Metamorphosis: The Joy of the Journey

Just when I thought I couldn’t get any more excited about being a finalist in a quilt challenge, I learned that my entry in the Hoffman Fabric Challenge was also selected. When I first saw their fabric for 2016, the digital butterflies, I wanted to work with all the variations so acquired pieces from each. Set in a convergence style, then cut and shaped to add the dimensional butterflies and taggies with strands of sparkling beads and crystals, it shows such joy that I smile every time I look at it. Quilting uses different colors of Aurifil threads with “Joy swirl” patterns and pebbles to show fun, movement and a pathway. This art piece is on it’s way to California now for final judging and the amazing opportunity of being on tour throughout the country for the next year. ‘Way Way cool too!! Now what should I work on???Full size Hoffman.JPG

The Lion King Challenge: Cherrywood Fabrics

Full LK Image
Lion King Challenge Quilt

Wow! I’m a finalist in this challenge and am so excited thinking that others besides my friends might like my artwork. 🙂 This was an interesting piece to create because I got to use the lovely Cherrywood Fabrics (like suede) in black and golds. So much of African fabrics are texture and design oriented that I had to figure a way to paint the animal prints and use quilting patterns to speak to these. Embellished with gorgeous African Beads, raffia, and giraffes cut out of exotic wood veneer (not to mention the signature Lion King Logo), it was a lot of fun to design. As I listened to the powerful music from the Broadway show, studied online videos, and talked with others, I focused on the concept of the paths that we follow throughout our lives (our circles) and sewed with my Bernina. Loved working with this fabric! Had fun creating around the theme! And, am eagerly waiting to hear if it “goes on the road” with the Lion King Tour. And maybe (keeping the fingers crossed), it gets displayed in New York City at the Lion King Broadway theater this fall!!  It’s in Minnesota being photographed for the book at the moment. ‘Way Cool!