Outsider Art

This afternoon I happened upon two outsider art pieces signed by "Phosphorea".  Obviously a free spirit, this artist used spray and spatter paint on the back of a paint store.  I especially like the teal and red combo.

I'm drawn to (pun intended) graffiti, especially that of the late Jean-Michel Basquiat (December 22, 1960 – August 12, 1988) who signed his art SAMO.  If you google his name you'll find a plethora of info.  You can see the artist at work in this youtube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXjR-y0WH-I

Cool Kicks

Love 'em!

Whenever the kids are in town, we have two favorite activities.  First - eating really good food, usually Vietnamese (Lang Van) or Thai.  Second - visiting our favorite thrift store. These stores are my favorite sources for unusual quilt fabrics.

I came very close to buying this cool shoe fabric silk skirt, as well as one made from tie-dyed velvet. Wonder if they're both still there?  

Well Looky Here, Gilbert

Bluebird Nest!

We've seen lots of bluebirds - well, 3 - flying around our back yard lately.  My DH noticed they seem particularly fond of suet.  The birds have been checking out both boxes, one which had two broods last year, and the new one shown above.

I checked them both yesterday and found this nest - already about 4" deep.  The old box remains unoccupied for now. 

May Apples

      May Apple

I love exploring our garden this time of year.  Every day seems to bring new surprises - like the May apple blossom shown above.

A Small Part of My Collections

I'll be  giving my lecture, Journey of a Quiltmaker, April 7 for the Charlotte Quilters' Guild.  This has given me the perfect opportunity to convert my presentations from 35 mm slides to power point.  I decided to use photos of some of my vintage sewing items to perk up my chapter title pages.  These were shot by my DH in today's perfect outdoor light.

The photos are clickable but high resolution.  I'll resize them tomorrow.

Photo credit:  Bill Guerrant 

Spring!

Lenten Rose

On this first day of spring, I wish only good things for you.  May all your plans be fulfilled, all your dreams come true.  Happy spring!

Children's Notebooks

I had fun making quilted notebook covers for my sister Sue's grandchildren.  Here are the last four - just one for a little boy.  The buttons are by LaMode, found by my sister at JoAnn's and by me at Hancock's.

Sue decided elastic cord would work well as a clasp.  Because the kids are little (ages 3+), the cording was both stitched and glued in place.

Happy Birthday!

Today marks another March birthday in the family.  My younger sister Sue, shown below with one of her five grandchildren, inches ever closer to that senior citizen's discount!  Happy birthday, Sue!

Enjoying Sunset Beach, NC

Mother's finished quilt - at home on the prairie.

I finished the quilt our Mother was working on (at the time of her death) for Sue.  She finally received it last spring.  After overcoming extreme sadness, I found working on Mother's quilt a great comfort and blessing. 

After my father died, mother began working on her "quilt as you go" project so she'd have something to do while she traveled.  Wanda Hanson (quilter extraordinaire and known to many of you) worked in a quilt shop near Mother's farm and helped her select the fabrics.  Thanks to my baby sister Patty who found yards of the now vintage fabrics in CA last year.  I could not have completed the borders without them!

Lost!

Notebook cover for Delaney

Arwen's Notebook Cover

I've been working on a commission for five quilted notebooks for children.  I create the patchwork in the first step.  When it came time to quilt them, I found the box for my walking foot was empty!  Did you ever try to quilt without one?  How could I have lost my Bernina even-feed foot?  I had lucked upon a second one at the thrift store months ago and sold it on ebay.  My little sister had advised, "You better hold on to that.  You might need it some day."  Snort.  I should have listened to her. 

March Birthdays

Our family has lots of March birthdays.  Today, one of my nieces is a year older.  Happy Birthday, Jo!

Adding Text to Photos

I'd complained recently about blogger not wanting to publish photos to which I'd added text.  Well, photoshop professionals, i.e., my son and dil, tell me I have to do "something" with layers. 

Oh my.  I didn't realize I had created a layer.  Guess what's in my future?  REAL photoshop training!

Salt Water Taffy

Salt Water Taffy

Copyright Ellen Guerrant

My current project - all from fabrics I hand-dyed.  Now to decide if I'll face the edges or add a binding.

I added text to the photo in Photoshop, but then blogger would not load it.  Textless photos only.   I still don't know why.  Any ideas?

I'm Still Here

My son Matthew, his wonderful wife Suzie, and their dog Darby. 

Today's 72 degrees reminded me of last July's week at the OBX for Matthew's 30th BD.  Here he's getting ready to kayak to the Pamlico.

Photo Credits:  Bill Guerrant

Thanks to all my loyal readers who keep returning, even though I've posted nothing new.  A family member has been in the hospital and is currently undergoing tests.  We're expecting nothing but a positive outcome!

I have completed the hand-embroidery on one piece and am in the process of making notebooks for an order.  I'm also putting my first Power Point presentation together. Yes, little ole me!  And walking, doing lots of walking.  It helps me stay grounded and never hurts to burn more calories.   

Hope everyone is being productive, creative and staying well. 

Watch for photos soon!

Ellen. xoxox