Would you like to learn how to compose a design? Create and control a focal point? These are just some of the things you'll learn in the Design Your Own Nature Quilt online class. In fact, you'll gain enough knowlege and skill to make a unique design, using your own photo as an inspiration source. It doesn't get much more exciting than that!

The class motto is "Be insipred by your photo, not owned by it.". You'll find more on this subject in a short excerpt from the class material.

Bromeliad I, above, was made by Marcia Des Rosiers, a former student in this class. Her pink flowers needed some definition which she created with a variety of different values of pink, coral, and red fabrics. Very effective! See other student results in the student gallery.

Part One starts July 16th and class enrollment is very limited. Find full details here.

(By the way, this is my favorite class to teach, because the students find they're able to do things they would have never thought possible. This is exhilirating for all of us!)

I am THRILLED to be featured in the current issue of Spaces magazine! This is a high quality local magazine about design and style. The article "Composition in Stitches" is eight pages of wonderful photography and glowing text all about me and my art! Wow!

Click on the image above to read the article online.

While away from home (for a month) I had some time on my hands, and I needed some entertainment. Of course, I knew art would fill this bill, and I planned accordingly.

For a change of pace, I tried my hand at some very textured hand stitching. I didn't really know what I was doing, but I just kept piling stitches on and making it as textured as possible. Then, I added beads for even more interest. I found that I really enjoyed this process and I'm quite happy with the results!

All the texture reminds me of walking on the beach, in search of special shells. But then noticing even the little broken shells in the way they catch the light and shimmer. With that thought in mind, I've named it Unexpected Treasures, detail above. I guess this title has a double meaning, since I also found the unexpected joy of creating the piece.

I've framed the piece, which gives it much more impact. (The stitching is
5 x 7, and the framed dimensions are 16 x 19.)

More information on this piece is available here.

In addition, my blog includes many in-progress photos of this piece, starting with the post on
June 24th.

I've tackled several new projects lately, and they're all documented on my blog. Not only does that include the hand embroidered piece shown above, but also an altered book, and my quilt featuring snapdragons.

Speaking of snapdragons, two participants in the Flower Wagon Challenge have sent me their results, which I've included. It's neat to see how differently everyone interprets the original photos .You'll also find a few of my thoughts about inspiration and lots of in-progress photos.

I hope you'll take a look. (BTW, did you know that blogs always have the most recent post at the top of the page? So, if you'd like to see progress in chronological order, you should read the bottom posts first.)

Coming soon: I'll be showing you my recent studio set up while away from home, as well as progress on the projects mentioned, and a new hand embroidered piece.

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