Challenge 67 Color of the Year - ULTRA VIOLET!

CHALLENGE 67 Color of the Year - ULTRA VIOLET                January 13th, 2018

                                                                                                 Next Meeting  February 10th, 2018

                                                                                                            at Boulder Main Library Flagstaff Room

 

Make a small something inspired by the Pantone 2018 Color of the Year, Ultra Violet

A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.

 

Complex and contemplative, Ultra Violet suggests the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now. The vast and limitless night sky is symbolic of what is possible and continues to inspire the desire to pursue a world beyond our own.

Enigmatic purples have also long been symbolic of counterculture, unconventionality, and artistic brilliance. Musical icons Prince, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix brought shades of Ultra Violet to the forefront of western pop culture as personal expressions of individuality. Nuanced and full of emotion, the depth of PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet symbolizes experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world, and push boundaries through creative outlets.

Historically, there has been a mystical or spiritual quality attached to Ultra Violet. The color is often associated with mindfulness practices, which offer a higher ground to those seeking refuge from today’s over-stimulated world. The use of purple-toned lighting in meditation spaces and other gathering places energizes the communities that gather there and inspire connection. (from the Pantone website)

 
EXTRA CREDIT if you also use one or more of the other Pantone 2018 colors

 

Have Fun!  Here are a couple quilters who have used these wonderful colors!

 

 

Lavender Mountains by Pam Geisel

Really Purple Coneflowers by Ann Fahl

 

References:

https://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2018

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pantone-color-2018-revealed-ultra-violet/

https://nonagon.style/pantones-color-of-the-year-ultra-violet-2018/

http://www.lamag.com/culturefiles/18-places-immerse-pantones-2018-color-year/

Challenge 66- Sustainable Quilts

CHALLENGE 66  Sustainable Quilts                   November 11, 2017

                                                                                    Next Meeting  January 13, 2018

                                                                                    at Boulder Main Library Flagstaff Room

 Make a small quilt using "not new" fabric and materials

 

·        Upcycle denim, neckties, linens, shirts, curtains

·        Repurpose old quilts, unconventional materials, fabric samples

·        Use up small scraps, snippets, selvedges, old buttons, vintage fabrics

·        Try for at least 50% "not new"

Julie Zaccone Stiller  (using small scraps)

Frank CA  (using neckties)

 

References:

http://vintagewithlaces.blogspot.com/search/label/Art%20Quilt

https://www.etsy.com/listing/195257806/mixed-media-quilt-art-quilt-recycled

https://www.facebook.com/Saffrons-Quilt-Page-842008755871560/

https://talkcontract.contractdesign.com/2017/03/iida-ny-hosts-sustainable-quilt-auction.html

http://www.barbarawisnoski.com/

http://www.quiltart.com/challenges/recycled/

http://artbysusanlenz.blogspot.com/2011/01/looking-for-mate-sock-art-quilt-and.html

https://www.recyclart.org/2013/06/recycled-trash-quilt/

Challenge 65 Mid Century Modern

CHALLENGE 65  Mid Century Modern                October 14, 2017
                                                                                    Next Meeting Nov 11 at Alfalfa's in Boulder

What is Mid Century Modern?

Mid Century Modern is a design aesthetic from the mid 20th century...think 50's style...think Mad Men and The Jetsons....think the Beat Generation and Atomic Age!

Some characteristics of mid century modern design are:

Clean, sleek, uncomplicated look      simple, smooth lines    hard edges              organic shapes    crisp geometric forms

bold, contrasting colors    influenced by Scandinavian design      influenced by earlier Bauhaus movement 

influenced by post war exuberance     influenced by jet travel and space age

Patterns/motifs: atomic, boomerang, starburst, flying saucers,  parabolas, "soft " parallelograms, artist's palette

Challenge:  Make an art quilt using the Mid Century Modern design aesthetic, colors or motifs.

 

     

Jenn Ski
 

      

                   Bee quilt by Central Jersey Modern Quilt Guild                                                
                   

References:

Some artists to look for:  Jenn Ski, El Gato Gomez, Rex Ray

Definition: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-century_modern

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/mid-century-modern-art https://www.pinterest.com/explore/mid-century-art

MCM patterns: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Mid+Century+Modern+Patterns

MCM architecture: http://sickoftheradio.com/2013/01/17/mid-century-modern-home-photos/

MCM quilts: https://www.pinterest.com/explore/midcentury-quilts

HAVE FUN!

Summer 2017 Challenge: UFO's

Art Quilt Challenge Group                 May 13, 2017 next meeting Sept 9, 2017

                                                             Location to be determined

                                                                                                                                           

Summer 2017 Challenge:   UFO's  

 

Make it the Summer of UFO's...Let's clear out the old to make room for new and exciting inspirations!

 

Reasons for UFO's: 

·       Ran out of materials

·       Ran out of time

·       Forgot about it

·       Started in a class

·       Lost interest

·       Hate it

·       Boring

·       Too complicated or time consuming

·       Don't want to quilt it

·       Too many mistakes

Solutions:

#1 Rule:  Better done than perfect!  It's not your life's masterpiece or show quilt, is it?  Just finish it!

 

·       Gather all your UFO's and orphan blocks and identify as:

o   Finish

o   Repurpose

o   Donate

o   Trash (or disassemble/cut up for stash use)

 

·       Get rid of the ones to donate or trash immediately...DO NOT put back in the closet or pile of UFO's.  If you don't know where to donate, I will collect them for you and get them to appropriate people/organizations.

 

·       Prioritize the ones you want to finish...by desire to finish, oldest first, newest first, amount of work to be completed, or any other system you decide on.  Label them with your priority number.  Put #1 project at your sewing machine or design wall, gather materials needed and start working.

 

·       If you don't want to quilt a finished quilt top, donate it or get someone else to quilt it or choose a very simple or minimal quilting pattern or tie it or use it as a table cloth.

 

·       If you ran out of fabric for the project,  be creative...use your stash, do something different with the rest of the quilt, reverse the color scheme so the difference in fabrics won't be noticeable, make it a smaller project, use it as a medallion center and border it with new fabrics.

 

·       Find projects for repurposing orphan blocks or partially completed quilts such as functional items and gifts.  http://www.patchworkposse.com/52-ufo-quilt-block-pick-up-tutorials-ideas-and-inspiration/    It's nice to have a little inventory of hand made gifts for those last minute gifts.

 

·       Rethink your big UFO's.  Would they make a nice baby or lap quilt or throw pillow cover?

 

·       Finding the time:  if you are busy busy busy, disorganized, distracted, or have a short attention span, just sit down and do 15-30 min chunks of time.  Have everything ready to go (bobbin wound, project at sewing machine under the needle, pieces stacked ready to sew, etc).  Quit while it is still enjoyable rather than get tired of it.  Prep and setup for the next time you will sew. 

 

·       Set a timer for the amount of time you have available to sew.  Start a load of wash and sew for the time it takes to finish.  Get up 20-30 mins earlier and sew. 

 

·       Schedule a monthly sew day (or half day or evening) with friends or go solo with headset and audiobook (or most great music).  Put it on your calendar and keep your commitment to yourself!

 

·       If you have a deck or patio, get a long extension cord and take your machine and project outside

 

·       Always have some hand sewing (hand piecing, applique, sewing down binding, etc) ready for those times you want to sit and watch TV or have quiet relaxing time.

 

 

Peace out.  Have a great summer and we look forward to hearing about your adventures and seeing your finished UFO's!

Challenge 64 Symbols

Art Quilt Challenge Group                 April 8th, 2017 due May 13th

                                                             at Boulder Main Library Flagstaff Room 
                                                                                                                                                 

CHALLENGE 64        Symbols

 A symbol is a mark, sign, or word that indicates, signifies, or is understood as representing an idea, object, or relationship.  A few examples:

Emoji, Alphabets, Pictographic, Braille, Morse Code, Signal Flags, Math symbols, Chemical symbols, Astronomical symbols, Binary Code, Bar codes, Coats of Arms, Signs, Religious/Mystical, Icons

 

Challenge:   Use symbols to inspire an art quilt (and consider using symbols in the quilting lines)

 

Challenge 63 - UFO Challenge

CHALLENGE 63       UFO and Catch up on Challenge(s)

How many unfinished projects do you have in your studio?  Do you have one you would really, really, really love to finish?   Choose that one....tell us about it now and make a verbal and mental commitment to finish it this month!

In the unlikely case that you don't have any UFO's, catch up on one of the challenges you have missed or want to revisit.  Consider one of the fun and interesting ones we have done:

Oxymoron                 

Tree of Life                     

Wabi Sabi             

Steampunk                     

Packaging Colors          

Make it Work   

Haiku                            

Fantasy        

Results of Art Gallery Challenge

Melanie

Colleen H

Connie

Connie

Judy

Martha

Maureen

Maureen

Sharon D

Sharon D

Challenge 62 Art Gallery Inspiration

                                                             Feb 11, 2017 due March  11th
                                                             at Boulder Public Library- Flagstaff Conference Room
                                                

CHALLENGE 62        Art Gallery Inspiration

 This month's challenge requires you to leave your comfy bubble and look at some other art!

 

Find a local gallery or museum, spend an hour, make some sketches, stare at a few pieces of art that appeal to you. 

 

·       What is it about your favorite piece of art there, that appeals to you?

·       Is there a feeling or mood to the piece? 

·       Does it remind you of something?

·       Why do you like it? 

 

Use the answers to these questions as inspiration for a quilt and tell us about your experience next time.

My example:  From the exhibit - Contemplative Landscapes by Suzanne Frazier - at the Dairy Arts Center

This appeals to me because of the beautiful light depicted in both scenes and the contrast between the 2 scenes...solid and flowing.  There is a feeling of power and majesty.  It reminds me of time spend in nature in awe of its grandeur.  I like it because it make me feel alive and grounded.  How am I going to use this as inspiration.....wait and see!

Art Venue Suggestions:

Smith Klein Gallery http://smithklein.com/   1116 Pearl St, Boulder

CU Art Museum http://www.colorado.edu/cuartmuseum/exhibitions  1085 18th St - Visual Arts Complex at CU Boulder

Leaning Tree http://leanintreemuseum.com/  6055 Longbow Dr in Gunbarrel

Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art http://bmoca.org/exhibitions/2017   1750 13th St, Boulder

Diary Arts Center http://pages.thedairy.org/exhibitions/  26th & Walnut St, Boulder - current exhibitions end Feb 26, new exhibitions start March 3

Nicholas Angelo Fine Art https://www.nicholasangelo.com/ 4089 Ute Hwy, Lyons

Arts Coalition of Erie http://artscoalitionoferie.org/ 625 Pierce St, Erie - check website for gallery hours

Denver Art Museum http://denverartmuseum.org/exhibitions  100 W 14th Ave, Denver

Denver Museum of Contemporary Art  http://mcadenver.org/ 1485 Delgany St, Denver

Walker Fine Art http://www.walkerfineart.com/ 300 W 11th Ave, Denver

15th Street Gallery https://15thstreetgalleryboulder.com/art-gallery  1708 15th St, Boulder

The Art House https://www.facebook.com/The-Art-House-of-Nederland-1618786095099737/ 171 E 2nd Street, Nederland

KCP Gallery/Art Bar https://www.facebook.com/KayCarolandPriscila/about/ 364 Main Street, Longmont -evening and Saturday hours only

Arts Longmont http://artslongmont.org/ 356 Main St, Longmont

Denver Arts Districts http://www.denver.org/things-to-do/denver-arts-culture/denver-art-districts/