repurposing fabric Archives

Check out these One of a Kind Artful Fabric Business Cards

Artful Fabric Business Cards

My Artful Fabric Business Cards reflect my art quilt business. Business cards generally give basic information about a business; location, phone number and email . Yet, I take my business cards a step further. They are small art quilts. For people who do not know what an art quilt is,the business card gives them an actual example to choose and take with them.

Reducing Waste

Reducing waste is a major motivation for me. My cards are made of fabric that most people would throw away. I use a fabric pen to write on a plain piece of fabric. The batting inside has no other use either. I also found that as my business grew my info changed. Because I hadn’t printed out my cards, I was able to adjust easily without wasting paper.

Artful Fabric Business Cards — I started with this info on one side.

Each card is unique. Most people enjoy choosing their favorite colors or patterns. My cards are a committment statement about my work.

Making the Cards

People often say ,”Doesn’t it take a lot of time to make the cards?” I use the assembly line approach to production. First, I write the info about 20 times on white or plain fabric. Then, maybe at a different time, I sew small pieces of left over fabric together. At another time, I baste the three layers together with a glue stick. Followed by sewing two curvy lines, horizontally across the pieces. Zigzagging the edges comes last. I generally find that there are times when I don’t feel top notch or I need a break from creating. Those times are when I turn to making my fabric cards. So it is not as if I am taking productive time away from actual work.

My First Fabric Cards

I made my first cards when I was still working full time. I tried different things and learned from people’s responses. When I shared my card with a coworker, she actually shrieked. That was a surprising response. But I took it as a yes, I was on the right path! My first attempts were to make each card extremely special, like a real art quilt. I soon learned that that was not really necessary. People were thrilled with a simpler more random piece. So I simplified my process.

Starting Out

I admit that these cards to require more effort than a paper printed card. It was my decision to give them away. Yet, another early experience made me make adjustments. At a gallery show I was in, a woman proudly came up to me and shared that she had taken four of my cards and used them as coasters. I was such a newbie I didn’t know how to respond.

Now I would say, the first one is free. The others are $10. Because of that experience,I found a finer tip fabric pen that would let me write smaller. I reduced the size of my cards also so that they were closer to 3 or 4 inches rather than 5 inches.

Another benefit was that I could easily change the information on my cards. When I moved my studio downtown,I made new cards with the address on it. Later I decided to add my phone number. These changes would have been costly and wasteful if I had used paper business cards.

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

In conclusion, fabric business cards do take longer to make. However, I make them with fabric and batting that many would throw way. They allow me to reuse and reduce while making a memorable art quilt.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/11/decorative-mouse-pads/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/03/why-i-love-my-unique-business-cards/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/05/do-you-believe-serendipity-brings-joy/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/05/reuse-dont-toss/

Honor a Loved One with a Quilt

Memory Quilts I Have Made

Memory quilts I have made have been made out of clothing or special items. Honor a Loved One with a Quilt is a special memory quilt. It could be clothes from a younger time in a person’s life or the clothes of a loved one that has passed. Quilts are a great way to keep someone’s memory alive. It can be a bed quilt, a lap quilt or an piece of wall art. Memorial quilts also honor a commitment to reuse, reduce and recycle items.

A memory quilt is as unique as the loved one being honored. The client can offer input and information. They can even help in the design process if they do so.

Distance is not a limitation. Clients have sent me fabric and items to use. Photos track the progress and keep the client in the loop. Upon completion, I simply sent the completed project to them.

Wall Art

This client’s grandmother’s items became a piece of wall art. The client and I agreed to eliminate certain fabrics that did not fit into the color scheme. Luckily, there was a wide range of materials to choose from. We collaborated a bit in the beginning but then she let me have free range to create an artful memory quilt. We started with her house dresses, other clothing jewelry and some 3D objects.

Part of memory quilt made from a man's clothes,Honor a Loved One with a Quilt — Part of memory quilt made from a man’s clothes

Lap Quilts

Reversible lap quilts increase the enjoyment of a quilt by double. We all need a change of scenery from time to time. By flipping over the quilt, a whole new quilt appears. These two lap quilts(front and back) were made from a loved one’s shirts and pants. The pockets are completely usable to store something inside.

back of blue commission, Fabric from ties add an accent.

front,Beachy Commission made from tropical shirts and pants — front,Beachy Commission

To learn more about my prices see my Commissions and Memory Quilt page.

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

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/02/memory-quilt-a-work-in-progress/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/10/something-about-memory-quilts/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/09/scale-and-size-is-important-on-fabric/https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/01/

dogs-are-family-members-make-a-memory-quilt/

To learn more

https://www.toocooltshirtquilts.com/blog/author/andrea-funk

Find Your Unique Life Shop Etsy Find Joy

Shop Etsy Find Joy

More than ever Etsy shops list an incredible number of unique handmade and vintage items. If you shop Etsy you will find joy. Art quilts are listed on my site. Currently, I have also listed vintage items from my family. I have kept some of my own pieces for so long they are now vintage. http://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

A Funny Story

Back in the 1970’s, the Bob Newhart Show was a popular sitcom. I remember a funny setup. His receptionist dates an older man. She goes to his apartment for the first time. She says, “I love what you have done with these antiques.” Her date answers,”Thank you. They weren’t antiques when I bought them.” Similarly,I am there now.

Sadly the Shop Etsy Find Joy videos are no longer available.

Vintage Clothing

Vintage clothing is at least twenty years old. Similarly,recent listings include vintage clothing and vintage jewelry. Many of these are one owner items. They come from the closets of my grandmother, mother and mother in law or myself. Many items from the 1940 to the 1980s.

Shop Etsy Find Joy — Asian Kimono Jacket

https://www.etsy.com/listing/805888135/unisex-kimono-style-jacketooak-made-from

One of a Kind Items

I made this jacket for myself. First I sewedthe fabrics together. Then I cut out the pattern. I wore the jacket several times. Then I realised that I am not a jacket person. I much prefer sweaters or a warm hooded coat. May someone else enjoy wearing this piece!

Assemblage – 3D Collages

During the pandemic shut downs, I created some assemblage pieces. They are 3D collages. Some are art in a box. Similarly, due to the smaller size they are minimalist. I inherited several antique keys that I added to my pieces.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1005714869/contemporary-mixed-media

https://www.etsy.com/listing/991064662/contemporary-mixed-media

Desire more texture in your art? Add decorative threads.

an egret in the wetlands,Decorative Threads Add Texture — Wetlands Wanderer,an egret in the wetlands Above all,notice the decorative threads at the bottom of the quilt. 28″ x 27″

Add Decorative Threads for Texture

Above all,decorative threads add texture to art quilts. Furthermore,texture is part of my mantra, Color! Texture! and Movement! Therefore, I take creating, finding and using texture very seriously. Above all for me, it is fun. I get excited about repurposing decorative ribbons and threads in my art quilts. I would like to take this opportunity to share some ideas.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/07/creating-texture-in-art/

Discovering New Materials

My artistic path evolved about the same time I found Fabmo fabric and more https://www.fabmo.org/. Fabmo is a nonprofit that rescues fabric samples and materials from designers to keeping them out of the landfill. In addition,they make them available to the public. The charming decorative three dimensional details call to me. However, I discovered these threads quite by accident. For example,I accidently took some details apart. Most importantly, I discovered lovely threads and ribbons to add texture to my art quilts.

decorative details,Decorative Threads Add Texture — decorative details

Ribbons from disassembled details,Decorative Threads Add Texture — Ribbons from disassembled details

Take Things Apart to find Decorative Threads for Texture

These small details add texture, fiber and interest to art quilts. However,some of the threads are quite long when disassembled. Lots of room for creativity. Make a small detail by twisting and folding longer threads. Decorative threads entered my art pieces. In addition, I use these decorative details to add 3D texture to both my abstract and nature inspired art quilts.

Cinnamon threads abstract art quilt,Decorative Threads Add Texture — Cinnamon Threads, detail from an abstract art quilt detail of 23″ x 20″ art quilt

How Would You Use These Decorative Threads?

Decorative Threads Add Texture,Red detail — Red detail

Beige detail and disassembled red detail,Decorative Threads Add Texture — Beige detail and disassembled red detail

Some Examples of What I Did

In addition,here are a couple of photos of works in progress highlighting deconstructed fibers.

Big egret a work in progress — An egret, a work in progress

fibers in a work in progress,Decorative Threads Add Texture — fibers in a work in progress,

Helpful Hints

Not in the San Francisco Bay area with access to FABMO in Sunnyvale? Find interior decorators in your area. They will be thrilled to pass on their “outdated” details. Moreover,beautiful yarns can be found at garage sales. Leftover pieces of interesting yarns may also be found at yard sales or Goodwill. Decorative threads are available for purchase. Of course, interesting decorative threads are often sold at quilt shows. Does your local quilt guild have a flea market? Lots of good finds there.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, I hope that you will be inspired to try and incorporate more decorative threads into your art quilts. Therefore, please share your successes and advice. Above all, try something new.

These articles may be of interest to you.
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/04/an-abstract-art-quilt-sunset-through-the-forest/

http://fabmo.org

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/12/the-devil-is-in-the-details-textile-details/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/12/the-amazing-story-of-fabmo-how-two-dedicated-people-can-make-a-big-difference/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/07/underwater-fantasy-art-quilt-a-work-in-progress/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/06/yarn-adds-texture-to-an-art-quilt/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/01/creating-movement-in-abstract-art-quilts/

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

Check out A Volunteer’s Path to Chairman

Holly, Hannah and Jonathan speak with visitors to FABMO

A Volunteer’s Path to Chairman

by Holly Welstein, FabMo’s Board Chairwoman (edited for space)

A Volunteer’s Path to Chairman- How did I start down a volunteer’s path to chairman?

Recently I attended the annual Volunteer Appreciation BBQ. It went along with FabMo’s 11th official birthday! It was a great chance to socialize with a wonderful group of people on a special occasion. Yet my earliest contact with FabMo happened over 15 years ago. It was way before the nonprofit was official.

Some Musings of an Accidental Board Chair

My first experience was responding to a Freecycle post for promising free designer material. I ended up sitting on Hannah & Jonathan’s living room floor. They encouraged me to dump out textile treasures from large black plastic bags.The bags were piled up on their sofa. I could take what I liked. Everything went back in the bags, when I was done.But oh, be careful and look out for staples.

Needless to say, I was hooked on a volunteer’s path to chairman.

A Volunteer's Path to Chairman, FABMO founder Hannah and Jonathan Cranch — Hannah and Jonathan Cranch, founders of FABMO

Slowly, the FabMo enterprise grew. My involvement slowly grew along with it. I helped with simple things like setting up tables, sorting fabric and chatting with newcomers. That led to helping plan our first Maker Faire participation. Later I headed a Boutique committee for six years. That helped this volunteer’s path to chairmanThen I received an invitation to join the Board. So for the past three years I serviced as the Board Chair. Whew!!! I really wanted to do was sew purses with some beautiful fabric!

What I know at this point is that the work we do at FabMo and only happens because individuals step up to do it. So I send a big thank you to every volunteer. What I also know is that much of the behind the scenes work is mysterious to many of you.

How the Board Works

The FabMo Board of Directors invites you to consider whether volunteer service on the Board or a Committee is for you. Could your future include a volunteer’s path to chairman?

From chairing the Board meetings to representing FabMo being on the Board has many interesting aspects.

FabMo is an all volunteer organization. There are no paid staff or Executive Director. That means the FabMo Board is a working board that acts as an Executive Director when needed. Te board provides organizational leadership and vision and makes policy. We are responsible for financial oversight and staying true to its mission. We want the group to be financially healthy and stable. So that we can continue to do our important work. That is to divert valuable materials away from the landfill and into the hands of people who will use them.

We meet every 5-6 weeks.At times there is a special extra meetings . In the past year, we have purchased a van. We created a protocol for the van’s use. We adopted a policy for our social media presence.The board worked with the Treasurer to craft a budget. we began to write charters for our committees. A quarterly Committee Chairs meeting encourages communications within FabMo. Most of the work is overseen by committees but the Board has the final say. Could your future include a volunteer’s path to chairman?

In the Coming Year

This upcoming year the Board will be evaluating our current business and operating models to consider changes to support our mission. In particular, our rent continues to rise.It is crucial that we find new sources of revenue.We need to remain financially healthy going forward. Could your future include a volunteer’s path to chairman?

So who Serves on the FabMo Board of Directors?

Well in 2019, our 7 members are: Tina Baumgartner,Estelle Chalfin,Leslie Kern,Zita Macy,Michelle Redel,Ginger Silverman,Holly Welstein. Maybe in 2020, your name will be here!

I welcome the chance to chat with anyone interested in learning more. I can answer any questions you have. If you want to attend a Board meeting, please let me know.
Warmly,Holly
board@fabmo.org
July 29, 2019

https://www.fabmo.org/

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

It has been great to be part of this all volunteer organization for about 10 years. I source many of the materials there that I use in my art quilts. I feel strongly about their efforts. Ann Baldwin May, art quilter

Need Punch? Add Color to your Art Quilts

Splendid Fairy Wren Australia

Adding Color to your Art Quilts

Color is probably the art element that attracts and motivates most artists to begin work. For most people it is the most engaging aspect. For my take on this subject, I am going to focus on how I choose to adding color to my abstract art quilts. In general, I chooose 3-4 colors to work with. Then I find the range of hues from light to dark to add for balance and interest. I often use bright colors while I find a pale palette of beiges and whites to be very calming. I work on a large white flannel design wall.

To begin, Where do I get my ideas? How do I decide on which colors I want to work with? Most of my materials are from FABMO, a non profit that gets castoff materials from designers. Swatches of a wide range of colors with slight variations provide a lot of choices. Here are some ideas I have inspired me to get started.

A Photograph

A friend sent me this photograph of a colorful bird from Australia. Rarely do I work from photographs. I will not be using the bird however, the hues of purple,blue and black will be in an abstract art quilt in the near future.

Look Down

While working on a piece,I tossed the extra fabric in a box on the floor next to me. I did this repeated. At the end of the day, I looked down and saw these wonderful grey and lime green colors together. I gathered them up and put the in a special place to work on later. This was the piece inspired by leftovers. May I note that I usually don’t use these colors.

Lingering Fog,34" x 34" 86 x86 cm 2019, a grey,white and lime green abstract art quilt — Lingering Fog,34″ x 34″ 86 x86 cm 2019

Using Up Materials

Sometimes I just start a project with materials or colors that I want to use up. I might have too big a piece of fabric or too much of one color. Some artists might find this idea very unorthodox or even unsettling. When I started City Lights, I had a pile of blue fabric that I wanted to diminish. Sand Between My Toes allowed me to make use of whites and beiges. Sea Turtles is not an abstract art quilts but I had a large piece of blue synthetic fabric that I used for the background. The turquoise plants are also created from fabric I wanted to use up.

City Lights, lots of blues and purples with pops of other colors, 24" x 22" — City Lights, a fabric art quilt,24″ x 22″

Sea Turtles,an underwater fantasy art quilt,Sea Turtles 35" x 23 " 2014 — Sea Turtles 35″ x 23 ” 2014

an abstract art quilt in pale colors — Sand Between My Toes

Use the Palette of a Commercial Piece of Fabric

A fabric friend suggested this to me several years ago. I have to admit I couldn’t wrap my mind around this idea for a long time. Go to a fabric store. Look at the colors on the commercial fabrics. Very experienced designers work to create these prints. Choose a palette that you would like to use. You don’t need to use the fabric just let the colors inspire you.

In my abstract art quilt, Spring Break I did use some of the fabric. However, the process of chosing the materials was driven by the colors of the original piece of redirected linen. I looked for complementary colors from the fabrics I already had.

Spring Break, an abstract art quilt of blues, yellows and green — Spring Break

Multicolored Blue Linen Fabric — I built the fabrics around this piece of fabric.

In conclusion, inspiration for art can be found in many unusual places. Inspiration comes from spending time in your studio. Keep your mind open and inspiration will appear.

Here are some other articles that you may be interested in.https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/03/using-discontinued-fabrics/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/12/the-amazing-story-of-fabmo-how-two-dedicated-people-can-make-a-big-difference/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/01/creating-movement-in-abstract-art-quilts/

The following article is about Spring Break, art quilt.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/09/abstract-art-quilts-a-work-in-progress/

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

How to Use Redirected Fabric in Art Quilts

Kelp Dwellers 25″ x 25″ A piece of multicolored blue sheer fabric is a perfect background for this underwater fantasy.

Use Redirected Fabric in Art Quilts

Redirecting materials inspire.

Use redirected fabric in art quilts to design something new and inspire yourself to create. I find unique fabrics not like those sold in a regular quilt store among redirected materials.

Discontinued fabric from a decorator’s studio

A sample of linen fabric from a decorator’s studio becomes the main design element with the addition of zigzagged or couched yarn. The colors; black, white,, and grey attracted me before I saw that this linen actually had greyhound dogs printed on it. My fondness for dogs aside, I didn’t want the dogs to stand out. I accomplished this by rotating the fabric and couching yarn to it. Next, I cut the fabric into twigs and branches to suggest tree tops. Then, I placed the branches on a sky blue indigo fabric background to complete the art quilt.

Friends’ Suggestions

Although dyeing fabric is a great way to redirect materials, it is a bit too messy for my situation. But many of my fabric friends have done it. The sheet that the dyed fabrics are wrapped in to carry home often is colored in an interesting way . Thanks to that warning, I was prepared when I recently took an indigo dyeing workshop. The background fabric for the sky was indeed the bedsheet that had used to carry my other dyed pieces home.

The Process-

First,I choose the fabric. I liked the way the curved lines of the dogs’s backs created movement on the fabric.

grey and black dogs, Use Redirected Fabric in Art Quilts — Greyhounds on linen

Next,I choose the yarn colors that I wanted to use, grey, green, and black yarn. I couched the yarns with matching threads so that the sewing threads wouldn’t stand out.

black grey and white fabric with green and black yarn ,Use Redirected Fabric in Art Quilts — Black, grey, and white fabric with green and black yarn couched yarn

Next,I continued adding yarn curving it as I zigzagged(couched) it onto the linen.

More beige, grey, black and white yarn couched onto the fabric

Then,with more yarn, it is more difficult to identify the dogs.

Use Redirected Fabric in Art Quilts — The dogs disappear.

Continuing,I kept adding more yarn and zigzagging it down. For thicker lines, I wrapped 3 pieces of yarn together.

Different view of the fabric with threads couched

Ready to cut the Fabric into Branches

Finally, with this fabric, I cut out the tree branches,twigs and sticks. I put the backing fabric flat on the table. Then I added the batting on top. Then I added indigo dyed fabric for the background. Next, I basted them with a touch of glue. I assembled the tree on top and basted it.

black and white branches on an indigo died background

Lastly,I covered the finished top with tulle and free motion quilted the layers together. I finished the edges by adding a 2″ facing folding it to the back and hand stitching it. Finally, I sew a fabric sleeve or tube onto the top back for hanging with a dowel and fishing line.

You may be interested in this previous blog post as well.
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/zig-zagging-yarn-to-create-fabric/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/01/creating-movement-in-abstract-art-quilts/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/03/using-discontinued-fabrics/

The completed piece of art is totally made from redirected materials; linen and backing material from the San Francisco Design Center, redirected yarn from my sister-in-law, redirected tulle from a wedding, and redirected background indigo fabric from a bedsheet. My heart’s desire is complete;making beautiful art from repurposed materials.

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

Did You See a World of Fiber Art?

Tree Along Creek, art quilt

Currently,(2018)a World of Fiber Art at the Santa Cruz County Building is on view at the Santa Cruz County Building on Ocean St. Above all, fifteen art quilts by Santa Cruz artist, Ann Baldwin May are currently on exhibit at the Santa Cruz County Building. In addition,the exhibit is at the 701 Ocean St. facility in Santa Cruz. Furthermore, the show runs through July 27, 2018.

A World of Fiber Art at the Santa Cruz County Building

abstract art in blues, greens and oranges — Under the Savannah Shade using African fabrics

From Bed quilts to Art Quilts

tree on Vacant Lot,Vacant Lot — Vacant Lot

Fabmo Materials

Firstly, May gets her material from the non profit group known as FabMo.http://fabmo.org It is an all volunteer run organization. Moreover,the group provides high-end materials to artists, teachers and others for creative reuse. A statement of the website, FabMo.org, reads: “These exquisite textiles, wallpapers, and tiles are from the design world.They are usually only available to you through a designer. FabMo makes them available on a donation basis. Our work keeps about 70 tons a year of them from the landfill.” PreCOVID FabMo also typically came Harvey West Clubhouse about four or five times a year. In addition, special selection dates occur in Sunnyvale, California.

Award Winning Artist

In 2019,She entered her first art piece in Pajaro Valley Arts exhibit titled “Los Pájaros.” Her work was titled, “Great Blue Heron at Dusk.”
The following year it won a merit award at the Olive Hyde Gallery in Fremont,California. https://olivehydeartguild.org/

As a result, Ms. May was encouraged to continue her art quilt adventure.

Color! Texture! Movement!

Overall,May has completed about 350 art quilts and counting.. Furthermore, her work has also been shown at the R. Blitzer Gallery in Santa Cruz, in Chicago, San Francisco, and at New York Arts.

“Above all,I’m all color, texture and movement; that’s what I have to do,” Baldwin May said. “Furthermore,it takes me to another place. In other words, it feels very comfortable to build on skills that I already know, that I am confident in doing.”

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

Open Studio Art Tour

Once more, May will take part in the annual Open Studio Art Tour in October,2018. Meanwhile, she does most of her work at her studio in the Santa Cruz Art Center. In other words,for Open Studios her art fills the lobby at the Santa Cruz Art Center at 1001 Center St. She also participates in First Friday Art Walk.Similarly,this is an informal, monthly art tour where artists and galleries open their doors to the public.

By: Tarmo Hannula © 2018-Register-Pajaronian

SANTA CRUZ —

https://register-pajaronian.com/article/a-world-of-fiber-art

http://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

Artist Bio

Ann Baldwin May was born and raised in Palo Alto, California. Moreover,she began sewing in junior high. Later,she received her education from University of California, Irvine (History, BA Elementary Teaching Credential, Masters in Teaching Spanish) Meanwhile, her first quilting class was in 1975. After that,she basically never stopped making quilts.After she retired in 2012 After working 36 years as a bilingual teacher and Bilingual Resource Teacher, she retired. As a result, in 2012,she turned her attention to making art fulltime.

Purchased art

Over the years,Kaiser Permanente bought five art quilts.for their facilities in Scotts Valley and Watsonville, California. Again she participates in the juried Santa Cruz County Open Studios Art Tour. Furthermore,her work is currently being shown at New York Arts in TRIBECA, New York City. https://newyorkart.com/

Contact info

Ann Baldwin May
Santa Cruz Art Center, 1001 Center St.#4 Santa Cruz, CA 95060
baldwinmay49@yahoo.com
831.345.1466
annbaldwinmayartquilts.com
Facebook- AnnBaldwinMayArtQuilts@annbaldwinmay
Instagram-annbaldwinmay

Finally,Some of Ann Baldwin May’s favorite artists.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/07/marion-coleman-art-quilter/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/04/robert-blitzer-painter-and-sculptor/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/11/innovative-textile-artistscott-bodenner/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/10/urban-quilter-amy-ahlstrom/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/07/maria-shell-art-quilter/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/05/maria-shell-alaskan-quilter/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/06/art-quilter-cindy-grisdela/

In conclusion, read these.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/05/alice-beasley-fiber-artist/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/04/joe-the-quilter-joe-cunningham/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/04/artwork-of-james-aschbacher/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/04/james-aschbacher-muralist/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/05/faith-ringgold-quilt-artist/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/12/sandy-takashima-shaw-santa-cruz-artist/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/03/museum-of-curious-perceptionsencore/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/03/museum-of-curious-perceptions/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/11/decorating-with-color-shannon-kaye

/https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/03/francoise-grossen-selects/

Georgia O’Keeffe: Art, Image, Style

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/04/beautiful-batiks/

Try Something New. Bring Your Bravery!

Sunlit Boulders,art quilt

Bring Your Bravery! Auditioning fabrics on my design wall, browns greens, beiges — Photo 1 Auditioning fabrics on my design wall

Bring Your Bravery! Be Brave!

A main motivation of mine besides making stunning art is to reuse materials. Pieces of yarn and decorative threads that some people may discard become unique design elements. I couch (zigzag) them on a strip of fabric, cut them and use as fabric. Yet, sometimes there are decorative threads that one just has to buy. There is one like that in this piece. The ribbon alternates rusty orange and green with 3D native inspired tied knots. Bring Your Bravery! Be Brave!

Choosing Colors- Be Brave!

Choose your color scheme. I recommend three to four colors. Sort hues from light to dark in the same shades. Be brave. Experiment with different colors on your design wall. Don’t be afraid to eliminate fabrics. Start with more material than you think you might need. Include one bright fabric that makes the piece pop.

Creating Details Bring Your Bravery! Be Brave!

Couch (zigzag) decorative threads on 5”wide strips of cotton. Try something new. Bring Your Bravery! Be Brave! Emphasize the art element of line by couching with thread that matches the yarn to make the sewing thread disappear. Double or triple the ply for a thicker line. Repeat four to six times using different colors and types of decorative threads. Couch the decorative threads fairly close together about 1/8-1/4 inch apart. Leave a 1” space on each side of the fabric strip. This gives you flexibility. You can always make it smaller.

Tucks add texture.

Bring Your Bravery! Be Brave! Tucks add texture. Fold a 12” length or longer strip of fabric wrong sides together to create a fold. Stitch 1/8” or 1/4” close to the fold edge. Choose your thread to blend into the fabric or to stand out as a design element. Make 3-5 tucks on the same strip of fabric. Remember to save room for the seam allowance on the sides. Press to lay flat. Cut up the strips into 4”- 8”pieces. Balance their placement on the design wall.

Temporarily Mark your Design Wall

Plan to make your finished artwork about 24”square. Mark with pins the approximate size of your finished piece on the design wall as a guideline. Remember when you are putting fabric on the design wall, the finished product will be smaller. Start with fabric pieces that are a bit larger.

Bring Your Bravery!Small strips are being sewn together. — Photo 2 Small strips are being sewn together.

Place the Pieces Randomly

So, you have assembled your own “fabric” with couched decorative threads and tucks. Now it is time to mix those fabrics with others on the design wall. Bravely put the pieces up randomly and start to move the pieces around to see what goes together. What fabrics jump out at you?

Almost all squared up. Most pieces sewn together — Photo 3 Almost all squared up.

Balance the Fabrics

Limit those to an odd number of them. Balance the different fabrics making sure that they are spread out evenly over the top. Beginners might choose to piece their top using straight lines up and down. Placing the pieces on a diagonal adds interest. A diagonal quilt will go past the guideline pins and be trimmed into a rectangular or square.

quilt sandwich, the three layers are put together — step 4 quilt sandwich

Golds, greens and yellow fabric highlight this Native American inspired art quilt — step 5 Sunlit Boulders,art quilt, completed

Sew As You Go

Show courage. Sew, cut and move fabric around the design wall. Keep cutting and sewing pieces together until it pleases you. The top doesn’t need to be totally finished to start to sew. Sew straight or curved line seams. Continue to sew pieces together into about 8” strips. Pin them to the design wall either in straight lines or on a diagonal. Allow time for this process. Trust yourself.

A “Painful” Time

This can be a “painful” time for an artist, if the piece isn’t coming together as one wishes it would. I find that if I don’t like a part, it gets more interesting after I cut it up and rearrange the pieces. Leave items on the design wall and return later to look at the piece with fresh eyes.
Complete sewing the top when you are happy with it. Prepare the quilt sandwich and quilt. Scribble Quilting is fun and adds movement to your piece. Whichever way you quilt your piece, you will have an artful abstract art quilt as testament to your bravery.

About the Author

Ann Baldwin May lives in Santa Cruz, California. In 2012, she retired after teaching elementary school for 36 years. She has won several awards for her work. She participates in the juried Santa Cruz County Open Studios Art Tour from her studio in the Santa Cruz Art Center. May is a member of SAQA( Studio Art Quilter Associates). Contact her at baldwinmay49@yahoo.com or www.annbaldwinmayartquilts.com. Or visit her Etsy shop at annbmayartquilts.etsy.com

Directions for Curved Line Piecing-optional

Lay two pieces of 5” cotton squares on top of each other right sides up on the cutting mat. Cut a slightly curved line through both fabrics with a rotary cutter. There will be four pieces. The top of one fabric will fit the bottom of the other fabric like two puzzles pieces making the original square. Take those two pieces that fit together and sew right sides together with a ¼” seam. Only the part of the fabric going through the foot will line up to a ¼” seam due to the curve. Slightly adjust the top fabric as you move them both through the foot. Press open. This technique is very forgiving. You will be amazed at your curved line. Practice making curves of different widths.

Advice for Beginners

Let each person’s eye see the hues in their own way. Let go of controlling the way the colors mix together. The color of thread changes depending on the color of the fabric that it is sewn on. The color of the fabric is influenced by the color it is next to.

When I started making art quilts, I had a lot of experience sewing clothes and bed quilts. I would think of how a traditional quilter would do something and then I would choose to do it differently.

Consider expanding your stash to include a wider range of shades and hues.

Tips

It is imperative to be cautious with certain aspects of our lives, but cutting up fabric is not one of those times.

Create texture by including fabrics other than 100% cotton. While a variety of fabric adds interest, provide some solid fabrics as a needed resting spot for one’s eyes.

Include a bit of fabric that will pop. Shiny synthetics work well for this.

Supplies and Materials

Rotary blade, cutting matt, design wall(white flannel thumbtacked to the wall)
sewing machine, batiks, found threads(decorative threads, yarns, rickrack, colored string, synthetic raffia), a variety of small pieces of cotton fabrics(fat quarter or smaller), fabrics of different textures (optional), thread, batting, cotton backing fabric, scissors, walking foot for quilting.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/press-coverage/

http://Art Quilting Studio Magazine, Fall issue, 2018.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/06/abstract-art-in-fabric/

The Ultimate Guide to Memorial Quilts

By: Andrea Funk on July 9th, 2015

How Much Does it Cost to Have a Memory Quilt Made? What is the cost of a Memory Quilt?

MEMORIAL QUILTS | HOW MUCH DO T-SHIRT QUILTS COST

First of all,I found this article to be interesting. I am in the process of completing four Memorial Quilts for a client and her children using their beloved father’s clothing.Ann

First,on the Internet memory quilts range in price from $100 to over $1,000. Why such a large price range? However,there are a number of factors that go into the cost of making a quilt. Here are a number of cost factors that go into the pricing of a memory quilt.

Materials

There are 3 basic materials that go into all quilts. There is a quality range for each type of material. The price of your quilt will relate to the quality of materials used. The higher the quality the higher the cost. In other words,inexpensive materials create an inexpensive quilt.

Fabric

To help think about fabric, compare it to the thread count of bed sheets. For example,the lower the thread count, the cheaper the fabric. Polyester fabric with a low thread count is inexpensive. 100% cotton with a high thread count is much more expensive. For a high quality fabric for durability of wear and use, cotton should be used. Similarly,the backing and binding of the quilts will need extra fabric.

Batting

Secondly,batting is used in the middle of a quilt. It comes in a variety of quality levels from thin 100% polyester to high quality cotton batting. Polyester batting tears easily, it bunches up and will poke out the back of the quilt. However,cotton battings are the best choice. Yet,they will cost two to three times more than polyester batting.

Thread

Moreover,all quilts use thread for sewing the blocks together and quilting. On the other hand,there are cheap threads that won’t withstand time and use.Quality threads are truly worth the cost. So,a less expensive quilt is made with a lower quality thread.

Look here for more information on memory quilts.

http://Memorial Quilt Buyers Guide

Labor

In addition, another cost that is calculated into the price of a quilt is labor. Minimum wage is about $8 an hour. Typically, minimum wage is reserved for entry level and unskilled workers. However,an accomplished quilt makers are not unskilled. Above all they usually, they should have over five years or more of quilt making experience .

Skill

Similarly, it takes skill to make a memory quilt. If it didn’t take any skill or experience, you would make it yourself. Highly skilled and talented quilters make the nicest memory quilts. Furthermore,this means that their hourly rate will be much higher than minimum wage. If you want to only pay minimum wage to a quilter, expect an entry-level unskilled quilter to attempt making your quilt. If you value your clothing and memories you are putting into your memory quilt, an inexpensive quilt should scare you!

Time

How long does it take to make a memory quilt? In short,this depends on a number of factors including quilt style, complexity and craftsmanship. A low-cost quilt will take less time than a more expensive quilt. However,this means that the low-cost quilt will have a simple design without any complexities. The workmanship may be questionable.

The Worth a Quilter Places on His or Her Work.

If a quilter underprices their work, they are telling you up front that they do not think that their time and skills are good enough to charge more. Think about what this tells you. If someone does not find value in his or her work, will you?

Style

memory quilt

In short,there are two basic styles of quilts – those that are made in columns and rows and those that are designed by an artist.Our Too Cool puzzle style is a creative work. The number of steps and the amount of time it takes to make each style is vastly different.

Traditional

A traditional style memorial quilt is made from blocks in columns and or rows and the blocks are all one size. This makes the project very easy and involves very little planning and time to layout.

The Too Cool Style

A memory quilt made with many different sizes and shaped blocks involve a lot of consideration, planning, math and other time consuming steps. This style of quilt will take 10 times or longer than a traditional quilt.

To summarize,these and other considerations are indicators of the quality of a quilt. They also greatly influence the price of the quilt. For example, someone with great skill and artistry using cheap material might make a good looking quilt. But the quilt still has been made with cheap material that will look cheap and not wear well. Conversely, a quilt made with high quality materials that is poorly made is still a poorly made quilt. You want a quilt that is made from high quality materials by a skilled and artistic quilter. This quilt will be a family heirloom worthy of the cost.

Look carefully at the cost of memory quilts. Be sure to know what you are paying for. A quilt that costs only $100 is probably going to be a disappointment.

To learn more about having a memory quilt made, please feel free to download our Memorial Quilt Guide. It has information that will help you through the process of having a memorial quilt made.

Memory quilt From mom's clothing — Memorial quilt From mom’ s clothing

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/10/something-about-memory-quilts/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/11/memory-quilts-i-have-made/

Try a new Technique-Fabric Layering

The art quilt is completed.

Fabric Layering Technique of making Art Quilts

The fabric layering technique of making art quilts uses a table rather than a design wall. In short, I create a scene and then cover it with tulle netting and free motion quilt the three layers(back, batting,top) together. I use this technique for my Nature portfolio; underwater fantasies, trees, landscapes. The photos in this post are of an underwater fantasy, more impressionistic than realistic.

To Begin

To begin, I choose the top fabric. I prefer to choose a fabric with some dimension already on it, light and dark spaces. If I choose a dark background, then I will choose lighter colored materials for my plants, fish, rocks and other items . If I choose a lighter background, then I will choose darker color to create the scenery.

Step 1

The back fabric is flat on the table. A piece of batting is laid on top of that. You can see the white batting hanging a bit over the edge. Then I laid a piece of moddled commercial fabric on top. The piece is about 14″ by 14″. I let the fabric’s different shades of coloring do part of the work in creating interest and depth in the piece. I lightly baste the layers together with an Avery glue stick.

Step 2

For this piece, I cut out light colored rocks and placed them in the foreground. I cut out irregularly shaped dots of different colored batik fabric for the jellies(formerly called jelly fish). I place the jellies as if they are swimming in the current. An art trick or rule is to have an odd number of items, three, five or nine objects.

Step 3

Next, I cut out plants and place them between the rocks. I add decorative threads for the tenacles of the jellies being aware of the movement of the water. When everything is in its place,I baste the pieces in place with a light dab of glue. One can use different brands of glue. Test before hand that the glue does not discolor the fabric and make a mark after it has dried.

Step 4

Next, I cover the scene with tulle netting and pin the tulle in place.

Step 5

Then,I free motion quilt the three layers together. I lower the feed dogs on my machine to allow me to move the piece however I want. The quilting creates another level of movement.

Step 6

I finish the piece by zigzagging the edges twice. For larger pieces, I often attach a facing and turn it to the back and stitch by hand.

Here is a photo of the back of the piece where you can see the machine stitching easier.

the back of the piece fabric layering technique

Laura Fogg,https://laura-fogg.squarespace.com/ first developed this technique. I learned it from Meri Vahl, http://meriartquilts.com/meri-henriques-vahl/ who had learned it from Ms. Fogg.

A bit about Free Motion Quilting

Free motion quilting is at the apex of skill for quilters. The technique takes a lot of practice to master. Before I took Meri Vahl’s class, I had been practicing. To be honest, I was so frustrated that I had almost decided to give up. Luckily, I didn’t. The fabric layering technique is a forgiving way to practice the skill. I highly recommend it.

Here are my suggestions for success in free motion quilting.

Use Aurifil brand thread. It can be found in fine quilting shops or online. It is totally worth the higher price. The thread is strong yet thin. I once pieced and quilted a double sized bed quilt using only one spool.

“Fast feet, slow hands.” This is the mantra for free motion quilting. This means that one pushes the pedal of their machine so that the throttle goes quickly. With the feed dogs down, the quilter slowly moves the quilt with her hands. This does take a fair amount of practice.Practice using the fabric layering technique. Begin by outlining your figures with the free motion quilting.

Have fun practicing with this technique! Let me know how it goes for you! I hope you have as much fun as I do using this technique.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/04/marine-life-in-art-quilts/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/08/add-sheer-fabrics-to-create-a-surprise/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/03/fabric-layering-technique-another-look/

http://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/06/video-of-art-display-2/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/04/birds-in-art-quilts/

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

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/some-newer-pieces-2020-2021/

One Way to Add Texture to an Art Quilt

Long strips of cotton with the threads couched on them.

Introduction

Yarn Adds Texture to an Art Quilt

Use yarn to create fabric to add texture to an art quilt. I zigzag or couch multiple pieces of yarn on strips of 100% cotton. Then I cut them up and use the pieces as fabric in my art pieces. Decorative threads can also be used.

brightly colored yarn — Yarn I inherited from my mother.

My First Inspiration

I have several small spools of yarn I inherited from my mother. Their bright colors attracted me. I don’t know what my mother had used them for. I wanted them for something,although I didn’t know for what. They languished in my studio for a long time before a perfect use came up.

My Second Inspiration

Several years back at a large quilt show, I saw a piece that had a large amount of yarn jammed on top into big blob. To be honest, I didn’t like effect at all. But it gave me the idea to use yarn in a more orderly fashion. I stumbled upon a way to create more texture for my pieces.

Materials

First, I chose the colors that I want to use in my art quilt. I go through my box of decorative threads and yarns looking for yarn with texture and complementary shade of color. Using a long strip of cotton fabric, 20”-40” long and 5” to 6” wide, I begin. Other backings like ribbon didn’t work well as it was slippery and was not easy to sew with. I zigzag(couch) the yarn to the cotton strip. I prefer to match the sewing thread color to the yarn as that the color of the yarn stands out more; the stitching appears invisible. But that is a personal choice one can make.

Suggestions

Don’t worry about the lines being straight.
A thin piece of yarn can be doubled or tripled to become thicker .
Vary your use of threads for texture.
Remember to leave space for the 1/4″seam allowance.
Don’t sew too close to the side edges of the cotton fabric.

zigzagging threads — Next,various strips of cotton with yarn and decorative threads zigzagged on them.

Then,long strips of cotton with the yarn couched on them.

More Suggestions

Sometimes I keep the threads straight and sometimes I cross one thread on top of another. I like the movement this creates on my art quilts. Overthinking this process is not necessary. I find it fun and relaxing. If things don’t turn out as I would like then I can just save the piece for another project. After 5 or 6 pieces of yarn have been couched, then I randomly cut them into pieces to use as fabric.

couching decorative threads — Sometimes I use linen with a slight design on it for added texture.

Finally,I cut up the long strips. They are ready to be used as fabric.

Conclusion
It will be easy to find interesting yarns and decorative threads at flea markets or garage sales. There won’t be enough yarn for a scarf or a sweater but there will be more than enough for your couching projects.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/02/decorative-threads-add-texture/

http://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

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

Artful Fabric Business Cards

Reducing Waste

Making the Cards

My First Fabric Cards

Starting Out

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Memory Quilts I Have Made

Wall Art

Lap Quilts

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Shop Etsy Find Joy

A Funny Story

Vintage Clothing

One of a Kind Items

Assemblage – 3D Collages

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Add Decorative Threads for Texture

Discovering New Materials

Take Things Apart to find Decorative Threads for Texture

How Would You Use These Decorative Threads?

Some Examples of What I Did

Helpful Hints

In Conclusion

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A Volunteer’s Path to Chairman

Some Musings of an Accidental Board Chair

How the Board Works

In the Coming Year

So who Serves on the FabMo Board of Directors?

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Adding Color to your Art Quilts

A Photograph

Look Down

Using Up Materials

Use the Palette of a Commercial Piece of Fabric

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Use Redirected Fabric in Art Quilts

Redirecting materials inspire.

Discontinued fabric from a decorator’s studio

Friends’ Suggestions

The Process-

Ready to cut the Fabric into Branches

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A World of Fiber Art at the Santa Cruz County Building

From Bed quilts to Art Quilts

Fabmo Materials

Award Winning Artist

Color! Texture! Movement!

Open Studio Art Tour

By: Tarmo Hannula © 2018-Register-Pajaronian

Artist Bio

Purchased art

Contact info

Finally,Some of Ann Baldwin May’s favorite artists.

In conclusion, read these.

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Bring Your Bravery! Be Brave!

Choosing Colors- Be Brave!

Creating Details Bring Your Bravery! Be Brave!

Tucks add texture.

Temporarily Mark your Design Wall

Place the Pieces Randomly

Balance the Fabrics

Sew As You Go

A “Painful” Time

About the Author

Directions for Curved Line Piecing-optional

Advice for Beginners

Tips

Supplies and Materials

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