done before........and most thought I would never follow through on.

Next year?    I don't know - we're hoping for another joint trip - maybe to warmer weather!!!!   Having said that - I'd still like to go to Alaska sometime!!!

Bathroom Reno is completed!!!

Not much to write about in fibre arts, music or gardening..........but........I do have a new bathroom.   When we moved the bathroom here was SO bad, I knew it was the first thing to tackle and I couldn't wait.   I jokingly said last night that "I finally have a bathroom that is worthy of me"!!!   Here are some pics - you decide for yourself!!!

Lovely isn't it..........NOT!   Notice the harvest gold tile - the oversized vanity and the general lack of any style!

Mind-renovation!   The tub is filled with the ugly harvest gold tile and the walls are right down to the studs!

Voila!!!!!!!!!   The new and improved!  
The color is called "Spa Pool"!   I knew I wanted it when I first saw it. 
 I'm so pleased with the whole new look!

RAFA Challenge

I'm working on my piece for the RAFA art quilt show in March, 2011.   It isn't really a challenge so much as a "call" to make a quilt for the show.

I posted embroidered leaves a few days ago - that is part of the piece.   I've been working on the background and have gone thru several ideas to bring forth the idea of "the wall".      After seeing the "Quilts=Art=Quilts" show at the Schweinfurth Art Center in Auburn, i decided I want to try a straight line quilting idea.   I was going to just quilt around the areas of the fabric, but changed my mind on that today.   (I am very good at picking out my quilting when I change my mind - I do it often enough).

I was going to show my art quilting group this work tonight and get some ideas, but the snow forced us to cancel.   Now I'm on my own!!

Anyway...........here are some more teasers!   The colors aren't showing up really great..........but..........it's the best I could get tonight.

The top strip of fabric shows one of the strips before any quilting.

The bottom of this picture is after adding the straight line quilting.   (there is a different strip of fabric in the middle).

Another shot of the fabric!

Another view of the quilting.   I just LOVE this thread - it looks way better than this picture and all the different colors in the thread are highlighting the fabric.   It is a "King Tut" thread - heavy - uses a heavy needle.









Reverb 10 - December 14

Prompt: Appreciate. What's the one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past year? How do you express gratitude for it?

This is another easy one!   I've come to appreciate my little group of art quilting friends.   They are always there to support and encourage me and they keep me going and make me think that I really can do this.

I try to express my gratitude for them by being available and offering to help if they are going thru a hard time.

Almost, almost!!!!

Today I'm painting.....(not onf abric either)............it's almost starting to be worth it!!!

The wall above the shower meets the ceiling!!












Reverb 10 - December 13 Prompt:

When it comes to aspirations, its not about ideas. It's about making ideas happen. What's your next step?

This is easy for me!!!   I plan to simplify my quilting and projects to those I really want to do and to enter some shows or challenges.   I'm currently working on 2 challenges - they will be art quilts for 2 shows.   One of them may go on to another show later in the year!

Reverb 10 - December 12

December 12 –

Body Integration This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn’t mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present? (Author: Patrick Reynolds)

Another hard one.   I reach this state most often during meditation or those rare times I do Yoga.   On a different level, I can almost reach this state when I am either creating my art or somehow otherwise engaged in viewing or appreciating my art.   Viewing Art quilt shows, programs, workshops etc. takes me to a new level - one where I am totally immersed in what I am seeing, how it is done, how I think I might do it, can I do it?   Do I want to do it?   If I am "in the zone" while creating - my quilts will "almost make themselves".   It's like I'm not doing it, it is just happening without a lot of conscious effort.

Not sure if this is the intention of this prompt........but it is what spoke to me.

Reverb 10

December 11

11 Things What are 11 things your life doesn’t need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life? (Author: Sam Davidson)

Wow - this is a hard one!

1.  Expectations
2.  Stress
3.  More Expenses
4.  People who make it all about them....
5.  Quilt Show Meetings   (not going to be on the next quilt show committee)
6.  Negativity
7.  Clutter   -  (Routinely going through possessions to weed out those I don't need)
8.  Excess Body Weight   - (Continuing on with Weight Watchers)

                   Most of these are routine, generic things that most people will say they don't need.   I am in a conscious desire to make my life simpler with more play time and less time given to demands of others.

Reverb 10

I just joined a new group called "Reverb 10".    It is a 31-day challenge - check it out here!!!   http://www.reverb10.com/the-story/   Be sure to read all of it and check out the prompts!   I'm late in starting, but I was allowed to sign up anyway.   You are to reflect on one word, a different word, for each of the 31 days of December.   Today's word is    Wisdom - as noted below!   You can reflect in any way you want, but are supposed to post it to your blog.    Some days I may create something - for today, I'm just writing!!!

December 10 – Wisdom Wisdom. What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out? (Author: Susannah Conway)

The wisest decision we made this year was to move from our older 2 story house, to a new one story ranch house.   It was a decision long in the making and not without its share of angst, sadness & joy.   We moved to that house 33 years ago, I raised both of my daughters in that house, we had remodeled that house and made it our own.   On the outside, it was the showplace of the block as I had turned my entire front yard into gardens.     I had remade the backyard into a nice oasis getaway for us.   So, why move you may ask?

The neighborhood had become horrible - neighbors next door were impossible to live with, the language was horrible, the abuse of their family members was horrible and it had become horribly depressing and we couldn't even enjoy our house or gardens in the summer.

So, we found a perfect little ranch we could afford and moved the end of October!   Admittedly it is for the best and we are much more at peace here, we have more room, the house is a newer home.........but there are days "I still want to go home"!    I don't do change well anyway and it still doesn't totally feel like my home.   I feel like I'm living in someone else's house.   That's the result of being in the former place 33 years and not doing change well.   But it gets better each day as I change this or that to make it suit us and as I decorate for Christmas, I find it more "homey".   We are now making it our home with changes here and there (including bathroom remodel).   I know in my head it is for the best - I know in my head it will be a nicer more peaceful place to live (it already is), but I'm still waiting for my heart to catch up.

I'm a quilter and specifically now, more an art quilter, and as I create more, I feel better here.   As I hang my quilted treasures and put them out, I feel better here.   I know it was a truly wise decision to have finally taken this step...........it is still "playing out".

'Tis Winter Now!!!

The first snow in my new house!!!    The whole street is just gorgeous - snow sticking to everything - a true winter wonderland.   I haven't taken any other pictures on the street, or in my backyard, but I should as we don't often get this kind of snow that stays clinging to the trees and bushes.

I don't have any quilting things to post right now, but I have been busy.   My "guild gift" is almost done - or at least one I can use for that.  I actually have a couple of things in the works and may have to pick between them.

Earlier this week my horoscopoe said I needed more creative time.   It said I didn't need more structure, I needed more playtime.   I decided to take that to heart and have been allowing some "creative time" each day.