'Embracing Change' was finished in 2019, but these process photos still show one of the bigger decisions that shaped it. Look closely at the upper right corner. In the earlier version, I had a solid dark panel sitting up there. [...]
Seclusion Introverts, unite! Separately. In your own respective sewing rooms. The world thinks quilting is a highly social sport. They picture 19th-century quilting bees, buzzing with local gossip, or massive convention centers packed with enthusiastic crafters trading fabric strips like Wall Street brokers. But let's be real: for some of us, the best part of quilting is that it is the ultimate excuse to legally ignore the entire human race. My Trio of Silent Sewing Sidekicks: When I retreat into my sewing sanctuary for hours, days, or—let’s face it—entire lunar cycles, I am never actually alone. I have my stitch-approved soundtrack. To maintain peak [...]
David and I were priviledged to be in this years AQG Show in Phoenix. We were both surprised and please to receive a blue ribbon in our competition category, mine for Pictorial, David for Art Innovation for one of his cartoon quilts (he entered two). Imagine my surprise when I found out that I won Best Of Show! There were so many fabulous quilts there, as there always are. This is the first year to have the exhibit at the Martin Auto Museum Conference. The great thing is that you could purchase a dual ticket and see the quilt show as well as [...]
Start with Color Theory — But Make It Personal Think of the color wheel as your trusty sidekick. It’s a visual map of how colors relate to each other-primaries (red, yellow, blue), secondaries (green, orange, purple), and those in-between, tertiary shades. Even if you’ve never used one, give it a try! You’ll find it helps you “see” which colors might play nicely together or offer dramatic contrast. [...]
Mark your calendars! The Rusty Barn Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival is coming to the Phoenix area, offering a showcase of creativity and craftsmanship. This is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about quilting and fiber arts. The festival will be held from Thursday, August 28th to Saturday, August 30th, 2025, at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Show hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $10 per person, and your ticket is valid for all three days. Please note that there is a $10 per car parking fee at [...]
Art quilts are a unique form of textile art that allows for personal expression and creativity. In this and future blog posts, we will guide you through the process of creating small study quilts, focusing on essential elements such as color, value, scale, and composition. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or a beginner, this step-by-step breakdown will help you craft beautiful art quilts that reflect your personal artistic vision. Art quilts represent a distinctive and expressive form of textile artistry that blend traditional quilting with a fine art approach, allowing quilters to convey personal stories, mood, and creativity. One of the best [...]
If you'd told me five years ago that I'd be collaborating with artificial intelligence in my art quilting practice, I probably would have imagined a robot fumbling with a rotary cutter. But today (as of about June 2025), AI is one of my most reliable studio companions—though thankfully, it doesn’t touch my fabric. AI has quietly slipped into my creative process, not as a replacement for the tactile joy of quilting, but as a powerful tool that expands what’s possible. Here's how I'm currently using it—and a few ways I’m dreaming of using it next. ✂️ 1. Polishing My Words Like [...]
Between meeting old pals and making new ones, we were also part of the setup and teardown squads. David and I helped tame the Silent Auction zone (Angela was directing our efforts) and wrangled part of the main floor quilt display. My Fitbit thinks I ran a marathon—mostly up and down ladders like a caffeinated squirrel on a mission. The show was a total blast, filled with jaw-dropping quilts everywhere you looked. David had not one, but two of his cheeky cartoon pieces hanging out, plus his Revelation 1 quilt inspired by the Alpha & Omega verses (talk about divine inspiration). Meanwhile, [...]
We are excited to announce that we will have several pieces displayed at the Thumb Butte Quilt Guild Show this year. The event will take place on June 13-14, 2025, at Prescott High School, located at 1050 N. Ruth St., Prescott, AZ. The show will feature hundreds of quilts, an Opportunity Quilt Raffle, a Silent Quilt Auction, a Marketplace, a Vendor Mall, and food trucks on site. Join us to see an impressive collection of traditional quilts as well as contemporary creations. David's piece, 'Yellow Submarine,' will be on display alongside other works from our collection. We hope to see you there! [...]
David and I got a peek at the article coming out in the Fall issue of Art Quilting Studio about him and his techniques. We were able to go through it and just make a couple of tweaks to clarify his last steps on finishing the quilt. I was happy with the way it looks and we are looking forward to seeing it in the magazine. It features several of his quilts as well as the process he uses to create his unique look. Don't forget to pick up your issue or start a subscription. It's a great magazine and I have been [...]
