Creativity Killers: How to Fight Back

Secrets to Leading a Creative Life

Most people admit they would like to lead a more creative life, but for one reason or another they get stuck. The one thing they tell me that stops them most often is fear. I believe fear is the #1 killer of creativity. Let's deal with fear here, and learn some strategies on how to live with it.

Concept to Quilt: Implementing Your Ideas

Scene: You're relaxed--just falling asleep, and the images are flashing through your head. Some people might hear music, but my movie is a total run of images and color. One catches you, and you think, "I better not forget that." 

Improv Quilt Finish

Let me start by saying this quilt design isn't every one's cup of tea, but it speaks to me. It started off as an improv project at an Amy Butler Dreaming Big in Color weekend.

Dyeing to Share Part II

Fiber Reactive Procion MX Dyes

Those of you who ahhhhed at the Jet Black, I'm with you! Hands down, this is my favorite, but I really think it pulls a dark inky blue, too. Above are 2 fat eighths of Essex linen, and below is a Kona cotton. Linen's texture above adds something to it, although the Kona isn't necessarily 'less wonderful.' It's just more subtly textured.

Dyeing to Share

I've been hanging out in some colorful spots lately checking out new blogs and artists. One that has really captured my attention is Creations...Quilts, Art....Whatever, by Nina-Marie Sayer. She has great linky party each Friday called Off the Wall, and I've used it to do some serious blog hopping. I think I'm being pulled into another dimension of quilting.

Day 5: Quilt Squad Christmas Outing

Bargain Basement flat folds: Most $6/ yard. I surprised everyone by shopping outside my comfort zone. It started with the second print from the left, and the other two blues. Then the border print below was $5 a yard, and I knew what I was making. Does fabric ever speak to you? I need earplugs.

Day 3: Quilting & Art Journaling

This was a good exercise in art journaling for me. I listed anything that came to mind when I thought about December. All lumped together with no judgment either way. I just wrote everything down equally. When I was done, I tried to use a spray adhesive, but mine clogged. Short on time, I resorted to Elmer's, but that was tough to get where I wanted it. It turned out a wee bit over glittered. What was kind of cool about it, though, was the really over glittered words were ones I might interpret as negative. Very interesting.