“Words, Words, Words” – a Small Beaded Art Quilt

Small beaded art quilt - "Words, Words,Words"Nancy Smeltzer. MFA

Every so often, it’s nice to work on a small scale, as my larger art quilts can take a month to complete. Here is the beginning of a small beaded piece, “Words, Words, Words”. When it’s completed, it will only measure 8″ square (20.5cm square), and is destined to be submitted for consideration for a Reader’s Challenge from the magazine, “Quilting Arts”. This particular contest that the magazine is holding is called “Text Me“. The theme is about using words as a decorative motif, so that’s what I did. I printed “words” on fabric that could be run through my ink jet printer, using different font styles and sizes.

As with all of these small art quilts that I make, I don’t have the luxury of spreading materials out over lots of surface area. Before I get started, I always pull out enough materials to make several quilts, as I like to have choices as to what to include. Even with a larger piece, there are always embellishments left over that I didn’t get to include, but those left over materials scream at me even more so with the creation if these small pieces. “So, why did you haul me out if you weren’t going to use me?” they seem to complain!

Un-embellished fabric after being run through an ink-jet printerHere’s the fabric, fresh out of the printer, after the backing paper has been washed off and the back of the fabric ironed to set the ink. When I was composing the image on Photoshop Elements, I thought the contrast between the white lettered ‘Words” had more contrast against the two yellow background blocks, but that’s not true here on the fabric. The letters in the magenta “Words” are probably too small to put beads on, which I didn’t notice when I was looking at the image on my computer screen in PSE. That’s a shame because I have some perfectly color matched size 10 seed beads to sew on them. The last black “Words” at the very bottom is also probably too thin to sew on. If I had more time, I would have re-done the fonts, but since the photos to “Quilting Arts” are due the end of the month, I’ll just have to make some compromises as I make my little quilt. That’s one reason what art classes are so important for all kids, as it teaches them creative problem solving skills. Unfortunately, here in the States, far too many art budgets are cut and many children are deprived of that aspect of their education.

What are some skills that you have learned from your art experiences that you might not have learned otherwise. For me, besides the fun of doing the work, art is just fundamental to my well-being, as it feeds my soul. How about you? 

For some other exciting ideas on art quilts, check out this blog…

http://ninamariesayre.blogspot.com/

Why not leave a comment as to your thoughts on this posting. Please take a minute, fill out the form below or by clicking on the “comments/no comments link” at the top of the posting, and then share your ideas with the rest of us. We all grow when we share our thoughts and impressions, so why not join our growing community of those who appreciate art quilts and textile arts. We’d love to hear from you!… and PLEASE tell like minded souls about this blog! The more readers and contributors, the more I write because encouragement helps the words flow!

You can see more of my art work on my web site at www.fiberfantasies.com (be patient as it loads; it’s worth it), my spiritual healing work at www.transitionportals.com and can find me on Google + , Facebook (for Transition Portals) Facebook (for Fiber Fantasies),  and Twitter.

To find out how to buy my art work, please check out “How to Buy my Art Work” in the “Pages” section to the right of this blog.

8 comments

  1. Nina-Marie says:

    First of all – love your piece – its a great challenge! I love working with words and really would wear a graphic t-shirt everyday with some kind of sentiment on it if the world would let me! I’ve learned a ton of stuff from quilting – I guess the most valuable to me is my whole education and blogging. Love connecting with other like minded ladies and encouraging them. My Off the Wall Friday is open if you’d like to share your post!

  2. Dear Nina-Marie, thanks for the kind words and the offer. For those of you who are hungry for more people who write about art quilts. check out Nina-Marie’s site… ninamariesayre.blogspot.com/ There are LOTS of great art quilts there for inspiration. I have some questions, Nina-Marie about how to link my site, so I’ll send you an email off-line, but I’d LOVE to be included in your esteemed circle on your blog. Thanks so much for the kind offer.

  3. marga says:

    I also love to work with any kind of lettering, your piece is lovely:)LOVE your embellishments, adds *zing* to the composition.

  4. Dear Marga, thanks for the compliments. I do lover my buttons and beads..:)

  5. meta says:

    Hi Nancy,

    I found you again on ‘off the wall’, it’s been quite a while since I saw your work.Is this piece also going to be filled with beads?

  6. Of course, I never saw a surface area that I didn’t like. I’ve been writing away on this blog and also developing my intuitive spiritual practice….
    http://www.transitionportals.com so I’ve been busy learning how to shoot a video and edit it.

  7. And interesting use of words. I can see the possibilities of making this a whole series. Nicely done.

  8. Thanks for the compliments. I’ve always loved different fonts, but never mastered calligraphy in art school. With Photoshop Elements, I can play with lots of styles, compose them, make an image, and then print it on a paper size piece of fabric. LOTS of fun!!!

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