Fabric Book Evergreen Branch

The fabric book that I submitted to the Quilting Arts Magazine Challenge contained all things Michigan. I did a page with a map of Michigan. This was done using a velvet background for the great lakes. The upper and lower peninsula were made using fusible web, paper and corduroy fabric. Unfortunately there was no die cut for the state so it was traced from a map onto the fusible web and then ironed onto the fabric. The capital of Lansing was highlighted with a red button for it's location and a paper tag was affixed to the button. The metallic letters MI were added for a three dimensional embellishment symbolizing the state. The edges were finished with lace bias tape.

Gift Tag #4

Gift Tag #4 uses scrap book paper for the base. The flower is made from scrap book paper and old book pages. The die cut was done on the vagabond and uses the Sizzix flower die. A stamp with embossing powder was used to add dimension. A button was used a final embellishment.

Week 46 Noel

Week 46 Journal Quilt is all about the Holidays.

I love putting up my christmas tree and decorating for the holidays. This journal quilt started with a piece of painted canvas. The background was done by using Glimmer Mist and a stencil with snow flakes. Using the Vagabond by Tim Holtz, the Christmas tree was die cut from metallic scrap booking paper. The ornaments are sequins that are layered and affixed with beads. Shaved ice by stampendous was glued to the bottom to make the snow. A fabric scrap was used for the tree skirt. The packages were made for scrap booking, but finished this tree off perfectly. Happy Holidays!

Fabric Book Evergreen Branch

This fabric book page was included to use a natural embellishment. I was able to use a fallen branch from an evergreen tree. The background was muslin which was stamped with a leaf pattern using permanent ink. The branch was sewn into place using clear thread.

Post Card #5 Hope

Affirmation words are some of my favorite themes for my artwork. One of my favorite words is HOPE.

This post card was made with a background from an upholstery sample. The ephemera is from old books and scrap book paper. The Ticket with the word hope is from the Tim Holtz collection. The mustard thread was added on the edges using a decorative stitch on my sewing machine. A scrabble letter was added to provide some dimension and added interest.

Fabric Book Petoskey Stone Page

When I made the fabric book representing Michigan icons. I couldn't resist making a page about the petoskey stone. Th background was muslin fabric that had words printed across the page for a background. All of the words were related to Michigan. The petoskey stone photograph was printed on Vellum and sticked to the background with a zigzag stitch.

The Petoskey Stone are fossilized colonies of corals (Hexagonaria percarinata.) Their origin is from the Devonian seas that covered lake Michigan about 350 million years ago.

Gift Tag #3 L'Arc de Triomphe

Gift Tage #3 represents all things Paris. I used an image from ephemera. It was stamped with a postage cancellation stamp. A dictionary quote for "arc" was added. The base tag is made from metallic scrap book paper. The whole feel of this tag is vintage travel. Perfect for any gift.

Post Card #4 Sail

This fabric post card was made by using an upholstery scrap for the base. An old map was sewn in place. This was topped with two pieces of fabric that were sewn togther. The muslin was stamped with a collection of boats. This was attached to the deep blue fabric. The letters were added with fabric glue. With winter coming, sailing is a long way away, but a happy memory of summer.

Week 45 Full Moon

Week 45 Journal Quilt was made after I watched an amazing full moon rise over northern michigan. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera, all I have is the memory. I used pieced applique to make this quilt. Different types of fabric were used to construct the quilt square. The moon was made of a pale yellow satin. The tree was made from a tree bark type fabric that I found at one of the local quilting stores. The owl was made from an upholstery scrap. He was thread painted for detail.

Fabric Book Chalk Bird

A little over a year ago I entered one of my first reader challenges for Quilting Arts Magazine. It was for a fabric book. I took images from some of my favorite Michigan photographic memories. This bird originated from a photograph of an amazing bird statue that is made from metal repurposed parts. I took a picture of this bird which stands in front of an art gallery. I then used a filter in photoshop to provide an outline. I used chalk to "paint" the surface. Machine stitching was used to finish of the piece. The book was 6" X 6" and had 6 pages that are folded in accordion style. The book sits on the buffet table in my living room. I have made a number of projects since this book. I enjoy looking at this project as it was "the kick off" for many fun projects to come.

Transforming a Discarded Trash Can

I love to take a discarded item and repurpose it. This old trash can was just plain metal that, although a little rusty was still in good condition. I was able to prime and paint the trash can. I painted letters that I had gotten on clearance from a local craft store. I then covered them with a collection of clear/white buttons. The lace trim that is in the background was purchased at a summer yard sale. The color palette is that of my studio.

Gift Tag #2 Taking Off

Gift Tag #2 is done on black card stock. I used the Perfect Pearls to create the birds. The product is done by Ranger. They come in powder form. There are many colors too choose from. There are many ways to use them. I did this by stamping the birds with Perfect Medium, (Ranger). I then used a brush to put the perfect pearls onto the stamp. A stamp that says "All who Wander are Not Lost" is the purple banner across the middle of the tag. "Taking Off" was glued on and comes from magnetic poetry! This Gift Tag is perfect for someone who is graduating or starting a new endeavor. May you Enjoy the Journey.

Week 44 Fall Leaves

The journal quilt for Week 44 was in reference to the thousands of leaves I have raked this fall. I have two very large maple trees. There leaves turn yellow with some red. The leaves fall very late as compared to other trees. The background is remnant fabric. I loved the texture and color of this fabric. It has a sheen to it that gives it such a unique dimension. The pumpkin is made of paper. The leaves are chip board. The pumpkin and work "fall" are sewn on. The leaves are adhered using fabric glue. A fun trim that I found on clearance is used for the edge. I hope your fall was as perfect as mine.

Post card #3 Travel Paris

Fabric Post Card #3 is from Paris. With a image of the city, the postcard is embellished with metal adornments, beads, and a tag with a stamp of a paris postage stamp cancellation. The background is made from upholstery fabric from a sample book.

Gift Tag #1 Brilliance

Gift tag #1 is all about the style. This image although vintage just radiates confidance. I used Tim Holtz paper for the background. An old dictionary was used for the word fashion which is tucked behind the woman. Brilliant Style was cut out of a book for added text. Finally a tag shapped die cut was used to make the tag. I used the vagabond to cut the tag. (I know enough with the vagabond cutter already.) May you find yourself just absolutely brilliant. Got a tag that you would like posted here? Email me at artfulembellishments@earthlink.net

Ice Dyeing-Dye your own Fabric

Ice Dyeing was featured in Quilting Arts Magazine in the August/September Issue of 2011 Volume 52. This technique is so much fun. The article was written by Lynda Heines. I am so grateful she shared her technique. It is a fun way to make your own tie die fabric and it is easy to do. This is a piece of fabric that is being entered in the Quilting Arts Dye Your Own Fabric Challenge.