A Mermaid's Playground

This past weekend, the Arts Council that I am involved with hosted a mini show to celebrate the one year mark for our Adopt an Artist program. I wanted to have a new piece to show vs. the 7 in the catalog that the businesses can choose from....she exceeded my vision.

We invited the already existing business representatives along with new businesses that we would like to sign up for the program. The program has been a wonderful experience for me by allowing my art to be shown to audiences that wouldn't normally see it. This cycle I was adopted by the Leon Mann Senior Center in Morehead City. They chose all 7 pieces that will hang through December.

Lorelai, the mermaid, was a lot of fun for me and I am very pleased with how my threadwork turned out for the coral.

Of course, when I start a project around here it somehow becomes a family event with recommendations and ideas flying from every angle. Some I accept and some I don't. Usually the creativity of this family adds hours more work but is worth it in the end.

I knew I wanted beading on her tail but the idea just wasn't coming together quickly enough until my daughter suggested her idea....

I machine quilted a clamshell design and then placed a bead at each point of the stitching, by hand. The beading was a lot of work but the results were just more than I imagined.
So now the mini show is over and she is mine to submit to shows. I am very excited about where she may end up.

Houston Market

I just came back from an extremely exhilarating experience...how's that for alliteration?
Last Wednesday I flew from North Carolina to St. Louis, MO. On Thursday at 2am, I got up and headed to Houston with my friend Susan Marth of Suzn Quilts.
I had volunteered to work her booth with her. She thinks I did her a favor but she really did the favor for me. This trip was to help me decide whether to go to Pittsburgh in the spring. The bonus was I stood in a booth for a few days surrounded by beautiful quilts of her design.

New Seasonal Banners that can be assembled separately or
combined into one wall hang.

A pinwheel and churndash quilt made using charm packs plus yardage.

A tribute quilt to Abe Lincoln to celebrate his 200th birthday next February.

In addition to helping Susan, I had the pleasure of meeting Celine Perkins of Perkins Dry Goods and her helper, Jenni.

From the Quilt Art list I met Terry White when I went to purchase her book, Thread Painting made easy, and Annie Smith. Annie, can't wait to hear your new podcasts:)

There was so much to see and do. One absolute pleasure was walking the quilt exhibit before the crowds of people. Being in there when it was so quiet felt like I was playing hooky or getting away with something.

The whole experience was nothing short of amazing and I look forward to more amazing experiences along with meeting many more new faces in PITTSBURGH Spring 2009.