In the Studio~Work & Inspiration…

In the studio this week, several things were accomplished, including enlarging the pattern for the graphic flower. It is now ready to begin piecing and I am excited about the creative processEnlarging Pattern

Using the printer’s poster setting, I was able to enlarge the pattern to about 44″x 32″, which will make a more dramatic piece!

Several fabrics have been selected for this wall-hanging, though additional colors and textures will be chosen along the way…After reviewing different methods to transfer the pattern to fabric, I have decided to try an apparel design technique of using drafting paper to trace pattern pieces directly onto the fabric. A 1/4seam allowance will be added as each piece is cut out. Another decision to make will be what type of applique method to use–raw-edge fused?, layered and glued?, or edge hand-turned and basted?

Last week I received a gift in the mail–a beautiful piece of fabric–from someone who knows me very well! The piece is quite an inspiration with vivid, warm colors and a bold, graphic design. The panel is from the Dreamweavers series, designed by artist Stephanie Brandenburg and printed by Camelot Cottons. Visit Camelot Cottons’ website to read about this artist and view her work! Also, to learn more about her design process view the video, Meet Stephanie Brandenburg.

This was a good week in the studio and next week it will be great to continue the creative process!

Back to the Studio~ Reflection in a Soap Bubble.

Postcard New Years Resolution Soap Bubbles 1909
Postcard New Years Resolution Soap Bubbles 1909, Public Domain via Wikipedia

Today it’s back to the studio…Beginning a new calendar always gives me a feeling of a new start–sense of closure to the previous year and a chance to make changes, adjustments, and achieve new goals. This reminds me of being a child beginning a new school year after a  carefree summer break. One time ends, a new time begins, and a transition occurs. With the holidays over and the start of the new year 2012, my schedule returns to a more normal pace. The workspace is organized and ready-to-go. There are a few art quilts to finish, some new ideas to explore, and a plan to re-shoot photographs for my Portfolio and the website’s Gallery page. Spring also brings deadlines for various juried exhibits.

This week Peach Farm Studio nominated my blog for a Versatile Blogger Award and I want to say thank-you to them. I appreciate having Lifeweavings considered. This award is to help bloggers find new blogs. So, while I can’t do all the criteria to pass along this award right now, here is a quick list of some of my favorite blogs to read. You might like them too… (And, this reminds me to update my blogroll/inspiration sites!)

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As in the photo above of the vintage English postcard, I may not reach all of my resolutions, or goals, made for the new year, but envisioning things we desire to achieve  helps the creative process…

  and just perhaps some of those soap bubbles will soar and float in the air!

Reflection in a Soap Bubble, Mila Zinkova via Wikipedia.

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Image Credit: Postcard New Year’s Resolutions, Public Domain via Wikipedia.                     Image Credit: Reflection in a Soap Bubble, Mila Zinkova via Wikipedia.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Abstract Tree Design /\

At the annual Christmas Parade, I took photos of the huge tree on the lawn. Abstract Christmas TreeThis photo turned out like this quite by accident–an abstract tree, bright color patterns, with swirling movement–reminds me of paint swiggles on a black canvas!

A great design inspiration!