Cottontail Quilts

The Wonder of Fall

2011-11-15T10:32:00.001-05:00

Fall entered quietly this year.

Because of our two week spell of super cold nights and cloudy dreary days...the leaves didn't give us the breathtaking show we have become accustomed to here in the North Wood.

We went from the green of summer...to the golds and light oranges...to brown and on the ground in a heartbeat.

Frank and I spent the day raking all those leaves and had a glorious bonfire to prevent them from blowing back into the yard. The fall perfume of the burning leaves was hypnotic........

.............we had to take a moment to enjoy it.

While we were outside raking... this wonderful soup from my friends at Gooseberry Patch, was simmering on the stove.

I had timed it just right! When we finished and collapsed inside...we cuddled in a warm quilt.... enjoyed a huge bowl of warm soup with some home made bread I made the night before.

We looked up at each other and at the same time said, "Does it get any better than this?".

Yes it did...because Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone had just started.

♥♥♥♥BLISS♥♥♥♥

Split Personalities

2011-11-11T19:45:00.001-05:00

I have been away for a while organizing my businesses. Last April I split Cottontail Kids from Cottontail Quilts on Etsy. It was quite an experience...but after 18 month things have settled down and they are two growing entities.

This week I decided it was time to split the two all across the cyberverse. Being soooo computer un-savvy I sat at the keyboard all week .....with my red-head determination.... and created a facebook page and blog for Cottontail Kids. wheeeeeeewwwww!

At this time I'd like to introduce you to Cottontail Kids.

Now that my kids are grown and out of the nest, I thought I'd make Cottontail Kids a blog that looks at the experience of child raising from a grandmothers perspective. This will most definitely include "spoiling them 101", toys and games, articles stories, time management and of course..the cutest little duds I can find in on the web.

I invite you to take a peek and follow Cottontail Kids.

Thank you for visiting :-DCindi

Cross Merchandising Can Seal the Deal

2011-07-11T23:40:00.001-04:00

Several years ago I had a Brick and Mortar store in a suburban shopping mall. I carried hand crafted items from over 50 local artisans. Dressing the displays and windows was my favorite task. I just loved to take a scarf from one artist, pair it with a dress from another and add the bling with a necklace or fabulous pin from a third.

After a while, I couldn't help but notice that when I paired these vignettes together...they all sold together. It was great business for me and for all the artists.

When I opened my Etsy shop and joined some teams...I did the same thing. Here is one story and my customers note to me.

I'd had a bumble bee halter sundress in my shop for quite a while...it was my best seller! One afternoon a fellow Estian and EtsyKids tem member stopped by my facebook page to say; "Hi". We got to chatting and checking out each others shop and I saw that TK had some bumble bee MaryJane's that would go PERFECTLY with my dress. After I got the OK, I added a link to the bottom of the bumble bee dress listing taking potential buyers to TK's shoes and a possible expanded sale.

This is the note I recieved from a customer:

"Hi. I was searching Etsy for bumble bee party items for my daughter's first birthday party. I happened across your bumble bee sundress and took a look just for fun. As I was about to close out the page I notice the shoes to match from you EtsyKids Friend TK. After I clicked that link and saw those precious bumble bee shoes, I just HAD to have the whole ensemble for my daughters special day. Thank you so much for putting it all together. I may not have purchased at all without it."

Now if that's not an incentive for us all to do some cross merchandising......I don't know what is !!!!

Thankx TK! This was a winner for us both ♥ ♥ ♥

The dress

The shoes

Finding Joy by Simply..... Answering Mail!

2011-07-06T16:15:00.001-04:00

I was checking my messages one afternoon and found the most delightful note from a fellow Etsian.... a bubbly mom from Nevada so full of joy I had to *meet* her. Her note said that my halter dresses were wonderful and she'd like one (or two) for her daughter Kiley. I visited her shop DesignsByAutumn and fell in LOVE with a beautiful necklace.
It was called "Gothic Garden".

Here is the stunning piece...and her listing description. Her beautiful prose....sealed the deal!!!

I'm completely obsessed with the dramatic beauty of heavily oxidized blackened silver!♥ This striking design will make you feel as if you are wearing something ancient yet modern ♥

This distinctive design features a beautiful Karen Hill Tribe flower draped with oodles of Goshenite micro faceted rondelles. All are meticulously wire wrapped to a knurled Sterling Silver chain & finished with a Sterling Silver Tear Drop Lobster Clasp♥ All silver has been heavily oxidized black♥

I made up three dresses for Kiley and in return I received my beautiful necklace.
A new forever friend was the best part of all. ♥ ♥ ♥ Thank you Autumn.

Here I am ready for a special evening out on the town with my fantastic new necklace...and earrings, too.

It's Almost National Cherry Festival Time!

2011-05-18T13:09:00.000-04:00

Traverse City, Michigan hosts the National Cherry Festival every year over the Fourth of July Holiday. This year it will be held July 2ed through the 9th. Because of our unique weather and the cool breezes comming off Lake Michigan, we have the sweetest cherries you've ever had!

To celebrate and promote the beloved cherry, I've found some cherry themed treasures to share.

Cherries aren't just for pies anymore.......Enjoy!

This is a delicious Dupioni silk bag in cherry red by Mermaid Dreams. I love the contemporary flair of the huge bow!

A sweet thank you card by Jen Aitchison based on on her original watercolor. Who wouldn't LOVE to recieve this beautiful card?!?

A new sundress from my Cottontail Kids collection. The shirred bodice make it comfy and the cherries make it perfect for a walk through the Festival.

Stunning petite hair clips by WoodlandBelle are the perfect accessory to ANY spring outfit.

I love the new trend of using wall decals! What a fun way to add some spring style to your room. This cherry tree with butterflies is by Simple Shapes.

I hope you've enjoyed my Cherry-licious finds.

If you find youself looking for a holiday destination over the Fourth...please consider a drive to Traverse City for the Cherry Festival. A wonderful time will be had by the entire family.

Thank You Mom!

2011-05-11T13:55:00.000-04:00

I know Mother's Day has passed and I hope everyone had a wonderful day of celebrating.

I tried to write this post all last week but found it just to hard. You see.... I lost my mom 25 years ago last week. Twenty-five years had passed so quickly. I spent last week remembering and missing those days sooooo much.

Mom...Sally to all her friends.... was a wonderful woman with a huge heart, loving soul and a crazy sense of humor.

She was a single mom in the 60's and it never showed. There were home made dinners on the table every night and she was there for all my brother's games and my concerts and plays.

She taught me to sew when I was 10 years old. Some of my fondest memories are sitting at the old Singer machine..........

Mom guiding me over my shoulder...making my first skirt. Next was a pair of pants then a blouse which evolved to an array of dresses.

I thought at the time, sewing was rather old fashioned...but I'm so glad that I listened to my mother because it has made my life so full to sit at my own machine...and sew.

In my retirement where I have a world of possibilities to choose from, I have chosen to spend my time.. like my mother...at the sewing machine.

I'm so blessed to have two businesses that allow me to use the gift my mother gave me. Whether piecing an heirloom quilt or making a pair of whimsical knickers...I truly LOVE what I do.

Thank you Mom for your loving guidance so many years ago...and for your continued *over the shoulder* guidance these last 25 years. You always new what was best.

Your loving Daughter, Cindi

What Excites You?

2011-04-30T14:23:00.000-04:00

I'm asking the DIYers..crafters..and artisans.

What excites your creative muses? Is it nature, an article, a blog post or something yummy you found on Etsy?

After the loooooong hard Northern Michigan winter, my spread you wings program was frozen. It was spring and time to clean house. Yes.. the windows are sparkling and winter has been washed away. The spring pillows and curtains are up and in place. But my creative house was a mess.

No matter what I did... I just couldn't get in a creative groove. I have two king sized quilts to make and the little just for me projects are what get me through such long and involved quilting projects. But nothing was comming to me.

I sat down in my studio and watched a pair of robins build a nest in the pine tree. I've never seen one there before....and that got me thinking. If the robins can spread their wings and fly so far, build nests in places they have never been before...maybe that's what I should do.

I've always wanted to draw and paint. I can't even draw a good stick figure so I didn't know where to begin. I went on line and found some simple shapes and silhouettes and trace..trace...traced. As I watched the pencil float over the original figure, I found there was a flow to the movements I was making. After a few very poor attempts to wing it, I looked down at my sketch pad and I had a butterfly....and it really looked like a butterfly!

Being the fabric junkie that I admittedly am, I had to put my butterfly on fabric rather than canvas.

Butterflies on a little swing dress PLUS the little girls name!

This is the result! I had so much fun when I stopped forcing myself and looked within... to what excited me.

Give it a try youself and watch magic happen :-)
Cindi

When Did the Handmade Bug Bite You?

2011-04-23T19:18:00.000-04:00

I think we all have a creative spirit! The handmade Valentine or the tie-dyed tee shirt. Getting bit by the handmade bug is taking that creativity to the next level....where creating something is what makes your day.... smile.

I have been a crafter all my life.
My brother and I were raised by a single mother and money was tight.

Left to right: Mom, my brother Scott, Me, Grandma and Grandpa in the back

Every Christmas we created handmade treasures for the family with the loving tutelage of my mom..the seamstress and my grandpa... the woodworker.
We made note holders that looked like chickens with clothes pin beaks, cross stitched dish towels and an ever growing collection of felt ornaments. I took such pride in knowing my gift was unique and made from my own hands and heart.

In my teenage years...I was embarrassed to admit I made anything by hand. Store bought was much more chic! Oh...I was a dopey teenager.

As a young mother, I created patterns to make "name pillows" for my babies nursery walls. They became such a hit with my friends that in 6 months I had a booming business right in my dining room. This was my wake up call that handmade was not only cool...but soooo profitable!

The handmade bug bit me hard.

From that point on, my handmade journey has taken me to some amazing places... in my life and in my heart.
Let me shar that journey with you in the next few posts.

Thank you for stopping by today!
Cindi

New Years Resolution

2011-01-08T23:05:00.000-05:00

Bunny Rescue Fundraiser

I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday and a joyful New Year.

I love the New Year. It gives me an opportunity to do the things I had on a *to do* list the year before. I also stop and reflect on how I can make a difference in the coming year.

This year I have decided to work more extensively with rabbit rescue. West Michigan Critter Haven was the rescue that helped our little Romeo when he had no forever home. He was fostered by a wonderful young woman that gave him lots of love. Because of WMCH commitment to placing their bunnies, we have the perfect hus-bun for Harriet.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and everyone buys a card, right? Instead of giving your money to big business, please consider supporting rabbits rescues by purchasing one of these handmade cards. ALL of the proceed will be donated to the rabbit rescue of your choice. Don't have one in your area? Then the donation will go to the West Michigan Critter Haven.

Each card is featured in my Etsy shop.

If you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment and I'll get back to you right away!

Thank you in advance, for supporting the little bunnies.

Have a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Cindi

Exciting News

2010-11-12T22:53:00.000-05:00

UPDATE TO THIS POST

It is with great joy that I can announce, that Space Walk Bunny has been chosen as one of the 40 finalists in the 3 dimentional catagory. I just recieved a notice from Etsy Admn. and they will be having the final judging with NASA officials soon.

Thank you so much for your thoughts and support.

Cindi

*********************************************

Last month, Etsy announced that they were having a contest to celebrate the last flight of the NASA shuttle program. They partnered with NASA for this contest!

In the eleventh hour I was encouraged by my Friend Nakisha to enter my Spacewalk Bunny quilt. So I did.

I forgot about the entry until this evening. I was checking my views over at Craftopolis and saw 109 views of this quilt...which is WAAAAAY more than my daily average.

I hopped over to the Storque and saw that this bunny quilt was one of the 50 finalists in the 3D category.

You could have knocked me over with a feather.

Here is a link to the the 3D category:

http://www.etsy.com/voter_list.php?ref=voter&room_id=111

Check it out and if you are of a mind vote for your fav!

The winner gets to have their item taken up to the International Space Station for permanent display there. Is that just too wonderful!

Thank you for sharing my JOY!!

Cindi

Damp Cold Days..,Homemade Soup and JOY

2010-10-23T17:03:00.000-04:00

It's a rainy day here in the North Woods this afternoon. It's dreary..cold and damp. I lift my spirits and bring out the soup pot...cuz nothin' breaks the gloomies like a bowl of homemade soup. It warms the body, satisfies hunger, and fills my soul with

Joy!

Today I made potato and corn chowder with homemade bread sticks. The the thyme and coriander in the chowder is wafting through the house. The aroma of rising bread has my poor husband acting like a two year old on a car trip...

is it ready yet...is it ready yet..

y'all know how that goes.

Is your mouth watering.......are you hungry? I'll bet you'd like the recipes. Here ya go.

I start off by making the bread sticks. While they rise, I start the soup.

This recipe is for 8 bread sticks. You can double everything if you need more.

1 1/4 tea. dry yeast dissolved in

3/4 cup 110 degree water with

3 heaping tea. sugar.

( If you don't have a candy thermometer test the water on the inside of your wrist..like a baby bottle. If you can feel a little heat...that's it!)

Mix the three together well and let stand while you mix the dry ingredients.

Letting the yeast stand in the sugar water, maximizes the yeast.

Mix together in a large bowl

1/2 tea salt

1 1/4 cup flour

Slowly add the yeast mix stirring well before adding more liquid.

Once the wet and dry are incorporated, turn onto a hard surface and lightly kneed...about 10 folds.

Cut into 8 even pieces and roll into 10 inch logs. Place them on a lightly greased cookie sheet.

Beat one egg with

1 tea of cold water.

Brush on the bread sticks and top with Italian seasonings, poppy or sesame seeds..our favorite is course sea salt.

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees

Cover and let rise 30 minutes in a warm place.

While your yummy bread sticks are filling the house with the most amazing aroma...

Start the soup. This recipe makes about 10 serving...but it all depends on the size of your bowl. :-)

2 celery ribs

6 carrots

1/4 cup sweet onion

For the vegetarian version, Saute (in the soup pot) the onion, celery and carrot in an herb infused oil. I like thyme.

Remove the veggies and set aside. Pour off the remaining oil and de-glaze your pot with one large can of veggie broth. See the bottom of this post for the meat lovers version.

Chop 12 red skin potatoes. I peel half..but do what you like here.

Add to the broth and bring to a boil. Cover.

Check the potatoes after 10 mins. If they're getting soft, add:
1 1/2 cups potato flakes
1 1/2 cup plain soy milk
1/4 cup fresh cut thyme
1/2 tea coriander
1/8 tea nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste

Turn down the fire and simmer.

If this had timed out right..

The bread has risen and it's ready for the oven.
15-20 minutes at 375.
Remove from sheet to cool.

Final addition to the soup. I use one quart of corn I put up this year..liquid and all. You can also add 2 large cans of corn. No Frozen. The corn starch of the liquid helps thicken the soup and makes it a chowder.

This is the best part.....Plate and serve.

Add a bit of sharp Cheddar to the soup for garnish.

Warning: Consuming more than one bowl of this hearty chowder will result in uncontrollable repeated phrases such as: " Ohhhhhh.. I'm so Full", "I couldn't help myself", "I need a nap"

lol

I hope you try this beautiful rainy day...liquid (well almost) JOY!!

If you give this a try...I'd love to hear from you.

Bon Appetite
Cindi

Meat lovers:
In your stock pot brown 10 slices of bacon to well done. Discard all but 1 tab of the drippings.
De-glaze the pot with 1 large can chicken or veggie stock. (both are GREAT!)
Saute the celery, onion and carrot in a non stick pan with the 1 tab of bacon drippings.
When caramelized, add to the broth with the potatoes.
Follow the vegetarian until the soy milk. Add 1 1/2 cup cream instead.
At garnish...add some of the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese.

I love both versions of this chowder. Today..... I added the bacon. :-)

Fall Has Arrived

2010-10-20T20:55:00.000-04:00

Fall has arrived in our little Northern Michigan hamlet. The warm sunny days and the cool...almost winter cold...nights have turned the leaves the most incredible colors!

The Maples with their brilliant reds.....

and bright oranges.

The Oaks and Poplars round thing off with their beautiful golds.

I remember when I was a little city girl...we'd rake up the leaves into a big pile and jump right into the middle. It was like landing in a huge feather bed. Soft and fragrant.

I always loved the smell of fall. My brother and I used to fight for who would rake the leaves. Back then it was a big "Want to Do".

Now that I'm older and... thanks to my loving husband....a country-fied gal, this is what I have to look forward to every fall in the woods.

Older and wiser....we hire someone to rake the leaves now... so we can sit in the hammock and enjoy the glory of Mother Nature and her amazing fall paint brush.

Ohhh I smell cinnamon! Frank must be back from the Cider Mill.

Gotta go!

Enjoy the colors of your back yard today :-)

Cindi

Serendipity

2010-10-15T10:41:00.000-04:00

I love the journey being an entrepreneur has taken me. I have been able to let my creativity flow in every direction...when and where I like. I've also had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people along the way.

I like to share one of my stories with you.

A while back I was contacted by a wonderful young woman, who wanted to have a very special dress made for her daugnter's first birthday. She saw a dress in my Etsy shop, and the fabric was just what she was looking for, a very sweet bumble bee print. She told me that her daughters nick-name was *Lil Bee Charmer* and could I make one with a few changes. We worked out all the details, size and colors.
I didn't hear back from her, but the little bee charmer's birthday dress was stuck in my head.

I began...for some serendipitous reason...to embroider *'lil bee charmer* on what would become the hem of the bumble bee dress. As I sat embroidering, I was flooded with thoughts of this little girl and her loving family I had never met.

While I still had not heard back from mom to confirm the order, I continued with my embroidery.....knowning on some *other* level...that the dress would celebrate the lil bee charmers birthday with her.

When the last stitch of embroidery was finished, I was contacted by the delightful young mother to proceed with making the birthday dress. I didn't tell her about the project I had been working on, so I asked her if I could add a surprise element to the piece. She said that she didn't know me.... but had a feeling to trust my creativity and agreed.

I finished the dress...with the lil bee charmer embroidered on the hem...and sent it off to it's new home.

After the dress arrived, I recieved the most touching note from mom that brought me to tears. The surprise I had added to the hem of the little dress....that I was so driven to do...reminded her of a beloved family member she lost unexpectly a short time ago.

We have evolved beyond business aquaintances at this point, and I'm soooo happy to announce that I have a new little model for my shop!

Isn't she just beautiful!

I am really looking forward to being a part of this precious little girls life. The little family...that lives so far away from me...will forever be in my heart.

And to think it all began with opening a little shop on Etsy 6 months ago!

Bunny Blessings

Cindi

Thinking of the Holidays

2010-09-28T23:24:00.000-04:00

It was a dark and dreary day here in Northern Michigan. No sun...and quite cold, too.

When I feel this way, my thoughts drift to the holidays. The family all seated around the dinner table...always waiting for my dad. (He was never on time for anything!) The smells of a turkey FINALLY out of the oven. Cinnamon and nutmeg hanging heavy in the air. The thought that makes me feel warm and loved is remembering the sounds of wonderful conversation and explosive laughter.

As I head off to bed.....I will be comforted with these beautiful memories and plan the menu for Thanksgiving.
I Know....It's way early, but it will give me joy...and that's just what I need.

night night!
Cindi

Changes

2010-09-04T20:57:00.000-04:00

To start this post...A very special thank you to all my loyal followers, for sticking with me as I have been changing, rearranging and re-inventing this blog! XO

I've found it very stressful to maintain multiple blogs...a bunny blog, one for each of my businesses and a personal musings blog. My hair is now all white!!!

Welcome to the new, condensed blog:
"Postings from a Crazy Cottontail"

This new and improved blog will include fun things I find in the cyberworld. I'll share my thoughts and the wonderful world of handmade. And always.... something about bunnies.

I made this wonderful bag, based on the original art of Nakisha, at bluedogrose on Etsy.

It sold last week and my customer wanted to have a custom bag made for her friend, exchanging the bunny for her buddies beagle. She sent me a few pictures of the puppy via email and here is the finished product.

I think I have a new custom creation.....personalized pet bags!!! This will be fun.

Looking forward to next time.
Cindi

Flower Gardening with Fabric.

2010-07-22T09:24:00.000-04:00

In my last post I shared my flower garden with you. It got me thinking.....and off I went to search Etsy for flower quilts.

There were too many to share them all, so I picked some of the most interesting to share with you!

This sweet little cushion is by Roxy Creations. I just love the colors. Wouldn't this be just adorable in a little girls room?

Heather's 3 Stars is the creator of this Monet inspired quilt. It's a beautiful representation of Impressionism.

French Town calls this piece Timothy.....I call it beautiful! I love the way it's quilted.

I think this Black Eyed Susan...in fabric....is just as beautiful as it's living counterpart. Great job Joy Strings.

Thank you for visiting today :-)

Summer By the Pond

2010-07-20T17:45:00.000-04:00

It has been a wonderful summer. We have been very blessed with beautiful weather and the flowers around the pond have given us a stunning show.

Thanks to my wonderful husband Frank and his new "toy", I will be able to revist our bounty during the cold snowy Northern Michigan winter.

I wish I knew the species of this stunning DayLily but it is one of those "natural" plantings brought in on the feet of a bird or duck. I split the original plant 9 years ago and have it all over the garden now.

Don't ya just love this fuzzy Shasta Daisy

I just love purple liatris. In a few years it should fill this whole area...Yea!

Frank caught this Black Eyed Susan just as it was opening.

And to finish...A day around the pond just wouldn't be the same without one of our croky bull frogs!

Thank you for stopping by today. See ya again soon :-)

Christmas in July

2010-07-19T22:49:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year again....Christmas in July!!!

I'm offering a 20% off selected items in my shop. Stop by and take a peek.
Here is a preview!

Every Christmas needs an Angel...and here she is.
I borrowed some of the blocks from my Christmas quilt...and I think they make adorable pillows.

Let it snow.....I'll remember this in February!!!
Snowman is needle turn applique and hand quilted, too. I've used a hypoallergenic stuffing and it's soooo soft!

This Santa pillow is hand needle turn applique. It's hand quilted, too.
Needle turn applique, hand quilted on this one, too. Boy have I been busy!

Thank you for stopping by.
Cindi

Quilts are NOT just for beds anymore!

2010-06-17T09:31:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone!

I'm sorry it's been so long since my last post. My husband had some health issues that lead to surgery and I've been on my own. All is well and he's almost back to 100%. A loving Thank you to Dr. Miller, all the surgi staff and nurses at Mid-Michigan Medical Center :-)

While on hiatus, I've had the opportunity to surf around and find some amazing quilts that aren't bed coverings. I want to share some with you today.

*°º¤ø,¸.¸,ø¤º°*°º¤ø,¸.¸,ø¤º° FUN °º¤ø,¸.¸,ø¤º°*°º¤ø,¸.¸,ø¤º°*

Would our grandmothers ever think of having quilts in the kitchen?! Well here are some adorable quilted potholders from JLilyHandmade. They are scrappy paper pieced in a traditional pineapple pattern. Wouldn't grandma LOVE how this traditional block was used here!?!

From Massachusetts is Sieber Designs and this colorful floral wall hanging. Because of it's shape....wouldn't it look great draped over a table!
It measures 12"w x 24.5"h. It features fucia and orange floral fabrics that are machine pieced. Orange appliqued flowers and machine quilted free hand flowers in orange thread are used as accent.

I just had to add this Family Tree by SuzyQ! What a fantastic idea. And if you add the names to the leaves... you'll have a cherished family heirloom. The tree and leaves are machine appliqued onto the quilt with the branches being stitched with thread play to give it a branchy look. It measures 34 inches square. The perfect size to hang in a collection with family photos!

Pillows are the easiest way to freshen up a room. They add a splash of color and texture. What better way than adding some pieced "mini-quilt" pillows. Here are three by the Modern Quilter. A star, blue triangles and pink squares. They will brighten up your room...for sure.

I had so much fun finding these non-traditional quilted treasures. If you have any you'd like me to share, just let me know and I'll be glad to feature them next time!

Have a great weekend.
Cindi

I'd like to introduce you to the Dirt Road Artists Team!

2010-04-14T11:19:00.000-04:00

I am a member of the Etsy- Dirt Road Artists Team... DRATs for short. We all hale from small towns with a population of 25,000 folks or under. Never have I known a more wonderful group in all my years!

I'd like to take the next couple of weeks to introduce you to all 26 members and the beautiful things they create.

This is the third post in the series. If you're visiting for the first time... please check the previous posts to meet them all.

Rose... of Baskets by Rose is a fellow Michigander from the Detroit area. Her baskets are hand woven and the reeds are hand dyed...so each basket is a true one of a kind. Stunning!

This beautiful pottery is by Phyliss of Montezuma Mudd and she hales from Mancos, Colorado. She calls her pieces "functional stoneware pottery" and they are ment to be used every day!

Pine, Arizona is where Connie calls home. She has a special gift of capturing the nuances of faces and eyes in her pencil drawings. Her shop Life Shades has original pieces and prints.

I invite you to click the DRATs link above to meet the artists at home in their studios!

Thank you for stopping by! See you again soon.

Enjoying my Joyful Art creation.

2010-04-09T16:47:00.000-04:00

In my last post I featured one of my Dirt Road Artist Team friends, Joy of Joyful Art Studio. I just wanted to share with you the beautiful fused glass vase she made. Isn't it stunning!! I love the way it has a central reservoir and four small ones at the corners.

Today is my birthday...and my wonderful, sweetheart husband bought these lovely flowers for me. I had so much fun arranging them in this knock-out vase. I thought the four little pockets were just perfect to hold a single tulip.

Thank you Joy and Frank for making my day so beautiful.

I'd like to introduce you to the Dirt Road Artists Team!

2010-04-07T22:06:00.000-04:00

I am a member of the Etsy- Dirt Road Artists Team... DRATs for short. We all hale from small towns with a population of 25,000 folks or under. Never have I known a more wonderful group in all my 52..on Friday 53...years!

I'd like to take the next couple of weeks and introduce you to all 26 members and the beautiful things they create.

A little nepotism here as I begin with my wonderful husband Frank. His shop is HornyCritters. He hand carves mini sculptures from antlers he find in the woods. His newest passion is photography. I think he found his muse!

The next member I'd like you to meet is a fellow Michigander, from Grand Haven...on the west side of the state. Her shop is Joyful Art Studio. Joy makes the most beautiful jewelry, mosaics and glass creations.

Thank you for stopping by. I look forward to our next chat "out by the fence"

I've finished it!!!

2010-04-02T11:20:00.000-04:00

Finally.....

After 13 weeks... of 12-18 hour days... the custom order quilt, "Christmas in July" is ready to ship!!

All of the blocks are needle turn applique which was very labor intensive. A joy to do...but my heart got heavy when we got further and further from the Christmas season.
The hand quilting was done in shadow and on some of the larger block..I added background texture with swirls, stars and waves.

Thank you Jolene, for the opportunity to make a Christmas Heirloom for your family.

Needle Turn Applique...Cottontail style

2010-02-10T13:08:00.000-05:00

I've had quite a few requests to share how I needle turn applique....so here we go!

I like to use a #9 gold eye quilting needle. It's small and sturdy. Anything larger has the chance of pulling the *turn* out when the thread is drawn.
My thread of choice is a rayon/cotton blend. It's thin and is buried nicely in the fabric. Less chance that your stitches will show!

My first indispensable tool is a light box. I use it to trace the individual pieces in my applique on to the rough side of freezer paper.
If you don't have a light box, a sunny door or window with easy access works, too. I have a patio door that I use for larger projects. If you're using a vertical surface, make sure you use painters tape (it doesn't leave residue) to secure your pattern to the window.

Once I have my pieces traced...I don't add a seam allowance...I cut them out of the freezer paper and iron them to the right side of the fabric. Shiny side down toward the fabric.

When I cut out the pattern/fabric piece, I add the 1/4 inch seam allowance. I'm a wing it kinda gal, so I don't fret about an exact measurement. The applique process will correct any inconsistencies.

The next step is where you need to practice a bit and see what is comfortable for you.
You can begin the applique with the freezer paper attached, using the paper edge as your guide where to turn under.
Or, you can trace around the paper with a #3 pencil or chalk pencil. If you choose this method, you can remove the freezer paper to applique.

Personally...I find working with the paper very bulky. Sometimes I'll trace the pattern in pencil if it's a very fussy piece. Most of the time I trust my cuts and just go for it!

To begin the needle turn, bring your thread up from back to front, 1/2 inch behind the applique edge.
I wear my nails short, with the exception of my right pointer (I use it as a thimble for hand quilting) and my left thumb. The thumb nail has two purposes. 1- It holds the fabric flat so drawing the needle through doesn't move thing around. 2- It's a little *finger pressing* tool. I press the nail down on the turned edge...and it stays.

Now let's start to needle turn applique!

I'm right handed so the the next step will have to be reversed for lefties.

With the tip of the needle, tuck the fabric under to the end of the freezer paper or to your pencil marking.

With the thumb nail of your left hand, hold that fold firmly. Bring the needle up through the very tip (1 or 2 threads)of that fold. Draw up the thread.

Still holding the fold with your thumb nail, take a tiny stitch through the backing fabric...two threads behind where the applique thread came through the top of the applique.... and back up through the applique as close to the last stitch as you can.

Continue this process all they way around the applique!
Remember to nip...not cut...inside curves.
When you reach the first stitch, insert the needle straight through all layers of fabric and knot at the back.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Have fun with needle turn applique!

Why Do I Love Needle Turn Applique?

2010-01-13T04:46:00.000-05:00

Of all the techniques I use to build a quilt top, needle turn applique is by far my favorite.

First, because I'm not confined to my studio as a slave to my sewing machine for the entire process.

Before I begin to applique, I spend time in the studio building the backgrounds for the blocks. I attach these pieces to the pieced borders forming the foundation for the applique.

I begin applique process by drawing the individual pieces onto freezer paper and cutting them out without a seam allowance. I'll add these later. With a warm iron, I adhear the pieces to their designated fabrics.I add the 1/4 seam allowance beyond the freezer paper pattern, as I cut. This way I can add extra for difficult fabrics, or less for tight angles.

The second reason I love needle turn is portability. After the pieces are cut, I put them in a letter size envelope marked with the name (or number) of the block. I put this envelope and the foundation of the block in a plastic zipper bag. Now when I know I'll have some waiting to do, like at the doctors office, I'll bring out the bag and start the applique.

The third, and for me the best, reason I love needle turn applique is the fluidity. There are no borders to confine or math to mess with or patterns set in stone. The block below has a treee that flow over into the pieced border and I love this effect!

Let me know if you'd like me to post my technique for needle turning. I'd love to share!
Thanks for stopping by...see you soon! Cindi

FUN ‹^^^›_‹(•¿•)›_‹^^^› STUFF!!

Here are my newest Etsy finds. These are shops that haven't been *discovered* yet. Please click the links and let them know you found them :)

A Tree of Life engraved on a vintage brass locket by starsb117.

A butcher block chef station by OgiFurniture.

A fun and fanciful crown for your little princess by GirlGirlBoy.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-09T14:49:00.000-05:00

The holidays are now officially over and I hope everyone had a joyful season!

We had a quiet time all by ourselves this year. I served a 5 course meal that Frank and I ate in our jammies. I was wonderful!!

Here is the pattern for my latest quilt project. It is a custom order and my customer has asked that I use batiks instead of the calico. I think it will be very sophisticated and elegant. Production pictures will follow.

With the start of a new decade, I want to do something a little different with the blog.

When I started on Etsy I had some very wonderful Estians that took my hand and mentored me in the ways of Etsy. Some of them went out of their way to help promote my quilts on their blogs. I don't think I would have stuck it out without their help.

So here I am...paying it forward.

Each new post will feature artisans I found on Etsy, that have yet to be discovered. I hope you like what I've found. If you do, please let them know by clicking on the link and it will take you to their shop.

¸.¸,ø¤º°*°º¤ø,¸.¸,ø¤º° FUN FINDS °º¤ø,¸.¸,ø¤º°*°º¤ø,¸.¸

This is a pretty mohair shawl by twistnspin. I think the color is beautiful and I love the design.

This is an amazing quilt I found. The top is vintage and CucumberQuilts had it machine quilted into this stunning queen size quilt. Don't you love the "Sugar Cookies"??

I love the ambient effects that this light give off. The natural state of the wood with the light shining from within makes ravenlights one of my favorites!

This little kitty just plain makes me feel good! I think the face 2CatArt has given this guy is so sweet it makes me smile. Do you think he's amused with the bird on his head??

Thank you for stopping by and sharing your time with me. I look forward to next time :)
Cindi

Custom Orders...YEAAAAA!!

2009-12-07T14:51:00.000-05:00

I know a lot of artists would rather have a root canal that design a custom order but I LOVE THEM! Through all of the different online photos, sites and shops....this customer has chosen me to make that perfect quilt for their special someone.

I start with a conversation with the buyer so I can find out what their "dream" is. It's my experience that every custom order starts with a dreamy picture in the customer's mind of something they would love to have. Through this dialog I can find out what their budget is, when they need it, who it is for, and most important...what type of quilt would they like.

After all the details are hammered out, I start sketching. I clean up the sketch and then pull out my colored pencils. I try to include as much detail as I can. I'll recreate (as best I can) the fabrics I've chosen for the quilt.

I'll then present my customer with the drawing.

This is the point where the changes, if any, are made. This customer wanted to add some darker purples to the applique work. She also wanted to omit the bumble bee because her daughter-in-law was allergic! We decided on an exact size and off to the studio I went.

This is where the joy of custom work flourishes. I love to take an idea and make it come to life. Here is the finished quilt.

When the quilt top was finished, I emailed a photo and explained that I had some fabric left over did she want to add to the collection. She did...so I made a matching bonnet, jumpsuit and pillow.

This is the most recent custom quilt I was asked to design. The drawing was approved and I'm doing the needle turn applique work at this time.

I'll check in with the stages of development so you can follow the process.

Thank you for stopping by to visit! See ya next time.

What Do Quilters Love More Than Fabric?

2009-11-16T19:08:00.000-05:00

I have been sitting at my lap top wondering what to write this week.
My thoughts were wandering and I was thinking that the holidays will be here before we know it. I have quilt-y gifts to finish and baking to do. So I was wondering....

What do quilters love more that a free pass to the fabric store? Great food and family.

My mother taught me to cook in a 1950's track house kitchen. Simple appliances that got the job done.

One of mom's famous recipes was a Gooseberry Christmas Pudding. Here is the recipe straight from her hand written cook book.
If you can't find gooseberries, substitute 1 cup of currents and increase milk to 1/3 cup.

2 cups self rising flour
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup gooseberries plus extra for garnish
1/4 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
Finely grated rind of 1 lemon
1/2 tea. cinnamon
pinch of salt
Powdered sugar

Stew gooseberries gently in a little bit of water until plump. Mash berries and add the remainder of ingredients except the powdered sugar. (You'll save this for garnish later). Mix all to form a soft dough. Press into a mold or bowl and cover with foil. Place the container (bowl) in a large pot, adding enough water to come half way up the side of the bowl. Cover the outer pot and steam over medium heat for about two hours, adding more water as needed to keep the water level at half way.

Unmold and garnish with extra berries and powdered sugar.

Give this a try and let me know if it becomes a holiday favorite for you, too.

This was my first kitchen. State of the art, huh?

Well I've written about food and family... now... here is the quilt.

Grandma made this for mom and dad as a wedding gift. It is the flying geese pattern. It now sits at the end of my brother and sister-in-laws bed.

Here is my version.

This quilt, in any size, is a great way to use all those small pieces of fabric. The scrappier the better!

I like to keep continuity and use the same fabric on all units that will represent the background. This mini has center anchor squares that are surrounded by the flying geese.

Help support the handmade community and make a date to spend $30.00 of your holiday shopping on Etsy November 30th. Check out this list for participating Etsy Shops. Or just enter 30on30 into the search box. Thank you!

Thankx for visiting. See you next week!

The Rabbit Tarot Show Is Ready To Go!!

2009-11-07T11:47:00.000-05:00

Back in October, Nakisha had asked me to join her at the City Trees Gallery in the Seattle area. She will be showing the original watercolors that were used to create the images for her Rabbit Tarot Cards.

I was so honored and excited to be included in the show, that I wanted to make something very special. I had thought about making garments for quite some time, and this opportunity was the perfect time to unveil them!

So, after weeks of sewing and quilting 18 hours a day, my Rabbit Tarot pieces are now in Seattle with Nakisha's watercolors, waiting for Opening Night November 14th. I am showing them here for the very first time. Clicking the highlights will give more detail.

This is a jacket based on the Rabbit Tarot Card, The World. It is done in needle turn applique and is hand quilted. The sky sections are quilted in a stippling pattern with a metallic silver thread to add a little sparkle! The entire back of the jacket has my interpretation of the Word. It too, is needle turn appliqued and stipple quilted.

This is a slouch bag titled The Sun. The detail on the front is all needle turn applique. The quilting around the sun mimics sun rays and have a touch of metallic gold thread to represent light. The back of the bag has contemporary versions of log cabin blocks.

Here is a vest based on the card The Star. I loved making this because of all the beautiful colors and patchwork pieces. The pieced stars on the front are continued on the back, where I have recreated The Star card. The back is needle turn appliqued and hand quilted. Out in *space* I have hand quilted more stars with a metallic gold thread.

I have reproduced the back of the Rabbit Tarot Cards on this bag. Around the center medallion I have placed pieced blocks made entirely of black and white fabrics. The quilting around the bunnies are done in shadow and the body of the bag is a free form graphic pattern.

I hope that you have enjoyed the new additions to my quilt family. I had so much fun making them so I have several more on the idea board ready to start.

Thank you for stopping by!
Cindi

Deluxe Rabbit Tarot Give Away!

2009-10-23T16:01:00.000-04:00

CONGRATS to Mona C of Georgia,
She is the winner of the Deluxe Rabbit Tarot Set!!

My friend Nakisha and I are having a give away!

All of this is in preparation for Nakisha's gallery show of the original art for the Rabbit Tarot, which opens November 14th at the City Trees Gallery in Ballard, Washinton. For more details visit her website. Nakisha has graciously invited me to show some of my Tarot pouches and quilts with her at the show. We have joined together to celebrate with this fun giveaway! Anyone... anywhere... can enter, unless you are family, or have already won something from her in the last year.

What you can win:
The Deluxe Tarot set. This includes a deck of Nakisha's beautiful Rabbit Tarot Cards, one of my hand quilted Rabbit Tarot Pouches (seen below) a bunny pin back button and three Rabbit Tarot postcards. A $48. value!

How to Win:
Leave a comment on Nakisha's blog or this blog post. Be sure to include a way to contact you!

Bonus Entries:
Do any of the following; each * will count as one additional entry:

*Follow this blog (or mention you already follow it in the comments).
*Follow Nakisha's blog (or mention you already follow in the comments)at www.bluedogrose.blogspot.com
*Follow us on twitter cottontailquilt AND bluedogrose AND Tweet (once) this phrase-

RT Win a FREE Rabbit Tarot Deck and Deluxe Tarot Pouch from @bluedogrose @cottontailquilt http://bluedogrose.blogspot.com/

Contest ends October 30th, and the winner will be selected by a random number generated by Random.org, and Nakisha will announce the winner on her blog on October 31st, 2009.

If you can't wait to have your own Rabbit Tarot Set, I have a Limited Edition Luxury Set in my shop at www.cottontailquilts.etsy.com.

Or visit bluedogrose's shop for your own deck at: www.bluedogrose.etsy.com

These are some examples of other pouches I have made to coordinate with the Rabbit Tarot Cards.

Daisy Tarot Pouch is honored in a treasury!

2009-10-17T19:32:00.000-04:00

thank you to nutmegnsassafras at Etsy for including me in this adorable daisy treasury.

We live in northern Michigan and our daisy season has ended until next spring. I thank you so much for bringing spring into my heart for the long cold winter ahead.

Please take a look at the sweet daisies that have been collected for us to enjoy!!

Etsy :: Treasury List

Thank you again, nutmegnsassafras

2009-10-15T22:35:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry to announce that the "Name This Fabric" contest was a bust. I waited all day today for any final entries, but there just wasn't much interest.

I will leave the offer open until the fabric is named.
Thank you to the entrants. I really appreciate your suggestions!

Exciting news just came my way on Tuesday.

My friend Nakisha is having a show of her beautiful paintings in Seattle at the City Trees Gallery on November 14th. She will be showcasing the original watercolors of Little White and Dutch Rabbit she painted that are used as the images for her Rabbit Tarot Cards. She has asked me to include the carrying pouches I've quilted and two Tarot quilts (I'm still working on) featuring my adaptation of her paintings.

I am so honored and excited that Nakisha has asked me to have my quilts and pouches join her on her very special day!!

If you live in the Seattle area, please stop by and say hello to her on November 14th. She may even give you a reading. She has 10 years experience and it should be a lot of fun.

I am a member of Quilter Blogs. Check them out for fun and informative quilting news and projects.

Summers End

2009-10-12T19:26:00.000-04:00

Summer has officially ended.

We fired up the wood stove today and that always signals the beginning of fall.
Last spring we split and stacked 5 cords of apple wood and that's what we have burning now. The smell is divine.

Frank was out in the back 40 taking pictures today and I thought I'd share them with you. The season of natures magnificient color is so short.

This is out over the pond.

These are at the bottom of the driveway.

The days are getting shorter and nights colder. Snow is forcasted for tonight. The nostalgic thoughts of a quilting hoop on my lap, holding a warm and cozy quilt makes the end of summer less melancholy. My season of quilting has begun!

I will post a quilting project next time. Thank you for stopping by.

Name This Fabric Contest!

2009-10-05T18:07:00.000-04:00

I just finished this little quilt that features my original hand made fabric. I have used upcycled fabric and threads to create this fun, textured fabric. I quilted over all the little pieces to make it stable and keep it from shedding. My studio is covered with a million brightly colored fuzzies that escaped the quilting needle.

After the quilt was pieced, I added the floral elements in cottons and felted wool. All are needle turn appliqued. Doesn't it look like an impressionist painting? I've titled it: "Field of Wildflowers"

But.....I have a problem.......this fabric needs a name! Can you help?

I have been playing around and can't find the right one. So...I'm having a contest. Name This Fabric.
For the next 10 days I'm open to any and all suggestions. Just leave your idea and email address in the comment box here and on October 15th I will announce the winner. As a thank you for helping me, I will award the winner a 6x9 inch bag, featuring the fabric.... with it's new name!

I thank you all, in advance, for your entries. Please keep it clean. I look forward to reading all of your creative ideas.

Cindi

Sharing, Caring and Cooperation

2009-09-29T17:36:00.000-04:00

I was so surprised and thrilled this week when I received an email from Stefanie on Etsy. She had included my Spacewalk Bunnie in her beautiful Treasury "When I Grow Up"! She asked her three year old daughter what she wanted to be when she grew up, and this treasury was dedicated to her answer.

Thank You very much Stefanie, for including my quilt in your adorable Treasury. To be included in the company of such established Estians was quite an honor. Working together as a community of artists on Etsy, is the very meaning of cooperation.

Spacewalk Bunny is a cooperative effort I have with Nakisha at bluedogrose on Etsy, too. Nakisha has graciously allowed me to translate her Little White Rabbits into quilts. They have been so much fun to work with. The whimsy and imagination make these quilts perfect for a little one's room. Can't you just see them used as the inspiration for story time? Or, do you have someone special that collects bunnies? What a great addition to their collection!

I'm so fortunate to be be working together with Nakisha, again. I am going to add to the LWR series with three new quilts.
I'd like to share that Nakisha has spent over a year creating paintings of Little White Rabbit and his friend Dutch Rabbit. She has had them professionally printed into the beautiful Rabbit Tarot. Each image is a recreation of an original watercolor. What a labor of love!
I am in the process of designing hand quilted carrying pouches for the cards. Each pouch will have a rabbit themed design. The pouch is sized to hold the Rabbit Tarot and with the deluxe set, a reading mat of organic flannel. I'll feature the pouches in my next post!

Thank you for visiting. See you next week :)

Think Outside the Box

2009-09-20T15:24:00.000-04:00

For a long time now, I've wanted to expand my quilt collection to include techniques that would read more as art than a traditional quilt. My desire was to blend my traditional hand quilting background with a contemporary, fiber art twist. I thought outside the box of traditional quilting, and this is where I landed! Who would have believed that the answer would come to me while I cleaned my studio.

These fiber art pieces had their beginnings as the scraps left behind after I squared off my fabric with the rotary cutter. I had just finished a quilt that had different fabrics with a white theme and I had a million little strips. With a little adjusting to my new found treasures, I was on the right track. I looked down on the stack of fuzzy white mini-strips and was a bit disheartened. The tone on tones that worked so well in the queen sized quilt, just looked like a sea of white. Flat and uninteresting. So I dug a little further into the basket and found some pretty sky blue pieces. I striped them up and added them to *the mix*. That was what it needed. A little color variance to give the collection some depth.

But it still lacked the 3-dimensional feel I was looking for. This was solved with a look into the basket that sits by my sewing station. I found little bundles of threads...all tangled together. I picked through them, sorting out the whites and metallic. I added the thread bundles to my fabric scraps and there it was! I was so excited.

The next task was going to be securing the thread and fabric bundles. All those little pieces!!

I needed a backing....
something to anchor the little pieces to. A piece of plain white muslin would do. I carefully laid all the little strips onto the muslin and pined like mad! Then to the sewing machine. I attached the darning foot and off I went.
For the first time in my quilting career I didn't have to worry about tying threads and burrying them at the back. I left the tails and it just added more personality to the....what do I call my new fabric creation?

I then cut the new fabric creation and assembled the little quilts the way I have for years. I added a needle turn applique tree trunk and soft sculpture branch, covered in snow, to the "Snowy Oak".
To "Believe in Magic" I incorporated a needle turn applique dragonfly and hand embroidered the verse.

To follow this new idea of an art piece, I made stretcher frames and mounted the quilts around them instead of using a binding.

I'm very happy with my decision to think outside the box. I have four more quilts on the design wall and have been having so much fun with this new technique.

Thank you very much for stopping by and I hope you visit again next week.

Custom Bunny Portraits

2009-09-11T10:33:00.000-04:00

I have been working with Nakisha at bluedogrose for the last few months, recreating her beautiful Little White Rabbit watercolors into lovely quilted wall art. As I was working on New Blue Ribbon I was thinking, "Wouldn't it be fun to quilt a bunny portrait!" There are many quilters that specialize in portraits, but I wanted to try something different. I wanted to compose a story....with background elements having as much weight as the subjects.

My friend Ellen has two adorable bunnies, named Hudson an Honey. Hudson is charcoal grey and white and Honey is the color of...well... honey. Elle had the most precious photograph of them snuggling nose to nose on flickr . They were laying on the prettiest rag rug and I knew the composition would make a beautiful quilt.

Isn't this great! This is the original pic.

The kicker was going to be recreating the rag rug. If I didn't get that just right the quilt just wouldn't work. So I spent two weeks (a three tries) to recreate the rug as I saw it in Elle's photo. I used the needle turn applique technique to create the brightly colored rag strips. After they were applied, I embroidered the connecting threads with floss. I did it. Even the tassels! Now to step two.

This is the rug that took three tries!

I contacted Ellen and asked if I could recreate her photograph to fabric. She gleefully gave her permission and I was off to unite two beautiful bunnies with their favorite rug.

Hudson and Honey are applied to the quilt with needle turn applique as well. This seem to be my technique of choice these days. I think it's because it's so portable. Hudson's white body was applied first. I then overlayed the black. Honey was a challenge to do. She is a fluffier bunny so I cut some very low loft cotton batting a quarter inch smaller than the applique. I used a glue stick to hold the batting to the applique and tacked them both to the quilt body at the same time. To finish it off I embroidered their outlines in 2 strand of floss, in a medium grey.

Hand painting the eyes and the ears were last. I think I'm a glutton for excess stress because this is always the last step. One mistake and I'm in big trouble. I crated the dog and bunny so I wouldn't be bumped, took a deep breath and with brush in hand, started painting. I wait until the quilt is finished , because the eyes and ears bring the bunnies to LIFE!

I finished the quilt with a small black inner border and and outer border in a primary stripe to coordinate with the rag rug. I sent the quilt off to Ellen. She was very happy with my interpretation of her photo and added the quilt picture to her flicker collection.

A special thank you to Hudson and Honey for being fantastic subjects.

To my dear friend Ellen, thank you for the opportunity to play with your bunnies and to recreate your photo to fabric.

Bunny kisses
Cindi

Easily Connect To Your Creativity and Find Your Muse

2009-09-06T09:20:00.000-04:00

Creativity can be such an illusive thing.

At times it's oozing from every pore and then, quick as you please, it's all dried up like the Mohave Desert. This week I had one of my dry spells. I was just finishing up a custom quilt and intended to plan my next quilt. NOTHING. I couldn't find a single creative thought.

So I decided I would take a walk through my family history for some inspiration.

My great grandmother was an artist. She painted in oils on copper in the Hudson River style. Her paintings are so serene. Cows grazing in the field, bubbling brooks and willow trees swaying in the breeze. You can almost smell the grass. Occasionally she would paint florals in watercolors. This medium allowed her to express her talent for detail.

My grandmother was a quilter. She created pieced quilt tops that were perfect. She collected fabric...as all quilters do...and when she had the right combination of colors out came the big, grey tailors scissors and her box of patterns. Gram wouldn't have liked this age of rotary cutters. She was in her zen place when she was cutting. After the quilt top was finished, it was time to bring out the quilting frame and begin the hand quilting that would fill her winter days. Her quilts were a labor of love and she was a master.

My mother was a seamstress, though she'd just tell you she liked to sew. She was quite well known for her pill box hats and stunning wedding gowns. The detail of her gowns was amazing. She covered the buttons by hand and crocheted each loops herself so they would fit perfectly around the buttons. There was always a sea of white on our living room floor as she added the laces, seed beads. sequins and pearls... ALL BY HAND! She made a name for herself with her creativity and attention to detail.

To help me find my creativity, I called on these artistic women. I went to my living room wall and got lost in great Grandmother Elizabeth's paintings. Then off to the bedroom to spread across my bed, the quilt Grandma Sarah made for me when I was a little girl. I finished my search for creativity with an old and tattered photograph album. On it's pages I saw the beautiful wedding dress my mom made for her only daughter.

Each of these creative women touched me and I was aware that they were now my muses. I began to hear their quiet guidance and filled my design wall with ideas for many new quilts.

Though they are no longer here with me on earth, their spirits are alive in the beautiful things they left behind.

Thank you