You might have noticed how sparse the text is in my blog posts... Not really my favorite activity, I struggle to communicate effectively in text.
And yet I am gearing up to launch a web site, studionysha.com (not operational yet!). A professional is actually building the site and I have to create the content. I don't just want images so that requires writing!
Taking a break from writing content I was watching the DVD that accompanies Making Your Mark by Claire Benn and Leslie Morgan
http://www.committedtocloth.com/
While watching the DVD I was inspired to do some auto writing or free writing - done to create a pattern. Here are some examples.

Writing in vertical and horizontal likes writing over the top of text to create a darker line and obscure the text.

Applying the ideas of cross hatching to text. Can I make a sphere sit in space?

Randomly curving lines of text used to suggest a form with a little added colour.

 Not sure where the text idea will go from here, but love the ideas of creating with text. Stay tuned!
If you live in the United States and would like to study with Claire and Leslie they teach at the Crow Barn on occasion,
http://www.nancycrow.com/
Click on Art Retreats and then Spring 2013.
Happy creating.

Drawings

A while ago I did some blind contour drawings - looking at the object being drawn and not the paper, except I was drawing with my sewing machine. Last week I did several drawing of a different nature that focus on shading. Not shading to express a form rather shading for shadings sake.

This free slideshow design customized with Smilebox

Connect the Dot Design Samples

This past fall at the Uncommon Threads Quilt Guild's Annual Retreat I launched a new class, Connect the Dot Design, a class where design is made a simple as a connect the dot picture.

The class was a success. After finishing teaching it the first time I decided that more samples were needed than just drawings on paper.

So I pieced one. Nice black and white for contrast (un-quilted at the moment).

As well as a sampler. (detail)

It is easy to see who else was at retreat. Our national teachers was Susan Cleveland.

http://www.piecesbewithyou.com/

She is the "Piping Hot Binding" lady

http://www.piecesbewithyou.com/patterns_pipinghotbinding_detail.htm

Her work is pretty special. I have loved seeing images of it, the chance to see it up close was even better. I love her simple, graphic approach to design. One thing she shared was a nifty use of a thicker thread like her 12 weight thread, Spagetti, from Wonderfill

http://www.piecesbewithyou.com/patterns_threadspagetti_detail.htm

what was so interesting about using this product is that she suggests using a top thread (like the 12 wt. Spagetti from Wonderfill) in a contrasting colour and matching the bobbin thread to the background fabric. Adjust the tension so that a little pop of bobbin thread 'breaks up' the line of the top thread. The look is more like a hand stitched line.

Nice.

If you know Susan's work you will also see that the choice of solids and graphic background is also a nod to her work. Thanks Susan for your inspiration.

Also - this is one of the first times I have used the beautiful fabrics (that I have had for years) from Carol Bryer Fallert. I loved the graduation of colour - and then wondered what to do with them. This was a good choice.

http://www.bryerpatch.com/cgi-bin/Store/store.cgi?cart_id=8198167.12054.s0&product=Btex_Gradations&productid=2046_11&sales=0&lastmenu=

This class is available for your guild or group. Just let me know!

And yes! it is for complete beginners as well as those with experience in design.

From the Mouths of Babes...

No one is born homophobic.

Homophobia is learned, sexuality isn't.

(reblogged from http://tumblr.com/ )

Quotes

I am a new subscriber to Lynda.com

This is a terrific site that is all about software training. I purchased Adobe Illustrator and the training at Lynda.com has been invaluable.

There are also documentaries. The last I have watched is on logotype designer Doyald Young --

"I have always liked helping people learn to draw. It is better to give than to receive. I think that teaching is rewarding. It (teaching) helps you decide what you believe in and what the real principles are that satisfy your aesthetic."

"I'm still learning how to draw. There are no secrets to what I do. All that I do is hard work and observation. Really! and doing things over and over until you're satisfied with them and think they're right." This says the eighty year old of the craft he has practiced since youth.

Thanks Doyald and thanks Lynda.com

Connect the Dot Design

UnCommon Threads Quilt Guild Retreat is coming up in November. My class, Connect the Dot Design is filling up fast! This is a little information about the supplies... plus a visual aid (love them!).

Connect the Dot Design

Supply List

Fine Tip Sharpie

Ultra Fine Tip Sharpie

Pencil (mechanical pencil is preferred*)

Pencil sharpener (for 2 mm mechanical or wooden**)

Straight Edge or Drafting Ruler

Eraser (pink rectangular with angled edge)

Notes on Supplies --

*I prefer a 2 mm Mechanical pencil (often labeled Drafting Pencil) as it is a little thicker than the 5 mm or 9 mm pencils. This preference id due to drawing with them and having a heavy hand that breaks finer leads. Use what you have, or is most available/cheap!

**When you choose a finer/thinner lead there is no need for a sharpener. With a 2 mm or a wooden pencil there is. These two require different sharpeners. No matter which you choose if it does not have a built in container to capture the shavings please bring a small container for that purpose!

ALSO - a drafting ruler or straight edge (Some times labeled a Grid Ruler) is a good tool to have. Rotary cutting rulers work, but the thickness of them is cumbersome. Using other items, like the edge of a pad or book also works -- seeing through the straight edge is invaluable!

***Don’t let anything get in your way! A pencil with an eraser will suffice. The other supplies just make it simpler and more accurate.

Kit Contains

Copy Paper

Card Stock

Tracing Paper

Layout Grids and Graph Paper

Things you will need to do more at home

*Exacto knife (with new blade or extra blades) or Box Cutter

Small cutting mat (12 x 12 or similar)

Square Rotary Cutting Ruler (9.5 x 9.5)

Screw Punch or Hole Punch and Hammer

I will have Punches in class for use and sharing - if you have one bring it.

Layers

Going to a class with Carol Soderlund at the Crow Timber Frame Barn in a couple of weeks. The class is "Layer upon Layer" ad we have been asked to find images that we are inspired by of layer. Here are some of mine....

Free picture slideshow personalized with Smilebox