Playing around with creatively

2011-07-23 19:39:13 +0000, a photo by janellcl on Flickr.

Do you sometimes just want to play with something different? Since I have been doing some blog surfing I have discovered the world of art journaling. Who knew playing with paint, ink, stamps, and leftover fabric would be so much fun???

Here is my most recent experiment. I love the colors and the use of brown ink with the stamps. Might have to try this on fabric next. What do you do when you want to play???

Adam and Tania's quilt-detail!

IMG_5112, a photo by janellcl on Flickr.

When we decided on gold metallic thread I knew we were enhancing this quilt's jewel tones. I had always envisioned using metallic thread but knew I didn't want to hand quilt with that. The machine quilting by Jenny Patterson of Cattails Quilting turned out so fantastic!

Adam and Tania's quilt

IMG_5099, a photo by janellcl on Flickr.

The deep jewel tones of this batik quilt are marvelous. I could look at it all day. Simple traditional pattern that just glows with the fabric selection.

Quilt finished!

I started this batik Courthouse step quilt about 3 years ago. The blocks were part of a kit for a wall-hanging. I think! Can't really remember! I got the top put together and decided it would be perfect for my nephew and his new bride. Unfortunately, it was going to be too big to ship to Spain. (They live in Spain.)

So I put it on the top shelf in my workroom and decided I would finish it when I could take it there myself.

The Spain trip is scheduled for September 18th-October 2nd. Can't wait!

So out came the quilt top and it went to the quilter lady with me. Metallic gold thread for the back and a variegated thread for the back. It turned out fantastic. I can't wait to take it to Spain!

Multi-media Prayer Flags in the Garden

2011-07-04 18:00:50 +0000, a photo by janellcl on Flickr.

I spent some time this weekend playing in my sewing room. I've been reading about prayer flags-or wish flags- made out of whatever you have around you. So I decided to try to make one and have fallen in love with this project!

All you need is an 5" X 11" piece of left over fabric-muslin or cotton or whatever. Fold over one end 3 inches and sew in place so it is 5 X 8 and you can thread cord or twine through the opening. Then look around you and start creating!

I chose one word for each-my Home flag has left over fabric from the Wizard of Oz fabric line, rick rack, buttons and a yo yo sewn on. I wrote HOME in big letters using some acryclic paint-markers would work too. Then take a piece of cord/twine and go tie it to a tree, trellis, whatever. Every time the wind blows the thought goes with it! What a fun project.

Kids and Grandma's Quilt

Kids and Grandma's Quilt, a photo by janellcl on Flickr.

Summer Time with Quilts!

The Fourth of July weekend always makes me feel like summer is going too fast. But this year we've had so much cold and rain that it's only just beginning! We are planning sleepovers with the grandkids, walks through area Farmer's Markets, and time spent just hanging out. Perfect!!!

Lately I've been seeing some great pictures from my family of our grandkids. Besides the great looking kids (not too biased, am I?), I've been seeing some of my quilts in use. I don't think anyone knows how that makes me feel. Each of the quilts I have gifted to my family was made specifically for the person it went to. Every quilt was hand stitched with thoughts of that person and hopes for their future. Whether they were wedding quilts or new baby quilts-they were stitched with love. To see them in use shows me the love continues.

How do you wrap your family and special friends in love? We have designed a lovely, simple quilt called Care Quilt that is perfect for fast assembly for a special person. You can see it here.http://www.lastingtreasure.com/