I really enjoy working with glued collage, because it's extremely fast and fun! Once the design is composed, there's no need to quilt it, add a binding, etc. Plus, it's possible to work with tiny bits of fabric which are too small to easily sew.

You'll have a chance to learn the technique when the next class starts on April 22nd.

Cruciform #1, is an example of the technique. (My first glued collage. Way fun!)

Find full class details here.

Shazam! A free quilt show? YES, and not just any show, either. On March 10 & 11, the Seaside Piecemakers will be giving a gift to the community of Melbourne, FL. That gift is this small show, which features several unique exhibits.

One exhibit is called Collaborations, and it's aptly named. For it, artists working in a wide variety of media have come together with quilters to create new work that's inspired by their interaction. As I told you in last month's newsletter, my group selected a wonderful florist's garden as our starting point. Each group will display their pieces together in a themed vignette, which will enhance the presentation.

Another exhibit features the Seaside Piecemakers' Best of Show winners from the last four shows. My quilt, Hopes and Daydreams, (shown above) will be included in that. (This large quilt seldom leaves home, so it's a rare oppourtunity to see one of my favorites up close.)

An exhibit called Quilts of Distinction will showcase member quilts that have been published. I have another three quilts in that category: Reconciliation, Out of the Blue, and Ti Plants A-Glow-Glow.

In addition to two free exhibit days (9-4,) there's also a FREE reception that's open to the community! This will be March 10th, from 6-8. I'll be there and I hope to see some of you as well! (Be sure to introduce yourself.)

All this fun will take place at the Melbourne Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne, FL.

A hand injury slowed down work on this quilt, since I couldn't hand sew the barbed wire. Now that it's finally finished, I'm quite happy with it.

Mountain Meadow was inspired by looking in the "wrong" direction. The inspiration photo was taken at an overlook on the Blue Ridge Drive, near Blowing Rock, NC. And, although the view of distant mountain ranges was beautiful, this one in the other direction also intrigued me, because of the golden glow created by the late evening sun.

See a large image and details here.

If you live near Melbourne, FL, you still have time to buy a ticket for the All 4 Love fund raiser. For $100, patrons get to take home a piece of art (10" x 10") and are treated to a wonderful private reception for two!

Numbers will be drawn to determine the order of art selection. All proceeds from the 70 art pieces go to Sentinels of Freedom Space Coast. This organization offers "life scholarships" to severely injured military personnel returning to our area.

My donation, Bird of Paradise, is shown at right.

All of this will take place at Fifth Avenue Art Gallery, Melbourne, FL. Tickets may be purchased by contacting them. Direct donations to Sentinenels of Freedom are also appreciated.

The entire exhibit will be on display March 1-27. The March 4th opening reception is open to the public and the patrons' reception will be March 19th. I'll be at both and I hope to see you there! If you come, please introduce yourself.

I'm super excited about the prospect of bringing you free videos, very soon! I've bought a microphone and learned how to use it, bought lights and learned how to use them, started learning about video editing, and I've shot the first video. I'm getting close!

Here's a look at the set up I used for the first video.

Of course, I'll announce new videos in my monthly newsletter. If you'd like a more prompt notice, watch my blog or my Facebook page (see link at right.)

- Melbourne, FL, March
1-27, All 4 Love exhibit. Opening reception March 4.
- Melbourne, FL, March 10-11, Collaborations exhibit
- Jacksonville, FL, April 16, class

- Mountain Meadow
- Article: Nail free hanging
- New pieces in Student Instant Art Quilt Gallery