Category: Creativity and Inspiration

Creativity and Inspiration can come from anywhere for artists.This post presents ideas that may release your creativity. Take your art in a new direction.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/11/sources-of-ones-creativity/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/09/becoming-more-creative/

About the Quilt Artist

My art quilts are all about the quilt artist creating abstract, whimsical or impressionistic pieces. Inspiration comes from the natural world as well as from Mexican and Native American influences. My materials of choice are often redirected fabrics from the San Francisco Design Center and found objects. Art quilts free me to play with color and texture. My technique, Scribble Quilting allows me to create movement on many of my pieces.

TWO INSPIRATIONAL ARTISTS

I owe some of my inspiration to two artists from Santa Cruz County, California. Meri Vahl, an award winning art quilter has been recognized nationally for her work. Teacher of the fabric layering technique, she was patient. Understanding that each student brought individual strengths, weaknesses and abilities. Ellen edith;friend, art quilter, fabric designer and artist extraordinaire made whimsical, personal quilts. Her influence lives on well beyond her life. I have great appreciation for these two local leaders of the art quilt world.

SAQA (STUDIO ART QUILT ASSOCIATES)

I am proud to be part of an evergrowing group of art quilters. SAQA started by Yvonne Porcella in Northern California in 1989. It has grown to an international organization. Art quilters have transformed the quilt into a 21^st Century art form. I continue to explore new forms and ways of working with unusual materials on this journey.

ABOUT THE ARTIST,BIO

I was born and raised in Palo Alto, California. In high school I studied sewing and clothing construction for two years. I continued to sew much of my wardrobe. In 1974,I took my first quilting class at a neighborhood fabric store. Over the years, I continued to sew clothes and make quilts for my family. I stopped counting bed quilts at 300. After teaching 30 years in Watsonville as a bilingual teacher, I retired to spend more time on creating art quilts.

MY FIRST ART QUILT

Homage to a Dancer,45″ x 56″

In 2008, I made my first art quilt, Homage to a Dancer. It reflects my participation in Los Méxicas,the University of California,Santa Cruz ballet folklórico group.

A STUDIO IN THE ART CENTER

In May of 2016, I opened a studio in the Santa Cruz Art Center, 1001 Center St. Downtown Santa Cruz. I have space to work and display my work. For First Fridays and Open Studios, I fill the lobby with art. In June, 2019 New York Art Center accepted my work into their gallery. 7 Franklin Place, TRIBECA, New York City.

AWARD WINNING ARTIST

Great Blue Heron at Dusk,31″ x 25″

Great Blue Heron at Dusk entered into an art show in 2010. The following year it won a merit award at the Olive Hyde Art Gallery in Fremont,California.
In 2013, Visions of New Mexico won third place in the Neo Membreno Vessels 2013 Show at the Western New Mexico University Museum in Silver City, New Mexico.

How to Choose the Right Thread

Choosing the right thread for your project is important. Discover the brand of thread that works best on your machine. It may vary according to the type of project you are working on. My experience involves sewing clothes,machine piecing and machine quilting. True confessions time-None of my experience involves embroidery or thread painting. So I won’t address them.

THE BEST THREAD FOR FREE MOTION QUILTING

The best thread for free motion quilting is Aurofil 50 wt. This brand is a thin,high quality quilting thread that comes in a wide range of colors. Each spool seems a bit more expensive than other brands. Yet, the thread is thinner so there is more thread per spool. It is strong enough to withstand the pull of the machine during the quilting process. I never break my own rule about free motion quilting with Aurofil thread. Moreover, one less thing to worry about.

Experiment with Color

When I began machine quilting many years ago, the right thread meant I choose colors to match my quilt. As I moved into the art quilt realm, I realized that each person’s eyes blended colors uniquely. I stopped worrying about choosing the perfect matching color. With more flexible of the thread colors, I liked the results. So I no longer worry about matching When I began machine quilting many years ago, I choose colors to match my quilt. As I moved into the art quilt realm, I realized that each person’s eyes blended colors uniquely. I stopped trying to match the right thread color. With more flexible of the thread colors, I liked the results. So I no longer worry about matching the right thread color to the fabric color or even coming close.

Choosing a Brand

When choosing a thread, consider what you will be doing with it. With practice, you will find which thread brand works bit with your machine. One brand of thread was recommended when I bought my machine. So I used it. I thought that the stitches could look better.

Quite by accident, I found other brands that made my stitches look better. I started to use them for piecing. Similarly, several nation brands of thread didn’t perform well on my machine. They are not poor quality threads just not suited well for my machine and the type of sewing I do. Free yourself to experiment to find a brand that creates the good quality look you want. So much for thinking all thread brands are alike.

Using Old Thread

I do not have a problem using old thread. At my guild’s annual flea market, I am drawn to the wooden spools of thread. I gather them like wild mushrooms in the spring. I know that there will be a time that they become rare. Yet I have found these antique threads to be as strong as newer threads. Do not be afraid to use them.

Author/artist in front of her art quilt at show in Sacramento, CA.

Spools with Unusual colors

Find spools of unique colors and shades. Add them to your work . Do not be afraid of their strength or quality. In my decades long sewing career, I only tossed one spool of thread due to poor strength. That’s a darn good record.

Collect a Wide Range of Thread Colors

The shades of colors change more quickly than one would think. Pantene Paints sets the standard for the popular paint colors for each year. This affects the whole world of fabric. Yet, what if the fabric color a quilter needs is out of fashion? This is why developing a stash of thread is important. I suspect it also encouraged some art quilters to begin to use paint as well. But that is another situation i am unfamiliar with as I don’t use paints. Yet, I keep an eye out for unusual thread colors. I have a wide range of color at my fingertips.

As I have gained experience I realize some acquisitions were a bit too hasty. I liked the color and gathered without regard for the content of the thread. The was a bit of a mistake. Opps, save that polester thread for basting or pass it on.

White Thread is Useful too.

I often run out of white thread. Hard to believe, but true. As uninteresting as it seems we do need white thread from time to time. Yet I found I didn’t have any.

A Special Thread

Special types of projects may require special threads. I took a Hawaiian quilting class a long while back. The teacher suggested the use of silk thread. So I bought several different colors. Silk thread is very thin which disappears with the needle turned applique technique used for Hawaiian applique. I completed several Hawaiian blocks over the years. The thin silk thread disappeared wonderfully into the fabric.

Conclusion

I have used a lot of different thread in my sewing lifetime. Some are very specialized while other are more versatile. Experiment with your thread use. There are no right or wrong threads.Of course, the internet has widened who we can ask for help and what their perferences are and why. However, experiment and form your own opinions.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/10/everything-i-know-about-thread-for-quilting/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/09/scale-and-size-is-important-on-fabric/

Advice for Artists Join a Group.

One piece of advice for all new artists is to join art organizations. Have you considered becoming an artist? Are you ready to take those first steps towards beginning life as an artist? Join a large local art group or a national organization or both. Usually these groups are full of artists and people who love art. It is a great introduction into the greater art world. Just join an art group.

Important Decisions

It is your decision as to whether you are advancing a hobby or trying to sell your art. While each path is unique, just as each media is unique, there are some overreaching themes that apply to all genres. Regardless, one piece of advice for new artists is to join a local and a national art group. Your will find others who share your passion when you join an art organization.

Join Arts Organizations.

Join a larger local arts organization. There you will become acquainted with people in the community that you want to move into. This is also a great way to find out about upcoming shows. Often times opportunities and Calls for Art come through these organizations such as donations or the sale or other materials. I recently saw a weaving loam for sale. That would be a special interest item for the right person. For me, my eyes were totally opened. I had no idea how the art world worked or how the word got out. Oh, that is how they find out things. https://artscouncilsc.org/

https://openstudios.artscouncilsc.org/

Join the national organization for your particular genre of art. One piece of advice for new artists would be to attend their meetings and/or conferences. I attended a number of conferences for art quilters when I began to put myself out there. People from all over the world attended. After the conference, we remained internet friends. I also learned so much about the ins and outs of my art form. Of course, there are other ways to learn but there is nothing like being a member of a national or international group of related artists.

My Unique County Supports Artists.

My home county, Santa Cruz County, California is one of the top five counties for working artists. The Arts Council Santa Cruz supports the arts and artists in many ways. Each month the walls of the County Administration Offices are decked out with the art of local artists. I never understood how that happened until I moved out of the traditional quilt world into the art quilt world. The County Arts Council sends out a call for entry each year to those on their email list or otherwise affiliated with them. They choose artists to show in December for the following year. The curtain was pulled back on of how this was done in a good way.

Meeting Artists with a Common Interest

Enough can not be said about meeting people who share a common interest. Life’s conversations are more informative and interesting when strangers share a common passion. If one is starting out, an artist with more experience can easily answer many questions. Try an make the artist share your same type of art. This interaction can happen through social media. However, one must be aware of variations due to local conditions. Try and connect with local artists doing what you do are what you want to do. It can be a formal or an informal meeting.

Donations of Materials

Donations of materials are welcome for a new artist. I remember when I was just starting out, materials were expensive. I relished the opportunity to gather items for free. Many times items that are no longer needed are shared within the group. Organizations make it easy to get the word out or to pass along no longer needed items. Take advantage of that.

Conclusion

Of course, becoming an artist involves time honing one’s artistic skills. If one take one piece of advice for new artists, join an arts organization. The group could be local and a national group for your artistic interest. After that, first steps towards life as an artist should include getting to know your arts community, organization and fellow art fans. The world of opportunities will appear before your eyes.

My national guild, Studio Art Quilt Associates(SAQA) https://www.saqa.com/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/09/consider-this-one-way-to-advance-your-art/

Fiber People, Have you tried this new trick?

Try sparking your creativity by limiting materials. If you are like most fiber people or quilters, you may have lots of boxes or bags filled with random materials. Shake up your creativity by choosing only one box to use. Limit your materials for your next project to that one box or one bag. Make it work! Of course, you can break your own rules if you need to to use a unique fabric or item that will go perfectly in your piece.

Spark Creativity by Limiting Materials

I find having a studio full of materials limiting and stifling at times. Sometimes new productivity and creativity can come from limiting materials. Stuck in a rut? Maybe trying this will help. Long ago a librarian told me that sometimes having less books on a shelf increases book check outs. Spark creativity by limiting materials. Sometimes less is more.

patterned Linen with couched (zigzagged threads) Potential fabrics to use — Fabrics with couched (zigzagged threads) prepared previously but unused

Potential threads and fabrics I might use — I originally planned to use these materials for a small underwater fantasy.

My first plan was to make an underwater fantasy with a Mexican inspired twist. I listened to the materials as they led me in a slightly different direction in my first two pieces. Finally by the third piece I hit my original goal of a seascape with Guatemalan fabric fish. It’s your art. There is no right or wrong, just different.

Geeko Fun, art quilt, 9"x 9" 23 x 23 cm — Geeko Fun, art quilt, 9″x 9″ 23 x 23 cm

Green Gecko, art quilt, 8" x 9" 20 x23cm — Green Gecko, art quilt, 8″ x 9″ 20 x 23cm

Guatemalan Fish, blue underwater seascape art quilt 9" x 9" 23 x 23cm — Guatemalan Fish, blue underwater seascape art quilt 9″ x 9″ 23 x 23 cm

Stuck in a rut? Try this technique to help you see things differently.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/09/consider-this-one-way-to-advance-your-art/
https://www.fabmo.org/

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Learn more about art quilting at Studio Art Quilt Associates’ website, http://www.saqa.com/

Try these Solutions to Solve Little Art Quilting Problems

Solving little art quilting problems are different from the fixing bed quilts issues. One does not have to match seams like when making traditional quilts. If I have an error I can just cut it off with my rotary blade rather than ripping out seams. I still use my seam ripper but just not as much. This is not to say that issues don’t come up. They are just different issues. Some of these solutions apply to sewing in general as well as art quilting.

Solve Basic Sewing Problem

Anticipating Issues with Good Habits

Some suggestions to solve little art quilting problems begin with good habits. Of course the best way to fix problems is to anticipate them before they happen. Always make sure your fabric edge is straight. It might look straight but line up the plastic cutting ruler edge anyway. Make sure the fabric edge is straight. Even fabric straight from a shop might not be cut straight. Advice from construction workers, Measure twice to cut once.

Keep your machine free of dust.

Use a pipe cleaner to keep your machine’s mechanism free of dust. Look for holes in the machine for the pipe cleaner to enter safely.Remove dust carefully. Be careful not to disrupt interior settings. Vacuum the interior monthly if you sew a lot. It is amazing how much lint thread may shed. Remove lint from between the grooves of your feed dogs. I have been known to remove the lint with a large pin. A clean machine makes perfect stitches. Once I took my Husquvarna Lily into the shop because the zigzag stitch wasn’t working. The stitch was fine but my machine was full of lint underneath.

Watch your Speed.

Aim to maintain the same speed as you sew. The speed of throttle affects your stitches. Going fast and then slow can create inconsistent stitches. Attempt to keep a steady speed when stitching. Listen to your machine. It will tell you when your speed is changing. Especially on mindless tasks, we tend to daydream and not pay attention to the speed that we are pushing on the pedal or throttle.

Trouble Threading the Needle

If you are having trouble seeing to thread the needle on the machine,here is an easy fix. Get a white piece of paper. Double thickness or paper that is a bit stiff helps. Place it behind the needle and hold it there while threading the needle. The white makes a clearer background to see the needle’s hole. Other tips-Please wear your glasses. Trim the edge of thread before threading. Wet the end of the thread with saliva so the end isn’t frayed. I personally have not had luck with needle threaders. Maybe they will work for you.

Thread Trimming

Did you know that you can use 1 side of the scissors to trim a thread,sort of like a knife. This especially is helpful when the thread is coming out of the fabric.Trim as close as you can to the fabric with just one blade of the scissors. If you trim normally with the 2 points of the scissors coming together, one can accidently snip the fabric. This small nip in the fabric is difficult to fix. Some of us learn things the hard way.

Some Suggestions to Solve Little Art Quilting Problems.

Tucks to the Rescue

Tucks to the rescue. Sometimes a piece of fabric is just a bit too big for where it needs to fit. Yes, you could just cut off a piece of the fabric. But why not try to turn a problem into a solution. Create more texture for your art quilt by making one or more tucks . This may be useful when one is working within a particular size requirement. Tucks can be different sizes. They can be sewn close to the edge of fold or 1/4th inch (1cm) or farther away. Make a tuck or two that runs the whole length of the piece of fabric. I discovered the power of tucks when the slightest bit of extra fabric was too much.

Use the Crease or Fold to your Creative Advantage.

I often repurpose materials. Sometimes a piece of fabric comes with a crease or fold. It can be difficult to remove the crease even after using spray starch. Try this solution. Use the crease or fold to your advantage. Create a tuck or several rows of tucks. Sew the stitching line as close as you can to the edge of the fold. Problem solved. While creating an original art quilt, use the fold to your advantage. A series of folds can be moved to one side or the other to create movement as well as texture.

3 rows of tucks create texture and movement — A series of tucks create texture and movement.

A strip of fabric with a hard to get rid of crease

A variation- Sew several lines of folds. Remember the rule of three or odd numbers. You may sew the tucks 1/4″ (1 cm) away from the fold. To create movement and texture, iron the segments of the tucks in different directions.

Lots of tucks, Upwelling. 34" x 30"
86 cm x 76cm

Solve little Art Quilting Problems by Thinking Before you Cut

Sea Canyon Depths, 40" x 17" 102cm x 44cm — Sea Canyon Depths, 40″ x 17″ 102cm x 44cm

Think how can I save time or effort while cutting this fabric. I add a lot of foliage to my nature art quilt pieces. I started out cutting individual pieces. By accident I discovered that while cutting one piece, I could create a second piece that would be a mirror image. Less fabric would be lost. Just don’t cut all of the way through to the far end. Stop at the top of what you are cutting. Turn the fabric around and continue down the other side instead of cutting all of the way to the opposite side. Not difficult do if you stop and think before cutting. Just another way to solve little art quilting problem.

This technique could create mountains, foliage or another running pattern.

Sometimes experienced quilters forget about all of the little tips that they have learned along the way. I try and point a few hints here that I have learned.These are just a few of different technical problems or creative issues one might encounter.

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https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/04/what-most-people-dont-know-about-art-quilting/

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How to be a Brave Artist

More that once people have visited my studio and commented “You are so brave.” “What? Why?I am brave to do my art? What do they mean? “First of all, being brave is taking action even though one is scared or afraid. On the other hand,being a brave artist is discovering one’s artistic strengths, developing them, and staying true to them. That I have tried to do. As with many things, it is a work in progress.

Am a brave person?

Ultimately, I don’t feel brave in my day-to-day life. Following rules on the road keep us safe. I don’t want to get caught doing something that I am not supposed to do or that I would not be proud of. I follow the rules. For this reason, I don’t consider myself brave. There are real things in this world to be afraid of. I know that. On the other hand, some things are easy for me that I know others struggle with. Talking with the public is easy for me. As a retired school teacher, I am used to speaking to many unusual types of people.

Doing my Art is not Scary.

Blowing glass at temperatures of 3000 degrees is scary. But sewing and playing with fabric is not. When making art quilts, I have no problem taking chances. I am doing what I want. For me,being a brave artist is easy. My three portfolios that I must make are Mexican inspired, abstracts and nature art quilts. My pieces do not always look similar. After all, what fun would that be?

My small studio in the Santa Cruz Art Center has three walls to display my art, a design wall, a design table and a table with my sewing machine on it. I can work here and yet open my doors to the public for First Fridays and Open Studios. A fortunate possibility,yes. I am not sure how that makes me brave. Maybe trying new fabrics styles and techniques in bright colors makes me brave.

Creating involves Pain.

Have you ever noticed that creating art involves pain or an uneasiness? When I first begin a project but I do not yet have a clear idea of the direction the piece will take, is when I feel pain or an uneasiness in the pit of my stomach. Once I have a clearer idea of the direction my piece will take the anxiety goes away. However, that is different from fear.

A brave artist pushes through and doesn’t let the anxiety stop them. In that case, then I am brave. Gathering my experience in making traditional bed quilts and then switching gears to art quilts just felt right. I do take chances with fabric and design. I forge ahead without much thought. When I am starting a piece, I don’t worry too much about my choices. If I make a mistake, I can always make another piece. Then I will own the fact that I am a brave art quilter.

A Good Sense of Color

Visitors to my studio have told me that I have a good sense of color. This comment always takes me by surprise. Where does this skill come from? I have never studied art or the color wheel. On the other hand, I did start sewing my own clothes in high school a long time ago. I remember designing and planning out my outfits. I paid attention to the variety of colors and textures in my wardrobe. Doesn’t every teenage girl do that? I assumed so.

So fast forward. . .decades ahead I fall into art quilting after making bed quilts for many years. I realize that without knowing it I had been trying out colors my whole life.
For part of my 36 years as an elementary school teacher, I taught at an arts infused school. I did receive a wide variety of training in the arts including drama and dance. When guest artists taught my class in sketching or drawing, I took part so that I could repeat their lesson in the following years. But no work foccussed specifically on color.

Trying is the first step to being a brave artist.

Recently an acquaintance mentioned that she wanted to start sketching, yet she was afraid to. Afraid of what? It is a passtime activity. Sketching is not something to be afraid of. It is supposed to be fun and engaging. Give it a try. Become a brave artist.

Why am I not afraid?

I asked myself why am I not afraid.One reason is the familiarity with my materials. Having used fabric for so long, it is second nature to me. Quilting is the thing that I have to do. I will do it even when it has become boring or I have done it all day. It is part of who I am and what makes me me.I am not afraid of being myself.

Homage to a Dancer,45" x 56", a Mexican Fold Dancer from Jalisco, Mexico. — Homage to a Dancer,45″ x 56″ 115 x 142cm

Fusing Two Passions

As I moved into art quilting I looked to fuse two of my lifetime passions, dancing and sewing. Sewing clothes since high school, I had made over 300 bed quilts. In addition, I had performed with a local Mexican folk dance group. My passion led me to direct my school’s annual Cinco de Mayo Dance Presentation. My students learned dances . I sewed costumes. My goal was to make something that combined my sewing skills with the movement and bright colors of a Jalisco dance skirt.

First of all a lot of thought went into it before I even started because I wasn’t sure how to accomplish this. The Jalisco skirt was the easy part. I had made the braid to wear when I performed. The plastic bag was from a trip to Mexico. On the other hand, what would the background be? The 3D dancing outfit was sewn onto a contrasting background of traditional 2″ green squares. I was extremely passionate about presenting this piece. It meant a lot to me. Furthermore,I liked it so much I made another 3D quilt with a blue background.

Mexican Dance Fabric Art — Market Day, 40″ x 51″102 x 130 cm

Is this Art?

Back in 2009,I entered these two pieces into major art quilt show. I was being a brave artist putting myself out there for the first time. When they were not accepted, I thought that maybe they weren’t art. As I have gained more insight into the jurying process, thanks to SAQA(Studio Art Quilt Associates), I realized that; the curator works to create a unified vision of a show. My wonderful art pieces do not fit easily with others.Disappointed but not deterred. I kept creating art. I liked trying out different materials and styles to see how they played together.

Furthermore,sometimes what people say says the most about themselves. They are not brave to try something new. It is hard for them to try and create something new.

Over all,to me being brave is taking action even though one is scared or afraid. Creating frees me. It is something that I have to do. I keep going although not everyone around me understood my passion. Maybe being a brave artist is to continue to work without encouragement trying new styles, fabrics and techniques. Being a brave artist is staying true to yourself and your artist vision of the world. In that way it takes bravery to be an artist.

http://www.saqa.com/ (Studio Art Quilt Associates)

https://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/02/see-unfinished-projects-in-a-new-way/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/05/seven-marketing-mistakes-to-avoid-from-a-know-nothing-marketeer/

How to Break your Own Art Rules

Do you have rules for yourself when making your art? You make the rules. You can break your own art rules. For a long time I had a rule for myself that once a piece of art was finished, I would leave it alone. I chose to not change or update a piece.

When I started exploring art quilts I didn’t really know what I was doing. As I got better and more confident, I decided to leave my previous work as it was. Could it be improved? Yes. But why not just move on. Oddly enough, while I knew I could do better, some of these early pieces sold.

Well, a decade passed. Now, I have a better sense of myself as an artist. I decided to take another look at certain pieces. I gave myself permission to rework a piece. If I make the rules then I can break the rule. I liked this freedom and lack of guilt. Break your own art rules.

A Prolific Artist

My fellow artists have called me prolific. That also means that I have a lot of work on hand. During the pandemic I took a different view, reusing a former piece in response to the George Floyd murder. I reused a beige,cream and black abstract art quilt (12″ x 14″ 30 x 36 cm) as a background. I appliqued a black male figure with a sparkly golden heart on top of the abstract piece. Break your own art rules.

Honoring Black Men, a black figure on an abstract beige background — Honoring Black Men 2020, 12″ x 14″ 30 x 36 cm $125.

Luckily,this piece was successful. I repeated the process with a cream colored abstract with green accents. This time I added a woman dressed in a skirt and serape for a Mexican theme.

Green and beige abstract art quilt form the backgound for a Mexican woman with a rebozo(shawl). — Green and beige abstract art quilt form the background for a Mexican woman with a rebozo(shawl).
10″ x 12″ 25 x 30cm

Pumpkin pie,this abstract quilt began the background for a Day of the Dead skeleton.

Gees Bend inspired abstract,orange deep red — Pumpkin Pie, 7″ x 8″ 18 x 20 cm

Pumpkin Pie, yellow, orange and brown abstract art quilt reimagined with a skeleton,7" x 8" 18 x 20 cm — Pumpkin Pie reimagined with a skeleton,7″ x 8″ 18 x 20 cm

Breaking a Sewing Rule

I recently broke a sewing rule. I have been sewing since high school which is a long time ago. Somewhere along the way I got it into my head that when hemming a seam I should top stitch it. The stitches would supposedly look better that way. Recently I sewed several large fabric gift bags. First, I folded 1/4 ” fabric from the top and then another 1 1/2″ fold over. To sew this seam down easily, I sewed the seam down on the inside of the bag instead of on the front. However,if there was a difference it was slight.

Gridlock I ,black and white abstract art quilt 33″ x 31″ 84 x 79 cm

I cut up Gridlock I, a large black and white abstract piece( 33″ x 31″ 84 x 79 cm)into 4 smaller pieces. They are not all the same size to maintain a detail. However, because it is an abstract the four pieces work well independently. Changing a finished piece is something that I would never have done in the past. I broke my own rule. I come from the traditional bed quilt world. To me, this quilt seemed small compared with a double size bed quilt that I was used to making. However, as wall art it is too big. Many people don’t have a large wall to accommodate such a piece. Changing one’s mind is acceptable. Give yourself permission to do it. Break your own art rules.

What rules do you make for yourself? Maybe you have rules about certain colors or materials you use? Break your own art rules. No one will know or even care. Creativity might even flow!

http://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com

https://www.saqa.com/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/03/how-to-make-art-in-a-less-than-perfect-situation/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/01/why-one-begins-an-art-quilt/

See Unfinished Projects in a New Way

What happens to unfinished quilt projects often called UFOs? See these quilt projects in a new way. Maybe they have mistakes or were not coming together asthe original maker intended. Someone may have passed before being able to finish a piece. Many times they are given away. I find these new opportunities in my quilting guild’s flea market.

Some of my first steps into creating art involved taking someone else’s unfinished projects and rethinking how they could be used. Looking back after a decade, I realise that seeing these quilt projects in a new way helped move my creativity forward. Maybe it can do the same for you.

Traditional tulips in brown, orange, yellow and beige colors — This is a photo of a snapshot I took of this traditional quilt. I found the tulips at a garage sale along with the remaining pieces of fabric. The people were ecstatic that a passionate quilter would finish their mother’s quilt. I used the extra fabric to design and create the sashing and other blocks including the bargello,the stepping stone pieces.

Sorry No Photo

I adopted someone’s squares with colorful 3D stars. I reimagined them as Mexican pinatas. Then I added an iguana to watch the pinata fun.Unfortunately I don’t have any photos of the whimsical piece. Partly because I had no confidence that they were worthwhile. Partly because I completed it before digital cameras made taking photos so easy. However, the quilt did sell at the quilt auction at our annual show.

Unintended Consequences

The adopted blocks were the 4 square blocks and the the two triangle blocks. I added the sashing and the borders. As it is this traditional this baby quilt is on the small size 40″ x 38″ 102 cm x 96 cm. https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/annbmayartquilts/tools/listings/view:table/841741031

Stretch Your Brain

I made this traditional blue and cream baby quilt from discarded half triangle blocks. Before one is aware, your brain stretches to think in a different way.In addition,it frees your mind to consider a new way of looking at the blocks. Train your brain to do things a bit differently. Leave patterns and instructions behind. Seeing quilt projects in a new way exercises the brain.

With some blocks, I discovered that they had been discarded for a reason. Maybe they were not enough of them to do anything with. Sometimes the blocks were not all the same size. Yet I persevered. I continued to use these unfinished quilt projects in a new way to create a new unique quilt. Little did I know that this unknown direction would lead me down a path to see things differently.

Birdhouse Blocks

I found these bird houses many years ago. Someone had put a lot of work into making them. Yet around that time, I moved away from working with traditional blocks. They remained stored away.

Finally, I decided to pair them with an art quilt tree that I had made. The scene seemed a bit empty of birds in spite of being two main habitats for them. Therefore, taking an environmental angle,I named the piece Remember Birds ?

For many years scrub jays and robins made common appearances in my yard. Yet now I am actually overjoyed to see these previously common birds. I am not sure why they are no longer common. We did have a devastating forest fire not too far off. Or was it the many aggressive crows that had moved in?

True Confessions Time

I am not a fan of commercially made patterns. In my sewing days,I had several bad experiences which I blame on the commercial patterns I used. We pay our money and expect them to deliver. I have never used an artist made pattern. Using a pattern is not an option for me. Maybe that makes it is easier for me than for some to take this path towards creativity.

Unknown Paths

Sometimes we start down paths that we don’t even know are taking us somewhere. We are just trying something new. We have no idea of the ultimate affect they will have on our artistic lives. That is what happened to me. I saw beautiful traditional blocks that were put up for adoption at my guild’s flea market. Someone had put a lot of work into these blocks. Saving me time and energy I thought maybe I could use them for one of my quilts.

In Conclusion

Consider seeing unfinished quilt projects in a new way by reusing someone’s blocks . This is something anyone can do where ever they are in their quilting path. You are the boss. You make the choices. Will they all be successful ? Maybe yes, maybe not. But that is how we learn.

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This Artist Begins Work in a Surprising Way.

Why do you begin an art quilt? Each person’s motivation to start an art quilt is different. Many people begin with a photo they want to copy. Others learn a new technique that they want to try out. Most of us are motivated by the fabric. My motivation is a bit different. Many times I decide it is time to use up a particular fabric or material. For instance, I have had the material for too long. Moreover,it is time for it to go. Yes, I realise this sounds a bit wacky.

An abstract art quilt with blues, purples and pops of color. Inspired by having too much blue fabric. 22" x 24" 56 cm x 61cm — **City Lights**, 22″ x 24″ 56 cm x 61cm

Of course, part of the challenge for myself is to use the fabric in an artistic way. City Lights started because I had a lot of blue cotton fabric I wanted to use. I made it in 2012 at the beginning of my art quilt career. It was juried into the All About the Blues in the ARC Gallery in Chicago.

Beginning an Art Quilt

My attitude of trying to use up fabric frees me up from a certain attachment to fabric. Moreover, I work intuitively. I do not draw or design an image to begin. That is not the way I work. I like to see how the materials fit with one another. Friends call me a prolific artist. Maybe being unfettered to the design process or creative process frees me to create more. I hear people say that I worked so long on a piece that I couldn’t sell it. That is not me. I love my work but I am a bit more detached.

Sea Turtles, Art Quilt

Sea Turtles 35" x 23" 89cm x 58cm underwater seascape with jellies and sea turtles. — **Sea Turtles** 35″ x 23″ 89cm x 58cm

Surprisingly some of my most successful pieces were made when I decided to use up materials. I had a piece of turquiose blue fabric with metallic dots or bumps on it. I had had it for a awhile. All in all, it seemed like a perfect beginning for the background of an underwater fantasy. That is how Sea Turtles started. What makes a piece successful? Foremost in my opinion, I like the way it turned out. In addition, Sea Turtles sold.

Improvisional Quilting

Improvisional quilting is the term for the way I work. I do minimal planning. I choose one of my portfolios whether nature, Mexican inspired or abstract. Then I choose a color wave of 3-4 colors. Next, I see how different fabrics play together. I eliminate those that don’t really go well together. Finally I sew them together. In a nutshell, that is how I work.

Reducing and Redirecting

Reducing and redirecting fabric is a major motivation for me also. Luckily, I have access to discontinued high end designer fabric samples. These unique fabrics stimulate creativity. However, great art can be made with just about any material. One problem this causes me is that because I want to use up the fabric, my pieces become larger, around 40″ x 60″ 102cm x 150cm. Yet many buyers live in smaller places which may limit sales for a larger piece of art.

When I hear others share their process or way of working I often think “Wow, that is really different from the way I do things.” They sure put a lot of time into planning and the execution of their piece. One process is not better or worse than another one. We all have our own unique way of creating. Drawing and planning is just not the way I work. Of course, time is not an issue when making a precious heirloom for a loved one.

No Art Degree

Furthermore, I have noticed that people with a strong educational experience in art have high expectations for what they should be doing and how they should be doing it. However,I am not fettered by an art degree or even many art classes . I come from the sewing clothes and traditional bed quilt world. I create art with those techniques. Yet, I harbor no preconceived notions about what I should be doing in the art world. I am as surprised as anyone that my work is selling. My motto is work hard and have low expectations. That way everything can only be up from there. Remember, creating is supposed to be fun.

Above all,whatever one’s motivation or inspiration to get started to create is fine. One way is not better than another. Part of art’s job is to take us to a different place, a better place. Relax and don’t sweat the small stuff. What motivates you?

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Life is Change.Develop a Positive Attitude Towards Change.

Develop a positive attitude towards change! Life is change. Life is struggle. Trying to improve things to make them better is what life is about. Face the day with a positive attitude!

The 20th Century View of Retirement

An older well respected person upon entering retirement age once said “I just don’t want any more problems.” This depression era person had the view that the golden age would be perfect. Ahead lay endless sunny days of golf or other enjoyment. Originally, due to life expectancy retirement was expected to only last about 5 to 10 years. Yet,the world has changed. While it is a blessing to be living longer, if one hasn’t developed interests to fill their time, it can be a curse.

One can only play just so many games of golf or fill in the blank of your favorite activity. Growing and being engaged is what life is all about. That is a healthy mindset. While I believe that we should try and prevent as many issues as possible, that is not always a possibility. Stuff happens. Life is change.Develop a positive attitude towards change.Facing problems with a positive creative attitude helps.

all silk art quilt magenta,blue, white and yellow 33" x 24" 84cm x 61cm — Smilin’ ,33″ x 24″ 84cm x 61cm When we thought the Pandemic was over the first time.

What New Interests Can You Develop

If one is lucky to be healthy and active, then they can persue a new interest in retirement. Notwithstanding, it is important to develop hobbies or interests to keep one occupied and interested in life. Upon retirement, many return to earlier interests. There are certainly many important organizations that offer volunteer opportunities. Learn something new. Exercise those dentrites! Of course, if you have grandchildren you are lucky. You have a built in interest if they live close enough for you be involved in their lives. The unintended consequence of this blog has definitely helped provide me with brain stimulation.

Develop a Positive Attitude Towards Change

It is never to late to try new things. Keeping a positive attitude towards new things helps. If we are honest the good old days weren’t so great for everyone. We can remember the past fondly while looking forward to the future. Life is change.We should not expect perfection but rather rise to the daily challenges we all face. Yet even the most positive thinker can have set backs. 2022 is offering us a whole new set of issues to deal with. Fill in the blank with the ones that are stressing the best of us.

Solving Life’s Little Problems

Instead of telling yourself, oh I have this problem to deal with. Ask yourself how you will overcome it and solve it like a daily puzzle.Take strength in solving all the littles issues as they come up such as computer problems, ant invasions that remain for days, or the loss of a water heater. Power in solving these small issues abounds. It helps me to remember I can handle this. After all I am not in a war zone. On the other hand, I want to acknowledge that there are some serious issues out there people are struggling with.This post is a reminder to keep on keeping on . This too will pass. What we say to ourselves is important.

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The Devil is in the Details-Create Fabric Embellishments

I create fabric embellishments to add color,texture and movement to my abstract art quilts. Some are 3D. Couch(zigzag) leftover yarn or decorative threads to create lines. It is fun to try out new ways of adding textile details to my art. Take a closer look at how fabric embellishments with decorative threads or yarn can add texture and interest to an art quilt.

Finding Materials to Create Fabric Embellishments

Several years ago a fiber friend gifted me a huge container of bits and pieces of a wide range of colors and styles of decorative threads or novelty yarns. She knew that I like to add them to my work. Right, she was.

My bin full of different colors and lengths of decorative threads. — My bin full of different colors and lengths of decorative threads to make textile details.

A cards with several different types of decorative or novelty threads like the one below can be purchased. I bought mine at a huge quilt fair. Of course, find shorter bits of yard at thrift shops and garage sales. Regardless of what the threads are called, the point is to add unusual threads or yarn to your pieces. Use embroidery threads, yarn or thicker threads. Double, triple or quadruple the ply to make the threads thicker.Think outside the box and create a new use yourself.

Decorative threads that I often add texture to my art quilts. Variety of thicknesses and colors of threads — Decorative threads that I often add texture to my art quilts.

A card with 6 different types of decorative threads to embellish art quilts. — Another example to the types of threads I embellish my quilts with.

To Begin

To begin, choose 3-4 colors to work with. Pick out other fabrics in those hues or shades.After that, I randomly place the fabric on the design wall. At this point I haven’t decided if I will use all of the fabrics. Will they all go together and make it into the final piece? Stay tuned.

Lavender decorative thread above piece where it is sewn.

For instance,the deep purple fabric has a lighter purple decorative thread couched or zig zagged onto the fabric. Ultimately,I prefer a matching thread color while couching so that the sewing threads are not so visible. But that is an artist’s choice. In the photo on the left, view the purple decorative thread before it is sewn on. Also see the pattern created by multiple strips of ribbon and decorative threads. Cheap thrills!

A Strip of Fabric

Primarily, I start with a strip of fabric about 20″-30″ (51cm -77cm) and couch(zigzgag) the ribbons and decorative threads on the strips. Then I cut the strips into random lengths like the pieces you see. I also choose the cut pieces to be of different widths. You may choose differently.

Fiberous Fabrics Create Fabulous Fabric Embellishments

Furthermore,using fiberous fabrics to create textile details adds interest to your art quilts. Check our decorator shops for their discontinued materials. Find unusual fabrics there. Moreover,they will be thrilled that you will take these discontinued materials off their hands.

small piece of cream fabric with lavender, blue and white decorative threads and ribbons sewn on — small piece of fabric with decorative threads and ribbons sewn on

small pieces of fabric with decorative threads sewn on

A fiberous type of fabric with decorative threads sewn on. Example of type of decorative thread on the left. — A fiberous type of fabric with decorative threads sewn on for a textile detail. Example of type of decorative thread on the left.

More examples of details on the design wall

Several plys of yarn together make a thick line. Decorative threads alternating can too. — For example several plys of yarn together make a thick line. Decorative threads can too.

A fiborous piece with decorative threads sewn on the back — back-A fiborous piece with decorative threads sewn on

A brown fiborous piece with purple decorative threads sewn on — A fiborous piece with decorative threads sewn on-front

After I have completed several details with decorative threads, it is time to start placing pieces on the design wall. See photo below.

Trying out spots on the design wall for fabrics

Small pieces of fabric on the design wall ready to be sewn together.

This is how I placed the textile details after moving them around for balance of color. As a result several of the details did not make it into the final piece. That is all right. I will save them for another time. My main intent in this post is to focus on the creation of details. Yet, here is the finished product, Lavender Caramels.

Lavender Caramels completed,
28" x 26" 71 cm x 66cm — Lavender Caramels completed 28″ x 26″ 71 cm x 66cm

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Art Quilters-See Fabric in a New Way

Art Quilters, see fabric in a new way. Above all, creating art is about seeing things in a new way. A class or video frees us to learn new techniques. However,the technique one uses is not the only part that makes the quilt an art quilt. Art quilters often use traditional quilting techniques and others to create something new. In this post, I will focus on seeing fabric, our basic material, in a new way.

Our Sight is Unique.

In reality, one’s sight is unique. No one sees things the same way. Moreover, our perception of colors is individual. In addition, hues change depending on what color is next to it. Furthermore,the amount of light available also affects the way we see colors. Nonetheless,knowing these things frees me to not worry so much about having to find the perfect color. Numerous variables affect the hues and values anyway.

Remember, vision actually takes place in the brain. Connect with what your brain is saying. However,make sure your brain is not sending you negative talk. But truly observe the lines,shapes, and images printed on the fabric. Consider how they could be used and perceived in a unique way.

See Fabric in a New Way

While pondering a piece of fabric,a quilter might start with how one would normally use the fabric. Start there. But then quickly leave that thought behind. Imagine a different way to use the fabric. One that you haven’t done before.

Yet, how do we truly see fabric in a new way? Turn the fabric upside down or sideways. Use the back side of the fabric instead of the front. Furthermore,look at parts of the fabric that can be cut and used differently. Large flowers or other large prints may be cut into smaller pieces to become parts of something else. Make your work impressionistic. Let the viewer decide what they think something is.

Limit the Line of Vision

Some people find it helpful to limit their line of vision. Use a small empty photo frame or cutout cardboard frame to focus one’s eye.For example,move the frame around on top of the fabric while blocking out the rest. Some find it easier to focus their attention with this simple tool.Use this to choose a part of the fabric that you want to use in a new way.

A Personal Example

Rebirth of a Forest with a coffee bean fabric used as a trunk,29" x 22" 73cm x 56cm — Rebirth of a Forest 29″ x 22″ 73cm x 56cm

May I share a personal example? I had fabric printed with what looked like whole coffee beans to me. Nonetheless,that is what I was reminded of. I couldn’t get that image out of my brain. I tried to see the fabric in a new way. Then I thought that maybe others wouldn’t see coffee beans. It became the trunk of a tree in Rebirth of a Forest after our devastating forest fire. Similarly, practice looking at the fabric in a new way.

Steamy Rainforest,an art quilt, 15" x 15" 38cm x 38cm gold and green with an iguana and blue dragonflies. — Steamy Rainforest,an art quilt, 15″ x 15″ 38cm x 38cm

Mexican Iguana, an art quilt,23" x 21" 58cm x 53cm golden background with an blue and green iguana. — Mexican Iguana, an art quilt,23″ x 21″ 58cm x 53cm

Other Ideas-Reimagine the Fabrics

Start with a fabric that you normally might not use. Maybe choose a so called ugly fabric. How would you make it appear better? For instance, what can you put next to it so that looks more pleasing? If you usually use one fabric style, attempt to use it in a way that you have never have. For example, I recently used Guatemalan fabrics to create the branches and foliage in landscape quilts, Mexican Iguana and Steamy Rainforest. Previously I had used the Guatemalan fabric only as a strip or a block. Furthermore,imagine a different way to use a fabric from what you usually do. Above all any new skill, practice is important. Moreover,practice takes time.

Skies Over Lake Atitlan, 24" x 29" 61 cm x74 cm blocks of Guatemalan fabrics in blues and greens — Skies Over Lake Atitlan, 24″ x 29″ 61 cm x74 cm,an art quilt. This is how I would normally use Guatemalan fabrics.

New Colors

Try colors that you are not comfortable with. Furthermore, a new color combination is a good way to shake patterns up. If this is difficult for you, just change the hues and tones of fabric as a baby step. Practice with a small piece if necessary.

Let the Fabric Help You

How can the fabric help you with something new? We have all tried to find shapes and figures in clouds. Think of it that way. Multicolored batiks and other fabrics can add colors and shapes. What do you see in their fabric patterns? Then cut them out and use them in this new way.

A New Style of Fabric

Choose a different style of fabric from what you usually use.If you usually use stripes, try a batik. Use the fabric for a totally different way. The result will be surprising. Use large Asian flower fabrics as a rock. When cutting or designing a shape, imagine the fabric as material. Ignore the print that normally grabs your eye. Once I chose a fabric based only on the curved lines. It was only later that I saw that the lines were actually greyhounds dogs.

Tree art quilt with the branches made from black,white and grey fabric with greyhounds on it.25" x 23" 64cm x 58cm — Skyward, 25″ x 23″ 64cm x 58cm art quilt made from greyhound dog fabric

Original grey, black and white fabric with greyhound dogs on it. Embellished with couched threads. — Can you see the dogs underneath the couched threads?

Ways to Focus on the Fabric

Notice the lines and shapes of the objects printed on tbe fabric. What do they remind you of? Practice seeing something unique that the manufacturer didn’t plan.The result may be surprising. Reimagine the fabrics to add a new spark to your art quilts.

Focus on the positive space and negative spaces. Positive space is the object itself. Negative space is the space around it that is not the object. Focus on the angles and lines both horizontal and vertical. How can they be highlighted in a new way? Notice the shapes, contours, shadows, and groups of lines of the object rather than the object. This is not easy at first. Give yourself time to practice seeing things differently.

Don’t be Afraid to cut up Fabric.

So often I hear people say that they love the fabric so much that they don’t want to cut it up. Or that they are afraid that cutting the fabric will ruin it. This thought pattern prevents one from trying new things. One must move past these thoughts to create art. Enjoy the fabric for a while but not forever before using.

Bag of Cultural Gems, Mexican inspired Art quilt 29" x 22" 74 cm x 56cm See Fabric in a New Way — Bag of Cultural Gems with Day of the Dead fabric 29″ x 22″ 74 cm x 56cm

True Confession Time

I confess that I had a piece a fabric for a long time without cutting it. A Day of the Dead Mexican skeleton fabric hung on the back of my studio door a long time. Then I cut it up and used it in several art quilts.

Another confession I have to make is I tried making landscape quilts matching the items printed on the fabric to the scene I wanted to make. I searched for rocks printed on fabric. To be honest this gave me a supreme headache. I am not prone to headaches. It was not fun either. I have since chosen to create my own rocks.I use both solid fabric and printed fabrics. However,the printed fabric is not printed with rocks.

Overlook, 35" x 26" 89 cm x 66cm tree art quilt on a hill showing an example of solid fabric rocks.The tree truck is made from a floral piece of linen, couched with yarn. — Overlook, 35″ x 26″ 89 cm x 66cm Notice the of solid fabric rocks. The tree truck is made from a floral piece of linen, couched with yarn.

In Conclusion

Reimagine the fabric to add a new spark to your art quilts. I offer different ideas to use in a wide ranges of techniques and skill level. Some lend themselves to one technique over another. For example, cutting out fabric and adding to a landscape art quilts may be an easy place to start. However, continue exploring. Small changes can have a big affect.

Take baby steps. It can be scary to try something new. Give yourself time to get used to it. Like any new skill, practice is important. Practice takes time. We all get stuck in a rut. It is easy and comfortable to do things the same way that we have always done.

An artist is curious and open to new things. Being creative starts with asking questions? How can I make this better or different? What if I did this a different way? Experiment. Move away from the conventional. Take what you learned in a class and make it your own.Create a point of view and share it with the world. Begin by seeing fabric differently.

I hope that these ideas inspire you. I would love to see what you come up with.

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Scale and Size is Important on Fabric.

Who isn’t entralled with the incredible colorful childrens’ prints available? I chose fabric based on the colors or animals I wanted. However, I never paid much attention to scale. As shoppers we buy these fabrics with great plans in mind. Yet when one gets home, it can be difficult to match the fabric with others due to scale issues. The animals on childrens’ prints are often not the right scale or size to go together. Pay attention to scale.

Color or Animal

samples of fabric with prints of varying sizes showing issues of scale. The sea theme and colors are the same but the scale is not. — The sea theme and colors are the same but the scale is not. So much to keep in mind.

Small whales on fabric, the largest is 2" or 5 cm — Small whales, the largest is 2″ or 5 cm

The above piece of fabric with whales never seems to fit with other materials. The “largest” whale is 2 inches long,much too small. It seems strange that a whale would be considered too small.

It bears repeating that we usually we choose fabrics based on the particular animal or color of the fabric. Last on the list or not there at all is the size or scale of the print. The print artist can choose to make a small animal large or a large animal small. To my brain, it is most pleasing if the animals printed on the fabric have a similar size and scale. There are always exceptions of course depending on the quilt style. For example,place a large print in the middle of the quilt to highlight it. Then add smaller prints on the sides.

I Spy Quilts

I Spy Quilts are generally patchwork quilts using many fabrics printed with different everyday objects on them. The game is named for the guessing game, I Spy. One person says I Spy an item. The other person tries to find it quickly. In a variation one person describes an item as a clue to find it. This game is especially fun for a young child developing their language skills and vocabulary. The purpose of an I Spy quilt may be to engage in child’s play. However, paying attention to the scale of the items will make the quilt more attractive between games.

A Recent Donation

Recently someone gave me large donation of children’s fabric. Big hopes and dreams for loved ones that didn’t get made. Maybe the children grew too fast or changed their interests. Maybe life prevented the sewer from completing the project. Seeing so much charming fabric made me realize the importance of scale. It also made me think of the challenges it presents.

samples of fabric with prints of varying sizes showing issues of scale

Quilting with children’s prints is fun. Choosing a color range makes for a more pleasing overall effect. The scale of the animal or object is not the most essential part. However,consider scale for more pleasing artistic endevour. Yet,the affect of scale can not be ignored.

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How to Choose the Right Thread

An Art Solution Came to Me in a Dream

Has an art solution ever come to you in your dreams? Other artists mention that their ideas or an art solution came to them while asleep. Yet this had never previously happened to me. Until now! I have many small pieces of Mayan woven fabric. In the past I had included these Guatemalan fabrics in my art quilts basically as strips or blocks. Yet,this time I wanted to do something different. The 12″ fabric iguana perched on my design wall ached to be included. I just wasn’t sure what I could do.

Mayan fabrics from Guatemala, bright red and blues — Here are some examples of the Mayan fabrics from Guatemala I have.

An Example

Iguana’s Fiesta is an example of how I would use my Mexican inspired fabrics. Can you see the three pieces of antique huipil dresses in the blocks? One is in the middle of the top row. There are two on each side of the lower blocks. Strips of Mexican inspired fabrics and lace are sewn down the sides. Do you see the iguana watching over the fun? I do have a thing for lizards. They often appear in my art quilts.

Iguana's Fiesta,34" x 30" 86cm x 76cm Brightly colored art quilt in yellow, red and black. — Iguana’s Fiesta,34″ x 30″ 86cm x 76cm

My Semiconscious State

In a dream or at least semiconscious state, it came to me to place the iguana in a tree using the Mayan woven fabrics as branches. I had never used the Mayan fabric as trees or branches before. However, I had used other fabrics in this way many times. So this was an easy transition to make. I liked the effect.

Mexican Iguana,art quilt,23" x21" 58 cm x53cm greens,golds in rainforest scene — Mexican Iguana,art quilt, 23″ x 21″
58 cm x53cm

I like the effect so much I ended up making another one also. Each art quilt figured a colorful iguana in the Mexican rainforest. The medium blue fabric is one of the Mayan fabrics as well. Dragonflies flit through the tree branches in Steamy Rainforest.

Iguana and dragonflies in the Steamy RainForest, 15" x 15" 38cm x 38cm, gold, greense — Steamy RainForest, 15″ x 15″ 38cm x 38cm

My Father’s Advise about Solving a Problem

My father’s advise for solving a problem was to leave it alone. Then come back to it later at a later time. This reduces frustration and anger. Equally it gives a person time to think. I don’t always do this. However, I do like the idea of putting something in the back of your mind for a while. The brain ruminates on issues or topics and comes up with a doable solution over time. That usually works for me. This solution works for which art genre you work in.

What works for you? How do you deal with art issues that come up?

A Word about Names

Mexico is home to a wide range of indigenous people,cultures and languages. These native peoples are my inspiration for many of my art quilts. The Mayan community stretches from southern Mexico to Guatemala. While the fabric was bought in Guatemala. It is difficult to know if the fabric came from Southern Mexico or Guatemala. For better or worse, I tend to use the phrases Mexican inspired and indigenous interchangeably.

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https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/10/everything-i-know-about-thread-for-quilting/

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How to make a Quilt without a Pattern

Making a quilt without a pattern may sound easy and appropriate for a beginner. However, it is not. First of all,this post assumes that the person has basic quilting skills and materials. As always,choose 100% cotton for ease of sewing and washing. Use a quilter’s cutting board, quilter’s straight edge and rotary cutter. I prefer to use a generous 1/4″ 1 cm seam when sewing.Whatever seam size you use, be consistent throughout your piece.

Whimsical wild animal fabric and solids strips — Whimsical fabric and strips

Starting Your Patternless Quilt

Choose your colors and fabrics,3 solid colors. Fabrics that read solid from a distance are also fine. Some batiks fit this bill. They add interest close up and seem solid from away. Choose 1-3 fabrics of interest to highlight. This could include animals, checks, dots or a number of items. Plan on a quilt of about 44″ x 35″ 112cm x 89 cm. This is the size of my work table. Adjust for your liking or workspace. Yet, this is a doable size for the first effort.
Next,press and lay out the patterned fabric you want to highlight. Cut 3,5,or 7 pieces of varying lengths and widths. Using leftover pieces works well. Trim to make sure long edges are straight. Place fabric on your work space or design wall in a balanced order.

Balanced solid and print fabrics laid out on the cutting table before sewing begins.

Planning Before Sewing

3. Next, cut the strips of solid fabric. The width can vary. I prefer 4-6″ 10-20cm wide. A wider strip gives you more flexibility if you need to trim it later.Lay them on the table or design wall. Adjust to your liking. Add other colored strips to fill in the spaces. Make sure that the colors are equally balanced across the top of your quilt. That said there aren’t too many pieces of one color on one side of the quilt or the other. Does your eye flow smoothly across the quilt top or does your eye get stuck somewhere? I prefer that the eyes flow or move gently across the quilt top. Step back from your piece to observe. Take a break to rest for your eyes. It is amazing what little errors one might see upon return. You don’t need to lie down just do something else and come back later.

4. Then,begin to sew your pieces together. Finally,add your favorite batting and quilt as you generally choose to do.

a lap quilt of solid colors , magenta, purple, white and violet

Hints to Make a Quilt without a Pattern

When trimming fabric with a design or picture, look at the fabric design before cutting. Pay attention to the fabric’s pattern or animals. Trim to highlight the part of the pattern you want. For example in the wild animal quilt,I highlighted the faces of the animal. On the other hand,I trimmed off the foliage. Take notice and trim fabric from each end rather than cutting from one side only. This extra bit of caution can make a big difference in the look of the final product.
Some printed fabrics have a direction to them. Are all of the pictures facing one way? Or are all the pictures facing all directions? No matter which side it is being viewed from, a face is looking at the viewer. It is your choice if you want all of the pieces ( ie. animal faces)facing one direction or not. We often create a quilt with the designs facing one direction.Yet when it is used a quilt is usually not viewed that way. So don’t worry too much about this.
Have a general idea of where you want certain pieces to be in your quilt. Lay them all out to view before sewing together. Leave them for a few hours or longer to be able to view the pieces with “new eyes”. Are the colors and patterns balanced? Does something catch your eye that shouldn’t? Furthermore, make these changes before the sewing starts.
When piecing the quilt top together, flexibility is necessary. More strips may need to be added. Or at times strips may need to be trimmed. I find that I have more flexibility to make these changes if I sew the top together more or less by sections. For example,sew the upper right corner together. Then move to the upper left corner. Then the lower right corner and the lower left corner. If for some reason another strip or piece of fabric is needed, it is easy to add it this way.

In Conclusion

At this point in my career, I do not use quilt patterns. However, I did use patterns for years to quilt and sew. The rare time I do use a pattern is generally a shape that I have made myself. If sewing without a pattern is new for you, I applaud your bravery. It can be a daunting new experience. At times, it can be very scary. Ultimaltely, it is my hope that you will find it as freeing as I do.

I have several lapquilts on my etsy site made in this way.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1194284434/contemporary-modern-lap-quiltbabhttps://www.etsy.com/listing/1194284434/contemporary-modern-lap-quiltbaby

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/06/how-to-discover-your-artistic-signature/

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1208240295/contemporary-modern-lap-quiltbaby

Find a Way to Cheat in Quilting

Finding a way to cheat in quilting is a way of letting the fabric do the heavy lifting.Naturally when I suggest a fabric artist to find a way to cheat, I am not suggesting anything illegal. However, I suggest that the background fabric can help you create your art piece. In addition,let the color and design of the fabric add to the work. Fabric collage art brings together smaller pieces to form a unique work of art. Read about background fabric and fabric collage examples.

A whole cloth with a quilting pattern printed on it known as a cheater cloth.Find a Way to Cheat — A whole cloth with a quiltlike pattern known as a cheater cloth.

Cheater Cloth has been available for a long time.

Unbelievably, cheater cloth has been around for longer than you would think. Surprisingly, it appeared as early as 1850. A cheater cloth is a whole piece of cloth printed with usually with a traditional quilt pattern. In other words, it is a short cut for some who wants to quilt quickly. In this way, a person can quilt without having to sew the fabric pieces together. However, to be clear I am not suggesting that one use one of these traditional creater cloths in their art work.

Detail of a cheater cloth, a whole piece of fabric that is printed to look like a quilt Find a Way to Cheat — A detail of a cheater cloth that looks like it has hand embroidery sewn on it.

Using Background Fabric to Find a Way to Cheat in Quilting.

Furthermore, it is only in this vein that I call myself a “cheater.” Use background fabric to do the heavy lifting in some pieces. Recently, a fellow artist commented that I had used some paint on an art quilt. Yet in reality it was a piece of fabric that looked like I had painted it. At times I will do the jaywalking of cheating. Select a background fabric that aides in forming depth in your art.

Find a Way to Cheat Yet Make it Your Own.

Here is an art quilt with a multicolored whole cloth as the background. Find a Way to Cheat — Here is Beach Tree,2021,an art quilt with a multicolored whole cloth as the background.

Beach Tree, 43″ x 29″ 109 cm x 74cm began with a whole piece of fabric with blended blues and greens. Above all,the multi colored background reminds me of the seashore. Because I live in Surf City, this worked for me. Next,I created a magenta tree on top. Then,I added foliage and leaves to create a tree that is uniquely mine. Indeed,this is the type of cheating that I am suggesting. Use a fabric to enhance your art work. Consequently,add to the design to make it your own. Find a way to cheat in quilting legally.

November Skies,2013, an art quilt of three cranes flying across a blue grey sky.
Find a Way to Cheat — November Skies,2013
https://www.etsy.com/listing/509597457/cranes-flyingoriginalfabric-landscape

In November Skies, I cut shades of gray, violet and blue clouds to form the background sky. Rocks and plants fill the foreground. Decorative threads imitate birds flying in the distance. Finally, I cut three flying cranes from an Asian inspired piece of fabric. The birds enhance my work with a bit of elegance that I could not have created on my own. I finished the piece by covering with tulle netting. Then I free motion quilted the whole piece.

Moon Ove Slough, an art quilt of greens and browns — Moon Over Slough,2018
https://www.etsy.com/listing/633472057/fabric-landscape-artbeach-artwall

Moon Over Slough,21″ x 21″ 53 cm x 53cm uses a multicolored fabric for the background to create layers in the landscape. The moon,slough plants and rocks finish the landscape. The impressionistic lines reach out to the viewer. Are they mountains? water? or sand? The viewer becomes involved in making their own mind up about the piece.

Kelp Dwellers, an art quilt of underwater life — Kelp Dwellers,2018

Kelp Dwellers, 25″ x 25″ 63 cm x 63cm started with a discontinued abstract multicolored sheer fabric sample. There is so much diversity of fauna,flora and movement under the water. Any fish that I cut out can probably be found under the water. I call these pieces Underwater Fantasies because accuracy is not the goal. Sheer and reflective fabrics help to create a sense of wonder.

My Background Fabric

detail of Overlook, art quilt of a tree Find a Way to Cheat — detail of Overlook,35″ x 26″ 89 cm x 66cm,2018

Sometimes I cheat with my own work. The sky background is a piece of cloth I dyed in an indigo class. Actually the fabric is the piece that I used to wrap up my work during the process. In this landscape art quilt,Overlook, it worked to create a cloud filled sky as the backdrop to my tree and owl on a hillside.

Adding Little People

The designers of fabric works hard to create interesting designs. There are so many designs to choose from. This is what encourages the public to buy so much fabric. The designs may be of people, birds, or animals. Those of use who are not strong in drawing can cut out a picture from the fabric. Use it in a fabric collage or art quilt. This is a legal way to use someone else’s work.

Here are a couple of whimsical fabric collages that I made at the beginning of my art quilt career. Without the charming fabric of the little people and the bright colors, the effect wouldn’t be the same.

Teaching, the Toughest Job You'll Ever Love , a whimsical, colorful art quilt featuring young children and their interests. — Teaching, the Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love 1, 2012

This art quilt,Teaching, the Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love 1, 48″ x 43″ 122 cm x 109cm is a fabric collage of brightly colored child friendly fabrics. Some small pieces of fabric are fused on. I added 3D flowers, a golden heart and 3D stars to the quilt top. The lettering is bias tape.

A colorful whimsical art quilt featuring children and their interests. — Teaching, the Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love 2, 2013

Furthermore, I had so much fun creating the first piece I decided to create another.This art quilt,Teaching, the Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love 2 is a bit smaller, 27″ x 26″ 69cm x 66cm. Yet, I again used fused pieces and 3D objects added the pieced fabric top.

In Conclusion

It is my hope that you will become inspired to try these techniques. They are another skill to add to your toolkit. Creating a unique piece of artwork that could only be yours is the goal.

You may also be interested in reading more.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/04/free-motion-quilting-hacks/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/03/make-a-fabric-landscape-collage-quilt/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/06/how-to-discover-your-artistic-signature/

http://www.saqa.com/

https://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

Art Quilters How to Discover Your Artistic Style

Art Quilters, how to discover your artistic signature. Every great artist has a signature style or technique. A signature style is something the artist includes in each piece that identifies the art as uniquely theirs. Without looking at the name, we know who made the piece. Sometimes we can tell the style and time period of the art piece just by looking. Yvonne Porcella, founder of SAQA added black and white checkerboards to many of her pieces. What is a favorite technique or style of yours? What do you readily include in each piece? While my example are my art quilts, the process for recognizing an artistic signature is similar across genres.

How I Found One of my Artistic Styles

small geometric pieces that became an artistic signature — I fell in love with these small geometric pieces.

Art quilters I discovered one of my artistic style quite by accident while working on a very large abstract quilt commission. The piece was almost finished. I needed only a little bit more maybe 6 ” .Yet, there was a only small amount of fabric left. Not worth going to to store for.Nonetheless, I had a bunch of 2 to 3 inch pieces of fabric. I sewed those smaller pieces together.Surprisingly, they formed interesting geometric shapes. At the same time, they saved the day.

Art quilters how to discover your artistic style accidently.

Furthermore,I liked the affect. I started sewing leftover pieces of fabric together to make a bigger piece.Then I added these geometrically shaped pieces to other works of art. Basically I feel like I discovered an iconic signature style for my work. A win-win situation-Making interesting shapes while finding a use for small fabric pieces.

Discover Other Artistic Styles

There are several other techniques that I generally like to use. I found these when I wasn’t looking for them. But I repeated them and now I generally use them. Art quilters discover your artistic style. What techniques or themes do you use often?

Rusty Leaves 29" x 21", 2021 Leaves reaching out of upper border — Rusty Leaves,29″ x 21″, 2021

In my tree quilts, I often make the leaves reach beyond the edges to form an irregular finished edge. When I first did this I tried to create something unusual. It proved very popular with the viewing public. Many people comment on being drawn to it. Sometimes the edges begin about half way up the right and left sides continuing across the top of the art quilt.

Overlook, an landscape art quilt with a tree and red owl is covered with tulle netting, a signature technique. — Overlook is covered with tulle netting, a signature technique.

Fabric Layering Technique

I use the fabric layering technique to create my trees and other Nature art quilts. People have mentioned that they knew it was my quilt because of the technique. I create a scene and cover it with tulle netting before free motion quilting the piece.

Include 3D Fibers on Abstract Art Quilts

Sunset Through the Forest, 34" x 32" 2019 anabstract art quilt in greens and yellows with lots of 3D decorative threads — Sunset Through the Forest, 34″ x 32″ 2019

Abstract art quilts are one of my three portfolios. I like to add texture through the use of 3D fibers and decorative threads sewn on top of fabric. Many times the decorative threads are couched(zigzagged). At times they may not be totally attached to the art quilt. In general I am drawn to 3D genres of art.

Find your Artistic Signature.

Keep creating. Find techniques or materials that you like. Keep using them. Your signature piece will reveal itself to you over time. It will want to be in each piece you make. Pay attention when someone comments that I knew that was your piece without looking at the name. Finding your artistic signature will not be easy. It will take time to develop as your artistic career grows. But it will be worth the effort.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/03/an-educated-artist/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/07/find-a-way-to-cheat/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/07/how-to-make-a-quilt-without-a-pattern/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/04/forge-your-own-art-path/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/09/develop-your-art-passion/

https://www.saqa.com/

Ready to toss? Don’t. Rethink How to Use.

Quilters are famous for reusing fabric in their quilts. Yet, for quilters there are several other ways to reuse and not toss materials. Let me share a few of the ways that I have taken this a bit farther. I am very passionate some might say obsessed about not throwing fabric or other materials away.

Desert Trees in the Wash landscape art quilt — DesertTrees in the Wash, 25″ x 24″ 64 cm x 61cm 2021 Just one example of how I use small bits in my art quilts.

Business Cards

I use bits of batting and fabric to make my business cards. They are like mini art quilts. Some people benefit from a visual example of what an art quilt is. The fabric cards are about 4″ x 4″ 10 cm 10cm.

Therefore,it would be a real challenge to use these small materials for anything else. Each fabric business card is unique. People are thrilled to choose a small piece of art to take with them. https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/12/artful-fabric-business-cards/

First, I write out my contact information using a fabric pen on a light colored solid piece of fabric. Next,I sew several small pieces of leftover fabric together. Finally, I make a small quilt sandwich with a small piece of batting inside. Then I stitch the three layers together. Trim and zigzag the edges.

a fabric business card- a work in progress

a fabric business card -a work in progress with batting and backing

Short Pieces of Decorative Threads

Pieces of decorative threads add texture and dimension to my art quilts. They could be birds or twigs in the wind. I prefer to create a more impressionistic view in my landscape art quilts. I leave it up to the viewer to decide whether the small piece is a bird or a leaf blowing in the wind. Reuse, don’t toss.

a bin of decorative threads — A textile friend gave me lots sof small pieces of the decorative threads she had left over from making scarves.

a closer look at some of the decorative threads

a plastic container of yarns and decorative threads I use,reuse don't toss — Here are some other yarns I use.

decorative threads and details I take apart to use their threads — Decorative threads and decor details I take apart to use their threads

Small Pieces of Fabric

Small pieces of fabric become abstract art quilts or fabric landscape collages. I have written several blogs on this topic. Here are links to two.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/02/the-making-of-an-abstract-quilt/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/07/fabric-layering-technique/

Sew Batting Together

Pieces of batting can be sewn together to be used like a larger piece. Make sure the weight of the batting is the same. Cut straight edges. Sew by zigzagging straight edges together. Make sure to create no gaps. Often there is a narrow long piece of batting let over when quilting a large quilt. These are my coveted pieces for this technique. Quilters,Reuse,Don’t Toss

two pieces of equal weighted batting can be sewn together,reuse don't toss — Two pieces of equal weighted batting can be sewn together.

Reusing items in Mixed Media

During the pandemic I turned my attention to mixed media or assemblage. I searched for small yet unusual items. These items would add interest to an art piece. Everything does not need to be a broken piece. Repurposing items also counts. My daughter brought back a small sewing kit from a trip to Europe. She never used it. I found a new use for them.

art in a box with blue tiles and buttons,9" x 6" reuse don't toss — Blue EuropeanThreads, 9″ x 6″ 23 cm x 15 cm

I am not sure if buttons would be considered unusual items. Yet, when I stacked them up with contrasting colors the effect was unusual.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/02/recent-attempts-at-assemblage/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/08/sewing-room-minimalist-assemblage/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/12/artful-fabric-business-cards/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/05/five-mistakes-new-quilters-make/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/01/frequently-asked-questions/

Reuse, don’t toss. Sometimes I have to give myself permission to throw something away. But with some thought, it is easy to consider another way to use something.

https://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

Can One Find the Source of One’s Creativity?

Great Blue Heron at Dusk The first art quilt I entered in an art show. 2010

Sources of One’s Creativity

An online art quilt group asked, Who was your favorite art teacher in high school? It just so happened that when I read this post, I was in the midst of planning an important high school reunion. The question resonated with me; however, not as expected. I had never taken art in high school.In college,my art courses totaled three quarters.

What are the sources of My Creativity?

I have won several awards for my work. I have participated numerous times in our courty’s juried Open Studios Art Walk. My art has been published several times in Art Quilting Studio. Several pieces were purchased by Kaiser Permanente. The art hangs in their Scotts Valley and Watsonville, California facilities.

So what is the Source of my Creativity?

I am fair at drawing stick figures and certain animals due to my time as an elementary English as a Second Language Teacher. My painting skills are nill. I did have some art training when my school became an arts infused school. When real artists taught my students, I practiced and learned along with them.

My True Passion

But sewing is my true passion. It was my first choice for an elective class for two years in high school. The rest of my life I practiced and honed my sewing skills that contribute to the success of my current art. Today my interest is in adding Color! Texture! Movement to each of my works of art.

Designing Outfits

Back in the day, I remember designing my school outfits with a variety texture in mind without realizing the lasting effects of those efforts. People have commented that I have a good sense of color. I also attribute this to my earlier efforts to dress fashionably. I wrongly assumed that this practice came easily to most.

This is the type of sweater popular when I was in high school.

The source of my so-called talent or skill is definitely traceable to my high school years with Mrs. La Meter, the sewing teacher. She encouraged smooth zippers and flat bound buttons.

I am as surprised as anyone about my success as I never started out to become an artist. Practice is key.

What is the source of your creativity?

Updated Ponderings of 2022

I continue to search and wonder at the sources of my passion for creating fabric art. I have minimal art training. On the other hand, I do have a life long passion for fabric and sewing clothing . Later moving on to traditional quilts and then art quilts.

I met another artist recently and spent the day with her. She shared her passion for drawing and painting. Whenever she has a free moment,she sketches what is around her. Whether she is waiting in line at the bank or a gas station, her sketch book is never far.

Sketching

Inspired by this new friend,while waiting on the phone for a bank representative, I tried to emulate her. I began to sketch the fresh pineapple on the kitchen table. I looked and sketched and looked and sketched. It didn’t turn out half bad. The problem was I wasn’t interested in continuing. Sketching didn’t hold my attention for a long period of time. I am sure if I kept at it I could become competent. There is the important part.

The Answer

It brought home the fact that the activity must engage the person enough that they will stick to it. It doesn’t matter if they are good or not. However, they must want to continue with it over a long period of time in order to master a variety of skills and become extremely proficient. It doesn’t matter what the skill or art form is. No one starts out a master. But they must be interested enough to continue doing it over and over. That is the source of creativity.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/02/how-to-name-an-art-work/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/09/becoming-more-creative/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/12/on-calling-yourself-an-artist/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/03/beginning-steps-to-creating/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts/

Is it Important to Frame an Art Quilt?

tree with leaves flowing outside of the frame — Rusty Leaves, 29″ h x 21″ w
73cm x 53 cm

Art quilts are a newer art form. Creating art with fabric is not like creating art with paint. We create our own canvas of sorts with our backing. We finish the edges with stitches.We do not need an additional frame to complete our work. Some quilt artists add a fabric frame but that is different.

Art quilters need to embrace the uniqueness of their art form. Art quilts come in many fabrics,colors and sizes. There are no predetermined sizes like with a canvas. Sometimes quilt artists choose a smaller size to try out a new technique or for a gift.

More importantly, in order to gain acceptance, some quilt artists frame their art. That way it is immediately recognizable as a piece of art similar to a painting. Furthermore, who doesn’t want their work readily accepted by the public. I get that.

Yet, quilt edges are always finished. It is part of the process. Quilt edges are generally finished by several methods. Sew a facing on the front and turn it to the back for hand stitching. Zigzag twice on the edges. Some art quilters prefer attaching a binding like a more traditional quilt.

All artists want their work accepted as art. However, educating the public about art quilts is necessary. Why add a heavy frame? It is redundant and unnecessary. Why do it?

Framing Art Quilts is Different.

Fabric is a unique material to use to create art. It moves and stretches a bit. When I started creating art q;uilts, I thought that they were to lie flat against the wall. Then I visited the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles.https://www.sjquiltmuseum.org/ The incredible quilts on display did not lie flat against the wall. Naturally, I gave up that idea. Art quilters need to embrace the uniqueness of their special materials.

magenta tree with irregular shape on edges — Beach Tree, 34″ x 29″ 86cm x 73cm

11 Reasons Why I Don’t Frame my Art Quilts

The edges are finished. There is usually a facing, binding or the edges are zigzagged twice. Nothing more is needed.

Fabric encourages a different type of artistic expression. Leaves can flow off of the sides. A frame would cover up that expression.

I send my art quilts by rolling them up. They take up less space.

I store my art quilts by rolling them up with the front to the outside to prevent wrinkles. It is amazing how little space they take,

Be forward thinking. Ditching the frame immediately shows movement away from a tradition.

A frame is more heavy and cumbersome. What artistic value does it add to the art quilt? Trying to match styles can be difficult.

In Earthquake Country or Tornado Country, a heavy frame over a bed is not advisable.

I can carry all of my quilts for a solo show under one or two arms. I roll them up together. They are not heavy.

Frames adds extra unnecessary weight whether they are wooden, metal or another material.

When storing an art piece,a frame takes up more space.

A frame is expensive.

I store my quilts rolled up in a closet. A temporary tag pinned to the top allows for fast identification of each individual quilt.

Exceptions to Not Framing

I realize that there may be exceptions. It is possible to frame an art quilt. On the other hand,in some permanent public settings, framing may be preferred. Museums or other public and private organizations may want a consistent look in their presentation of the artwork. Permanent collections do not move often. The situations are different.

In Conclusion

Why add a frame if it is not necessary? Frames are expensive, heavy, and take up more space. On the contrary, they can not be rolled up for easy storage,shipping or carrying. More importantly, some painters are now painting the sides of their canvases so frames will not be necessary for them.

http://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com https://www.saqa.com/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/01/frequently-asked-questions/

What do you Want to Know? Frequently Asked Questions

Do you Look at the World with a Critical Eye?

Seeing Critically

Seeing critically is looking to see what one likes or doesn’t like about something. How would one make it better or more attractive? Don’t we all do this while getting dressed? However, it could also pertain to a piece of art, an room arrangement or a garden as well as others.

An Exercise to Practice Seeing Critically

Lately, I have found my art process spilling over into other aspects of my life. Basically my process is to do something and then try and make it better. What can I do to make the art more interesting? How can I kick it up a notch? I find myself looking at others work and doing the same thing. What parts do I like and which parts would I change? I am not being critical as in criticize but as in finding the merits and the faults of something.

I see this as seeing and thinking critically about the work. The thoughts are only for myself. I wouldn’t dare say anything to the artist. That is not my intent. It is merely a practicing looking with a critical eye.

The Learning Curve of Art

I am reminded of an exercise that a photography teacher had us do. We were to go about our lives without our cameras and look for photos to take only with our eyes. The students practiced forming low risk pictures. We would notice the world around us. Frame a shot, pretend to take a photo and continue on our way. It was a way of focussing. It was also in the days of dark rooms and fairly expensive film. However, the exercise is still a valid one to focus one’s eye to the beauty around us.

Maybe this is a common art teacher technique. Never having much art training , I don’t know. My one year of drawing and painting was back in the days of Do Your Thing. If you know what your own thing is then that is great. But I had no idea of what my thing was.

I took the photography class because I had noticed that people with a good camera could get into events more easily. People thought that you were with the press.

Trying new ventures is a good idea. However to attain a particular skill level, one must practice. Somehow that never occurred with me.We are all in different places along the learning curve of art.

Artful Gardens

Many people take pride in their artful gardens, large or small. As I walk by a neighborhood garden, I find myself observing critically. How are the plants arranged. Are the shapes, colors, sizes of the plantings in harmony? Are they placed in a balanced way? Or are they clumped together with no interest? Between the drought, gophers and deer,we are sometimes lucky to have anything growing this late summer.Critisizing in not my intent. However, looking for artful placement of colorful plants is.

These days many people are posting their art on social media. Each person is on their personal pathway to becoming or improving as an artist. I would never make a critical comment about that person’s art. But it is an opportunity to practice seeing critically. What parts I think work and how I might change it if it were my piece?

In conclusion, becoming an artist takes practice. Part of that progress is to see critically many different art forms or even parts of life.Try it! It is free and easy. However, it is best to keep your opinions to yourself!

THE BEST THREAD FOR FREE MOTION QUILTING

Experiment with Color

Choosing a Brand

Using Old Thread

Spools with Unusual colors

Collect a Wide Range of Thread Colors

White Thread is Useful too.

A Special Thread

Conclusion

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Important Decisions

Join Arts Organizations.

My Unique County Supports Artists.

Meeting Artists with a Common Interest

Donations of Materials

Conclusion

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Spark Creativity by Limiting Materials

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Solve Basic Sewing Problem

Anticipating Issues with Good Habits

Keep your machine free of dust.

Watch your Speed.

Trouble Threading the Needle

Thread Trimming

Some Suggestions to Solve Little Art Quilting Problems.

Tucks to the Rescue

Use the Crease or Fold to your Creative Advantage.

Solve little Art Quilting Problems by Thinking Before you Cut

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Am a brave person?

Doing my Art is not Scary.

Creating involves Pain.

A Good Sense of Color

Trying is the first step to being a brave artist.

Why am I not afraid?

Fusing Two Passions

Is this Art?

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A Prolific Artist

Breaking a Sewing Rule

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Sorry No Photo

Unintended Consequences

Stretch Your Brain

Birdhouse Blocks

True Confessions Time

Unknown Paths

In Conclusion

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Beginning an Art Quilt

Sea Turtles, Art Quilt

Improvisional Quilting

Reducing and Redirecting

Sharing Your Process

No Art Degree

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The 20th Century View of Retirement

What New Interests Can You Develop

Develop a Positive Attitude Towards Change

Solving Life’s Little Problems

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Finding Materials to Create Fabric Embellishments

To Begin

A Strip of Fabric

Fiberous Fabrics Create Fabulous Fabric Embellishments

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Our Sight is Unique.

See Fabric in a New Way

Limit the Line of Vision