Jan
29
2012
My goodness this year is starting off with a bang. I received a call from Jackie Hill, Vice President of the Paulding Fine Arts Association, asking if I would come to their January meeting and give a presentation on the Art of Quilling. You can imagine my surprise since I am not a member of this fine organization, but of course I quickly said yes.
The Paulding Fine Arts Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization created in 1982 to provide the citizens of Paulding County, Georgia with opportunities to experience the arts on all levels through observation, education and participation. They have a wonderful new Fine Arts Gallery located in the historic downtown area of Dallas, Georgia.
Since there was a large turnout, I was not able to do a hands-on mini class, but instead gave an informational talk on the history of quilling, the basic tools needed to get started, and additional resources readily available. I received a special request to demonstrate how to make simple coils with just my fingers, and followed it up with a demonstration of the needle and slotted quilling tools.
I brought a variety of quilling samples to show the group and was so pleased at the interest shown in this art form. We had a lively question and answer session at the end of the presentation. I even had one art teacher indicate that she was interested in teaching quilling to her young students.
I had a wonderful time, met some really talented fellow artists, and learned more about a great art association. I would like to thank the Paulding Fine Arts Association for their warm hospitality and the opportunity to share the art that I love with their members.
Jan
14
2012
The Indie Artisans is an amazing group of Etsy artisans who have banded together to promote the best handmade has to offer through carefully selected collections of works based on various themes. I am so honored (and quite frankly tickled pink) to have been invited to join this Etsy team and participate in their latest collection.
The Indie Artisans Jury Committee deemed my Quilled Floral Heart Wreath Pattern worthy of inclusion in their new The Color of Love collection celebrating Valentine’s Day.
When you think of love do you see red? Or perhaps soft lavender is more your style. You’ll find these colors and more represented in the items featured in this collection. Come shop The Color of Love to find the perfect gift for your special Valentine.
All artwork is handmade in the USA by the talented professional artists who make up Indie Artisans and is offered for sale online through their respective Etsy shops.
The collections change frequently so visit Indie Artisans often to see what’s new!
Aug
30
2011
In response to the many requests I’ve received for more “captured” ornaments, I am so very pleased to announce the newest addition to the collection: a quilled wreath!
Just like the snowflake, this quilled wreath is assembled inside a glass ornament, safely preserved for years to come. The wreath’s shape fills the ornament nicely and the red gems added to the tops of the berries add a nice touch of holiday sparkle as they catch the light. Since the glass ornament is clear, the wreath is designed to be two-sided so it can be enjoyed from all angles.
For those of you who would like to create your own, I have written a full color digital pattern complete with photos to guide you every step of the way. You’ll find this pattern, along with the Quilled Captured Snowflake, in my new Quilling Pattern Store.
The holidays will be here before you know it. It’s never too early to create one of these stunning ornaments for your family and treasured friends.
Aug
14
2011
Even though it is scorching outside, I’m busy working on inventory for a big Christmas show I participate in each year. With this in mind, I decided to quill some metallic cross ornaments to add to my offerings. I remembered some metallic papers I purchased from Quilled Creations and thought they would be perfect (Metallics Sparkling Quilling Paper, Silver & Antique Gold).
These are really nice, heavy papers that hold their quilling shapes well, but, as I soon found out, they can be a bit tricky to work with. Here are some general tips I discovered while quilling my ornaments:
- It takes longer for the glue to set when creating your coils and assembling your pieces. You have to be patient! Hold the glued end of your coil down longer than you think is necessary — and then hold it just a little longer. Use pins to hold your pieces as you glue your design together to speed up the assembly process and help ensure a secure bond.
- On the plus side, because this paper is “slicker” than regular quilling paper, it is super easy to remove excess glue and have a really clean piece of quill art when you are done.
- Because it is a heavier paper, you can really see the glued seam on your coils, even when gluing down a torn edge. I have found that burnishing the seam with a clean toothpick does wonders in smoothing out the seam and making it much less noticable.
The biggest thing I learned is that while the papers themselves are metallic and look great from the side, the edges are quite dull. As you can see, this cross quilled from Antique Gold look like is it made from a plain brown paper (Figure 1), but the sides of the cross are nice and glitzy (Figure 2).
To solve this problem, I used a gold metallic pen (I used one made by Krylon) and colored the edges (Figure 3). What an amazing difference! Now I have a stunning gold quilled cross ornament to sell at the show.
The same holds true for the silver metallic paper which has a dull gray appearance when quilled. Just run a silver metallic pen over the edges to turn them a dazzling silver.
Mar
08
2011
I want to send a big THANK YOU to all of my newsletter readers who took the time to tell me the kinds of projects you would like to quill. The information received was just wonderful. I am going to tally up the results and will definitely keep your wish list in mind as I create my new quilling designs.
As promised, all feedback responses were put into a single folder and I used random.org to generate a random number used to select the winner of a free quilling pattern.
The number generated was 107 and the lucky winner is … (drum roll, please) … Eileen from Ward, Arkansas. I have contacted Eileen and she has selected the Floral Heart Wreath pattern for her prize.
Congratulations, Eileen! I hope you enjoy the pattern.
Feb
03
2011
This is a quick post, but I just had to share. Our oldest daughter dropped by at lunch and showed me these paper plates she found at an after Christmas sale. These are regular paper plates, but the design printed on them is a beautiful all over pattern of white quilled snowflakes. Aren’t they just awesome!
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The manufacturer is a company called Creating Converting. I found their website and they appear to be a wholesale company not set up for retail sales. I’m sure if you were interested, though, you could email the company to find out if there was a local retailer near you.
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I am so excited to see the art of quilling make its way into mainstream design. As quilling becomes more popular, I’m sure we’ll see it pop up in more and varied places.
Jan
19
2011
I am so excited to share the news! As promised in my last post, the first pattern I’ve completed for 2011 is for the Quilled Captured Snowflake — a beautiful paper snowflake captured for all time inside a glass ornament — just like a ship in a bottle.
When I created my Captured Snowflake ornament I knew it was special, but the response I have received has been truly amazing! It seemed like everyone who saw this snowflake ornament either bought one or asked me how to make it.
I was going to keep the secret all to myself, but you know me … I just love to share. So, I sat down and created this pattern so that you, too, can quill your own Captured Snowflake ornament and WOW your family and friends.
This downloadable PDF ePattern contains complete easy-to-follow instructions, lots of step-by-step full color photos, a sprinkle of hints and tips to keep you on track, and all pattern templates to ensure your success.
The pattern is available for purchase in the Quilling Pattern Store section of the blog. Enjoy!
Jan
03
2011
Wrapping Up 2010
The Mable House Christmas Show was a big success! We had record attendance and record sales. It warms my heart to know that in these tough economic times, our visitors chose to purchase beautiful handmade gifts from so many talented local artisans.
I want to thank all of you for a wonderful 2010. Your kind words of encouragement in the comments you leave keep me motivated. I enjoy “meeting” each of you through emails and love to hear how your own quilling projects are progressing. I’ve been truly blessed by the many new friends I’ve made through this blog.
Looking Forward to 2011
More Quilling Patterns. As I mentioned, the Christmas show was great and my captured snowflake was a hit. I couldn’t keep it in stock. I have been asked to make a pattern for this ornament revealing all of my construction secrets and it will be the first of many to be released in 2011.
New Quilling Project Kits. My good friend Sharon of
Studio Foster (a working art studio located in Hiram, GA) has a
Pazzles cutting machine that can create amazing paper shapes like gift card holders, bag toppers, fancy boxes, etc., that are perfect backdrops for quilled embellishments.
New Quilling Classes. As we continue to grow at
Studio Foster, I look forward to creating new and exciting projects for our local
quillers. I am also excited about exploring the fusion of quilling with other types of paper art techniques and mediums.
New Year Inspiration
I ran across these words from advice columnist, Ann Landers. I have no idea when they were written, but they still ring true today.
“Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you’ve always wanted to do but couldn’t find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you don’t think you can keep. Walk tall, and smile more. You’ll look ten years younger. Don’t be afraid to say, ‘I love you’. Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world.”
Ann Landers
I wish you all the best in 2011!
Charlotte
Nov
27
2010
The Thanksgiving leftovers may still be in the refrigerator, but I am going into crafting overdrive to finish up as many quilling pieces as I can. I have been lucky enough to have been accepted into two juried Christmas houses this year.
The Christmas House Arts & Crafts Show, hosted by the Mable House and the South Cobb Arts Alliance
Dates: December 3rd – 12th, 2010
Times: Mon-Sat 10am to 6pm; Sunday 2pm to 6pm
Place: Mable House Arts Center, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton, Georgia 30126
Phone: 770-819-3285
The Christmas House Arts & Crafts Show is right around the corner, so mark your calendars and come see some of the the finest art and fine craft in the area. My good friend, Sharon, will have her beautiful bead and wire flowers there, too. Here is a fun little “save the date” video the SCAA has provided. They were kind enough to feature one of my quilled Christmas egg ornaments.
The Gift Box, hosted by The Art Station – Big Shanty and the North Cobb Arts League
Dates: December 2nd – 17th, 2010
Times: Tuesdays – Fridays, 10am-5pm
Place: Art Station-Big Shanty, 2050 Kennesaw Due West Road, Kennesaw, GA 30152
Phone: 770-514-5930
For those of you who may have a difficult time stopping by during the day, there will be a Shop & Share Party on Tuesday, December 7th, from 6pm-8pm.
If you live anywhere in the area, I do hope you are able to come. Perhaps you’ll find that perfect gift you have been searching for.
Oct
04
2010
A very dear friend of mine, Sharon Foster (who, incidentally was my very first quilling student), has just opened a working studio in Hiram, Georgia, and has agreed to let me use the space to teach quilling classes. Since it is a private studio, there won’t be the annoying distractions that frequently accompany classes taught in a big box store, such as loudspeaker announcements or gawking onlookers. Instead, you’ll learn quilling in a fun, casual atmosphere.
Not only is the space great, but teaching out of the studio allows me the flexibility to offer classes that work with your busy schedule. I can even customize a class just for you. Need to plan a fun activity for girls night out? Are you in charge of your friend’s baby or bridal shower and want to Wow the guests with specialty favors? Let me know what type of class you’d like and I’ll do my best to make it happen.
Christmas Quilling Workshop
Since the holidays are right around the corner, the first class will be a Christmas Quilling Workshop. Projects include a Christmas card, tag, and gift card holder. Please note that these quilling patterns will be totally different from those offered through Marietta Community School, so even if you took a previous class, I invite you to come learn something new.
All skill levels are welcome; beginners can learn the basics of quilling, and more advanced quillers can improve their skills and enjoy new projects.
Here are the details:
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What: Christmas Quilling Workshop
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When: Saturday, November 6th, 1:00-4:00pm
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Where: Studio Foster, 3595 Hiram
Douglasville Highway Suite 225, Hiram GA 30141. Visit
http://www.studiofoster.net for directions and more information about the studio.
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Cost: $30 (includes all project materials and use of quilling tools)
I am limiting the class size to 6 so that everyone will get all the guidance they need to be successful in this class. Please
contact me to reserve your space, or to ask any questions you may have.
I look forward to meeting you and sharing an afternoon of fun as we quill together.
Other Classes at Studio Foster
Sharon is a multi-talented artist who creates beautiful
Ganutell, cold porcelain, and French beaded flowers. She also does stunning glass work and will be moving her kiln to the studio soon to make fused glass. She will be offering classes in several of these art forms, so please visit
www.studiofoster.net to learn more about these classes as they become available.
