Confetti Naturescapes

Noriko Endo has written a wonderful book – Confetti Naturescapes.
Noriko is an award-winning quilter, she was born and raised in Japan.  Her unique perspective makes this one of the most interesting quilting books on the market. In Confetti Naturescapes Noriko writes about the inspiration she finds everywhere in nature and the techniques she employs to create her masterpieces.
Her naturescapes have the look of impressionist paintings and feature trees, leaves, flowers, lakes, small forest creatures, mushroom, spider webs, and more.  Shapes and images in Noriko’s naturescapes are created using her confetti techniques, which  involves layering colorful bits of fabric on batting, adding a covering of tulle and then machine quilting the entire piece.  Noriko takes readers step-by-step through her process of choosing a subject and selecting colors, then designing, constructing and finishing the work.

I meet Noriko years ago when we were in a workshop together. She is a lovely, lively and talented artist. I know you are going to enjoy her book. This week I am going to feature several of her quilts and on Friday I will be giving away a copy of her book to one lucky winner.
So leave your comments with email address and on Friday my new little grandson and his mom and dad will pick one lucky winner who will receive a free copy of “Confetti Naturescapes” to enjoy.

Purple Coneflowers

This is your chance to own one of my original art pieces. Purple Coneflowers is made with Hoffman Batik fabrics and measures 16” x 20”. It is machine quilted with Superior Rayon Thread and is a raw edged fused original Frieda Anderson design. The bidding on Ebay ends Feb 20, 2011 5:00:20 pm PST. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to have original art work hanging on the wall of your studio – work space.

Traditional frames

Of course you can always go the traditional route and just frame your small quilts. For some reason I hate to see fiber behind glass. But it sure looks professional.

TimTex frame

A new idea that I have used recently is to create a frame using TimTex ®, a heavy interfacing.
Picture #5










I used a wavy blade in my rotary cutter to cut out the frame for this art quilt.
Using fusible web, I attached my complimentary fabric color to both sides of a heavy piece of TimTex that is cut at least three inches larger all around than my art piece. I then trim this TimTex sandwich with a decorative rotary blade in my rotary cutter to the size I need. (Use the decorative blade(s) of your own choice). This creates a frame that I can center my art on. In the center of the back of this frame, I place a cord that will act as a hanging loop. The cord is attached by creating a loop with tails. The tails are caught behind a piece of square fabric that is fused to the back in the center of the frame. I stitch around the edges of the square to secure this fabric, and the cord tails are stitched down behind the fabric square.
Picture #6
I used a pinking blade in my rotary cutter to cut out the frame for this art quilt.
I use the same method of applying Velcro to the frame and the art work as I have mentioned before.

The back of the frame with a loop or I-cord applied to hang the frame.

Valentine's Day Cards

Every year I hand make Valentine's cards for my family.
I usually make each one very different and it takes me days to make them all. But this year I was a little pressed for time and it dawned on me I could just make variations on a theme. So that is what I did and boy did they go a lot faster.
I used mostly left over fused silk this year. It was very hard to photograph for you.

I start out with a pile of left over fused scraps and card stock that I bought at Target that has matching envelops. I use my decorative rotary blade to give some pizzaz to the edges of the background silk and the card itself. I fused the designs directly to the card stock. It couldn't be any easier. I did pre-print the side of the card before I started with "Happy Valentines" I couldn't fit Day on there so I left it off. I used Adobe Illustrator to position the writing on the card.

I even use the leftover leftovers to create a really random collage. I sent this one to my sister.

Valentine Hearts

Happy Valentine’s Day XXOO

Winter is still here, but the great thing about February is that I am a new Grandmother!! I am so excited. There is another little person to love. February IS the month for love. The heart is an ancient symbol. It is possible that the symbol began as an iconic sign for the body's heart. But now, throughout the Western world, it signifies togetherness and love. I know that I have always been attracted to the shape and used it in my quilts. This month's special will include that shape. With every order, I will send you the free pattern to make the this small fused art quilt Valentine Hearts.To go along with the pattern, two of the fabrics that I use in this pattern are on sale for the month of February for $20 a yard - Summer Flowers and Pink Pulp. This is a great deal as the price of cotton has just gone up, but not my prices! You have lots of fabric in a yard and could easily make two or three versions of this quilt. One for you and one for your best friend.

Purple Coneflowers - Fused Art Quilt by Frieda Anderson

 

Each month I am going to auction off one of my small art quilts on ebay. This months quilt was inspired by the purple cone-flowers that grow in my garden. I do love these flowers and the way they multiple and fill in garden.

It could soon grace your walls. Bidding starts today Bid now.
Purple Haze©2009 16″ x 20″ (Fabric; Island Batiks and my hand dyes, machine quilted with Superior Rayon Thread) 
Bidding ends February 20th.