Robin Lancaster created a stunning piece for the International Fairy Tale Challenge. She beautifully describes her experience, the details of the tale, the inspiration she took from it, and her techniques. “For years I have wanted to participate in a challenge but never had the confidence to do so. When the fairy tale challenge came […]
Archives for December 2015
Happy Boxing Day!
I lived in Montréal for three years, and it continues to be one of my favorite places in the world. One of the pleasures of living in foreign countries, first Québec then France, is sharing in new-to-you holidays. As Canada is a member of the Commonwealth, today is Boxing Day. The best to all of […]
Happy Holidays!
Merry Christmas Eve’s eve to all who celebrate. We had our festivities Saturday night, because my nephew, Nick, his wife, Samantha, and baby, Conor, will be in California with Sam’s family. A couple of photos of my niece, Meredith, enjoying her 7 1/2 month-old nephew. When she left, she said we should have early Christmas […]
“Z” is For Zinnias, “C” is For Cosmos
I’ve been working, although slaving feels more like it, on a garden-themed wall hanging for my exhibit at The Oregon Garden’s Stitches in Bloom Quilt Show in January. I finished the embroidery last night, which took much longer than anticipated. But I swear that’s always the way it is. Here are photos of the piece […]
National Association of Certified Quilt Judges
As many quilters have heard, the National Quilting Association (NQA) will be dissolved by year end. The non-profit was the only organization with a certification program for quilt judges. As an NQA Certified Judge I’m happy to say we are carrying on and have formed a new organization titled the National Association of Certified Quilt […]
International Fairy Tale Challenge: Br’er Rabbit
Br’er Rabbit is a figure from both the southern US and African folklore. He is a trickster who uses his wits to extricate himself from difficult situations. In the tale that I know, Br’er Fox forms a doll out of a piece of tar and dresses it with clothing. When Br’er Rabbit passes by he […]
Town Musicians of Bremen–a Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale
The “Town Musicians of Bremen” is a well-known tale in the US. It was one of my favorites from childhood. I’ve always loved animals and was the tale I asked to create if my first choice was taken. While there is more than one version, here’s the one I know recall. Four older animals–a donkey, […]
Momotaro–A Japanese Folk Tale
Artist Diane English created a scene from the Japanese tale “Momotaro.” She says, “I wanted to work with a story I was not familiar with so chose Momotaro. It was fascinating to read that it was used to rally the Japanese troops during World War II. The river carrying the peach is just the beginning […]
Sandra Little–fiber artist extraordinaire
I learned today Sandra Little, a fellow “Iris” and London City and Guilds candidate, passed away earlier this year. We completed Part I embroidery and design between 1995 and 1998. Sandy went on to study further with Gail Harker at her center, developing a distinctive style. I judged the La Conner Quilt and Fiber Fest […]
Kirikou and the Sorceress
Writer-director Michel Ocelot spent his childhood in the African nation of Guinea, where he became enamored of tales in neighboring Senegal. He drew on a collection of folk tales from West Africa and wrote Kirikou et la Sorcière, an award-winning animated feature film. In the film, Kirikou, a newborn who comes into the world already […]
More Radical Elements–More International Fairy Tale Challenge
I was excited today to find out the next venue for SAQA’s Radical Elements exhibit, which is the International Museum of Art and Science in McAllen, Texas. The exhibition was supposed to end in 2016, but it has been extended through February 2017. The Radical Elements exhibit will be the centerpiece of the museum’s 50th […]