Quilts have evolved a long way from great-grandmother’s day, when mostly they were made as bed coverings, lap throws, and pillows.  Nowadays so many are used as wall hangings and incorporate multiple materials and as such often are called mixed media quilts.

Image: sxc.hu

Recently I was reading about Amy Orr, a mixed media artist, who uses many types of materials most people would consider junk - twist ties, credit cards, metal x-ray markers, glass beads of various types, paper automobile air fresheners, plastic hair clips, sequins, plastic plant fragments, window glass fragments and….chicken bones.

Study some of her work utilizing “trash” or “found objects” to see an amazing blend of color and designs.  You may get ideas for utilizing trash around your home for your mixed media art quilts.

(Incidentally, there is an interesting interview with Amy in the May/June 2008 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors.)

Softies have become trendy again, with all kinds of weird and wacky stuffed animals and creatures showing up online and in craft shops.

You can find ugly softies, monster softies and even some strictly R-rated softies that look like they’ve been in a horror movie!

More traditional stuffed animals and characters are still popular, with everyone from new babies to… well, the sky is the limit!

If you’d like to make some softies, but need some starting tips, Softie Making is a great website with how-tos, tips and links to other softie makers.

image: Stock.xchg

Wool is a pretty amazing fiber.  It’s a natural, renewable resource (in fact, sheep have to be sheared yearly for their health and comfort).  It’s warm, light, breathable and naturally water-repellent.

But there is a company in the UK who is doing something a little… different with wool.

“Two British companies have got together to launch an innovative new product – woollen coffins.  The UK’s leading coffin manufacturer, JC Atkinson and Son, has joined forces with Hainsworth, a Yorkshire-based speciality textile firm, to produce the new range.  The coffins will be manufactured by Hainsworth at their Leeds mill and distributed throughout the UK by JC Atkinson.

These beautifully crafted coffins are made from pure new wool and are supported on a strong, recycled cardboard frame.  All the materials used are biodegradable and suitable for cremation and all types of burial.  To complement the coffins a range of shrouds, accessories and matching ash caskets are available.  Both the coffin and the casket have personalised embroidered woollen name plates.”

Hainsworth has photos of the coffins on their website, and they’re quite lovely.  Why not choose something that shows your love of fiber, and respect for the environment?  I think it’s a great idea!

Thanks to Boing Boing for the link.

image: Stock.xchg

Allyson Stanfield, artist-author-speaker, offers many great suggestions on her blog for those involved in art and craft work.  Many artists and artisans don’t immediately think like business people, so have to get into this mode.

Kara Mastin quilt; photo by artist

One of Allyson’s latest suggestions is found in the blog post, Don’t Leave Your Art Work Without a Piece of Paper.  Make sure when you do leave art work for display or on consignment, that you have a written agreement, signed by both parties.  Allyson has a good list of suggestions.

Do you have any tips to add?

Dark Roasted Blend has compiled some images and impressions of some truly cutting edge (NO pun intended) book artists.  These are the artists who outrage some others with their sacrilege…

Yeah, ok, just drive through the alley behind a bookstore sometime, and you’ll see the “sacrilege” of hundreds of books wasted in the dumpster.  Even though schools, libraries, and bookstores are getting better and better at recycling, why not have spare books be used for art instead?

I’ve always particularly liked Brian Dettmer’s work, which is included, and you’ll find Thomas Allen there too, one we’ve talked about here recently.

Image: Brian Dettmer

Do you need a new book for inspiration?

How about a great how-to book?

Why not a book to polish your existing skills?

Now is the time to stock up!

Interweave Press is holding their annual “Hurt & Overstock ” book sale, with great discounts on craft, fiber art, jewelry, knitting books and much more.  I’ve gotten some fantastic deals on “gently damaged” books from them over the years.

What kind of goodies can you find?

How about $12.48 for “Bags With Paper & Stitch “?

“Explore the art of papermaking and how to transform these distinctive papers into unique, one-of-a-kind handbags embellished using modern techniques. Fiber artist Isobel Hall showcases dozens of exquisite handmade bags and her methods for achieving success in Bags with Paper and Stitch.”

Or how about “Color On Color: Elegant Designs to Stitch” for just $10.98?

“Small splashes of bright colors can awaken any wardrobe or home decor. This beautifully illustrated book provides a wonderful introduction to embroidery for newcomers and will capture the imagination and interest of more experienced needleworkers as well. Janet Haigh, one of Europe’s foremost embroiderers, combines simple hand-worked embroidery, exquisite natural fabrics, and several cross-craft techniques to create 12 striking projects with 20 elegant and contemporary designs.

Sounds like fun to me…

images: Interweave Press

Image:sxc.hu

As a writer, I’ve always carried something with me to jot down notes and ideas. 

It might be as simple as a folded over sheet of paper in my fanny pack where I can make lists and write down ideas for blogging and stories. 

When in the hospital emergency room last year with my daughter, I found I didn’t have anything  to write on.  Her going to the hospital happened so suddenly that I didn’t have time even to grab my purse nor a book. 

As we waited, she having tests and wanting to rest, I wondered how I could use the time to write.  I spied a paper towel holder, pulled some out, asked the receptionist for a pen, and jotted down notes for my weekly column and a couple of blogs throughout the afternoon until her husband arrived.

This calmed me and allowed my daughter to rest (without me chatting) until diagnosis and they moved her to a room.  Very seldom do I find myself without something to write on.  If I do, I try to be creative in using my time productively.

• You can find small notebooks that slip into a purse or fanny pack…or a large tote bag. 
• I’ve also folded sheets of paper and placed in a book I carry with me. 
• Often I take postcards along with me, so I can keep up on correspondence.
• There also are small stationery pads that fit easily into whatever you’re carrying.
• Men can find small notebooks to fit into a shirt pocket for lists, reminders, addresses, and ideas.

What do you use for idea gathering and list making when you’re on the go?

I’m running another giveaway in my blog here at Bliss Tree and I’d like to encourage everyone to join! You’d get a chance to win $385 worth of prizes from Edible Gifts Plus.

Image: Our One Heart

Have fun!

You can enter the giveaway by going to the contest post at Our One Heart!

Good luck!

Are you on the hunt for a particular how-to or sewing tutorial?

Are the search engines just not giving you the help you need?

I think I may have a solution…

Sewing Tutorials is a blog that just features sewing how-tos and tutorials - that’s it!

The site is divided into different area for tutes for things like embellishments, lingerie, tops & tees - even zippers and special sewing machine feet have their own areas.

Have you wondered how to use your flat fell foot?  Or how about using magnetic snaps in a purse?  Got questions about how to make a tailored collar?

They’ve probably got the answer!

images: Stock.xchg

Rain, rain go away, come again another day!

Actually, no - we need the rain… but it can add another layer of challenge for busy, creative kids who really need something to do.

It’s absolutely pouring buckets of rain outside - definitely not the day for outdoor crafting fun with the kids!

This might be a good day to get out a couple of cheap, plastic table cloths - lay them on the floor and let the kids have fun with washable paint!

How about making full-body portraits?  Let the kids trace themselves (with a little help…) and then spend hours painting in the details.

If you feel like braving some acrylic paint - how about making painted t-shirts or tote bags?  What about even making custom softies?  Just give the kids some firmly woven fabric to paint, let dry then stitch and stuff.

image: Stock.xchg