Hallowe’en ???

by | Apr 6, 2010 | Art News, Quilting & Fabric

Quite the switches to be thinking of witches when everyone is focused on Spring, eh? However, that’s just what we will be doing for the next few days while conjuring up some fun projects for an upcoming feature. (More details to come)

I had my first look at the final product when my “Hairraising Halloween” fabric arrived last week. This group of art was the most fun to create since I remember drawing Jack-o-lanterns like we all did as kids.

The fabric line is reminiscent of vintage Halloween decorations and has a classic retro feel.

The colors came out great, the images crisp and an all around great job and offering from Quilting Treasures.

In stores this summer, 2010

Embroidery designs also available as “All Hallows Eve,” through Amazing Designs

Fun Feature

by | Mar 30, 2010 | Quilting & Fabric

Baby Lock of Tacony Corporation kindly invited me recently to be a featured guest on their “Totally Stitchin’ ” site. To read the article you can visit www.totallystitchin.net The piece includes fabric and art photos from the “Tiny Tailors” collection. Amazing Designs, sister company, offers my machine embroidery designs and can be found at www.amazingdesigns.com

"Tiny Tailor" Dress Forms

The Weekend

by | Mar 20, 2010 | Collectables, Quilting & Fabric

Ah, the weekend! I’m sure that we all have our low moments following a tough week at one time or another. I’m feeling a little bit like this “once upon a time” little girl today. The illustration is in one of my favorite old books that I use to study as a child. I remember wondering if she was a little sad. Jodi, you commented recently about images capturing a mood, this one always has for me. Melancholy retreat.

I am going to find out what I can about this artist, Eloise. I cannot make out the last name on this however, I’m sure I have other pieces by her. Perhaps Burns, if anyone has information about the artist, please drop me a line? I’m drawn to a few really great women illustrators from the early 20s-40s and wonder how much of a struggle it may have been for them to obtain publication.

Feeling a bit beat up on the business front this week. I’m sure that I’m not alone as we all struggle in this current market.

Adding an update:

Is Eloise Burns, later known as Eloise Wilkin, Little Golden Books? The style looks so different but perhaps this is an early piece. This image reminds me a little of a Jesse Wilcox Smith, although I do not like to compare artist’s styles.

New Fabric?

by | Feb 20, 2010 | Art News, Quilting & Fabric

Hints about the new fabric line you ask? OK Charlene, I’ve been thinking about this and so, hint number one refers to the fabric line to be released at Spring Market. Inspiration for this line was taken from a passage of Scripture, familiarized to many, by a song made popular by The Byrds in the late 60’s. I have been scattering a few subtle hints about this line and the one I am working on now for Fall, throughout this blog since I began. Shhhhh! If I don’t get into gear, it isn’t going to happen.

Stuck

by | Feb 5, 2010 | Art News, Quilting & Fabric

from "Woodsy Wonders" fabric

Often when I commit to a project that I do not want to do, I become stuck.  This is the downside of working at your craft/skill that I do not enjoy.  Creativity, for me, the work flows so much smoother, almost effortlessly, when the art comes from within.  As a creative individual, ideas are always there, just beneath the surface, compelled to burst out through the lead of the pencil.  However, when forced, such as a commissioned piece, it is a continuous struggle and not the ideal way to execute a drawing. Luckily, I have another project that I can bounce back and forth to.  More, my cup of tea, or should I say coffee?

"Woodsy Wonders" - book panel

The bugs for instance, created one July in a hotel since we lost our electric & air conditioning, were pure fun to draw. The Woodsy Journal quilt was created and quilted by Joan Ford. www.humminbird-highway.com Project instructions can be found on the Home Arts projects page of – www.tidingsofgreatjoy.com

Woodsy Wanderer

The summer spent creating my Woodsy Wanderer group I remember walking, just a little closer to the Creator of all the little woodsy creatures.  That helps too!