wise craft

friday favorites: quilting books i'd grab in a fire

I have a special bookshelf in my studio that is filled with favorite quilting books. The ones I pull out to look through when I feel in a creative rut. Each of them inspire me in different ways (some for color, some for pattern, some for symmetry of design) and they are the ones I turn to again and again. In my eyes, these books represent quiltmaking as an artform, not simply craft. I thought I'd share a few of them.

Anna Williams: Her Quilts & Their Influences by Katherine Watts

This book was published by the American Quilter's Society in 1995, so not really vintage, but the quilts of Anna Williams span a lifetime of instinctual, brilliant color patchwork piecing, a lifetime of honing a skill she described as "what I do to take my mind off my troubles". The copies of this book left in circulation are not cheap, and it is shockingly thin (a mere 25 pages), but it is truly inspiring. As Denyse said in her workshop where I first learned of Anna, "you can't fake" what Anna did with color, pattern, and quilting. Sadly, Anna passed away in June of 2012. I love having this book of her work to inspired me.

 

Quilts by Roderick Kiracofe. 

This book was a gift from Erin and I absolutely love it. Not an old book at all, quite new in fact, available as a self-published book on Blurb).The colors, the patterns, the entire collection of quilts in this book is completely inspiring on so many levels. Some of these quilts were shown at QuiltCon recently (another reason I should have gone!) and it must have been wonderful to see these in person. Great fabric and color reference on these pages. And something about seeing beautifully colored quilts on a stark white background really appeals to me.

 

Abstract Design in American Quilts: A Biography of an Exhibition by Jonathan Holstein

This book is the story of an exhibition that opened in 1971 at the Whitney Museum in New York. This book reminds and inspires me to remember the art of quiltmaking. There is an entire story within the pages of this book of how the exhibit came to exist, along with full pages of the quilts themselves with information about each one. There is page after page of graphic inspiration and use of color and pattern. This is a beautiful book for any quiltmaker to have in their collection.

 

Patchwork Simplified by Alice Timmins

This is a well-used old library copy with a copyright of 1973. I love the mod, geometric feel of the patchwork in this book. Look at those wonderful quilted skirts above (although I'm sure she is beating her head against the wall on the right, wondering why she didn't just make that fabulous patchwork into a full quilt instead of a skirt).

 

Patchcraft by Elsie Svennas

Another treasure, beautiful use of color and shapes within quilts. Gives great examples of applique and embroidery used in quiltmaking, although many of the images are black and white. Still...

 

The Perfect Patchwork Primer by Beth Gutcheon

This book is just a great reference book for so many techniques, standards, and really just the whole idea of quilting's place in a creative life. A must-have for any vintage quilt library.

I would love to hear what quilting books you have to inspire you!

Happy Friday!

friday favorites: handmade hostess and giveaway

Happy Friday! I have a treat for you today! Handmade Hostess: 12 Imaginative Party Ideas for Unforgettable Entertaining, is a brand new book, just out, written by fellow Seattlite Kelly Lee-Creel and Rebecca Soder. Fellow fabric lovers may be familiar with Kelly's fabric line, Storybook Lane, and now she has written a book for us in that same well-done, handmade style.

I just LOVE this book! It's full of page after page of fun, innovative party ideas and ways to create festive decor that doesn't involve buying tons of decorations, and instead offers many beautiful ideas to handmake your party decor. I have never been a fan of cheap, storebought party decorations. In fact, it's kept me from throwing a party more than once, it just all feels disposable and cheap. My alternative has always been to go plain white, but as I was looking through this book I got so many ideas of all kinds of ways to create a fun atmosphere I just may have mentioned I want to throw a party to some folks around here.

 

Santa's Sleigh Centerpiece and Gingerbread Placecards

 

Love Note Napkin embroidery project (which I want to do RIGHT NOW!)

 

Leprechaun Clothes Banner

 

Kelly, the author, offers thoughts and an example of how many of the projects can be used for different types of parties altogether-

"In writing this book, we wanted to include as many extra tips and decorating ideas as we could. It's been fun because even friends who don't sew (or who are just in a hurry!) can flip through the book and find a few quick projects. For example, in the Mad Hatter party, we made AstroTurf place mats. We drew a fancy shape onto construction paper and used that as a template.  (Most AstroTurf can be cut with regular scissors.) I love that someone can take the ideas from one chapter and adapt them for a totally different theme.  I'm dying to use my faux-grass place mats at Easter, for example."

 

Visit the Sew Mama Sew blog post Kelly wrote on making fabric feathers, another fun party decoration. I also heard that Kelly is possibly creating a class around one of the projects in the book that will be held at Seattle's own Drygoods Design in the Spring, so look for that. I will pass along more info as I hear.

We have one book to giveaway to a wise craft reader, just leave a comment on this post for a chance to win. And Kelly has opened this giveaway to US residents and international, so everyone has a chance! I will pick a winner next week.

Congratulations on a beautiful book Kelly and Rebecca! Good luck everyone! 

 

4/2/13- Giveaway is closed and winner has been chosen, thank you!

 

art doodle love giveaway winner

The winner of a copy of Art Doodle Love by Dawn DeVries Sokol is Cynthia-

Cynthia said...

This is the perfect, long , rainy weekend to read, reflect, draw, doodle, dream and write in this lovely book. Thanks for the chance!

Reply 22 February 2013 at 09:03 AM

Cynthia, please send me your mailing address (to wisecraftblog@gmail.com), the link in your comment doesn't seem to work.

Thanks to everyone who entered!

 

friday favorites: art doodle love (and giveaway!)

Update: Giveaway has been closed and winner has been selected. Thanks everyone!

By now, you know I love doodles, right? To me, doodles are art (and deceptively hard to do well). Which is why I'm excited to share a new book with you, Art Doodle Love: A Journal of Self Discovery by Dawn Devries Sokol. Part journal, part scrap book, part sketch book, this book is filled with pages that have been altered in some way right out of the gate. (I actually received this book in the mail shortly after I did this altered book project, very timely). But not altered in a way that you aren't able to grab your doodle pen and make these pages your own.

So now that there's no fear of the dreaded blank white page, what to doodle in this book? There are prompts and pages throughout the book to get you going on a creative journal, one that's all about yourself. Perfect for those of us who like to doodle in the margins of the pages and right random notes and thoughts, the pages are meant to be completely filled in with your whims, thoughts, and doodles. What you'll be left with is a creative book all about you, and likely you will have made some interesting discoveries along the way. And it's a book for doodlers of all ages, I know a 14 year old here who likes it already.

I am giving away a copy of Art Doodle Love to one commenter (US only please). Just leave a comment on this post to be entered into the giveaway, a winner will be randomly chosen on Sunday evening.

Good luck!

carving stamps

When I turned in the first draft of the manuscript for my book a few weeks ago, the first thing I did was treat myself to a few new craft books. I had avoided purchasing new books that would distract me, and I was in the mood for someone to tell me how to make something. I happily flipped and got inspired for a couple of days, and one of my favorites is Geninne Zlatkis's book Making An Impression. I have been inspired by Geninne online for years, and it was just as inspiring to read about her process of hand carving stamps. And, as luck (and a stocked craft room) would have it, I happened to have some easy carve blocks and the needed carving tool on hand. (I love it when I can immediately jump in!).

rookie

I first read about Tavi Gevinson in Bust Magazine this past summer while waiting for Emma, who was getting her long hair cut short. It was good timing. In addition to Emma's brand new haircut, there was some subtle makeup introduced during that same weekend. Emma's Aunt Jenny was in town and the two of them headed off to Sephora, leaving me sitting on the couch, sobbing and looking at baby pictures.

Well, mentally that's how I was feeling.

There is a lack of magazines for girls Emma's age (she just turned 14). Seems like there is a big jump from American Girl and Discovery Girls, straight to Teen Vogue. It doesn't feel like Emma at all, and even if it did I don't know how I feel about them. She's nestled pretty firmly in between all this. Still in love with dragons and wants a real one "so bad it hurts, Mom!", yet the same girl stops to appliy lip gloss before checking the mailbox and wears her favorite clothes to lay around the house on a Saturday afternoon.

SO. Back to Tavi Gevinson. She has been writing the fashion blog Style Rookie since she was the wise old age of 13. Just recently, she published Rookie: Yearbook One, a 350 page magazine (book, really) with all things teenage girl. A 16 year old editor of a magazine, that is pretty impressive. Packed with all things teenage girl sage articles like "How to Be A Happy Homebody" and "How to look like you weren't just crying in less than 5 minutes", "Thrifting: Master Class", "How to Clean Your Room in 10 minutes". There's music playlists, interviews with people like David Sedaris, stickers, and tons of photos. I got our copy yesterday (and I say our copy meaning the mother/daughter copy). It's wonderful. There's occasional bad language, but nothing Emma hasn't heard me say when I'm sewing.

Tavi, you are awesome.

<><><><>

Thanks for all the comments on my last post, I loved collecting a new list of inspirational phrases!

show me a story blog tour and giveaway

As a blogger, I get many books sent to me to review, and just when I think I've seen the best of the best, one comes along that deserves some applause. Show Me A Story: 40 Craft Projects and Activities to Spark Children's Storytelling by Emily Neuburger of Red Bird Crafts is currently that book for me. I was immediately taken by not only the idea of incorporating craft into how children learn to read, write, and expand their imaginative storytelling skills, but the book itself is clearly written, well-designed, full of beautiful color pages, and lots of unique projects. I asked Emily if she would answer a few questions about Show Me A Story for us and she graciously did!

<><><><>

Blair: Thank you so much for talking about your book with us, its such a beautiful book to read and share. And I, of course, being the inquisitive type, have questions! First of all, where was your book when my kids were little? Seriously! To ad lib a story and just see where it takes us was always one of the hardest parts for me when my kids were smaller and we spent so much of our days together. For the moms like me, who see the value in storytelling but have a hard time feeling spontaneous about it, which project in the book would be a good one to start with?

Emily: Oh, you’re very kind! Thank you for welcoming me to wise craft today. You’re not alone in feeling stuck when it comes to spontaneous storytelling.  This is why I’m a big believer in finding backdoor entrances into stories.  Found objects, memories, handmade crafts, and word play encourage storytelling in a highly imaginative, no-pressure, experimental way.  In the book, I remind parents and children not to feel pressured to find tidy endings for their stories -- the rich characters and imaginative plot development are often enough.  The Story Map project is a captivating and engaging way to enter a story.  As children create the imaginary land with its diverse topography, cities, agriculture, and magical spots, they’ve developed the backbone for unlimited story possibilities.

(Story Map project)

 

Blair: My absolute favorite project is the Storytelling Jar (although it was hard to pick just one). I could actually see my teenage daughter making her own version of this project. Can you explain a little about how that project evolved and took shape? 

Emily: Oh, I’d love to see your daughter’s interpretation!  Honestly, the Storytelling Jar idea was born from my love for teeny tiny things. As a child, I was fascinated by dollhouses and tiny figures. I developed the idea for the project during a time when I was interested in terrariums. One day, it just hit me that it would be really cool to create a microcosm in jar – a story terrarium!   This is one of the projects where most of the storytelling happens during the process of making the craft.  And, hey, I had the best time making mine, which makes me think that children of all ages would have fun with it.

(Storytelling Jar)

Blair: There are several projects in the book that would be perfect for a group of children. Which one(s) would be your favorite pick for kid's birthday party activities or sleepovers? 

Emily: Yes! In fact, in the book I mention that group storytelling can feel magical and inspiring for children.  It helps them cultivate friendships and appreciate each other’s ideas.  In my experience as a teacher, it often leads to laughter, camaraderie, and excitement!  I love to watch children work together with a mutual desire to make an awesome story.  I also note that it can feel challenging for some because it often requires giving up control of the story’s trajectory.  Learning to share their creative experiences and to find genuine joy in building something together is a great way for children and teens to build community.  Story Ping Pong, Truth or Tale, Timing is Everything, and Story Grab Bag would all make great birthday party and/or sleepover activities!

 (These are the Stories in My Neighborhood)

Blair: "These Are The Stories in my Neighborhood" project is also quite fantastic and yet so simple. That project actually inspired me to create some of my own foam sheet stamps for my sketchbook journal. I'm curious which project in the book is your all-time favorite? Your girls' favorite? 

Emily: You and I think alike, Blair. I love the technique behind These are The Stories in My Neighborhood, and use it often in my creative work. The children in my classes have used the technique to create characters for their stories.   

I also love making Story Disks! Again, the teeny tiny aspect speaks to my heart. I find that when I make them in a stream-of-conscious sort of way, lots of interesting ideas float through my mind and stories unfold. 

My children love to make Story Stones.  It is a super satisfying project that works for people of all ages. My younger daughter, Hazel, is just beginning to make representational images on her stones, and my older daughter, Leah, is coming up with her own unique interpretations. Recently, Leah made an apple pie Story Stone set where each stone was a different ingredient.  She used the stones to tell me the story of How to Bake an Apple Pie, which ended up being a fantastical, funny adventure where each ingredient ended up with a unique personality and motive.  This is the kind of thing that makes my heart soar. 

(Story Disks)

Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us Emily!

I have one copy of Show Me a Story to giveaway! Just leave a comment on this post. I will keep the giveaway open over the weekend and randomly choose one winner on Sunday. (Disclaimer- This giveaway is for US only). Click over the Story Publishing's blog to see all the blog participants in the blog tour and read more about this wonderful book.

Thanks to all who enter, and good luck!

10/15/12- Giveaway has ended and winner has been chosen. Thank you to all who entered!

art lab for kids review and giveaway

Today I have another great book to tell you about, Art Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Adventures in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Paper, and Mixed Media by Susan Schwake. And I have a secret tip about this book to share.

daring adventures in paint review and giveaway

I recently received a review copy of Mati Rose McDonough's book Daring Adventures In Paint: Techniques for Painting, Sketching, and Mixed Media, and I've been reading and looking through it for the past couple of weeks.

Let me just say it now.

I LOVE THIS BOOK!

As I have mentioned before, I took Mati and Lisa's Get Your Paint On online class earlier this year, and am currently taking their Get Your Paint On: Beyond The Basics class. Painting is something I've been interested in exploring and these classes have been the perfect way for me to get started. I knew Lisa and her work (which I really love) before this class, but only through these classes have I learned about Mati's work and I am now a huge fan. I love stories of unlikely roads that led them to making art. Mati's naive style of painting, her whimsical animals and her ability as an instructor to make everyone feel that yes they can, in fact, paint and create art, and have fun, and make magic has really resonated with me and where I am at creatively. I never thought putting paint on a canvas was something I could do, let alone do well. But here I am, doing it and enjoying it, and not really caring if I'm good or not. I have become very inspired by Mati and Lisa's stories of coming to art as adults. I, like maybe some of you, just assumed that many successful artists just "did it" from the time they could draw on paper. Not true.

Back to the book. The end papers! They had me as soon as I opened the book. A lot of folks (some I know!) holding the "Show The World Your Magic" print by Mati. Look how colorful and happy!

Daring Adventures In Paint takes you through finding your inspiration and translating that inspiration into a tangible piece of art that has your style, your voice. Mati walks you through not only the process of adding paint to canvas, but using different types of tools to create your art (spreading paint with a brayer, adding metal leafing, spray painting patterns onto your work, adding mixed media, etc).

The book has exercises that will help you through the sometimes intimidating process of getting started. She explains materials, techniques, and processes. And there are lovely photos in the book of her studio. (Mati is one of the founders of and teachers at Tea House Studio in Berkley, CA.)

This book has even inspired my 13 year old into trying some new things in her art. Emma was apparently interested in the metal leafing, and has been referring to that chapter in the book. "I've always wondered how to use that." We have discussed and referred to this book many times in the past couple of weeks.

There are 8 chapters: 1. Beginning Your Journey, 2. Navigating Your Route, 3. Setting Sail, 4. Staying the Course, 5. Anchoring, 6. Finding Flow, 7. Treasures, 8. Tying it All Together. There are also some great peeks into creative spaces of other artists and talk of places to inspire you.

Beautiful book Mati! Well done!

Available at amazon and your local bookstores now.

 

daring adventures in paint from alakim on Vimeo.

 

I am giving away one copy of Daring Adventures in Paint to one commenter on this post. I would love to hear something about why this book appeals to you... are you interested in painting? are you just interested in trying something totally new? or do you paint and want to read a book about it in hopes of taking it in different direction? Let me know!

I will keep the giveaway open till Friday, at which point I will close the comments and randomly choose a winner. Good luck!

knot, thread, stitch giveaway

I am giving away a copy of Lisa Solomon's new book, Knot, Thread, Stitch to one lucky reader today! Just leave a comment on this post to be eligible to win (you can also leave another comment on the wise craft facebook page to double your chances of winning). I will draw one random name on Friday night.

I wrote a little about this book in this post. You can also read more about it Lisa's website here and here. I was honored to be asked by Lisa to include an embroidery project in this book. Its filled to the brim with great ideas! Emma and I are trying to decide where to start, because there WILL be some Knot, Thread, Stitch in Emma's redone room!

Good luck!

Giveaway closed, thank you everyone!!