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Make it university

Laura54 — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 09:00:02 GMT

Do you have the new schedule for Houston Festival?

Forums gone?

Kathleen M Tenpas — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:17:05 GMT

I see some forums have disappeared. The General forum, where there were a couple of threads I was following seems to have gone missing. Is it just my computer?

Quiltie Postcard Challenge!!!

Belinda Spiwak — Sun, 10 May 2009 20:36:17 GMT

This is a challenge for Quilting Arts website members only!

Here is a chance for new art quilters to get their toes wet and for experienced art quilters to use up their scraps. There are only a few rules involved in playing:

1. Postcard must be 4x6" - orientation does not matter - landscape or portrait. You can finish your edge however you want.

2. Postcard must be quilted. You must have a quiltie sandwich consisting of fabric-batting/interfacing-fabric. Some sewing must be done on the postcard. Other than that, you can use whatever materials you want. It can be as mixed media as you want. Since it is a postcard, it should remain relatively flat.

3.You must reply to this postcard and insert your scan/pict of postcard in your reply to play in the challenge for the prize. See the little filmstrip icon? Click on that to load your pict. I will use the random number generator to pick a winner.

6. You may enter as many times as you wish but each entry but be a separate reply. When you are done with your postcard, you may do with it what you wish. You can send it to an art friend, send it in to Quilting Arts, or send it to me (so I can oooh! and aaah! over it). I love mail art. Email me if you would like to do that. I will send you one back.

Ohhhhh! I almost forgot! Not really. There is a theme to my postcard challenge. You have to pick a word that best describes you and that has to be somewhere on the postcard. Your postcard should somehow reflect that theme. My example will show you better than I can explain it.

Winner will be picked June 8th Prize is a goodie envelope full of fun things like Adirondack dyed muslin, screenprinted fabric, a bunch of great papers to use, and some embellishments from my private stash.

I used both fabric, burlap, scraps, and different papers to make this postcard.

I chose the focal image first. The skeleton fish is my own design that I screened myself using PhotoEZ. I layered pieces of background papers and fabric scraps until I got the colors and depth that I wanted. I used some dark green thread and straight stitched the layers together.

The bottom layer is two different pieces of overlapping fabric, heavy interfacing, and the backside of the postcard is dyed muslin. I did a zigzag stitch closing the all 4 edges a few times around. Pull the edges taut so you don't get it bunched up.

I added the word "tenacious" after everything was sewn on with some glue. I glued on some background scraps that I had done with watercolor markers awhile back to give it some contrast. The word was written with Sakura gelly roll black marker.

I added on the rusty metal hearts for some contrast since the left side looked a little naked to me. I decided I needed some spattering. I started out with some Tim Holtz alcohol inks. I put a puddle into a plastic container and dipped an old toothbrush into it. I used my finger and pulled the teeth of the toothbrush so the inks spattered against my postcard. You have to do this immediately because the alchohol in the inks dry very quickly. The spatter is also very fine. Whatever is lite colored and white will become pretty discolored very quickly. That is what I wanted.

At that point, I decided I wanted some white spatter. By the time I had decided that, the alcohol inks had long dried. I put a bit of white gesso into the same plastic container and dipped the tip of a stiff bristle paintbrush into the gesso. Used my finger to pull the bristles while it was over my postcard. Splatter was less uniform and got more splotches. Cool! Did that a couple of times. Let dry completely. Done.

BTW, you can do paint spatter by tapping paintbrush against another paintbrush if you don't want to get fingers dirty but spatter is bigger.

Don't forget to clean paintbrushes with gesso on there right away or they stay gunky. I am sooo bad about that.

One last thing about the theme, I chose the word "tenacious". I am big on follow-through. I will clamp on and not give up on something until I get something done. People joke about how I will follow them and get them when they are dead. Get the "I won't give up even when I'm dead inference" with the skeleton fish?

Feel free to ask me any questions or leave any comments. Belinda

Fiber art suggestions for NYC?

mlegault — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 19:22:24 GMT

Hi- I'm going to NYC for Thanksgiving and am wondering if anyone has a place they recommend I visit for fiber arts, mixed media, multi media art. Shows, galleries, stores etc. - any suggestions appreciated. We are going to the MAD Craft Museum.

Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving! Michelle

Found Object Stamping Challenge Going On!

Belinda Spiwak — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 08:42:01 GMT

Challenge is going on until February 28th. Have some fun and enter the challenge to get the chance to win one of 3 goodie bags!

Here is the link to the original post: http://quiltingdaily.com/forums/t/2736.aspx

London 2012 Olympic Mini Quilts Needed

steeple — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:31:09 GMT

Hi Ladies,

http://www.quilts4london.org.uk/

A textile, 'mini' quilt project for the London 2012 Olympic Games, was launched at the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham, England in August 2009. Worth a look. They will be given as gifts to each athelete in the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Catherine

Make It University!(TM) for International Quilt Festival/Houston has been posted!

Pokey — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:52:37 GMT

I just updated the Events & News page to include the MIU list of events for Houston. Hope you'll join me in making 35 ATCs to celebrate 35 years of Festival!

I also have shared what exactly the challenge will be for this upcoming Surviving the Runway on my blog!

Quiltie Shape Challenge - June/July 2009

Belinda Spiwak — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 02:45:58 GMT

Here is the promised challenge. This is a variation on something from a project that I am working on for submission for Quilting Arts. I have been reading messages from forum members who have been reading Quilting Arts but have not dipped their feet into art quilting quite yet. I want new art quilters to just have the chance to dip their big toe in without any fear and to have some fun while they are doing it. At the same time, experienced quilters and art quilters can adapt this challenge to what they do and to go wild! Since it is summer and we are all doing things like going on vacation and watching our kids (like me), this challenge will be for June and July so everyone has plenty of time to do one (or more, if you have the inclination).

Challenge Rules:

1. Quiltie Shape can be any size that you want as long as it is a quilt sandwich with seams/edges closed. You can close it any way you want - stitching is fine. I just closed mine with a zigzag stitch. Quilt sandwich is fabric, batting or something like interfacing, and then fabric on top.

2. Quiltie shape can be organic or geometric. Organic - occurs in nature. Geometric - think back to your days in school.

3. You can enter as many times as you like with as separate shape is in a separate reply. That means you have to put each shape in its own reply message. You cannot have more than one shape per reply message. You have to include the scan or pict of the shape in the reply post itself. You cannot refer to a separate link to a website or blog. A brief description of what you did would be nice. Just click "Reply" to this post and put your entry in this thread of messages. Don't hesitate to ask if you need help doing that. If you have never uploaded a pict/scan to a post before, I have brief instructions on how to do so here: http://quiltingdaily.com/forums/t/1434.aspx

4. Shape can be freestanding or sewn to a fabric background.

5. Comments are welcome. Please keep comments positive and constructive. Since replies are are put at the end of the thread, it would be nice if you would put the name or username that your replying to when commenting. I am guilty of forgetting that and have to remember to do that as well.

6. Deadline for challenge entries is Friday, July 31, 2009. I will pick a winner on Saturday, August 1, 2009, using the random number generator. The winner will a prize from me. Prize to be determined.

Have fun and don't forget to be colorful and creative!

This is my first quiltie shape. I finished it off with a felt circle and swirl.

This is my star shape. My kids keep saying it is a sad Patrick in disguise (from Spongebob Squarepants).

Shape sewn to a background. If you are just beginning to do art quilting, I would suggest starting out with a larger rather than a smaller shape. It is actually easier to maneuver the sewing machine around the edges of the larger shapes than the smaller shapes. At least , it is easier for me. Here, there is a layer of interfacing between the fabric and burlap. You could substitute batting here but I used interfacing because it keeps its shape better than batting.I didn't need to trim or worry about the batting shifting while I was sewing. Interfacing pretty much keeps its shape due to its stiffness. Batting is much softer and spreads out a bit when you sew on it.

above - batting shown against background so you can see it better. I buy this by the roll.

above is a strip of craft interfacing - it is rather thick. I use that for fabric books and when I want something to be able to stand up by itself. Fabric does not flop around when I use interfacing instead of batting. You usually do not use this when you make a quilt but would use it when you create fabric books, fabric ATCs, fabric postcards, stand-alone fabric artwork, and some surface design applications.

You can make your shapes any way you like, I am just sharing how I did mine (for those who want to know).

How I did my shapes:

1. Templates - I love templates! I drew shapes on a piece of paper or on manilla folders and then cut them out. Even though I am working on fabric, I don't just draw shapes on them freehand. I like to know ahead of time what my shapes will look like. I don't like to waste my fabric.

2. Quilt sandwiches - my equivalents to paper technique backgrounds. I have quite a few of them laying around for waiting for the right project. What I do is make them and then cut them up when I need them. To make a quilt sandwich, just pick out the fabric that you want and stick a layer of batting or interfacing in the middle. Remember to have the right side of the fabric facing out. I have had to rip out stitches more than once because I wasn't paying attention and the backside was facing the wrong way. If you are new to sewing, you can use some of the Heat 'n Bond stuff to keep your layers from sliding or use some pins. I don't bother. It does not matter if it is off a bit because you can trim the edges later on. When you are sewing the layers together, you can use the same color thread or contrasting color thread. I like multi-color or contrasting color thread. Do not go from all 4 edges and work in. Work from the middle and go out. If you work from the outside in, you will have wad of puff in the middle that can't be smoothed out. Smooth out the fabric and stretch it out a bit as you are sewing. It does not matter here if it bunches up a bit, it will be part of its charm here. You can see from my shapes that I have sewn all over my quilt sandwiches.

3. Once you are done with your quilt sandwich, use your template with a sharp pair of scissors and cut out the shape. If you are adhering the shape on top of something else, you can trace the shape with a Sharpie and cut it from that. If you have chalk

4. If your shape is going to be freestanding, sew the edges closed with a close zigzag stitch. If you are going to sew it onto something else, sew it directly onto that surface using the same zigzag stitch.

5. If desired, embellish or use inks, stamps, paints, markers, etc...to create your surface design.

6. Have fun and remember...it's okay to play!

AQS Knoxville quilt show and Quilts with a Kick Show

riverart — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:12:10 GMT

I just returned from the AQS show in Knoxville and had a wonderful time. As always I enjoyed the Ultimate Guild Challenge quilts the best. The merchants mall had many things to get the creative juices flowing. My DH went along and to his delight found a Bass Pro Shop only 15 minutes from our motel. I would encourge everyone to check it out at least once. This show is not as overwhelming as Paducha, it might be a good place to start if you have never been to an AQS show.

On our return drive home we stopped in Berea, KY to see a small gallery show called: Quilts With a Kick. Some of those quilts are outstanding! Quilts With a Kick are a group of quilters called the QAK (Quilts Artists of Kentucky). It is an affilate group of KHQS (Kentucky Heritage Quilt Society). They have been showing quilts in the Berea Art Council Gallery for 5 years. As you look at the show you will see the birds toward the bottom of the page. Those are a special interest goup that was invited to show along with the QAK group. Click on Quilts With a Kick, then scroll down and click for more quilts. My quilt is I See London, I See France. Enjoy the show:

www.bereaartscouncil.org

Last chance to win a resin kit in my blog giveaway!

Belinda Spiwak — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 04:02:04 GMT

I am picking a winner sometime later on today on my blog. This is a great resin kit. Go to my blog for details.

http://alteredbelly.blogspot.com/
Belinda

This is for Monday, July 20, 2009. The resin kit is from Little Windows.

My Solo Show is hung

Carole31 — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:52:01 GMT

I am having a solo show during the month of July in a small community near where I live. I have posted pictures on my blog if anyone is interested. the reception was held yesterday afternoon and I was very pleased with the turnout and the positive comments.

Carole

http://www.wyndhavenartandquilts.blogspot.com

Belinda's Goodie Bag for winning postcard challange

thegrita — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:23:47 GMT

I received Belinda's large envelope in the mail last evening. This was for winning her postcard challenge here on QA Mag site. I was ripping it open in no time. As you can see from the photo it was chuck full of Goodies as she promised. What a wonderful array of papers and fabrics, as well as beads and embellishments. I have not worked much in mixed media but maybe this is what will help get me to try something new. The funny thing is just yesterday morning I picked up a Collage book from my library, looks like perfect timing.

Attention! If you have loaded your profile page, I want to know...

Pokey — Tue, 05 May 2009 15:54:21 GMT

I am drafting a blog entry and want to highlight people who have built out their QA homepages (posted links, pix, shared info, invited friends, etc.).

If you have built out your profile page, post it here so we can all see (and so that I may contact you)!

Call for Art: Art Now for Autism

Pokey — Wed, 27 May 2009 18:23:36 GMT

I am posting this on behalf of Claudine Intner and hope that many of you will make art for this cause. Being a former teacher who worked closely with kids with autism, I know I'm far from alone in wanting to raise funds to overcome this.

Call for Entry: Art Now for Autism

Deadline: September 1, 2009

Online exhibit and sale: October 1-10, 2009

Autism is a growing epidemic. 1 in 150 children in the United States is estimated to have an autism spectrum disorder. The third annual Art Now for Autism will be held in October 2009. Artists are being asked to donate a small work of art which will be sold online in October 2009 to coincide with the Washington, DC Walk Now for Autism. All money raised will go to Autism Speaks. For further information on how to donate art, participate in the sale, and support autism research visit http://www.artnowforautism.com/

Meet the Moderators!

Pokey — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:31:45 GMT

Greetings Art Quilters from around the globe!

I wanted you to meet a couple of cool people who will be your moderators and assist our Quilting Arts team welcome you to the site, answer questions, and help keep this a positive, friendly, welcoming place.

Our first moderator is Cheryl, otherwise known as Muppin.

Doesn't she look like a lot of fun? (Picture taken recently at Make It University!(TM) at The International Quilt Festival/Chicago.)

Our second forum moderator is Belinda Spiwak, and you may recognize that name as she's written several articles that have appeared in both Quilting Arts and Cloth Paper Scissors. In fact she'll also be a guest in Series 500 of Quilting Arts TV.

Here's a picture of us together just before we taped her segment recently:

Hope you'll join me in welcoming our moderators!

Check out Melly's blog!

Pokey — Sat, 09 May 2009 12:25:09 GMT

In case you haven't stumbled upon it yet, Melanie Testa has a blog here on the QA site. (More Interweave author blogs coming!)

I love Melly's musings, and you can bookmark this page to read her blog entries. I especially love the blog crush entry.

Melly's Blog

My First Giveaway Posted on My Blog

Pokey — Sat, 02 May 2009 17:54:31 GMT

In thanks for those who've joined the QA Community and for those who may want to invite their friends to join, I've got a little giveaway goin' on in my blog. Hope you'll check it out! (Link below.)

Pokey's 1st Giveaway

New Share Your Mixed Media Photo Gallery Posted

Pokey — Tue, 05 May 2009 08:31:15 GMT

To meet the needs of our mixed-media artists who want to post their creations, a new photo gallery has been created for you! You will also notice that the "Share Your Art" photo gallery has been renamed "Share Your Quilt and Fiber Art."

When you post new artwork, choose the gallery that best suits, then make sure to tag your photo with your name. That way whenever someone clicks your name in the tag cloud in either gallery, both types of art will appear in your gallery.