Have you seen the new issue of Art Quilting Studio (Summer 2011) yet? Cynthia Shaffer’s colorful artwork featured on the cover is fabulous! Her layering of vibrant red, blue and pink elements over a gentle white background is so beautifully balanced.
Inside this magazine you’ll also see some “Quilted Fish” that I created.
Here’s a quick look at how this project started. I began by typing just a few thoughts that were swirling around my mind. And then I stacked some fabric pieces together, going by gut, letting things come together organically. I’m guessing that many of you like to do things this way too.
After most of the materials were selected, I moved on to assembling all these spare parts to create something like this…
It’s interesting to me that popular sayings from long ago still apply to modern day life.
Sometimes, in rare instances I choose not to use words at all…sometimes it’s all about just having fun. I think most of you must know by now how much I love to make pint-sized pincushions.
In this same issue of Art Quilting Studio you’ll see a couple of quilted houses that I made in the Patchworks section. These houses are made up of mostly recycled materials (wool sweaters, recycled dryer sheets, vintage trim, etc.) and each one includes a felted wool bird. BTW, isn’t it interesting how much fish are like birds? Fish with fins in water and birds with wings through the air…moving gracefully and with ease. I wish that I could do and see what they can, even for just one day.
If by chance you’re not into sewing and enjoy making cards and such instead, inside the new issue of Take Ten you’ll see many fast (10 minutes or less) and fun ideas.
Here are a few cards that I made using pieces of Peat pots along with some vintage wallpaper bits and other miscellaneous scraps.
Of course I had to use some words that bring to mind good thoughts.
Wishing you all many opportunities to “grow” and “bloom”, inside and out. And may you swim or soar towards all good things.
15 Comments, Comment or Ping
i love all of your good things,
which are many. xox
June 4th, 2011
Wonderful work and interesting post……love the little flower pot:)
Have a great weekend…..
June 4th, 2011
Such adorable projects Becky. I love all the neutral tones you used.
xo
jeanne
June 4th, 2011
Love the quilted fishes Becky! You always come up with the most adorable art. I just got Somerset Gallery & Sew Somerset yesterday, and I can’t wait to get Art Quilting Studio. My weekend should be filled with nice weather, watercolor, reading, & a peek at Mariners baseball! What are you up to? Happy weekend to you!
June 4th, 2011
You have really been busy and creative my dear. I am loving your pieces and how you describe them. You really bring your art to life. I must get these publications. Congratulations…double! Happy weekend…
June 4th, 2011
Congrats Becky – lovely work all of it! I especially love the fish!
June 4th, 2011
“in rare instances I choose not to use words at all” – haha, that could be me! I couldn´t live without words, but sometimes a piece of art doesn´t need a comment …
June 4th, 2011
Inspirational, as always! Beautiful!
June 5th, 2011
Lovely! I’m sure the Stampington & Co. folks thank their lucky stars for your contributions. :o)
June 5th, 2011
Melody, what a really nice thing to say, thank you. And actually, I feel like the lucky one (and grateful too for the opportunities to share and contribute.)
June 5th, 2011
I love the flow and connections of sky, soil and sea. I love words, but sometimes not necessary to convey message. I look forward to seeing your art in these publications. Lovely!
June 5th, 2011
So many fun things here, Becky. This feels really playful and I like that!
June 5th, 2011
Oh Becky, you know I say this all the time, but I look at these and it just brings peace and calm to me. Wish my stuff was more like yours!!
June 6th, 2011
so fun. love the fish. the use of a variety of materials. makes me look at things in a different light. thanks so much for sharing.
June 6th, 2011
My favorite is the little fish. Your last few posts have been so inspiring. Now I have 2 magazines to pick up. I’m still trying to get my hands on some wool items to try making some felted hearts. Your canvas pieces from the last issue of Somerset Studio are so sweet. Thanks so much for sharing.
June 7th, 2011
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