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This weekend I am teaching a new workshop at Midsomer Quilting. I am really looking forward to it, as it as I will be teaching one of my current favourite surface design techniques - printing.
I have been exploring and experimenting with printing using different media for the past few months and have created a collection of work with which I am particularly pleased, and has been well received by jurors in several exhibitions. Here are a few views of my latest quilt, called 'Lost in the noise' upon which I have used several different printing techniques.
For this weekend's workshop I have decided to focus on my current favourite printing technique - creating custom made print blocks. Because of my eagle-eyed mum I recently managed to acquire a large collection of acrylic display bricks which are perfect for using as print blocks. At the workshop we will be using these and other block making materials for our work. I hope to add some some photos to this post on Monday so you can see what we create and the wonderful work that make with them. As part of the preparation I have been experimenting with creating print blocks from a variety of media. Starting with a few simple hand drawn motifs I have created a variety of one-of-a-kind fabrics by printing onto plain light coloured fabric. By carefully thinking about shapes, layers, layout and colour I have been able to make a collection of co-ordinating fabrics which I can use to create an art quilt or similar project. Here is an example.
Beginning with some simplified flower shapes it is easy to create a motif to work with
A simple round block forms the basis of a flower. A more complex block can then be carved from lino to create a repeating pattern.
By changing the flower shape slightly more variation can be added to the design. Limiting the colours you use also keeps things simple and makes it easy to create some very nice co-ordinating fabrics. I think these colours look very calm and fresh together. 
I cut the fabrics into largish pieces and stitched them together to make a panel large enough for a sketchbook cover. YOu could easily do the same for a larger wall hanging - or even a quilt!
I must say, I'm really looking forward to Sunday - it is going to be great to see what we all make. Come back to see later next week!
Thanks for reading.
I am a member of SAQA, (Studio Art Quilt Associates) a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the 'art quilt' through education, exhibitions, professional development, documentation, and publications. Founded in 1989 by an initial group of 50 artists, SAQA now has over 3,400 members worldwide. By being a member I have access to great resources, a huge network of support and have been able to develop my work greatly. (If you are interested in joining too, I have put a link to the SAQa website at the bottom of this post.)
Each year SAQA hold a benefit auction to raise funds for the organisation. Members are invited to submit a small art quilt (12" x 12") for the auction. You can see the amazing collection of quilts donated for this year's auction by clicking on the blue button below. They really are a feast for the eyes, and if you were ever stuck for ideas this is a great place to look for inspiration!
This is the quilt I sent - I hope someone likes it enough to bid on it. 
The image is based on a little boy I once met named Spinach; I met him sitting at the side of the road, next to his mum who was selling the food she was preparing to passers by. He was sitting on the bare ground, absorbed with the activity of banging a bent nail into the dirt with a stone, and as the photo below shows, was completely happy. He really had nothing in the world, but was content with his stone and nail. Whenever I think of him I am reminded of his complete and utter innocence - hence the name of the quilt.
Here are a few of my favourites from the collection
The auction will kick-off at 2pm EDT (17:00 UK time) on September 16. If you have deep pockets anyone can purchase any of the quilts for $1000 on 'Diamond Day' - the opening day of the auction. Quilts not sold on diamond day are then divided up into three sections for bidding purposes. Each week, a different section of quilts will be available for bidding, starting at $750 and further reduced throughout the week. Even if you don't bid it will be interresting to follow the auction and see how much each quilt raises. This is a chance to own beautiful, unique art quilts by some of the world’s finest artists. Plus, your purchases help increase the recognition for art quilts and the artists who make them while supporting SAQA’s exhibitions, publications, and education outreach. You can email auction@saqa.com if you have any questions. 
Click to find out more about SAQA
Thanks for reading, and enjoy the quilts!
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