Home from Artfest

My third, or fourth, time at ArtFest and think I finally got "it". Not that it's ever been less than an inspirational experience. But this time, it was just....awesome. It might have had something to do with the "fairy tale" theme, something magical around Ft. Worden. I don't know. The people, the art...it just all came together for me. Teesha and Tracy are amazing at what they do. I had plans to take lots of photos but was just too much in the moment most of the time.. The only picture here is from Lynne Perrella's workshop; a collage of paper cuttings.

I'll have more to share soon, of things made at AF and since being home. And, the little stitched squares that were set aside while I was gone.

Saw an interesting bumper sticker yesterday, "Never apologize for your Art".

Quilts at the beach

The timing of a trip out to our beach house this weekend luckily coincided with a couple of events on the Long Beach peninsula. One was Karen Snyder's open studio. Karen owned and operated "Anna Lena's Quilt Shop" in Long Beach, Washington for several years. The shop is now closed but Karen continues to be involved in the quilting supply industry as an author and fabric designer. It was a treat to wander through her aqua-and-orange colored creative space and gaze at the neatly organized fabric stash.
Karen opened her studio to the public over the weekend and asked visitors to donate a handmade pillowcase for the nationwide Million Pillowcase Challenge. My friend, Joan Casey, gave me two of her adorable penguin pillowcases to contribute. The pillowcases you see stacked in the bookcases will be donated to a local organization that serves girls who have suffered sexual abuse.

My second stop of the day was the Peninsula Quilt Guild's show at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum in Ilwaco. Lots of handsome quilts on display, including this Australian-themed piece.

I loved the detail and fabrics used in each square.

Amazing applique work on this beauty inspired by a world cruise covering 4 oceans and 5 continents.

Wouldn't it be awesome to win this quilt?? I bought 5 raffle tickets with visions of having it fall into my hands. A girl can dream.

Speaking of dreams, I'll soon be on my way to ArtFest! Look forward to charging the creative batteries and bringing home loads of inspiration, and photos. See you next time.

More

The sun is shining and I'm anxious to get outside, but wanted to share my latest squares. This project is challenging my eyesight with the one-by-one inch format, but it's been good to do a little stitching everyday.

Artfest is coming up soon and I'm excited about taking workshops with Lynne Perrella, Melissa Manley, and Ty and Marcia Schultz. There's so much energy at Artfest, enough to keep the creative batteries charged for a long time.

Meanwhile, carpe diem!

Growing things

My basil seedlings have taken off with the promise of pesto for summer. Last year's herbs ended up overgrown and under-utilized, but these were started from scratch and it hardly seems worth the effort if not used to the fullest extent possible. I'll be on the lookout for some new basil-y recipes, for sure.
So the squares march on without a hitch. I enjoy having these little daily projects. Any thoughts of having a theme or color scheme have been tossed aside. It's more fun to stitch whatever comes to mind.

A certain little beach hideaway.

Springtime blooms.

Inspiration of the Day: Wonderful mixed-media jewelry book, "Enchanted Adornments", by Cynthia Thornton. This one is a real gem! Highly recommended.

Balancing Act

Change happens, and we adjust the sails to keep our lives on course; to continue to take on what comes our way, along with the things that need to be done, and balancing it with what feeds our souls. I feel very fortunate to have a schedule that allows me to do both with relative ease. The nest is a little fuller these days, our daughter Jessica is back with us. It's been wonderful having her here and I find myself more in the role of "nurturer" once again. I'm a little busier now but still finding time to do some things in my fun space....

Another square for the Stitchalong. Repurposing favorite greeting cards into small notebooks or journals, which I wrote about here. And discovering new-to-me fiber artist, Chris Roberts-Antieau. Don't miss the short video at her site. Awesome!

Have a great weekend.

Squaresville

I'm on schedule for once, having completed the first three one-inch squares of my sampler for the Stitchalong. This is good fun! There's a flicker group for the 39 Square players here. I love seeing what everyone is fitting into those little spaces.