Classes with Susan Brubaker Knapp

Probably by now y'all think I really didn't go to take classes with Susan....giggles.  The really good stuff is worth waiting for, in my opinion!  I figured most of you were out surfing the Internet for the World Wide Quilting Day stuff over the weekend and too busy to read my post anyway. 

 Susan's classes were held at the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington, OH.  The art center was beautiful and such a lovely place to hold classes. 

The first day we worked on Susan's "Thread Sketching Snowflakes".  (As I am typing this....it is actually snowing outside my kitchen window...I love snow!)

 

Susan's work....not mine.

This is a wall hanging and we started by using either the window or a light box to trace our snowflakes. 

 Rosemary aka Waldo was just humming along on her snowflakes.

This is as far as I got on my snowflakes because I was having trouble with the tension on my machine.  Ever notice your machine runs perfectly at home and then you pay for a workshop....ya arrive and your machine doesn't seem to work as well?  A bit frustrating but overall I really enjoyed myself.

Susan is an excellent teacher.  She provides clear explanations and has such a wonderful way of speaking....my attention never wandered!

The second day we worked on "November Leaves".  Susan taught us about using fabric paint and Tyvek to create these beautiful leaves.

Again, Susan's "November Leaves"....not mine. 

Please keep in mind I pulled this right out of my sewing bag after having it all folded up and didn't take the time to press it.  I finished all the leaves and now I need to do the FMQing to finish it.  I'm feeling quite good about how my leaves came out.  

Below are more of Susan's art quilts that I photographed during our visit.  If you would like to see more of Susan's breath taking quilts, you can visit her Gallery on her website, Blue Moon River.com or just click HERE. 

Nature and bright colors are my thing so it is not so surprising that I love Susan's work.  

 "Gourds" by Susan Brubaker Knapp (it is for sale :)

Here is a close up of "Gourds."  Check out how amazing this quilt is:

Doesn't it look just like a real gourd?  The color is amazing and texture is outstanding.  I sound like a stalker now don't I?  

I've been fortunate enough to be able to purchase a few of her pieces.

 "Vanity" by Susan Brubaker Knapp

You will probably recognize this peacock feather, it was featured on the cover of Quilting Arts Magazine as are several of Susan's other quilts.  I had it framed and it hangs in my bedroom.   

I'll tell you a little story about how I came to purchase Susan's quilts.  One year at quilt market, I was talking with another woman who had several successful quilting books published.  She told me how little money the authors typically earn from their books.  When I learned this I was surprised (ignorant of many things and still am).  Seeing Susan's work lifts my spirits and I wanted to make sure she profited the most from her work....so I started purchasing her quilts.  Mr. McSteamy asked me what I wanted for our anniversary on our 10th wedding anniversary (if my memory serves me correctly....it may not).  He was thinking diamonds and I was thinking Susan Brubaker Knapp wall hanging....so I instead of diamonds I got a piece of her work.  Definitely a huge WIN/WIN!

 

Yes.....I really enjoyed myself and am so glad I was able to go and take some classes with Susan!

GIVEAWAY

Oh, yes.....I'm giving away a copy of Susan's book, Point, Click, Quilt and you can click HERE to enter.  Comments for the giveaway will NOT be counted on this post (although you can certainly leave all the comments you want to here) just on THIS POST HERE.

It stopped snowing....darn!  Oh well....I guess there is always green grass and beautiful blooming flowers ahead.

Smiles,

Kelly

Susan Brubaker Knapp Workshop, I LOVED It!

I realize it has been a week since I attended Susan Brubaker Knapp's workshop, but I've had a kidney infection and today is the first day I have been up to posting anything.  

Rosemary and I loved Susan's workshop and I took lots of pictures to share.  While I get my photos together, I thought I'd announce a giveaway :)  I purchased a  copy of Point, Click, Quilt from Susan to giveaway to one very lucky IHAN blog follower.  The giveaway won't start until tomorrow, 3/21/15 but you'll have a week before the drawing.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to everyone who sent well wishes recently!

Smiles,
Kelly

Looking forward to Susan Brubaker Knapp Classes

Having something to look forward to can be such a fun focus.  Waldo and I are headed to Columbus, OH to hear Susan Brubaker Knapp speak on Thursday March 12th at the Quintessential Quilters Guild meeting. 

It  has been quite some time since I've visited with Susan and I am sooooo looking forward to re-connecting with her.

Friday March 13th Susan is teaching Thread Sketching Snowflake.

Saturday, March 14th she is teaching "November Leaves".

 

My pieces won't look anything like these.....but you know what?  I'm going to learn and have some fun!

If you are anywhere near Columbus, OH on the 12th of March, I invite you to join us for Susan's lecture.  CLICK HERE for information and location.  I'm not sure if there are spaces left for Susan's classes....but you can e-mail quintessentialquilters @ gmail.com to inquire.

Tickled Smiles,
Kelly

International Quilter Weekend

Did you know you only have one week before International Quilter Weekend Begins?  Do you have any big plans? 

Graphic from Stamping Julie...CLICK HERE to visit and download this page for yourself

I made BIG PLANS several months ago and I'm so excited my toes are even tickled!  I'm headed to an Empty Spools Seminar at the Asilomar Conference Center in California....yep, leaving the snow behind for awhile!  

I'm going with a dear friend and I'll be celebrating my 50th birthday while I'm there.  This trip has been in the works for months and it is intended to nourish my creative soul.  I have never taken a 5 day quilting class and I'm really venturing into scary territory....I'm taking an art quilting class with Patt Blair, Textile Artist and Quilter.  I'm going to learn how to take a photo and turn it into an amazing art quilt.  I love art quilts and have several of Susan Brubaker Knapp's pieces. 

This is Vanity, a Susan Brubaker Knapp work of art that I own and absolutely love.  You've probably seen it on the cover of Quilting Arts Magazine a few years back.  I have dreamed of taking a class with Susan but my schedule and her's has not worked out as of yet so I'm tickled pink to be taking an art class with Patt Blair.  

Fear?  Oh yes...tons of it...and it got so bad I actually e-mailed Patt a few times.  She is so sweet and has answered every question with wonderful detail.  I'm not an artist...and when I say that....I really mean it.  I draw primitive stick figures and houses....never had a class in art in my entire ...almost 50 years!   This is a huge step for me and I have not chosen my photo yet.  A few weeks ago I surfed the internet for all sorts of images that might inspire me and I found this one:

Blue Mountain by Corina St. Martin

Isn't it absolutely amazing?  I fell in love instantly.  Naturally I can't take her photo and make an art quilt without her written permission...guess what????  I have her permission!!!  She was so kind in granting me permission to use it as an inspiration and I'm really considering using it too....except I'm still scared.  Do you think I can do it?  Make an art quilt that looks something like a real elephant? 

Do you know about the Empty Spools Seminars ?   Just in case this is the first time you are hearing about their seminars I'll give you a quick bit of information.  They have five 5 day seminars and there are 11 teachers and you get to take a 5 day class with one of them.  Click on the link above and check it out for yourself.

So...what do you think?  Do you have any recommendations for me?  Have you taken a class with Patt Blair before and what did you think?  I hear she is a great teacher so that helps me relax somewhat.  I'll be honest with you...my fear is having a piece of cloth that looks like I poured ink or pain on it without any form or reason.  Perhaps I should take a piece and do that when I get there so my fear is cleansed and I can get on with it...

Smiles,

Kelly

BTW....Have you been voting for ASF Lightware Solutions each day?  CLICK HERE to vote until March 16th.

Swimming as fast as you can?

Me too!  Yet, the faster I swim the farther it seems to be to that relaxing beautiful reef where they have everything under control and you can take a deep breath and let out a gust of air that lets every other fish in the school know you've doing just fine.

If you are like me....then you have lots to do and you need it done fast.  I thought I'd share some excellent gift ideas with you....and I'd love to hear about your excellent gift ideas too :)

In no particular order....these are some of my best gift ideas:

Gene Black

Alabama Artist and Quilter

I can't think of a person over the age of 35 who doesn't appreciate getting a hand written note or letter....and I recently bought these beautiful note cards from Gene Black, Alabama Artist and Quilter.

 You can find them HERE at Gene's Etsy Shop

Gene's art is beautiful and his cards would make a lovely gift for anyone....and everyone.  The other thing that makes giving Gene's note cards as gifts is that it supports an artist to continue doing what he loves to do....create, sew and quilt.  A gift that keeps giving....that's what I call a win/win :)

Giving that continues to give....that is what is important to me.  I'm very blessed to have meet and know many talented artists in the past three years.  I'm so intensely grateful for all that they have added to the beauty of my life and their work makes the best gifts....in my opinion. 
  
Here are more of my favorite artists that sell their work.  Buying from them....from their websites or stores....helps them pay for the expenses of their life....so they can continue to create.  I know you have others whom you would love to support and I'm always open to hearing about them...just leave a comment after this post.

If you click on the persons name, you'll be taken directly to their website :)

Susan Brubaker Knapp- Blue Moon River

 I have all of Susan's DVD's and would highly recommend them.  Her book is excellent as well.

She also sells her work....sadly for all of you....ya can't buy this one....Mr. McSteamy got this for me for Christmas already ....sorry!  (A total bold face lie...I'm not sorry....I'm tickled beyond all tickled)

Kathy from Cotton Cellar

I've known Kathy for several years and her work is excellent...down to the finest detail.  I've purchased several of her purses and given them as gifts over the years.  I can promise you the quality will be impressive! (I know this will embarrass her....that's ok....cuz I'm telling the truth)

Wildflower Shoulder Bag

 

Flex-frame I-Phone Pouch

Modern Wall Quilt

 

Time to whip up a beautiful quilt?  Me either....Kathy has some ready to ship :)

Patsy Thompson Designs

Patsy Thompson and Ernie Bode

 

Patsy and Ernie are both very talented artists.  I've purchased several of Patsy's DVD's and books and have learned so much from her.  Earnie, her husband and partner, does the work behind the quilting, machine embroidery and thread painting scenes.  He is the amazing artist who does the video work.  Earnie is also a wood worker and a skilled artist himself. 

Patsy has added many new Digitized Embroidery Designs to her website.  This Bird Block is just one example of her beautiful designs.

Hyperquilting is so much fun Patsy has done a wonderful job of  illustrating how you can add some pizazz to your projects by adding some Hyperquilting.

Patsy is very generous with her free videos as well....don't miss the opportunity to see some of them HERE.

Clyde's Workshop

Clyde's Workshop offers absolutely beautiful wood crafted Quilt Ruler Holders and Wall Mounted Quilt Ruler Holders that are made from a variety of beautiful woods.

I am fortunate enough to have one of these Wall Mounted Quilt Ruler Holders and if you missed my blog post about it...click HERE.

Only a person who absolutely loved working with wood would make and sell these heirloom pieces for such an affordable price. You'll be so surprised to see the quality and the price....I know I was!

Pat Wys

Silver Thimble Quilt Company

Pat absolutely loves being a quilt designer and teacher.  One of her greatest joys is traveling and teaching others to quilt.  She is definitely a people person and someone who exudes the true spirit of a quilter.

Spotlight on Neutrals is Pat's most recent book.  If you missed my blog review, you can read it HERE.

 Strawberry Pie is one of Pat's "Go-To" patterns when you need an excellent pattern and you need to get your quilt done quick.  Click HERE to see several of her other lovely patterns.

Pat also has some very fun cards :)

This one makes me smile and to see all of the other great cards....you know what to do....just click HERE.

SewCalGal

SewCalGal's desire to share all of the insights and lessons she has learned about in the world of quilting and machine embroidery is what makes her extraordinary.   Not only has she hosted a Free Motion Quilt Challenge for the last 12 months, she has also hosted the following events:

Fall Machine Embroidery Blog Hop

The Golden Quilter Awards

Quilters with Modern Tools Network

Maintains an ongoing list of Quilt and Machine Embroidery Events

SewCalGal  is an excellent teacher and mentor and has recently taught at Quilt In A Day!!!

Did I mention the Contests and Giveaways that SewCalGal keeps the rest of us updated about?   I have such respect and admiration for her great work and have always respected the fact that she has done all of this work to promote others, teach others and share her enthusiasm for quilting and machine embroidery. 

Did you know you can now SHOP SewCalGal?  Yes you can!!!  Click HERE to see all of her favorites available from Amazon.   She receives a portion of each purchase and that money is used to subsidize the expenses of shipping prizes for giveaways.

Oh yes, and there is always I Have A Notion!!!  You will need to order very soon to guarantee your gift arrives in time for the holidays.  Don't like to wrap or ship?  Let me do that for you.  Just send me an e-mail with your list and the addresses, I'll do the rest. 

Stay tuned for more of my favorites soon!!!

Smiles,

Kelly

Adoption Complete and More Updates

Do you remember this Quilting Arts Magazine cover?

 I fell in love with the cover the moment I saw it.  I learned the peacock feather on the front was made by Susan Brubaker Knapp of Blue Moon River.

 

"Vanity" by Susan Brubaker Knapp

This is not the best photo...I snapped it on my IPhone last night....yes...last night.  I am the new adoptive parent of this amazing work of art and I am just over the moon with joy.

 

 "Rivers of Red" artist: Susan Brubaker Knapp of Blue Moon River 

And this beauty will be hanging in my living room, properly, as of now it is just put over a piece of wood and propped into place.  I've got to get the right hardware to hang it.  I have always loved Susan's work and now I'm the proud adoptive parent of three of her pieces.

Do you have a favorite quilt or textile artist?  Have you checked to see if they sell their work?  You may be surprised to learn that many of the artists  work that you love sell (are will to allow adoptions) their work.  

A Hand Update

WARNING:  If you are squimish and don't like skeletons except at Halloween....don't look below.

Instead of answering each of the kindest e-mails inquiring about the healing process of my hand, I thought I'd just do a little show and tell.

 

This happened on October 25, 2012

Surgery was on November 2, 2012

The Doctor put 5 screws and a metal plate into my right pinky finger and now I'm bionic!!!  I just think it is the coolest science....being put back together.  I'm still having physical therapy and it is not completely healed....but I'm certainly on the come back trail :)

The Flamingo Family is gathering food for their Thanksgiving Feast.

 

And all this time I thought they liked shrimp....silly me.  Pumpkin just so happens to be my favorite too.  I wonder if the Flamingos have a good pumpkin pie recipe?

Smiles,

Kelly

 

Susan Brubaker Knapp in Houston for Fall Quilt Market 2011

Quilt Market Houston 2011

Susan Brubaker Knapp, Blue Moon River, gave an incredible School House presentation this year.  She shared her new book, Point Click Quilt! with us and talked about thread painting and using photos as her inspiration. 

I feel like a photographer when I'm at Market.  I do my best to get folks to look at the camera so I can bring back photos to share with IHAN blog readers.  So Susan's smile...is just for you (and I got to enjoy it too!)

Susan's School House Presentation was very well attended and you know I loved every minute of it...especially at the end when we got to look and touch her beautiful art work.

This is what you would not have been able to see in the photo above....Susan had painted and stitched on her shoes ...you can't enjoy them with her behind that table....see...I'm taking good care of you...you get all the skinny here...LOL.

 Susan's work was passed around and I took the opportunity to take photos and I also took some close-ups so you can see the thread painting in detail.

If you click on any of these photos they will enlarge....and the thread work is so beautiful you'll definitely be clicking away today.

As you can see above, Susan has taken a photo of a simple fence with a shadow in the back ground and transformed the ordinary into something extraordinary.   Many of these pieces are also included in her book, Point, Click, Quilt!

 I would have probably walked right past that fence and thought nothing of it....and then when I see how beautifully it has been translated....I just marvel.

The quilts were on tables or chairs when the photos were taken.....I hope I have captured the sense of awe I felt that day... in these photos...especially when you look up close and see how Susan has outlined with thread or sketched with thread over fabric to make the bird appear dimensional...really awesome.

 Check out the photo below....don't you feel like you are right there looking down at these pumpkins?

 Below in the close-up...you can see Susan has done some fabric painting as well as thread painting.

It just blows me away.  I so badly want to take a class with Susan but so far the closest I've come is to watching her DVD's.

These cars are very cool....look at the texture in the road...and the depth of the brown on the car...from here it looks to me like an oil painting doesn't it?   

Until....

When you look close-up, you see the thread has created what can't be captured with paint on canvas...for those of us who love textiles....this type of art just knocks your socks off.  

 In the first photo of the butterfly...you see a butterfly and it jumps with color...then in the close up...I see a character in the butterfly...a friendly intelligent look...do you see it too?  Or am I just projecting?

A few days later, Susan was autographing Point, Click, Quilt and the line was wrapped around the corner...

 All of the books were spoken for when I arrived....and I arrived early...so I wasn't going to walk away empty handed....I took this photo :)

I know by now it seems like I was stalking Susan....but honestly I wasn't.  There is a schedule of events and when I'm interested in learning more about a persons work...I circle it and try to make it to their events.  Between events I have a list of must see people to learn about new notions or to test new notions (I'm sort of known as the person who wants to see if she can actually get the notion to work or see if I can break it...before I buy it...lol)

Armed with at least 2 cameras at all times I take photos of everything and anything that interests me. 
This peacock grabbed my attention...so I took a photo and then I zoomed in on the name of the artist...surprise  surprise...it was Susan's.  I had seen "Psychedelic Peacock"kon the Blue Moon River blog, but for some reason I had not put 2 and 2 together.  So when I caught up with her again...I asked her to stand with it so I could take a photo.

Susan told me she used 30 spools of thread ...yes...30...that is THIRTY spools of thread to make this beauty. (I bet she is wishes she lived here now...with all this thread...she'd be in heaven :)

When you see these close-up photos....you can see how she used 30 spools of thread to turn a peacock into a symphony of color and texture.

I love the swirls and curves...they really move....this Peacock is Alive!

Do you know how very glad I am that Susan didn't ask my advise on thread colors...and which thread to put where? EXTREMELY GLAD :)

Do you want to learn more about Susan's process?  You can check out her schedule by clicking here and take a class with Susan, follow her blog here .  If you want to explore more while at home...you can find Point, Click, Quilt here...and if you like DVD's (my favorites) you can find them here!

I just clicked over to get the link and you know what I saw?  A Giveaway....SewCalGal has reviewed Susan's latest DVD, Dynamic Quilt Design: Paint Meets Stitch.  Talk about serendipity...the universe is aligning today...( this was not planned...honest truth...I don't decide until I sit down at the computer what I'm going to blog about)

Might I suggest you hop over to SewCalGal's Blog and leave a comment for your chance to win....you may notice I've only invited you after I've already visited and left my comment!!!  LOL...at least I told ya about it :)

Selfish Smiles,
Kelly
PS:
Good Luck in winning Dynamic Quilt Design....sort of!!