smARTies Art Quilting Group
The smARTies meet on a rotating schedule: September 19 and October 31, 2017; and January 9, February 20, April 3, and May 15, 2018. Meeting format includes a brief Show and Tell, demo or activity, and maybe a challenge or two along the way. Everyone is welcome to join us as a participant or as a spectator. You don't have to sign up or attend every month. Drop ins are encouraged.
May 15
Our last gathering of the year and a busy one. We viewed a couple of Focal Point Challenges and learned about Harmonic Armatures*; filled out a survey about activities for next year; signed up for the summer Blind Challenge; held a draw for our three art books (congratulations to Paulette, Evelyn and Catherine); and enjoyed a presentation from new member Susan M. about her method for creating pictorial art quilts.
*Click below for an article on Harmonic Armatures and an 8 1/2 x 11 diagram.
Our last gathering of the year and a busy one. We viewed a couple of Focal Point Challenges and learned about Harmonic Armatures*; filled out a survey about activities for next year; signed up for the summer Blind Challenge; held a draw for our three art books (congratulations to Paulette, Evelyn and Catherine); and enjoyed a presentation from new member Susan M. about her method for creating pictorial art quilts.
*Click below for an article on Harmonic Armatures and an 8 1/2 x 11 diagram.
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April 3
We received a dozen postcards for the CQA challenge. We will do a bulk mailing of these to CQA next week, so if you have been procrastinating, you have one more week to submit an entry. Judith introduced our next challenge: using line, colour, texture to create a focal point in a small piece. Remember that any time you complete one of our smARTies challenges your name goes into the draw which will be held at our May meeting. We now have three book prizes! Many thanks to Sue G. who then gave a most informative presentation on photo transfer and showed how she incorporates photographs into art quilts. Click the icon to the right for a copy of her handout; click on the images below to enlarge and use the side arrows to navigate. |
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February 20
After a brief Show and Tell of our contrast pieces, we tried our hands at postcard making in preparation for the CQA Postcard Challenge at the upcoming CQA show in Vancouver. Thank you, Heather, for sharing your experience and expertise. The CQA Postcard Challenge (Theme: Inspired by Nature) is a fund raiser for the BC Children's Hospital and quilters are invited to submit quilted postcards (4" x 6") for sale and for judging (and cash prizes). We are throwing this out as a challenge to all guild members: HANDfuls, smARTies, MODley Crew, day members, evening members, everyone. We will collect entries at our next meeting, April 3, and submit them in bulk to CQA. And remember -- any time you complete one of our smARTies challenges your name goes in the draw for a book on surface design at the end of the year. Get busy!!!
(Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
After a brief Show and Tell of our contrast pieces, we tried our hands at postcard making in preparation for the CQA Postcard Challenge at the upcoming CQA show in Vancouver. Thank you, Heather, for sharing your experience and expertise. The CQA Postcard Challenge (Theme: Inspired by Nature) is a fund raiser for the BC Children's Hospital and quilters are invited to submit quilted postcards (4" x 6") for sale and for judging (and cash prizes). We are throwing this out as a challenge to all guild members: HANDfuls, smARTies, MODley Crew, day members, evening members, everyone. We will collect entries at our next meeting, April 3, and submit them in bulk to CQA. And remember -- any time you complete one of our smARTies challenges your name goes in the draw for a book on surface design at the end of the year. Get busy!!!
(Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
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Click here for postcard back template.
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January 9
After looking at the LINE pieces submitted, we were introduced to this month's design element: CONTRAST. Your challenge -- to create an 8" x 8" piece, reversible or not, illustrating the use of CONTRAST as a design element. Please refer back to the notes from Dr. Sharon McCoubrey's presentation last March These can be found by scrolling down the Members Only page. Those completing the challenges will have their names entered in a draw for a book on surface design. We then explored CONTRAST through an exercise in Notan. The pictures are worth a thousand words of explanation. (Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
After looking at the LINE pieces submitted, we were introduced to this month's design element: CONTRAST. Your challenge -- to create an 8" x 8" piece, reversible or not, illustrating the use of CONTRAST as a design element. Please refer back to the notes from Dr. Sharon McCoubrey's presentation last March These can be found by scrolling down the Members Only page. Those completing the challenges will have their names entered in a draw for a book on surface design. We then explored CONTRAST through an exercise in Notan. The pictures are worth a thousand words of explanation. (Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
October 31
After a brief Show and Tell, Judith introduced our project for the year: Exploring the Elements and Principles of Design starting with LINE. Your challenge -- to create an 8" x 8" piece, reversible or not, illustrating the use of line as a design element. Please refer back to the notes from Dr. Sharon McCoubrey's presentation last March These can be found by scrolling down the Members Only page. Then we played with our colourful autumn leaves and Shiva sticks to make stencils and beautiful designs on fabric. (Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
After a brief Show and Tell, Judith introduced our project for the year: Exploring the Elements and Principles of Design starting with LINE. Your challenge -- to create an 8" x 8" piece, reversible or not, illustrating the use of line as a design element. Please refer back to the notes from Dr. Sharon McCoubrey's presentation last March These can be found by scrolling down the Members Only page. Then we played with our colourful autumn leaves and Shiva sticks to make stencils and beautiful designs on fabric. (Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
May 16
Thanks to Sue C. and Janet for showing us what to do with the fabric and Lutradur we painted back in March, and giving us many more ideas for things to try over the summer.
NOTE: Please give your 6" coloured pieces to Marg before the end of the guild year (May 30) so she can prepare our display for the quilt show over the summer. Mineral and Nature pieces will be collected in September. You do not need to fill out an acquisition form for these.
Thanks to Sue C. and Janet for showing us what to do with the fabric and Lutradur we painted back in March, and giving us many more ideas for things to try over the summer.
NOTE: Please give your 6" coloured pieces to Marg before the end of the guild year (May 30) so she can prepare our display for the quilt show over the summer. Mineral and Nature pieces will be collected in September. You do not need to fill out an acquisition form for these.
March 21
Lots of fun playing with Lutradur, fabric and paint. Many thanks to Janet and Sue for leading us in this mini-workshop. Note to participants: bring your dried samples -- Lutradur and fabric -- to our May meeting where we will step outside, mutilate the Lutradur pieces with heat and then learn how to mount them on the painted backgrounds.
Lots of fun playing with Lutradur, fabric and paint. Many thanks to Janet and Sue for leading us in this mini-workshop. Note to participants: bring your dried samples -- Lutradur and fabric -- to our May meeting where we will step outside, mutilate the Lutradur pieces with heat and then learn how to mount them on the painted backgrounds.
February 21
An interesting round table of the interesting things people are up to, followed by a demo of how to assemble needle-felted and fabric cuffs. (Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
An interesting round table of the interesting things people are up to, followed by a demo of how to assemble needle-felted and fabric cuffs. (Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
January 17
Lots of fun at the needle felting demo. Many thanks to Bonnie and Sue for the demos, and Dianne, Sue and Mary for the photos.
(Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
Lots of fun at the needle felting demo. Many thanks to Bonnie and Sue for the demos, and Dianne, Sue and Mary for the photos.
(Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
November 22
The wet felted pieces created last week are starting to trickle in. Gorgeous! We'll keep adding to the gallery as the pieces come in. Again thanks to Alice and Violet for the inspiration. (Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
The wet felted pieces created last week are starting to trickle in. Gorgeous! We'll keep adding to the gallery as the pieces come in. Again thanks to Alice and Violet for the inspiration. (Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
November 15
Thank you to felt artists Alice Pallett and Violet Racz for sharing their time and talents with us this morning. After viewing Alice's demo, some of us tried it ourselves -- and some of us got seriously hooked. A list of where to shop for supplies will be posted to the Members Only page shortly. Here are a few pictures. (Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
Thank you to felt artists Alice Pallett and Violet Racz for sharing their time and talents with us this morning. After viewing Alice's demo, some of us tried it ourselves -- and some of us got seriously hooked. A list of where to shop for supplies will be posted to the Members Only page shortly. Here are a few pictures. (Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
2015-2016 Colour Challenge Complete
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May 20
With the reveal of our black and white pieces the colour challenges for the year are complete. Watch for a beautiful display of these at the next quilt show. Thanks to everyone for participating with so much originality and enthusiasm. And thanks to Cath and Mary for their demos on altering fabric with discharge paste and bleach -- messy, but great fun! (Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
With the reveal of our black and white pieces the colour challenges for the year are complete. Watch for a beautiful display of these at the next quilt show. Thanks to everyone for participating with so much originality and enthusiasm. And thanks to Cath and Mary for their demos on altering fabric with discharge paste and bleach -- messy, but great fun! (Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
April 19
A stunning display of green colour challenges. We're out of colours -- so for May 17 it's BLACK and WHITE, with one colour predominating on each side. Grey allowed. It will also be a play day, exploring discharging colour with various products.
A stunning display of green colour challenges. We're out of colours -- so for May 17 it's BLACK and WHITE, with one colour predominating on each side. Grey allowed. It will also be a play day, exploring discharging colour with various products.
March 15
The challenge pieces and batting for our 2017 quilt show group project were distributed, and the RED challenge pieces displayed. See pictures above. (Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.) Colour for the April challenge: GREEN. Scroll down for instructions.
The challenge pieces and batting for our 2017 quilt show group project were distributed, and the RED challenge pieces displayed. See pictures above. (Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.) Colour for the April challenge: GREEN. Scroll down for instructions.
*Colour Challenge Project
Make a small piece (6" square, finished on both sides, bound in some way) in the colour of the month. We're hoping these will become a sort of mobile to hang at displays and quilt shows. Think about what the colour means to you, the associations it generates, try out some new techniques. You can integrate other colours into your project, but the colour of the month should clearly dominate. Come prepared to share your work and to talk about your process.
Participation optional! You don't have to do one every month. In fact you don't need to do one at all, but come out and see the marvels the amazing, imaginative women in this group produce. Do as many or as few of the individual pieces as you want.
Make a small piece (6" square, finished on both sides, bound in some way) in the colour of the month. We're hoping these will become a sort of mobile to hang at displays and quilt shows. Think about what the colour means to you, the associations it generates, try out some new techniques. You can integrate other colours into your project, but the colour of the month should clearly dominate. Come prepared to share your work and to talk about your process.
Participation optional! You don't have to do one every month. In fact you don't need to do one at all, but come out and see the marvels the amazing, imaginative women in this group produce. Do as many or as few of the individual pieces as you want.
February 16
A full circle to display our blue challenge pieces, and to discuss our group piece for the September 2017 quilt show. Sue D. showed us the results of an experiment with discharge paste on an orange T-shirt -- and everyone wants to try it. We'll be setting up a practice session at a future meeting. Colour for the March challenge: RED. Scroll down for instructions.*
A full circle to display our blue challenge pieces, and to discuss our group piece for the September 2017 quilt show. Sue D. showed us the results of an experiment with discharge paste on an orange T-shirt -- and everyone wants to try it. We'll be setting up a practice session at a future meeting. Colour for the March challenge: RED. Scroll down for instructions.*
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January 19
A stunning display of Paint Chip Challenge and Orange Pieces! Colour for the February challenge: BLUE. Scroll down for instructions.*
Last June, we were given an envelope containing a selection of paint chips and a page of shapes from which to choose. The assignment was to choose three colours and one shape as the inspiration for a small art quilt. Have a look at the results! (Photo credit: Marian Grimwood)
A stunning display of Paint Chip Challenge and Orange Pieces! Colour for the February challenge: BLUE. Scroll down for instructions.*
Last June, we were given an envelope containing a selection of paint chips and a page of shapes from which to choose. The assignment was to choose three colours and one shape as the inspiration for a small art quilt. Have a look at the results! (Photo credit: Marian Grimwood)
November 17
A beautiful display of the yellow and purple pieces produced to date. These will travel to the Evening Meeting tomorrow. January's colour is ORANGE. See instructions below. Our discussion also produced two wonderful ideas for the 2017 quilt show celebrating Canada's 150th birthday. More information will provided as it becomes available.
Here are pictures of the colour pieces. (Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
A beautiful display of the yellow and purple pieces produced to date. These will travel to the Evening Meeting tomorrow. January's colour is ORANGE. See instructions below. Our discussion also produced two wonderful ideas for the 2017 quilt show celebrating Canada's 150th birthday. More information will provided as it becomes available.
Here are pictures of the colour pieces. (Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
October 20
Our smARTies meeting got squeezed out by all the other activities going on, but we were able to display the beautiful yellow pieces which were brought in. November's colour is PURPLE.
Our smARTies meeting got squeezed out by all the other activities going on, but we were able to display the beautiful yellow pieces which were brought in. November's colour is PURPLE.
Need a Challenge?
Last year's panel project will be a tough act to follow, but here's what's in the works for 2015-16: the Paint Chip Challenge (click for details). If you haven't already picked up your envelope, there are still some available. Date due: January 19, 2016.
We are already looking ahead to the 2017 quilt show and another group project, perhaps on a Canadian theme. Any ideas? Bring them to the next smARTies gathering.
Last year's panel project will be a tough act to follow, but here's what's in the works for 2015-16: the Paint Chip Challenge (click for details). If you haven't already picked up your envelope, there are still some available. Date due: January 19, 2016.
We are already looking ahead to the 2017 quilt show and another group project, perhaps on a Canadian theme. Any ideas? Bring them to the next smARTies gathering.
May 14
Our smARTies Artistic Mission reached a climax at the quilt show with the unveiling of the two completed panel assemblies: the colours and the neutrals. The display at the entrance to the quilt show caught the attention and interest of our visitors, and the reaction was overwhelmingly positive. Congratulations to the creators of these masterpieces! Watch for their next appearance at the Creativity and Aging Symposium at the RCA on June 19, and at ArtWalk in September. Scroll down for a closer look! Click on each panel for more detailed explanations from the artists who created these stunning pieces.
Our smARTies Artistic Mission reached a climax at the quilt show with the unveiling of the two completed panel assemblies: the colours and the neutrals. The display at the entrance to the quilt show caught the attention and interest of our visitors, and the reaction was overwhelmingly positive. Congratulations to the creators of these masterpieces! Watch for their next appearance at the Creativity and Aging Symposium at the RCA on June 19, and at ArtWalk in September. Scroll down for a closer look! Click on each panel for more detailed explanations from the artists who created these stunning pieces.
March 17
What an inspiring morning getting our first look at the panel project -- a few panels finished, but most still at various stages of construction, and each one unique and beautiful. See the Blog for Judith's write-up, and pictures of our progress so far.
And even though we are not finished with this project, Bonnie introduced an idea for our next challenge -- a blind draw of three colour chips. Our task -- to use all three colours in any way we wish. Any thoughts on this? Any better ideas? Bring them to the April meeting!
What an inspiring morning getting our first look at the panel project -- a few panels finished, but most still at various stages of construction, and each one unique and beautiful. See the Blog for Judith's write-up, and pictures of our progress so far.
And even though we are not finished with this project, Bonnie introduced an idea for our next challenge -- a blind draw of three colour chips. Our task -- to use all three colours in any way we wish. Any thoughts on this? Any better ideas? Bring them to the April meeting!
November 25
Our smARTies Artistic Mission launched this morning with the distribution of templates, batting and shared fabric. Here are a couple of pictures of the fun and of our chosen colour palettes. We will be producing two group pieces of seven panels each to hang at the May quilt show: one in neutral tones and one in colour. Each participant will create one panel which will be hers to keep when the show is over. (Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
Our smARTies Artistic Mission launched this morning with the distribution of templates, batting and shared fabric. Here are a couple of pictures of the fun and of our chosen colour palettes. We will be producing two group pieces of seven panels each to hang at the May quilt show: one in neutral tones and one in colour. Each participant will create one panel which will be hers to keep when the show is over. (Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
smARTies can find another copy of the smARTies Artistic Mission instructions on the Members Only page.
November 18
Besides choosing our new name (smARTies), we formed groups for TWO group quilts to be completed for the quilt show in May: one in neutrals and one in colour. Fabric sharing and template distribution to take place next Tuesday, November 25. Please contact Bonnie if you need more information. Challenge for January: SNOW. Interpret this four letter word in fibre and/or fabric in any way you choose.
And here are the results of the Tag You're It challenge. Won't there be some pretty packages under the tree! (Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
Besides choosing our new name (smARTies), we formed groups for TWO group quilts to be completed for the quilt show in May: one in neutrals and one in colour. Fabric sharing and template distribution to take place next Tuesday, November 25. Please contact Bonnie if you need more information. Challenge for January: SNOW. Interpret this four letter word in fibre and/or fabric in any way you choose.
And here are the results of the Tag You're It challenge. Won't there be some pretty packages under the tree! (Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
October 28 Angelina Beads and Felted Pumpkins
Thanks to Marg and Sue for the great demos. Bonnie introduced a proposal for a group quilt which would be shown at the quilt show in May. Please give the idea some thought before our next meeting. Contact Bonnie for more information. (Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
Thanks to Marg and Sue for the great demos. Bonnie introduced a proposal for a group quilt which would be shown at the quilt show in May. Please give the idea some thought before our next meeting. Contact Bonnie for more information. (Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)
October 21
Results of the Hallowe'en Challenge Here's what happened to the scraps of burlap and ribbon given out last month. Next Tuesday, October 28, Marg will demo using Angelina fibre to make beads. If you want to play along, bring some Angelina fibre, embellishments (small beads, wire, fancy thread), a piece of wooden dowel (or a wooden pencil), and a piece of parchment paper. Sue C. will also be showing us how she made the felt pumpkins in her Hallowe'en challenge. Bring some wool roving and a felting needle if you want to give felting-in-the-round a try. Challenge for November: Tag -- You're It! Use your imagination and your tchotchke collection to decorate a garment tag. Perfect in time for Christmas giving! See photo above for inspiration. |
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Our First Group Activity - September 23
The table was packed with participants and observers as we gave leaf-shaping with draping liquid a try. Messy -- but fun! We'll post more pictures as soon as the leaves are dry. |
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September 16
A lively group of about a dozen met briefly after the Annual General Meeting to admire the beautiful bookmarks which Sue G. has been needle felting (some of them during the meeting even) and some spectacular leaves moulded and shaped by Cath and Judith using a draping liquid.
The plan is to get together next Tuesday, September 23 to give this product a try. If you want to participate, bring a small sandwich* (6" x 6" or less), a small foam brush, a waterproof container for transporting your work home, and small bits of styrofoam, corks, pebbles, etc. for shaping your piece.
*To make your sandwich, fuse two layers of fabric together with wisps of batting between them NOT extending beyond the edges. Make sure the edges of your sandwich are well sealed. You may want to emulate the leaf shape or create a square, circle, amoeba, etc., and you may want to fuse other bits of fabric on top before machine stitching all your layers together (your choice of design -- be as plain or decorative as you like). To make a leaf vein or line, fold your piece and satin stitch heavily along the fold.
Bring your prepared sandwich with you on the 23rd. We'll cover the tables with plastic and let the magic begin.
A lively group of about a dozen met briefly after the Annual General Meeting to admire the beautiful bookmarks which Sue G. has been needle felting (some of them during the meeting even) and some spectacular leaves moulded and shaped by Cath and Judith using a draping liquid.
The plan is to get together next Tuesday, September 23 to give this product a try. If you want to participate, bring a small sandwich* (6" x 6" or less), a small foam brush, a waterproof container for transporting your work home, and small bits of styrofoam, corks, pebbles, etc. for shaping your piece.
*To make your sandwich, fuse two layers of fabric together with wisps of batting between them NOT extending beyond the edges. Make sure the edges of your sandwich are well sealed. You may want to emulate the leaf shape or create a square, circle, amoeba, etc., and you may want to fuse other bits of fabric on top before machine stitching all your layers together (your choice of design -- be as plain or decorative as you like). To make a leaf vein or line, fold your piece and satin stitch heavily along the fold.
Bring your prepared sandwich with you on the 23rd. We'll cover the tables with plastic and let the magic begin.