Traditional

A couple of weekends ago my "traditional" quilting buddies gathered for another one of our in-town day retreats. It is always a lot of fun! The last few times we've done this I've worked on art quilts, trying to meet deadlines for shows. This time I opted to work on my batik BOM blocks (from last year!) and this quilt will be for me! YAY! This same group goes on a couple of out-of-town weekend retreats a year and everyone brings a quilt from home to put on their bed. Other than the queen size quilt I sleep under - and I can't take that one...hubs would be left at home uncovered -the only other ones I have are the construction tractor quilts I made my boys when they were younger. Now, granted, I do love construction and all (ties to my day job) but I have felt a little silly with that on retreat! So, if I can keep working on this new one I will have something that is "me" to travel with. It looks a little muted in these pictures, but it is really BRIGHT!

Here's where I started the day...auditioning setting fabrics and cutting sashing...

And by the end of the day I had an almost completed top. I still need to add borders, which I'm still contemplating. Hopefully I won't take forever to decide....

These are 12" blocks and yes, there are only 11 in the quilt. I did do all 12, but I thought one of them just didn't fit with the rest. It has a future as a Christmas pillow. :-) I have to give a shout out to my friend who helped me do the math on the setting triangles to keep the bias in the right place. Thanks Lisa!!

Honored

It was thrilling enough just to have been juried in...now this (scroll down the page on the link, you'll see what I mean). I'm speechless!

:-)

Renewal

The last couple of weeks have been rough...the kind of weeks that sear the very edges of your soul. I've been overbooked, under rested, stretched too thin with my back up against a few too many walls and a painful dose of conflict thrown in for good measure. So, having found myself with an unexpected free hour I decided to take a long, leisurely stroll through Reynolda Gardens. I haven't done that in a very, very long time, but I used to go there often in my younger, single days and sit on this very bench to contemplate life and refill my spirit.

This was a gorgeous day, with the sun shining but not too hot. Being late morning there weren't many people there, so it was a perfect respite from the load. I took the chance to play with my new camera and had a great time looking for beauty and inspiration. Of course, here, one does not have to look far...it is all around.

There is a huge formal rose garden, one of my most favorite parts, and the roses are just coming into their own. Cliche, I know, but it really does help to stop and smell them! It takes time to meander through the pathways and really see each variety. On past the roses, the vegetable and herb gardens are progressing nicely. I can't imagine the number of hands it takes to tend it all.

I laughed out loud at this one...we do grow some unique things here in the South. And to think, I had mine the hard way....

I happened upon this bridal shoot and it was so beautiful I couldn't help but snap a shot myself. What a perfect setting to capture those special memories! I hope I didn't distract them.

I wonder if anyone has told her about the children's garden? :-)

My last stop was to wander through the greenhouses. I love them almost as much as the outdoor gardens. Lots and lots of cacti with their great textures, and the most amazing collection of orchids. I took more pictures than would be practical to post here...suffice it to say that the time spent there was just what I needed. I came away refreshed and renewed with a big collection of new photos for inspiration.

I especially loved this orchid...it looks like an angel...

Beecassos

The Beecassos are having their second exhibition of unique art quilts at Chelsee's, on Trade Street in the Arts District, from now through July 1. First Friday is tomorrow night so come on out and see what we've done!

That's my work on the cover of Community Arts Cafe (insert squealing, clapping and cartwheels here!!) Click on the link to read more about the Beecassos, and to learn more about arts in the Triad.

Spring for Art!

The last two days have been a flurry of activity as I have been designing the hanging of Associated Artists Spring for Art. Mark your calendars for this Friday, May 29 beginning at 7:00 and join us for our spring fundraising evening of fabulous food, wine, music, and of course ART. Lots of it...over 100 amazing pieces! Tickets are available in advance by calling the gallery or may be purchased at the door.

Here's a little sneak peek...one of my entries, "Fire Tree" which is needle and steam felted wool, soy silk and Angelina fibers, hand beaded and stitched to canvas.

Arts in Education - the final workshop

My last workshop for the Arts in Education program of Associated Artists was held at Southeast Middle School, where we did Positive/Negative surface designs on fabric. Positive, by adding to the surface with fabric paints, and negative by taking away from the fabric with discharging. It was a small group, but we had fun and I had creative kids who did a great job!

I have really enjoyed presenting these workshops. Having art in the public schools is very important to me and I'm glad I got to be a part of this Arts Council grant program.

Angelina Art

This fun little piece was made by Wanda Norman, who took my Awesome Angelina class at Sew Original in Winston-Salem, NC. It is titled "The Midnight Sun." Nice Job Wanda!

I will be teaching the class again at Sewingly Yours in Lewisville, NC on June 20 from 1-3. It is a fun, no machine required, hands-on class.