Journeys Thru Art - Bridges

All eight quilts for the Journeys Thru Art 2016 Bridge Challenge project are completed - and let me say, they are awesome!  Now that the entries have been submitted I can share them with all of you.

You've already seen my bridge, Trenton Makes, but I'll share it again so you can see them all together.

Trenton Makes by Karen Marchetti - 60"x35"

The View From Her Window by Deb Krajkowski - 34"x48"

Bridge #704 by Nancy Parsons - 51"x34"

Summer Solstice by Pam Post - 32"x51"

Roosevelt Bridge by Natalie Carlton - 51"x33"

Over the River and Through the Woods by Marian Keating-McCoin 51"x39"

Gifts from the Past: Fredericton Series I by Sandi MacMillan - 42"x48"

Tranquility by Denise Cargill - 35"x63"

I am both proud and honored to be part of such an amazing group of artists.

Now we wait to hear from AQS Grand Rapids if they've been accepted into the Ultimate Guild Challenge -- I'll be sure to let you know.

Happy Saturday quilties!

The Painting Technique

Many have asked about my painting technique on the pelicans and want to know how I learned. I was able to spend a week with Sharon Schamber in a small group week-long retreat. During this retreat I created Oliver, my owl quilt. I have used the techniques I learned from Sharon in so many of my quilts over the years - like I have said before, if you ever get the chance to take one of her classes, do so! Her wealth of knowledge is unimaginable - you will learn so much, I am proud to call her my friend!

So, back to the painting technique. If you are unable to take one of her classes, you can order one of her DVDs on her daughter Cristi's website, Purple Daisies Quilting. The DVD is entitled Quilt Fairy (Concept, Design and Construction), and it was based on the techniques covered during the week-long retreat. This is the next best thing to having Sharon there with you in person.

I've taken what I learned from Sharon and added my own style to it. Yes, I do some things differently, but the base technique is still there -- you have to take what you learn and make it work best for you - adjust, adapt, change, but most importantly learn, as much as you can!! Try new techniques and practice - not every piece will be perfect, but I'm sure you will learn something new with each piece.

Hopefully this answers the questions many of you have commented and emailed me - keep creating!