Finished 12.10.09 – My art-quilt based on a photo around the stunning ARKAROOLA in South Australia.

Reflections surrounding Arkaroola

Following a recent workshop tutored by the lovely Caroline Sharkey, I decided that it was time for “bum down – head up” at home – forget the dishes, shopping, housework (well as much as I could get away with) – and…… I am pretty pleased with the result that came from my sewing room. Using one of my photographs taken at Arkaroola during last year’s visit, I cut lots of my hand-dyed fabrics into tiny snippets and after some playing around with fabrics and water, this is what I produced.

It’s not perfect I know – but at least I am working towards achieving the impressionistic perspective that I so much love.

More practice is needed….so watch this space, and see how my talents grow. I hope to not disappoint you (or myself).

Caroline Sharkey’s workshop was magic

SILLERS LOOKOUT, in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia.

Two “if evers”…..

If ever you get the chance to attend one of Caroline Sharkey’s workshop, DO.

If ever you get the chance to take the Ridgetop Tour from Arkaroola, DO….you will end up on top of the peak of Sillers Lookout. Believe me, you would never forget the breathtakingly daring (the tracks make for interesting driving), and the ozzie scenery is stunning.

Now getting back to earth with you…..Attending Caroline’s 2-day workshop – ” Painting With Fabric and Threads” was a great experience. Althgough the technique was not new to me, actually DOING IT and applying it to a favourite image, it meant we (the class) learnt a lot from our teacher and also from each other. We were at Patchwork 33 situated near Wyee which offered peaceful countryside surrounds, ducks wandering past the window, and a shop where purchases once again just seemed to happen like osmosis!
Caroline fielded all our questions without a second glance, even my “dumb” ones, and her enthusiasm to develop our skill was unrelenting. And to top it off, humour was a big part of the day too. THANK YOU Caroline.

Sillers Lookout is my outcome from the two days – it took only a few extra hours at home, to finish it. I just love it – and am looking forward to incorporating new learning into future landscape pieces that are magnets to my imagination.
Why not take a look at Caroline’s website and check in to do a workshop with her? See www.carlinesharkey.com

Wilpena Spirit Girl

Wilpena Spirit Girl POSTCARD

I have been given a new title! Intriguingly, it is one that fits my secret inner dormant psyche! And that is not all….look at the wild costumery – I love it!

Kaite, my multi-talented fibre friend sent me this postcard which arrived in my mailbox today. Not only was it a surprize to find this left by the postie, the astonishingly surprize element is the spirit that has emerged from within this gift. Kaite has somehow hooked into my love of the Flinders Ranges land and its people, by creating this gorgeous dolly – all decked out with beaded hair, wired necklace, sparkly anklet, and stunningly beautiful “clothing”. Do take a look at Kaite’s blog – click on her Yarngarden site – I am sure you will delighted to see more of her work.

What a joy this is to my psyche. Mmmmmm….maybe I need to look at “refreshing” my wardrobe…..is it time for more colour?

Holidays that create colourful memories.

Photographs taken whilst holidaying with my husband in the Flinders Ranges, especially at the top end at Arkaroola, continue to insprire my passion for creating landscape quilts for walls. More than slightly obsessed with creating impressionistic views at this location, here are my two latest versions.

Gorgeous hand-dyed silk hankies made by my artist friend Jennifer D became incorporated into one of these art-quilts. They were constructed with hand-dyed and purchased cotton and silk fabrics, silk fibres, yarns, and beads. I am especially fond of threads by Superior – their variegated King Tut and Rainbows do a beautiful job. My machine went on an adventure with the bobbin work using much thicker threads than I usually use, and to my surprize … it was a lot easier than anticipated.

I would love to hear your thoughts about these two art-quilts, especially the design elements – a challenge I am particularly focussed upon in my learning process. How have you learnt about the important elements of design in your work? I do enjoy your feedback comments, so come on …. do drop me a note.

Terri Stegmiller’s book brought new ideas to play!

New ideas – using watercolours!

 

Lucky lucky me -  my resourceful quilting friend Brenda, loaned me her copy of Terri Stegmiller’s book to inspire further playtime with paper and paints.  

This is such a stimulating book – it gave me completely new ideas on how to use watercolours for such interesting effect.   Easy peasy to do with wonderful images being produced.   

As a result some of my friends now have a bookmark to add to their collection.   Time starved I was – so the bookmarks ended up being mini sized!

If you want to expand your craft by incorporating paper and paint to your textiles or want to try your hand at making paper quilts, do take a look at Terri’s book.  

I know Brenda had fun using some of the ideas because I read about it on her blog.   Her blog is always such stimulating reading where lots of new ideas are floated…. and I also enjoy reading about her involvement in the Twelve by Twelve challenge.   Why not take a look?  Just click onto Serendipity and the art of quilts on the right hand side of this page and say hi to Brenda.

And…do you know, you can see more of  Terri Stegmiller’s work by clicking on Twelve by Twelve.    She also has her own website which you can enjoy.

Sydney Quilt Show

The biggest quilt show in the southern hemisphere (and I think the best), has just finished.  More than 350 quilts were exhibited during 5 days at Sydney’s exhibition hall.   Whilst my two entries did not win a prize, they did rub shoulders with winners .   I am pretty happy with that!  

My two art-quilts were experimental pieces using water soluble paper and paints – this  was something completely out of my left field.   What do you think of them?

Angelina Fibre Workshop

The backdrop for angelina

Playing around with various types of Angelina Fibres, I find that the Hot Fix is easy to work with and it produces a very glossy finish.

Lots of ideas are floating around my mind – after creating a myriad of shapes using my iron, stamps, and other items from the bottom of my cupboard.   A soldering iron is one of the further approaches I plan to trial.

Angelina is an amazing product to incorporate into art-quilts.    A workshop is arranged for mid-June whereby I will be encouraging a small group of ladies to get in there to play and experiment!

Gowing to Pizzas

Gowing to Pizzas - wall quilt

“Gowing to Pizzas” wall quilt was made for a Quilters Guild of NSW challenge.   The theme of “GOING TO PIECES” was depicted bv the disappearance of Gowings stores – a favourite of the man in my life.   As Gowings departure seemed to cooincide with the influx of many pizza shops in my city, it seemed fitting to produce my quilt “Gowing to Pizzas”.   This wall quilt measuring 69 x 50 cm has just returned home from travelling nationally with the challenge collection of quilts.   Having now many quilts oozing from the rafters at home, I am thinking I will sell this one on e-bay, unless someone sees it and contacts me first.  I am happy to let it go for a nominal price only.  It is in excellent condition.  Reflecting  colour and humour, it depicts a time that has gone to pieces.

More from the Flinders Ranges

Another impressionistic view of the Flinders Ranges was created as a result of my holiday in South Australia last year. If you like exploring rugged rocky outcrops amonst beautiful eucalypt gums it is a world of amazing colour. Quite a spiritual experience and so good for the creative soul. Here’s another quilt I made as a result of time in this superb wonderland.

Art Quilts – Flinders Ranges theme

One of a series of art-quilts reflecting the Flinders Ranges outback. Photo’s of others will be posted on my blog shortly…..so watch this space!