Also at Spring International Quilt Market – Quilting Treasures “She Who Sews,” our first collection in a series of Handmaids™ products making their premier showing. Links below to see more.
A few Portland prep photos . . .
. . & our Paper Doll Chain applique template – show handout.
To receive an applique template and receive Handmaids™ product updates, write and follow us at our Handmaids™ facebook page.
Spring International Quilt Market is just around the corner and so is the “Woodsy Wonders,” fabric delivery – Soon to your local quilt shop.
At Market – Our Bugsy Wugsy quilt (below) will be featured in the Quilting Treasure’s booth #1216 – 1217 in Portland, May 17, 18 & 19 – Instructions available with fabric availability on the QT site. 
Fun fabric (quilt label) tags are included on the book panel.
Frogs, bugs & birds, who can resist?
McGreggor’s Market, high quality cotton quilt fabric from Quilting Treasures delivered this month and is available now in independent quilt shops. The combination of two classics, Home Grown and Grounded in Love were perfectly suited for a fun fresh, veggie collection. 
More about this collection can be seen on October’s post, To Market To Market & Quilting Treasures
I never tire of a snowy view and I’m enjoying the one we have now, just out the (Joy) studio window. My photos do not do justice to the Palm Sunday surprise, that we woke up to yesterday morning. It’s very Dr. Zhivago, and I love it! 
An unfinished trellis project is even pretty covered in God’s snow.
The shots above were taken just outside the work area where I was trying to focus on work.
However, I couldn’t resist the beckoning wintery scene, from taking another snowy hike this morning, to capture more of our frozen (in) time.
Below is a, some things just have to be said passage, and comes (like the spring snow) at the appropriate time too, Luke 19:28-40
The Rocks (or snow) Would Cry Out
28 And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” 32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. 33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” 35 And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. 37 As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
. . . And, just in time for spring. Putting to bed this morning our latest fabric collection. It is a new direction for me and one that I intend (God willing) to fully explore before leaving this subject matter. I am not at liberty to reveal any details yet but, it certainly feels good to lift my head from this one. The long and painstaking development of this group began last summer and work on it was interrupted by a variety of life and business events. So, re-gaing the creative momentum was tough at times and delayed the final results. Whew! Another one close to my heart. We’re looking forward to introducing this art group (Quit Market in Portland – sneak peek) so please, stay tuned.
Finally lifting my head from the drawing board, (and computer) yeeah!
hi·ber·nate (h
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bernre, hbernt-, to winter, from hbernus, relating to winter; see ghei- in Indo-European roots.]ber·nation n.ber·nator n.I had the pleasure of seeing my daughter’s new offices for the first time and helping to decorate her space over the weekend. The new building is great and half the distance she previously had to commute. And – She now has twice the space and two large walls of windows, a huge treat.
A little over three months ago, her work place experienced a fire and the building was not salvageable. So, after working three months from home, it was fun to see her get settled into the new digs. She works as a graphic artist and it was a relief to learn that her hard drive (containing the majority of the company’s design files) did survive. However, all other equipment, furniture and supplies including ruler, Pantone books, light box, stapler, nearly everything, etc. were purchased new. Nice! 
Above is one of her art pieces from a college assignment who is now keeping her company on the job. Decorating updates to follow.
Just for fun and practice, Syd and I decided to try a little video this afternoon. Our first so, the quality is not the best and I was using a hard lead pencil so, the detail is difficult to see until the end. This was one of the many drawing exercises in the book titled, “Fun With A Pencil” by Andrew Loomis. One of my dad’s. It was one of the first tools that I remember my dad sharing as he mentored me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEdtb4Tw4Og
Now, can anyone explain how I can upload this here from You Tube?
Whoa! Speaking of catching up, just before Christmas I made a major studio purchase that I hope will speed up production significantly. Although first, I needed to make room,
experience a little intimidation setting up, 
find the best (spot) home,
and begin to play. 
I was told it will be a little bit of a learning curve but then . . . smooth sailing? Hoping so.
Taking a block break during this process & finishing up on a new fun collection.
Catching (my breath) up from the 2013 Americas Mart Gift Show in Atlanta has been a challenge. Last week was spent finishing work in progress, organizing thoughts, materials, contact info and sending off new art for future (hopefuls) projects.
A few photos of trip highlights.
The eighteen floors of showrooms – looking up the escalator stairway from a welcome cafe resting spot.
Friday night’s annual artist meet up.
A chance meeting with pumpkin pals.
And an artist pal’s signings. This one with Robin Davis at one of the new (additional) Carson locations
Gathered inspiration for studio & home decor ideas.
Stopped by to see an old (licensee partner) friend.
Met new partners, Brian and Todd, the dynamic duo of Frames Plus, Inc. & enjoyed seeing three of my recent collections displayed in their showroom window. The framed print products will be available soon – updates to come.
Wheeled & dealed. 😉
Weathered a dicey ride home.
To a safe and sunny return.
The 2013 Amarica’s Gift Mart in Atlanta is scheduled for this week. I’ve gone back and forth seems like, a million times, on my decision to attend this year. I’m due to depart for there today. Still on the fence. I guess I won’t know until I’m out the door. God willing, is my guess. 😉
