creative process – Page 8

September 2, 2011January 25, 2012

First Glimpse of Fall Colors…

The first day I notice a flash of red or yellow among the tones of green in the woods, it is always a surprise to realize that summer’s end is drawing near.

Soon the tawny colors of Autumn will paint the landscape…Nature will get our attention with a visual reminder that life will always include changes–transitions from one season to another.

This seasonal transition has also served as inspiration for many artists over the years. In a past fall season, after collecting some of the first colorful fall leaves, I traced and used their shapes to design these wall-hangings.

The same leaves were used in both but experimenting with different types of prints, color, and quilting lines resulted in two variations on the same theme.

First Colors of Autumn, #2. — First Colors of Autumn, #1. Fused appliqué, free-motion quilting on cotton, 22 x 20 1/4". © 2009 Joni Beach.

First Colors of Autumn, #2. © 2009 Joni Beach. — First Colors of Autumn, #2. Fused appliqué, free-motion quilting on cotton, 17 1/4×17″. © 2009 Joni Beach.

So in the coming days, I will continue to observe the change of colors in the fall landscape, marvel at the brilliant variety of colors…

along with the many transitions in life.

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*I realize not everyone experiences a fall season in the climate in which they live…I’d love to hear about which season or type of climate inspires you!?*

Above Dark Clouds… (jonibeach.com)
Thursday In the Studio…”Simple Gifts” (jonibeach.com)

August 25, 2011September 2, 2011

Thursday In the Studio…”Simple Gifts”

Today I worked on some simple gifts. While normally studio time is spent on designing art quilts to exhibit, it was fun and relaxing to work on a “just for fun” quilting project. I really liked the colors and coffeeshop motifs of these fabric squares and decided to make two wall-hangings using them. These are gifts for two friends with whom I share conversation, fun times, and “coffee breaks”!

These pre-printed squares were a find during the local spring Quilt Rally…since my background includes all kinds of sewing and textile techniques, I still love to collect and experiment with all types, colors, and prints of fabrics.

3 of these squares were arranged vertically and pieced together with strips.

A longer strip was sewn along each side…

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And the top of the first wall-hanging was pieced!

Some free-motion embroidery was added to enhance a few details on each block…

Backing fabric was chosen and the pillowcase method was used for layering and finishing the edges…

Quilting lines were added to give texture and detail…

And a sleeve for hanging was added to the back.

This is the first gift. The second wall-hanging will vary slightly but follow the same method!

After this I should be “warmed up” to finish the quilting of my art quilt, Lifeweaving … this change of pace in the studio has given me some simple gifts…

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*I’d love to know what you do in your studio to take breaks and boost your creativity and design process!?