Zentangles

This past month our group has been playing with Zentangles. At our meeting last week, each of us did a show and tell of some of the play. Later we did an exchange of our samples. Bev had on a sweat shirt decorated with a form of zentangles. We are planning a challenge piece using our creations and due in May.

January 2011 Program

The first program of the year is on new techniques. I traveled to a Iowa Retreat and created a mixed media doll. Some of the products are great for adding texture to any art quilt as well as to use on dolls. Much to my surprise I sold the doll which I was to use in my demo, but do have a picture to share

Reward for a Morning Walk

From Ellen Lindner

I know that observation is a large part of inspiration. And that practicing those skills improves them. So, I was delighted when, after four days of walking past them, I finally noticed a patch of Black Eyed Susans. As the dog tugged impatiently on her leash, I gleefully picked handfuls. As I did so, I noticed that the flowers that were past their prime were equally interesting. (Another observation!) I picked those ratty flowers with only half their petals, and ones that had no petals at all. Plus the buds. What a wonderfully diverse collection.

Since I'm doing a series called "Around the Neighborhood," I think there's a good chance these flowers will make their way into a quilt.

Abstract from Realism

From Ellen Lindner

At our recent play day, we did an exercise about finding abstract designs around us. The assignment started with photographing objects throughout the house. Later, we were to sketch one of the objects, removing as many details as possible, in order to reveal "the essence" of that object.

I decided to try a similar thing with some photos from that day. My question: How much could I omit and still be able to show the essence of these items?

I'm sure you can identify the old phone, above. I was struck by the strong design of this little photo. Maybe a future quilt design?

Can you identify the items below? (They belong to Jill.)

Yep. Her crocs.

This is a fun, and I think, valuable creative exercise.