Hanah Silk Lamp Shades

I absolutely love designing with Hanah silk ribbon and wanted to share a project I've just recently completed.  I have two vintage glass lamps mounted on marble stands.  The shades were worn and discolored so I removed the fabric leaving only the wire frame.

I've taken six coordinating shades of Hanah silk ribbon, along with vintage lace and remade my shades.  The rolled roses are made with the same silk ribbon and  I've scattered rhinestone pins and chandeliers crystals  along the top and base of the shade.

This was an enjoyable project and I'm really pleased with the results.  I've used a low watt florescent bulb and it is lovely shining through the lace pattern.

The velvet leaves add a special touch of color to the design and the rhinestone pins and crystal chandelier babbles add the perfect sparkle with the reflection from the light.  I love making roses but I'm not sure I love making this many.

Many thanks to my "crazy quilt sisters" for sharing their lace, rhinestones, and chandeliers crystals.  I couldn't have done it without you!

"A Crazy Year in Texas"

I  cannot believe I'm almost finished with my very first crazy quilt design.  I call it "A Crazy Year in Texas" but it's actually two crazy years.  I began on July 12, 2010.   My local crazy quilt bee and several other friends have been stitching along side me and testing my patterns and instructions.  I wish you could see all the work these amazing ladies have done.  With each one adding their own personal touch and interpretation, no two blocks are alike.

I would love to list all my favorite tools, products, threads, ribbons, etc. but space does not permit that.  Some of my very favorites include:  Kreinik Threads, Hanah Silks, Carole Sample's Dream-a-Seam templates, Connie James' Diva Custom Cordmaker, Sulky Heat-away and my Igolochkoy Russian punch needle.  A very special thank-you to Linda in New Mexico for creating the beautiful tatted ghosts and crinoline ladies.

All that remains is the final assembly, tying and adding the mitered three inch borders.  This is the part that really strikes fear.  Crazy quilting is forgiving. There is no such thing as a mistake - just an opportunity for embellishing.   If I make a "mistake" I can always cover it with a silk ribbon motif and you will never know it's there.

Mitering those corners and stitching everything together isn't that forgiving when mistakes are made.  So wish me luck.

WTWW 2011 ArtBra Calendar - A Work in Progress

Wow it's been a long time since I've posted. But I do have a good excuse and thought I would share. First let me tell you about Victoria Adams Brown, a dear friend and mentor. A number of years ago she started the WTWW Foundation and invited me to design an ArtBra for exhibition. I believe that was in 2004 and we are still going strong.

I've blogged a lot about my past designs but thought I would share with you my newest bra which I call " Chrysalis." It is inspired by three wonderful women who have experienced the ravages of breast cancer and turned it into a positive experience.

With each one I was reminded of the monarch butterfly and its life cycle. From the darkness of the cocoon (which can be likened to the months of surgery, rehabilitation and often times chemotherapy) emerges the beautiful butterfly. These women have emerged from their cocoon with a new beauty and grace both inside and out.

Brenda Wilson, Vic's sister, designed a beautiful butterfly which she kindly gave me permission to use in my designs. Brenda is a breast cancer survivor, spokesperson and advocate. The magnificent wings of the butterfly sit atop a body shaped like a pink ribbon bow - the well-known symbol for breast cancer. I have taken her beautiful design and re-created it with beads. I hope you will enjoy the photos of my progress.

Brooke Exley Long, owner of Hanah/Artemis Silks donated the beautiful shibori fabric that covers the bra. I've used Hanah silk ribbon to make the zinnias and burnished silk leaves.

The branch the cocoon hangs on is made with the Diva Custom Cordmaker designed and sold by Connie James, owner of Fibergoddess.

We are excited about introducing the 2011 ArtBra Calendar and hope that everyone will purchase a calendar to support this very worth while cause. The ArtBras and wall hangings will be on exhibit at the Houston International Quilt Festival this Fall.

I can't close without telling you about the two other women who have so inspired me. Jan Campbell was diagnosed with breast cancer almost a year ago. She was my first crazy quilt instructor, another wonderful mentor, and one of my dearest friends. She has designed her first ArtBra this year named "Are They Real?" You can see it on Vic's blog.

And last but certainly not least; Linda Cauble. I met Linda at the Houston Quilt Festival last year. Her story is amazing! She required a bone marrow transplant and her recovery was complicated by these issues. But what a beautiful lady she is. She is the owner of A Beaded Road and sells the most beautiful shawls.

Thanks for stopping by my blog - please visit often. I've linked all the websites so just move your cursor over the names and businesses. Don't forget to order your 2011 ArtBra Calendar. They make wonderful gifts.