by Great Joy Studio | Dec 31, 2012 | Spiritual
Snowy (Happy) New Year everyone!
Sitting cozy today, watching two to three predicted inches of falling (snow) flakes, a gorgeous (my favorite) site. Also reflecting, remembering and declaring resolutions. Setting goals, some spiritual and some personal for 2013. The typical thought process that we all share at this time of year I imagine. A peaceful day following the Christmas hub-bub is nice.
Images created for Quilting Treasures “Appointed Time” fabric collection, created a few years ago, seemed appropriate.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, the scripture that inspired the art group:
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
A good years end message, if you have time.
by Great Joy Studio | Dec 27, 2012 | Home Arts
Thank you for the many Christmas greetings everyone! I especially enjoyed seeing the art/design work on them as well, the salutations inside. Although I (confess that) have mixed sentiments about Santa (still like him though), I am glad that so many are still sending cards, a favorite at Christmas. 
Christmas Cards History
by Great Joy Studio | Dec 18, 2012 | Quilting & Fabric
LUKE Chapter two:
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
by Great Joy Studio | Dec 11, 2012 | Home Arts
Yikes, only two weeks until Christmas? What a relief this morning, to be able and take my list straight to the computer and begin clicking away. Now, on to a couple more projects. the wrapping, lots of wrapping, Christmas cards and oh yes, the cookies. Whew!
Oh what joy it is . . .
by Great Joy Studio | Dec 3, 2012 | Home Arts
Shopping and decorating has begun. Last week I stole some time to venture out just a bit, with my daughter on a quest for a specific item. Of course, that usually means that I find everything but. One (unexpected) fun find that I couldn’t/didn’t resist were these felt flake placemats. Snow in any form typically puts me in the holiday mode so, my decorating began with my favorite dinnerware group, “Hilltop Snowmen.”
Now . . . let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
by Great Joy Studio | Nov 26, 2012 | Art News, Quilting & Fabric
Quilting Treasures “Short and Stout” collection of fabrics delivered this week!
Created earlier this year . . .
. . to the finished goods, which are truly beautiful. Hope you’ll enjoy.
To get a better look of what was inside, visit us on Facebook:
Tidings of Great Joy, LLC
or click on the Quilting Treasures link at the top of this page.
Available in quilt shops now.
by Great Joy Studio | Nov 20, 2012 | Home Arts, Treasured Tuesday's
This week is dedicated to family and home arts. Lots of gathering, pie baking, table setting, crafting & stuffing!
Some of our typical Thanksgiving holiday traditions . . . 
S – O • T – H – A – N – K – F – U – L – L !
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Henny-penny, Cockylocky, Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, Turkey-lurkey, and Foxy-woxy!
by Great Joy Studio | Nov 12, 2012 | Art News, Quilting & Fabric
Working so far ahead for fabric and other product collections, release dates do not always allow an opportunity to share the work while in progress. In the coming weeks/months, I hope to incorporate some just for fun projects into my schedule that would provide an opportunity to show personal techniques and new ones I want to try, as well.
Our “Bakers Dozen” fabric collection is available in quilt shops now so, I thought I would post a few sketches done around this time, last year. You may remember my June 8th post when the fabrics were delivered to me. I confess – I was eager to show this beautiful batch of goods & goodies from Quilting Treasures. 
by Great Joy Studio | Nov 5, 2012 | Art News, Field Trip, Quilting & Fabric
A sincere thank you to Christy Starr, the proprietor at Helen’s Hen House quilt shop in Florissant Missouri. Christy was kind enough to invite me to share my fabric designs with customers at the shop’s annual open house event.
This was my first visit to the historic Meyers House & Barn where I spent a delightful afternoon. Upon my arrival, my mouth agape with surprise, I quickly realized it was going to be a FULL (Hen) house! Although filled with nervous excitement, my eyes attempted to take in all of the charming details of the building, grounds and goodies inside as I prepared to set up. The creaking wide planked floor boards added that much more to the authenticity and ambiance of the 1860’s building.
Christy and her staff had several projects made from three of my new fabric lines that were featured throughout the shop.
“Bakers Dozen” snowmen apron and table topper.
“Creepers Peepers” and “Sewing Seeds” in a welcoming room (prepared especially for me)!
This is where I enjoyed visiting with a wonderful group of creative and kindred patrons. Among them, I was surprised to learn, an art teacher, card designer, ceramic artisan, thread artist and quilt/sewing enthusiasts of course. For an added treat I became re-acquainted with a couple who have been collectors (former customers) of my hand painted Christmas ornaments made long before I broke into art licensing.
Stories of projects using my Hungry Animal Alphabet (& other former children’s collections) for grands were shared. One gram brought in a particularly special project for me to sign. I was honored, And grateful.
It was a privilege to be a part of such a warm group and inviting shop.
Congrats Christy!
Additional Hen House Quilt Shop photos on Facebook.
by Great Joy Studio | Nov 1, 2012 | Field Trip
A Welcome site – Just returned from Quilt Market Wednesday, Halloween, and in plenty of time for tricks and treats. Although the event was fun filled, inspiring and informative, our homecoming from this trip, was especially appreciated. Only two (of the thirteen) hours out of Houston, three deer dashed onto the (75 mph zone) interstate, right in front of us without warning. With no time to react, we struck one of the deer head on. The impact was traumatic. Fortunately however, we stayed upright, on the road and were able to pull off to the safety of the shoulder where we tried to settle nerves.
Looks like I caught a glimpse of our guardian angel’s wing in this photo:
I also think . . . we are finished with road trips for 2012.
The lighter side of our quilt market experience can be seen at
Tidings of Great Joy, LLC on Facebook.
