More Inspiration From Nature

Here's a few more nature shots from my walk a couple days ago. I rather like the close-up of the pine tree branch. Next winter (did I say the W word), I might want to reference it for a piece of embroidery. It's very easy to see the direction of the needles. I like to use my own photos instead of relying on someone else's interpretation of such things.

Don't forget to do some stitching for World Embroidery Day!

Enjoy

More from Nature

I've gotten a lots of great inspiring photos so far this month. One of the things on my list in the next few days is to do leaf rubbings onto tracing paper. Last winter it was one of the things I wished I had done. Enjoy a few more of my nature photos! I am also having network connection difficulty.

Here are a few more bits of inspiration:

• Seagulls
• Kitten
• Fish



A Summer Evening

My Brother's Quilt



My sister made a quilt for out brother's retirement gift. Of course I knew all about it but couldn't say anything until he received it.

 

Don just retired from the RCMP after 35 years of service. The theme on the front is woodland animals as he enjoys the outdoors. The backing is hockey fabric. He has enjoyed playing hockey as well as coaching most of his adult life.

 

Great job, Joan!

Happy Retirement, Don!

 

Close up of front

Hockey fabric

Nature panel

 

 

 
 
 



Nature Walk

As I have written before, my camera goes with me all the time. I'm always looking to nature for inspiration.  I see lots of potential in these photos. I like the daisies growing beside the house. In fact, I've made similar pieces using 3-D miniature daisies.

When I was a small child, the purple flowers below, were referred to as 'toothbrushes'. I don't remember their name. These would look lovely in a small embroidery piece.

There are lots of places to find inspiration for quilting and embroidery, for example: nature gardens, beside a pond, seashore, neighbourhoods, books, magazines, the internet . . .
Enjoy!

Nature

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm focusing on the natural world for a few days. Think about what you could do with some of these photos or parts of them. Maybe a small framed art piece or a quilted one, maybe an embroidery piece . . .

From My Bookshelf

I just added a couple of new books to my collection. They were purchased on my recent trip to Chicago.

Stitch, Cloth, Paper & Paint by Angie Hughes, is a mixed media book with lots of inspiration for the adventurous quilter and stitcher. She guides the reader through several techniques (preparing the surface; machine stitching; hand stitching; and making your own embellishments) and then supplies three projects to try. The photographs and instructions are well done. Each step is explained so that you can create your own special works of art. Also check out her blog.

The second book is Reflections of Nature: The Art and Embroidery of Jane Hall. This is not a 'how to' book but one that lets you into her artistic world. It explores her passion for embroidery, the materials and various techniques she uses. It is also an ideal source of inspiration for textile artists and embroiderers of all skill levels. You can watch a short video of Jane at work.

Photos for Inspiration!

Chicago Skyline by Judy Cooper

Photos are always great sources of inspiration for artists. I always have a camera with me so if I see something that catches my eye, I can capture it instantly. If you are unable to do this, the internet can offer a wealth of possibilities. For example, quilt artist, Sue Bleiweiss, has a blog devoted to her photos. These photos are available to anyone to use but please read her blurb on copyright related to her work.

Here are some interesting sites I found.

• When designing landscape quilts, images of real landscapes are ideal.

• I couldn't pass up on these photos as they are stunning! (scroll down) And these! Here's more!

• Check out these creative and inspiring photographs. There were some very creative minds at work here. Think of the possibilities in your own creations!

• If you are eager to start taking pictures, read about these 60 Sources of Inspiration for Photography.

• 30 photos from nature.

• The colours in these photos are fantastic. 

• Funky Architecture but think of the possibilities! Look at some of the designs.

• All I can say about these, is WOW!

• Close-ups anyone. . . Macro Photography

• Long Exposures  

• Underwater  

• Flowers (choose the colour at the bottom of the page) More flowers

It was very difficult to stop listing sites with awe inspiring photographs!