Festive Shawl

Festive Shawl

I've made a sample "Festive Shawl" which I'm selling for $85.00.  This shawl looks fantastic over your little black dress that you wore to last year's Christmas Party!  Change it up!  No one will know you are wearing the same dress again with this shawl.  It also looks great over a black turtle neck sweater. 

I can make this shawl in Black, Burgundy or Gold.  One size fits most.

Method:   wool and acrylic fibres machine felted onto shawl made of polyester.  Hand made design.  Each shawl is unique.   Hand wash only.  Light steaming with iron.
Click on these links for more images
blank shawl
Stage 2
Stage 3

Waterloo Clay & Glass Gallery, Felting 101 with Andrea Graham

I can't believe it has been 4 months since my last post!  I typically take the summer off from my art work, but this year, I had a little struggle getting going in September.  My day job is taking a lot of my time and energy.  Well, I can say I officially feel back at it.  I must say though, it's not the same working in my basement studio with out Little Stevie, my son's Dagu who passed away last month.  He kept me company many a night chirping and tweeting at me.  I'll miss the stinky little guy.

Today I attended a workshop at the Waterloo Clay and Glass Gallery on feltmaking.  It was fabulous.  I tried my hand at felting last year with dismal results.  I now know some of the errors of my ways!  there is a definite technique to it so I have to keep working.  I was really impressed with the artist, Andrea Graham.  Her 3D work is unbelievable.  here is a link to her site  http://www.andrea-graham.com/index.html

Wellseley Art Round the Pond Follow Up

I'd like to thank everyone who came out to Wellseley on Saturday to visit me at the Wellseley Art Round the Pond Show.  It was unfortunate that we moved inside the arena - even though it never rained a drop.  I think that definitely had an affect on the number of visitors.  It was unbelievably hot in there.  Anyway, I was really pleased with my sales and the feedback that I rexceived.  Thanks to all again and maybe I'll see you again next year!

I'll be at Wellesley's Art Round the Pond June 19th - 9 - 4. Drop by!

I'll be an exhibitor at the Wellesley Art Round the Park show on Saturday, June 19th from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.  Drop by and say Hi!  Should be a great day to walk around the pond.  Looks to be quite a few vendors this year as the show gets bigger and better every year.  Here is a link to the show's site for more information.  In case of rain, the show will be in the arena.  See you there!

17 going on 18

I've been working on this quilt for a few weeks.  My son is 17 going on 18 and he was the inspiration for this quilt.  Actually, I'm not sure if it is a reflection of what is going on in his mind, or how my brain is feeling.  This has been a very tough couple of years.  Lots of exciting things are in store for him this year with his first full time job.  I hope the next quilt he inspires me to create is not so chaotic.  17 going on 18 really looks like what my head feels like.

This quilt is primarily felted with wool.  I added glass balls which kind of look like rain drops.  The swirling and dipping and uneven stitch lengths represent my emotional roller coaster ride.  When I began, I was only using grays, gray/blues and other dark shades.  Half way through my son had a few really good days at home and I suddenly felt like adding some brighter colours - which are much more my style.  I'm always the optimist.  

Wish us luck!

Here are a series of photos that illustrates the process of this quilt.  The final version has a boarder of 100% silk which is very shimmery and changes colour all the time in the light.  Let me know what you think.

Chris

Progression of 17 Going on 18

Support the KW Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Walk - June 13

I am so exited to volunteer at the KW Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Walk for a Cure at Chicopee Park in Kitchener, Sunday, June 13th.

Kim Butler, who lost her son Gordie in 2007, will be sponsoring a break station during the walk.  I'll be working the tent as a volunteer and I'm thrilled that the memory quilt that I made for Kim in Gordie's memory will be hung in the tent! 

Kim - good luck gathering pledges for this worthy cause!!  For more information about the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Walk for a Cure or to sponsor Kim Butler, click here.

Gordie Butler, age 19, was tragically killed in a car crash in 2007.  Gordie was a diabetic the majority of his life.

Gallery of Photos

Here is a link to all photos on my site for easy viewing.  Just click on the photo below and you will be redirected to the site.  Come back soon!

Heidelberg Art Quilts

Thursday, April 15

Yesterday was pretty exciting. I hung my recently finished "Dreaming of Spring" in Marnie's new shop. Looked good. I also dropped in at Sanction Skate and Snow in Waterloo. I brought one of my skateboard T memory quilts with me for the owner to look at. I think Ryan really liked it, but it didn't really go with the "vibe" of the store. I get where he is coming from. He indicated he would accept a few brochures and business cards to have on the counter. Just for that I'll include a link to Sanction, Austin's favourite shop http://www.sanctionsnow.com/

Remember, save your tee's - skateboard, concert, whatever, and let me give them new life. Very green!

When I tell people that I quilt, I’m often given an odd look. I’ve found that most people immediately think of their Grandmother and her log cabin bedspread. I hope my site helps you to understand art quilts and fibre art.

Here are a couple of sites I frequent for inspiration:

http://www.quiltingarts.com/blogs/quiltingarts/archive/2010/03/19/quilting-arts-april-may-2010.aspx

http://www.quiltingarts.com/blogs/quiltingarts/archive/2010/03/19/quilting-arts-april-may-2010.aspx

Felted Wool Gift Box

Hey! This isn't a quilt! The box is made of silk with hand dyed wool felted on top. Size can be altered to suit your needs. The box in the photo measures
4" X 4".

I recently began working with wool after my brother gave me a huge bag of dirty, stinky, greasy sheep wool. Wow. But hey, I'm up for a challenge - and look at the results. Thanks to the internet, I found out that one of the best and easiest ways to dye wool is with Kool-Aid! As you can see, the results are amazingly bright, dark colours.

I have begun designing some purses and bags in the same theme as this small box. I like to break up my quilting by doing different projects once in a while so keep coming back and see my posts.

Kaleidoscope

The entire quilt is made of batik fabrics. It reminds me of looking through a kaleidoscope. I'd love to make another one - next time I think it will be round.

Quilted Christmas Cards

Looking for something unique next Christmas? How about handmade custom Christmas Cards. Each one is unique and is made with machine stitching, hand stitching and applique. Each card is suitable for framing. Card orders are required by September 1st to meet a November 15th delivery.

PRICE: $100.00 per dozen.

Oak Leaves

This large wall hanging is done in applique. The oak leaves are made from an assortment of batik fabrics - my favourites! This is really a stunning wall hanging. Because of the applique technique it is not recomended for machine washing.

All quilts can be tailored to your colour choice and size requirement.

Winter Table Runner

This is a winter table runner. The snow flakes are machine embroidered. I am happy to customize projects to your requirements including colour, size, fabric. Let me know what you need.

Gordie Butler Memory Quilt

This wall hanging was made in memory of Gordie Butler who passed away in 2007 after a tragic car accident. It is hanging in his Mom Kim Butler's home as a tribute to her son.

Memory quilts are a touching and beautiful way to remember a loved one. Utilizing personal clothing items, it creates an intensely emotional piece of art that will last for decades.

Of course a memory quilt isn't only for those no longer with us. It is also a great way to showcase sports team jerseys, dance outfits, baby clothing - use your imagination!

Indian Summer

This wall hanging was inspired by a Fall sunset near Lake Huron,Ontario. The grasses in the foreground, blowing gently in the breeze. This quilt measures 40" X 50".

PRICE: $300.00

Skateboard T-Shirt Memory Quilt

This quilted bedspread is an example of a memory quilt. This quilt was commissioned for a 13 year old skateboard enthusiast. He had dozens of skateboard branded t-shirts which he had either outgrown or wore out but couldn't part with.

A memory quilt, whether hung on the wall, used to cuddle up with on the couch, or spread across a bed, will provide comfort while showcasing that special person, their talents and uniqueness.

This is the softest quilt you can imagine and is completely safe for machine washing and drying.

PRICE: based on size and material. Twin size approximately $240.00

Valentine's Day Quilted Wall Hanging

I really enjoy creating art quilts for holidays and seasons. Personally, I have a large blank wall in my kitchen which I switch up with various quilts I have on hand, or my personal favourites for Fall, Christmas, Spring and Summer. This quilt really added a splash of colour during the dreariness of February.

PRICE: $125.00

Quilted Photo Image

I recently HAD to come up with a gift idea for my brother Dan who was turning 50. What do you get someone who has everything? I decided to try photo transferring onto fabric. I am impressed with the results! I mounted this small quilt onto a canvas frame.

PRICE: individually priced based on material and size.

I Dream of Spring

I completed this quilt in March, 2010. I was feeling anxious for Spring. I love the amazingly bright green leaves of the trees and plants as they explode in April. My goal was to try to capture that feeling. This quilt is currently hanging in Beauty Creators in Waterloo, thanks to Marnie Eckert, Owner.

Machine stitched, hand stitched, applique, wool felting, beading and hand-made paper/fabric flowers.

PRICE: $200.00

Monday, March 29, 2010

Hello, and welcome to my blog. I've had a lot of difficulty with my website over the past few months, so until my site is up and working, I am going to try blogging. I have lots of new art pieces to upload.