Art Inspired

It occurred to me that I hadn't posted the last photo updates of the other end of my studio that I had finished since the remodeling.

I am very happy with the arrangement and can now work on things that inspire me.

As you can see, I have a new recently finished piece.(click for a close up)

The quilt evolved from an inspiration and influence of other things. It came to be, As our friend Sherry will be going through Chemo treatment, so I had our quilt group get together to help make a surprise quilt.
I have loved Karen Stone's patterns and came across this quilt that was designed by her.

Although I liked the original setting, it took a trip to Las Vegas to decide the setting that I would do. I was in the bathroom at a Casino and loved the setting of the tiles on the wall, so I quickly sketched it out. The tile blocks actually had consisted of 4 small tiles in a 4 patch, but one 4 inch block would be just what would be what I was looking for and the tilt in the design was so attractive! I wanted the quilt to pop out more and the green was just the answer for the background.

I had each gal paper piece wedges using any batik or dyed fabrics they wanted while I added a black center to each and quilted with variegated threads.

The results I feel quite stunning!

I also was inspired by the design on the carpet at the hotel in Vegas. It may work itself into a quilt one day.

But for now, I decided to make a name tag to wear to the retreat with the inspired designs.

I had my step son, who recently started a business, Cat Claw Engraving, engrave the names on metal tags for each of the gals in the group so that they could create their own inspired pieces.

Our retreat was held this past weekend.

We laughed....(Sandy)

and laughed!(Lori)

And we ate good food!(Barb, Michelle,Kris,Lori,Gabriela and Sandy)

We also shopped and occasionally even made something! lol
(Michelle, Barb, Monica and Carol)

Sandy S made chicken pin cushions.

Monica made hexagons.

Lesa made quilts.

While Kris made faces! lol (Ok you had to be there)

Some even pointed fingers!(Michelle)

Even more than they cared to count! lol (Sandy E.)

Some of us were distracted by all of the shiny beads that Gabriela brought to sell!

I had one extra block left to work it into something, so made a bag to put Sherry's quilt in.

Luckily we had Debbi in the group who has an embroidery machine that did the stitching.

We presented our creation for Sherry with many thoughts and prayers with the treatment that she faces ahead.

Again we had another wonderful retreat inspired by art and compassion for others.