Have You Seen These?

Have you seen the handbags made from Benertex Fabric Panels?  The line used is"Sonora Collection" and the handbags were designed by Ellen Highsmith Silver (She's my Floorquilts friend!).

I thought the purses were neat and wanted to share them with the rest of you.

 Click Here for All  Photo Credits

 Hard to believe this lovely bag was made from a panel isn't it?

 If you want to see the kits, you can purchase them over at Keepsake Quilting. 

 I really like the last one and wish I had already made one to take to Quilt Market with me next week in Houston.  No time....what's new?

Before IHAN® I didn't know any of the wonderful artists and designers that I now know.  I loved Ellen's book "Floorquilts" and I am always happy to see her latest projects.   Going to Quilt Market allows me to see these things up close and personal and catch up on who is doing what.  Stay tuned for Quilt Market News later in the week.

Smiles,
Kelly

What does Rit Dye and Mod Podge Have In Common?

Ellen Highsmith Silver....that is what Rit Dye and  Mod Podge have in common.  Remember when I posted about Floorquilts written by Ellen? If you answered no, click here :)

A Floorquilt Class....beautiful aren't they?

Ellen has come up with a new method for sealing her Floorquilts using Rit Dye and Mod Podge (You know Mod Podge Rocks don't ya? ).  Eddie from the Rit Dye Blog even posted photos and a tutorial here.  Check it out...it is perfect for a summer project and fast too.

I was recently telling someone about using Roc-lon Multi-Purpose Cloth to make Floor Cloths/Quilts.  So if you didn't know you can use up some fun fabrics by making a Floorquilt....now you do :)  If you have some Rit Dye..check out the tutorial above...you could have a really spanky project to show off to your family and friends. 

Smiles,

Kelly

Butterflies and Caterpillars Quilt by Ellen Highsmith Silver Oh La La

Metamorphosis

Such a wonderful word to ponder for the New Year.  Growth and transformation abounds in this colorful quilt that Ellen made a few years ago. 

The colors are so vibrant and the theme so beautiful I could not help but e-mail Ellen and ask if I could post a pix of her quilt.  I could just get lost looking into the quilt.

The Butterflies and Caterpillars were all fussy cut and hand appliqued.  She then manipulated the fabrics into wings and caterpillars....isn't that incredible?  I just love it. 

"Embroidery is my first love in the needlework world and I used it here and there for adding details. This whimsical quilt could suggest a whole new and time-consuming way to look at every single fabric design.

Hmmmm, what could this chicken foot or traffic cone or flower bud become if fussy cut? Bird feathers? Fish scales hydrangea blossoms?" 

I was first introduced to Ellen Highsmith Silver when I was working on the Roc-lon Multi Purpose Cloth Challenge last year. She is a very warm and wonderful woman with a great sense of humor. Her book, Floorquilts, will teach you how to use your fabrics...stash and scraps.....and turn them into amazing floor coverings.Speaking of Transformation and Metamorphosis, I'm off to get my Tina Turner hair to look more like Kelly Jackson hair.....POOF




Smiles,
Kelly

Ellen Highsmith Silver & De Ja Vu

"Wildlife" by Ellen Highsmith Silver

Today I was surfing the Internet and De Ja Vu hit when I was reading this from the Fab Shop News website. I knew I recognized the quilt in the picture but could not recall from where.

I had recently visited Ellen Highsmith Silver's website when I was bloging about "FloorQuilts" and I saw her quilt, "Wildlife." I flipped back to her site and sure enough....it was her quilt. Guess I'm not going crazy after all!!! Ellen does amazing applique and this quilt is beautiful.

If anyone is headed to New York or lives near this exhibition might be lost of fun to see. It is scheduled to run Sept. 22 through Nov. 14th at the Williams Club (24 East 39th Street). According to the FabShopNewsNotes there will be 63 quilts hanging in most of the public spaces on the first two floors and in the basement. You can see the quilts everyday (M-Sunday) from 8am to 8 pm. The exhibition is being organized by the City Quilter.

If you go let me know....I'd like to see some photos. I don't think I'll get there....but ya just never know :)

Smiles,

Kelly

May Arts Ribbon Ohhhhhhhhh Lahhhh Lahhhhh

I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Ellen Highsmith Silver this afternoon. What a lovely woman. We had a fun conversation and I learned a great deal from her. Ellen just so happens to be the author of the tutorial that teaches how to make these lovely headbands pictured above. Can you imagine making some beautiful headbands for back to school?

Many of you don't know I used to own a business that supplied hair bows, headbands, tutu's and aprons to children's boutiques. I worked from sun up until sun down getting my orders filled. I was so successful that I just could not keep up with the orders. I sold the business and miss all my lovely ribbons. I even sold the headbands I wore during my shows. I really miss those headbands.

May Arts has some delicious ribbons and I loved working with their high quality ribbons. The ribbons also make wonderful embellishments on many sewing projects, paper crafts, textile arts....not to mention gift wrapping!!!!

Stop over and see Ellen's tutorial. You won't be disappointed, guaranteed :)

Smiles,

Kelly