Anybody Home? 05/12/2012
Apparently no one else is going to add any new information here, so I guess it's up to me....funny that---no one will post a new blog for me, huh? Blogs are interesting---sometimes you just don't have anything to say, and sometimes it just seems like too much effort to load pictures, make comments, edit, and then hope that when you push the publish button, all will not be lost. I'm not sure if I am just lazy or overly busy....both I suspect. Still, if I expect folks to find something of interest here, then the onus is on me to produce something that might be of interest. So first a follow up.....This is the final result of my soy wax/thread play experiment. Not quite what I had imagined it might be, but I think it is adequate for what it is....  Kind of washed out color-wise. but this shows the quilting. The actual colors are quite bright. I extended the grid into the quilting, added some pebbling and a bit of other fill.  This is what I have finally come up with for a quilting design on my next quilt.....I have one more border to put on and it will be ready to load on the machine....If my quilting comes any where close to looking like this, I will be pleased, I think. This quilt has to be ready for our guild show in June, and some time between now and then, we will be moving into our new house...oh, fabrous joy.  And finally, the color pallet for my next quilt....it will be mostly white with very pale sea foam green, turquoise, bottle green, etc. Very tiny accents of the bright magenta, chartreuse, citron. I haven't a clue regarding the design yet, but something pushing the envelope in terms of non-traditional...maybe influences of the Arts and Crafts movement or the new "modern quilt" movement. I love these colors....they are so serene and peaceful---to counteract my life which is awesomely busy and hectic. These colors offer respite, and rest. A time for reflection and introspection. A time for wondering and seeking. I won't get really serious about this project until after we get settled a little...maybe later this summer. I also have another detailed work I want to start.....classic red and white, but not classic in style. We'll see how that turns out..... And so, life goes on.....Soon, very soon, we will be getting into our new home and then you will have to suffer through looking at pictures of the house! If an entry once a month constitutes a blog, then I guess this is a blog. Otherwise, perhaps it's just a way for me to record what is going on in my life! At any rate, life is good. In fact it is better than good as I continue to travel on my journey in this magnificent craft of quilting. May your Spring days bring you a sense of renewal and growth.... Ta Ta for now....Peggy 2 Comments Always a surprise 03/13/2012
Well I have learned a few things....First of all, never have firm ideas of what you are doing! After too many hours of making the thread lace, I determined it was time to quit and get this thing put together, especially since I want it done for show and tell next week! The thread work had drawn up quite a bit, so I decided to cut out all the negative spaces. That still didn't release the tension enough, so I moved forward with blissful ignorance. Into the water it went. That worked fairly well, except then I had a wad of thread! Yikes! Just keep moving forward---it can't get any worse. I began manipulating that mass of thread and eventually the design began to reappear. Ahhh, sigh of relief. It still isn't quite as I had envisioned it, but not bad. I almost lost the curving grid, so had to do some referencing to previous pictures to get that curve back any where near the original design.  I have it pinned onto foam core board while it dries. Hopefully there is still enough Solvy in it to help it hold its shape when it is dry. I haven't a clue how I am going to attach it to the base, but heck, I haven't known what I was doing with this from the get go, so why should I have a clue now? So these are things I have learned: 1) be more accurate with the initial drawing. 2) use a different color of marker. I used a permanent black marker. With that purple thread, I wasn't able to assure that I had connected my threads. Some of the lace isn't anchored very well which caused some gaps. I just couldn't see that with the black marker. Not really a big deal in this case; I'll just incorporate that into the next step~~whatever that may be. 3) mark the design onto the base fabric as well for reference 4) Do not dissolve the stabilizer until the lace is anchored onto the base fabric. My reasoning was that I didn't want all that residue in the base, but I think that was a mistake. Ever onward. I wonder what surprises are in store for me next? I think I can see some pebble quilting in my future, but since every step has had a life of its own, I'm not committing to anything! Stay tuned........ Constructions 03/11/2012
I have decided that I am a very poor blogger. I go to others' sites every day, and find new and exciting entries. Me? I'm lucky if I get this done once a month! It isn't that I can't find something to share---I have lots of things that I would like to share. I just don't seem to find the time and the energy in the right combination to get it done! So...this is what occupies most of my time these days. The lower front of the house is my studio. I am so spoiled. 
I love the wrap-around porch. And the spectacular views. 
I have gotten some wonderful abstract pictures of the construction: We were installing a sun tube; I was up on the ladder, and just couldn't resist taking some shots. Soon, this view will be gone, covered with sheet rock and filled with insulation. 
 I have also been doing some construction of a different kind. I took a soy wax batik class last fall, and this was one piece that I particularly liked. In fact, I liked it so much that I stuck it in the pile along with all the other fabrics that I like, but don't use, because if I use them, then I won't have them to use.....I'm guessing I'm not the only one who understands that! Recently, I pulled it out trying to figure out how I could use it in its entirety without cutting it up, and decided to try my hand at thread lace. I drew out the design onto Solvy stabilizer and began the long, slow process of making lace!   After about 10 hours of lace-making~~~It is almost zen-like....I totally space out while doing this which isn't all bad! The next step is to add some accents in yellows, red, and oranges. Although Solvy is a stabilizer, I have discovered that the stitching has distorted it some, so once I am done making the lace, I will cut out a lot of the unstitched areas to release the tension some before applying the piece to the fabric. Right now the plan is to quilt using the grid as a guideline. We'll see where that goes. One more close up for you.... 
So life moves ever forward...construction continues...always something new, and always something good. I hope that you have good things in your life that bring you joy and pleasure... Ta ta...Peggy Simple Pleasures 02/20/2012
 Last evening we dropped in on friends who invited us to stay for a supper of pancakes. I could not believe my eyes when she pulled out the eggs, and lo and behold there was this beautiful array of rainbow-colored eggs. Of course, I have seen colored shells before, but this stack of broken shells just called to me. Luckily, I take my camera with me everywhere, so the next thing you know I'm taking shot after shot. Isn't it funny how we forget to appreciate the little things in life...the simple pleasures? Every morning we waken to the sound of geese flying overhead as they approach a nearby stubble field. Their honking is glorious, and I love hearing them... As a child when I would see anything that thrilled my little soul---a flower, or a rainbow, or the sound of the birds--I was sure that it was a special gift just for me. And you know what? I still feel that way. I am surrounded by the simple things in life that bring me joy and pleasure.---the sunset with its rays slicing through the clouds turning the sky to a watercolor of glorious golds, purples, blues, grays---the way the bare branches of a tree create unusual negative spaces---hearing a bird call just as I step out the door---bacon frying in the pan--all evidence of just how much God loves and cares for me, and wants me to find pleasure in his creation. Some more pictures for you to enjoy..... 
 Who would think that something so simple as a stack of broken egg shells could be so beautiful? And,what, you may ask, does this have to do with quilting? Well, nothing, and perhaps everything. I most certainly am not planning on making a quilt of eggshells. But I sure do like that color combination...and I like the lines that I am seeing---the smooth shell broken up by the cracked areas...now that has some possibilities for some abstract work, perhaps. And I love how the light reflects off the smooth exterior shell and wet interior of the shell differently. I also believe that all observations we make help inform our art work...we may not reproduce something, but a line here, a space there, and a texture over there, all combine to influence our decisions. But most of all these simple pleasures remind me that all gifts are of God. Large or small, they are a part of his design. Whether I am taking a picture or making a quilt, they serve to remind me of God's glory and his hand in my life. Last night we shared a simple meal with some dear friends. Life truly does not get any better than that...... Getting Things Done 01/29/2012
Writing a blog should be an easy thing, but I never seem to find quite enough time to sit down and do it!....there is always something that takes precedence, like filling book orders or running around making house building decisions.... I'm not complaining, mind you, my life is great, but oh, so busy. And I seem to get side tracked so easily...an example: the other day I wanted to put some time in on a quilt that I have started. It's been in the works for at least a year, probably more. I set aside a day where I was determined that I would work on that quilt and nothing else. But, first, I should check the blogs that I follow....that's only two or three, and they don't always post every day so that shouldn't take too long......then there are the two lists that I belong to....gotta see what's new there....Oh, yeah, should also check my email in case there are more book orders....there are. Good....I'll fill those first. Haven't stepped foot in the sewing room yet, and it's pushing late morning. Just remembered that I haven't gotten dressed nor performed morning ablutions, so head to the bathroom....oops, forgot to make the bed.....back to the bathroom, and look at the sinks! YIKES those need cleaning, and so does the tub. Now, where was I? Oh, yeah....getting dressed!  As I passed through the living room this is what I saw---my ficus is going through its Autumn stage. I don't know how many days ago it was that I gathered the latest dropping of leaves into this pile---all I have to do is scoop them up and put them in the trash....do you think I can get that done? Evidently not. Maybe today...just as soon as I take some time to write this little blog entry. I wonder how long that will actually take? And so it went all day. I wistfully looked into the sewing room as I headed to the kitchen to fix dinner! My poor quilt still sat sadly on the floor waiting for me to come make it whole. 
...So tell me, do you have days like this, too? Please, please, say "yes" so that I won't feel so badly. I probably wouldn't mind it so much, but my whole life is like this these days. I have the best of intentions, and really do get a lot done in a day, but just not the things that I set out to do. Life is good.....it's mid-afternoon on a beautiful winter day; I've been to church, had lunch and have the house to myself....maybe I'll just go put some time into this quilt,or at least clean up that pile of leaves, or maybe finish the book bags I am making for my grandbabies for Valentine's day...right after I check my email to see if I have any book orders, and see if anyone has posted new topics on line, and I check out the websites I like to follow....I may even take time to go to the bathroom! Ta Ta For Now Up and Running 01/15/2012
Well, at least I hope I am up and running. I have just spent quite a bit of time creating a PayPal account and adding a new page so that anyone who so desires can order an autographed copy of my new book, Create Your Own Dream Feathers.  No one warned me about all the behind the scenes work involved in writing a book! It's going to be worth it, though. It's all so new and exciting....and it was fun enough that I have a couple of more ideas in the works as well. We shall see where that takes me, if anywhere....  I am pleased with the back cover. The editors have made it sound like a very interesting book.....I hope it is! New Year 01/03/2012
 It is that time of year again. Time to be taking stock of the past and planning for the future. We all do it: think about resolutions. And every year, most of us forget about them within the week. This year I have been reading about the idea of adopting a word or phrase as inspiration rather than listing specific tasks. I like that. I like the idea of adopting a mindset or an attitude rather than setting myself up for failure with a list of resolutions. I created this journal page to gather some of my thoughts and see where it might take me. The most obvious words are those like Create or Dream. And while I like those concepts, over the years, for me, they have become overworked and trite. As artists we all create; we all dream. So what is it that I want my art to convey in this year of 2012? The catch words that continued to fill my head were those like dance, rhythm, praise, rejoice, glorify, and it occurred to me that what I really want to do this year is be intentional in recognizing God's working in and through me. I want my quiet faith and joy to shine through and inform my work this year. That does not mean that every piece will be obviously exuberant and colorful, but rather that I want to be intentional in remembering that my gifts and talents are indeed gifts from God. As I work, I want to always bear in mind that I would not be able to do what I do without the grace of creativity, and somehow, through God's grace, my work will become a source of inspiration and pleasure for those who see it. Even if the viewer does not identify God's hand in the work, I want it to inspire and please; cajole and nudge.  The journal is one that I use to keep track of various ideas, dreams and references. I don't usually paint or adorn this journal. It has a few sketches in it , but mostly it is wordy. I got this notion to just add color and design. I had no pre-conceived ideas; I just wanted to play and then use the page for jotting down my word explorations. My husband thinks I created a weird frog! I guess I did, but not by design. And if I had wanted to draw this weird frog, I wouldn't have been able to do it! How funny is that?  On the first of January, I started these journals for my grandchildren. Zora is 5 and Linden is 3. For some time, I have wanted to write letters to them both that just tell of my everyday life....nothing profound, just the mundane. I considered many different ideas including just writing letters and sending them to the kids, but I wanted something that they could keep and perhaps cherish someday. I finally purchased these engagement calendars. I applied gesso to the first page. There is a little Titan Buff added as well. I didn't fully obscure the print, but knocked it back enough that I could write on it. I came back in with watercolor pencils after I did the journal entry. I don't plan on writing every day, or even every week for that matter, but just as the notion takes me. I want to share things that might be of interest to them-----anything that has a motor or motion for master Linden, and all things girlie for Princess Zora. I am not sure when I will give the journals to them. Perhaps at the end of the year, or perhaps when they are older. Time will tell. I know that Zora would read the entire journal, but I don't think it would have much meaning to young Linden yet. On the other hand, their mother is a treasure, and I know that she will preserve the journals for the kids whenever I finally decide. The trick right now is to just be disciplined enough to write in them on a regular basis. So what will you do with resolutions this year? Are you going to make a list? Adopt a word or phrase? I must say that I still don't have a single word that I want to use as my inspiration. For now I will just refer back to my journal from time to time to remind myself that I want to Praise and Glorify God and Rejoice in this blessed Gift of art. Ta Ta for now, and Happy New Year Button, Button, Who's Got the Button? 12/20/2011
My goodness. It has been nearly a month since I last posted! Not that it really matters, since I am pretty sure I am the only one visiting my website! Still it is good discipline for me to capture my thoughts, so I will prattle on as if I had an audience and good sense! I have just finished my first online class. It was a Button making course given by Karen Ruane.  Here are the first three buttons. The fabric is a cotton/silk blend. Stitches used were Web Stitch, Colonial Knots, Bullion Stitch, and Thread Weaving with Buttonhole Stitch.  Cutwork. The base fabric is linen, embellished with Colonial Knots and Buttonhole. The inserted center is a simple cotton with Web stitch.  I'm not sure how I will finish this one. It's too large to fit on the button form. I may include it as an insert in a larger piece. Stitching includes Colonial Knots, Buttonhole lace, Web stitch, and Bullion stitches. Linen was used for both the base and the insertion.  Here we have a variation of the Dorset Button. Usually, the Dorset Button is done on a small, round base with white thread. I wanted to experiment with this rectangular shape. As with all the buttons, I learned a ton of what to do, and what not to do!  My whole body of work thus far. You can see a Ball Button in the upper center, and to the right of that is another Cutwork piece with Vintage metallic lace. It was stitched with rayon thread. I found the rayon thread to be very fussy, but I like the sheen. This has been a great experience for me. I haven't done fine needlework in years, and I found it so rewarding to rediscover this art. If you would like to see more work by the other students in this class you can go here. Birch Tree 11/26/2011
Well, I finally finished my quilt. It doesn't really take much in the way of explanation. I am pleased with the result. In fact, I am quite surprised with the result! Sometimes things just work out in spite of myself.  Here, the lone birch stands in the brilliant glow of the late afternoon sun.  The quilting is a variety of swirling motifs in the upper half that morphs into pebbling in the foreground. 
Making Paper 11/10/2011
Recently, I mentioned that I belong to a fiber art group called TARTS. I have spent some time making the tissue paper-mache for this month's project.  I began with plain wrapping tissue paper and facial tissue. Each layer is brushed with a diluted white glue. I was wanting to suggest a birch tree, so added a cool black and white striped tissue paper in the second-to-last layer of tissue. I tore it into small pieces, twirled it in my fingers and placed it on the wet layer. I wanted to create texture, so there are bits of dried flowers (included in the kit), black pepper, and fine metal shavings included in the layers. They have provided the desired texture as well as color.  I am the original Impatient Artist. I couldn't wait the several days that it may have taken for the piece to dry, so I laid it on the heating register. What was cool about this is that the forced air from the heating duct, made the edges dry faster than the center, and subsequently, the center became more rounded---more like an actual piece of bark! That was serendipitous to say the least.  This close up shows a little better detail of the trapped bits of tissue paper, flower petals, and pepper. It's a little difficult to see, but on the right hand side by the extended twig, you will see black spots. I used water-soluble oil pastels to highlight some of the dryer ridges, and to add shadows on either side of the trunk. Where the paper was dry, the pastels created the spots, and where it was still wet, I used my finger to blend the color for a shadow. I will be combining this with another experimental piece that I started a couple of weeks ago in a Cutting Bee that I helped organize. Yesterday was spent making background and doing a lot of thinking on how to combine this paper element into the fabric background. Most of my art quilts are the result of playing with new techniques and incorporating unusual materials. TARTS keeps me focused and prompts me to produce at least one small piece most months. When was the last time you played? Just for the fun of experimenting and seeing what will happen? Find time to feed your soul with inspirational books and great websites. Ta Ta for now, Peggy | 
AuthorIn addition to my first love of quilting I am also active in my church and enjoy singing in our community chorus. My loves also include my two little grandchildren~~~~Zora Rose who is 5, and Linden Rustle who is 3. ArchivesMay 2012 CategoriesAll |
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