Creating During In-Between Times

I often find it hard to begin new projects when I have upcoming commitments that take me away from my studio. A classic example is the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

This past December I had a glorious week compleletly alone at home (a first for me since having children). While I knew I did not want to start a new large work, I did want to create something from start to finish. So I decided to do something I had never done before. I made Christmas ornaments.

First I had fun playing with ideas. Once I finalized the design, I went into production mode. To speed up the process and minimize fabric usage I used paper piecing. I don’t use this technique in my large quilts, but for working small and repetitively it is a timesaver.

Production mode!

I had so much fun! I made a total of 22 ornaments. I had forgotten the pleasure in repetitious making.

Flowers

As gifts these were very well received. And it was so satisfying to complete a creative project from start to finish within a few days.

How have you found creative satisfaction in the “in-between times”?

Finished Ornaments

Last chance to see "Circular Abstractions" curated by Nancy Crow!

On December 14th “Circular Abstractions” is opening at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg, PA. I am honored to have my work “Junglescape” included in the show. All of the works in this show are BIG! This was an essential part of Nancy Crow’s vision — big, powerful quilts filling the gallery walls of museums. The impact is dynamic — lots of energy, color and motion! There is a beautiful book available (cover shown below), but nothing beats seeing the artwork in person. This will be the last exhibition of the show that initially opened at the Muskegon Art Museum in Muskegon, MI in 2016. For more information check out www.thewestmoreland.org. The show will be open until March 10, 2019. Who knows, maybe we will bump into each other at the Westmoreland…

A beautiful book worth adding to your library!!