The Process

Here's how I usally start out. I grab some chunks of fabric, in this case, from my hand dyed stash, and randomly piece them together.

Then I start layering on various design elements for a fabric collage. Here I actually used a panel that I used to have on a t-shirt. I cut it off the t-shirt and layed it on the quilt. Then I added some other hand-painted pieces, some fuzzy yarn, some thread scraps and beads. I machine quilted it and used a zig-zag finish to the edges. Voila!

Evolution of a style

Over the past few years, when I have had time to head into my studio, I have found that I really am developing my own "style". I can make just about any kind of quilt, and have worked in, and taught a wide variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. However, a wonderful focus comes from honing a particular technique and developing a certain "look". Most of my creative time happens in the summer when I have a break from teaching school. Last summer, I did several pieces of which I am particularly proud. I'll post pictures soon. I can hardly describe the deep satisfaction that comes from really getting in the zone and letting my creativity flow out of me.

Now, if only I can figure out how to include my pictures in my post. It's been such a long time since I last posted to this blog, that I'm having a hard time remembering how to navigate around here. However, I'm inspired to fire up this blog and start writing again.

Silk Painting workshop

I took a silk painting workshop from a wonderful fabric artist, Sandra Holzman. I had done most of the techniques before, but I really needed a refresher since it's been several years. Plus, I have only worked on cotton and it was fun to work on silk. It's so light and airy.

I loved taking the workshop in Sandra's wonderful home studio. It was helpful to see how she manages her set up and organizes her tools and equipment. She is a wonderful teacher - so knowlegeable and generous. She has vast experience and talent.
This was a great idea. Sandra dips a piece of paper in her dye mixes to record the color and the dyes she used to mix them.

A New Dream

I have a dream of creating a place that's peaceful and beautiful where artists, particularly quilt artists, can come and create beautiful things. It's been brewing around in my head now for a while. I thought it might be fun to document my thoughts and the process that may lead to the manifestation of this Retreat. I don't know what will really unfold, but since my blog title is Life By My Design, I thought it might be fun to witness the design process of this particular vision.

So, the big vision is a place surrounded with the natural elements that make New Mexico unique. I want this to be fairly close to where I live, so the pinion-juniper high desert is what it will look like. A big studio space, a great kitchen, rooms for overnights, and a fireplace to cozy up around - essential. Lovely views and peace and quiet - also essential.

Two major inspirations for this dream are: Busting Loose from the Business Game, by Robert Scheinfeld, and Mike Dooley's cd set, Leveraging the Universe and Engaging the Magic. I HIGHLY recommend both of these resources. They have changed my life. (Hmmm, if I was a little more tech savvy, I'd make those into links. Gotta figure out how to do that...)

That's it for now. Next, step, looking for land...

Cathy's Quesadillas

This is my favorite stay at home lunch. Today I used whole wheat tortillas, New Mexico local salsa, avacados, black beans and cheddar cheese. Add some fruit and blue tortilla chips and we have a fast healthy lunch!

I got a special bonus check for $100 from Shaklee! This was above and beyond my standard check for doing my business. Our picture was shown on the big screen at the Global Shaklee conference last week!

Our first spring trail ride.

Here's my boy Sundance looking good and Lorene and Buck on our trail ride last weekend. We were pretty nervous, but we all did great!