Pansy Study....

I finally figured out a way to recycle this pansy study that I didn't like how it turned out after I sewed it together.......I trimmed it down to 8" x 8"  size blocks and satin stitched around the edges two times around.......I also decided to frame each pansy in a shadow box to protect them from dust.....my original intention was to take them to work & hang in my office....

The next photo shows the satin stitched edges.....since it's only three layers.....the edges will ripple.....I was too lazy to use stabilizer.......but, I'll steam press those ripples flat after I'm done......

I've steam pressed the edges flat.....and found some short sequin pins (at Joann's) to tack the quilt in place......in this photo below.....I've tacked the quilt down on the black background that will be in the shadow box.....if you look closely.....you can still see a ripple in the upper right corner......does it bother me......no.....sometimes.....things are not meant to be perfect......you just have to learn to live with imperfections.......you won't see it it once framed in the shadow box.......

Below is the sequin pin and a normal size straight pin......you can see the difference in size between the two pins.......the longer straight pin is obvious in shadow box......the smaller sequin pin is not so obvious...... 

The normal size straight pins below appear extra long next to the sequin pin.

Below is one of the framed 8" x 8" inch quilts in the 12" x 12" shadow box.....the sequined pins are not noticeable and hold the quilt in place.....I found it difficult to take a picture without catching the reflection of the ceiling overhead light.....so I will take a picture of these quilts after I hang these frames on the wall.....

Again I wound up using a 12" x 12" shadow box that I found at Target.....Joann's also stock this size too.  I need to go back and buy three more for the last three pansies.  I really like how this looks....my quilts have a very professional look without having to pay an arm and a leg for framing......I hope you found this post interesting.......;)

I'm inspired to keep making these small quilts and love how they look framed like this......;)

Now if I could just get back to finishing my other small quilts.....:)

Until next time......

Inspiration.......

Today I made it a point to do something related to creating.....my job takes up a lot of my time so I have to sneak in ways to satisfy my creative spirit......

taking photos is a good way......

So I see fall flowers everywhere.......so this begs the question.....do I work on a fall quilt?  I don't have a fall quilt.....I do love all four seasons.....but.....I don't have a fall quilt....by the way.....I was born during the fall/winter season......I'm somehow drawn to the bright jewel tone colors of summer........

When I think of fall/spring....I think of pansies.....below is study I worked on of pansies a few years ago......I had not finished this quilt.......so.....I need a fast small quilt to decorate my office....but you know how people are.....they see a quilt....and they want to touch it.......do people touch paintings.....NO.....they simple admire them.........but fabric art begs to be touched.......so I'm thinking.....take a small quilt to work to decorate my office....but hang it in a shadow box........protected from dust & touching.......I never really liked the quilt I made shown below......it was a study..........so I think I will recycle it......cut it up.....and make it differently......

Here I go.....first one sliced.....

 That first one was painless.....I guess this is because I don't mind how it turns out.....I cut up the others...

So now I have three.....three is a grouping.....in decorating.......I continue.......

Before I can frame in a shadowbox.....I have to finish the edges.....sigh......believe me....it shows......then I need to figure out how to mount it inside the shadow box.....I've tried pins....that doesn't look very professional...it looks half-a.....oops....I mean....half baked......back to the drawing board.....I guess if it was easy......everyone would be on the band wagon.........was it Thomas Edison that once said.......Success.....is missed.....because it comes disguised as hard work.......or something like this.....forgive me Mr. Edison....that wasn't verbatim....but I think I got the message across......as I said before....back to the drawing board.....;)

Until next time.....;)