Quilted Nonsense

Quilted Nonsense

Quilted Nonsense: Deceptively Yummy Signature Cupcake Pincushions

Quilted Nonsense: Deceptively Yummy Signature Cupcake Pincushions: Deceptive Yummy Cup cake pincushions are the talk of the town, they are carefully hand crafted from my hands to yours. I am so excited ab...

Deceptively Yummy Signature Cupcake Pincushions. Now featured on 'The Quilt Show' June 2014!

Deceptive Yummy Cup cake pincushions are the talk of the town, they are carefully hand crafted from my hands to yours.
I am so excited about the path these pincushions have taken on the sellers market. My eccentric little beauties tend to be a crowd puller and head turner.

Are you looking for that special gift for that mother, aunt, seamstress quilter and crafter that sews and often loves to get away on retreats?

Well 'Deceptively Yummy' might just be right for you, I compare the time that goes into these eccentric little beauties to the laboring process of a woman on the verge of becoming a mother, which is a very painful process, but the beauty of this process is only seen when the child is born and laying in the arms of its mother.

These pincushions are carefully hand crafted, the pins and needles that stick my fingers in the process I shall not speak about, since I just can not use a thimble in sewing, but when that lucky buyer shows up at the sales desk because the colorful pincushions spoke to them, I then know that my child is born and laying in the arms of its mother.

Making the pincushions is so therapeutic, I liken this process to traditional hand quilting, it totally de-tresses me and enliven my senses making me very happy, I am always excited with the end result when the beautiful bun is cooked, looks yummy and so enticing.

For this holiday season, Deceptively Yummy Cup Cake pincushions will sell for a reasonable $25 dollar value plus a $5 shipping and handling fee for 1 piece, and an $8 dollar fee for 2 pieces, there will be free shipping on an amount of 3 pincushions upwards.

For international purchases please contact me on my Etsy Page by sending me a Convo.

Not suitable for very young children to play with, but ideal for a seamstress, quilter, or any needle crafter. It also works as a great pincushion for hat pins and tie pins etc.

When purchased they will arrive packaged in a in a 'USPS Ready Ship gift box' and attached will be my personal complementary card,work will be autographed by me, and 2 diamond studded pins included as a personal gift in a surprise needle holder from me to you! That will be included at no cost to you.

Items will ship within 2 business days.

Be my first order this season and receive these pincushions from my hands to yours!
~~~~~~~Wendy.


Original design
Copyright Braid and Stitch 2011

http://www.braidandstitch.​etsy.com/

DIPO | Braid And Stitch

DIPO | Braid And Stitch

Rythyms of Africa

This is one of my very latest art works reflecting the spirit of dance which was an auction piece to help raise money for the Project Hope event organised by the American sewing Guild to help 'Font of Mercy' which is a charitable organization helping widows in Uganda, this took place in Portland Oregon on September 17 2011. This art quilt at the end of the day found its way into a happy home.

Rythyms of Africa
Rythyms of Africa depicts the spirit of African dance, in most African villages to date, the sound and rythym of drums expresses the mood of the people, and resonates the heart beat of a community, such is the power of drumming and dancing, to touch the souls of those who hear its rythym.

As an artist far away from my native homeland, I have nostalgic feelings of Africa, simple things like tribal dance, festivals, and listening to the messages of the talking drums are things I long for every day, in order to connect with the good spirit of my heritage, I am inspired to dance.
I created 'Rythyms of Africa' to depict the happy spirit of dance.

Artist Statement.
Art work is raw edge machine appliqued and machine quilted, hand dyed fabrics for the background and a mixture of Kente Prints.

Dimensions ~ 33L 40W
Rythyms of Africa
Original Design 2011
http://braidandstitch.com/
Copyright Braid and Stitch 2011

Quilted Nonsense: Deceptively Yummy Cupcake Pincushions ready to shi...

Quilted Nonsense: Deceptively Yummy Cupcake Pincushions ready to shi...: "Once again I want to share some new additions to my signature pincushion line, and it is going to be this way for quite a while, like I ment..."

Deceptively Yummy Cupcake Pincushions ready to ship!

Once again I want to share some new additions to my signature pincushion line, and it is going to be this way for quite a while, like I mentioned before, the creative art of making these pin cushions is so therapeutic, something that makes me go back to my childhood days when I did a lot with just a

sewing needle.

I find it so exciting when the piece is all done, and then it finally comes to life, since I really never know how strongly the 3D structures on top will pop in the finished piece. One thing I can say now, I am really happy with what my signature line has turned out to be, it is a must have for quilters and sewers, and here in Portland Oregon, sewers have really embraced this product line, making me one very happy lady!

My advice to people in the creative arts, keep the morale high! and keep the creativity coming!
~~~~~~~Wendy.

Original design
Copyright Braid and Stitch 2011
http://www.braidandstitch.​etsy.com/

Quilted Nonsense: Deceptively Yummy Cupcake Pincushions ready to shi...

Quilted Nonsense: Deceptively Yummy Cupcake Pincushions ready to shi...: "Its been a while since I blogged on Quilted Nonsense, but this time I decided to step out of the box and do something different in fiber art..."

Deceptively Yummy Cupcake Pincushions ready to ship!

Its been a while since I blogged on Quilted Nonsense, but this time I decided to step out of the box and do something different in fiber art and this is what I have been up too!

I will be launching an original pin cushion design line in September but in the meantime I have them in my Etsy store and adding more each day . They are so much fun to create and rather very therapeutic, and de- stressing.

Fakely Delicious pincushions! Here we go!
These are what we take when we want to get away for our sewing retreats across the sea as well as our secret and serene hideouts, our perfect gifts for Mothers day, and also gifts for our grandmothers and family that love to sew.

My pincushions are carefully and lovingly crafted by hand and totally hand stitched in a smoke free home, and they are allergy free. There are no glues or dyes added, giving pins and needles easy access when pinned into them.

These cupcakes measure approximately 10 1/2 inches diameter and 4inches tall.

My felt pincushions are made of 100% woolen felt so soft to the touch, and contain alternating layers of emery sand which will always keep your pins sharp, as well as lofty layers of poly fill fiber, These together make one soft balanced and cuddly pincushion!

Not suitable for very young children to play with, but ideal for a seamstress, quilter, or any needle crafter. It also works as a great pincushion for hat pins and tie pins etc.

When purchased they will arrive packaged in a in a 'USPS Ready Ship gift box' and attached will be my personal complementary card,work will be autographed by me, and 2 diamond studded pins included as a personal gift in a surprise needle holder from me to you! That will be included at no cost to you.

Items will ship within 2 business days.

Be my first order and receive these pincushions from my hands to yours!
~~~~~~~Wendy.

Original design
Copyright Braid and Stitch 2011
http://www.braidandstitch.etsy​.com/

Color Of Aspen

Aspen are the most widely distributed tree species in North America, ranging from Alaska to Newfoundland and down the Rocky Mountains to Mexico. Utah and Colorado are home to the largest portion of natural acreage of aspen in the World.

They are the most visible of western North American hardwoods providing wildlife habitat, livestock forage, specialty forest products, and highly desirable scenery.
In the fall, when all is so gray, the woven colors of Aspen trees enliven my senses and makes me happy. I thought of creating an art work, honoring Aspen trees and bringing them to life with a breath of color, and then 'Color of Aspen' was born!

This work is an original piece created using the Confetti Technique of piecing.
'Color of Aspen' was one of my pieces at the North West Quilters Guild Expo which took place from the 10th to 12th of March 2011, it was a head turner making me very proud!


Color of Aspen
Original design - 2011
Dimensions 351/2L 431/2W
http://braidandstitch.com/

Quilted Nonsense: Wallowing Dreams

Quilted Nonsense: Wallowing Dreams: "We all have dreams in a lifetime, while some dreams come true, others do not. The inspiration for this art work came to me as I read about..."

Wallowing Dreams

We all have dreams in a lifetime, while some dreams come true, others do not. The inspiration for this art work came to me as I read about Halley's Comet which last appeared in 1986.

I also learned that it appeared every 75 or 76 years, and the only short term comet that is visible to the naked eye from Earth possibly appearing twice in ones life time, and for me 75 years is a life time of dreams. This suddenly reminded me of my lifes purpose, considering that we all as humans have a pupose in life and need to find it.

Wallowing Dreams represents people of all ages, and their prospective dreams in a life time, knowing that we have the power as humans to dream big dreams, altering and shapening them if we have to, in order to make them a reality.

This art work was created using acrylic pastels and paints, work is hand beaded, machine stitched, and machine quilted. Fabrics used are Swiss linen as a canvass.

Wallowing Dreams
Original design - 2011
Dimensions 29L 52W
http://braidandstitch.com/

Quilted Nonsense: Denkyem

Quilted Nonsense: Denkyem: "Denkyem (The Crocodile) Denkyem in Ghana is the traditional name for crocodile or alligator, this creature is seen as strong and powerful s..."

Denkyem

Denkyem (The Crocodile)

Denkyem in Ghana is the traditional name for crocodile or alligator, this creature is seen as strong and powerful since it can stay for long periods at a time under water. Denkyem is one of Ghana’s Edinkra symbols, these animal symbols are popularly called totems, when likened to this creature you are seen as strong, powerful, and persevering through all life’s struggles and challenges.

Work is raw edge appliqued and machine quilted. Hand dyed fabric and Kente Print.

I relate a lot to this totem symbol which happens to be my favorite amongst the Edinkra Symbols of Ghana.
I invite every one to enjoy and post comments and share.

Denkyem
Original design - 2010
Dimensions 29W 35L
http://braidandstitch.com/

DIPO

DIPO THE CEREMONY OF THE KROBO PEOPLE OF GHANA.

After child naming ceremonies which happen eight days after birth, the next most recognized ceremonial rites are the Puberty rites, this is the coming of age for girls. In Ghana, this is a huge event, the 'Dipo' puberty rites celebrated by the Krobo people ushers young women into adulthood.
In Akan culture women represent the beauty, purity, and dignity of society, and are strongly protected from any form of abusive behavior.

The lasting impressions of a young girls development are built during these formative years of her life, where girls spend most of their time with their mothers. In Ghana, the Akan's believe that good mothers with great morals make good children.

In a three week period of seclusion, the Queen mother of a town or village works with mothers to teach young girls who are of age, the secrets of womanhood, giving them lessons in sex education and abstinence. Girls are also taught and groomed in bedside habits since the mothers also believe that a good and happy wife makes a great home.

After the period of seclusion a huge durbar of chiefs, sub chiefs, and queen mothers is held where most in the community attend, this is one happy occasion, the young women are dressed pretty scanty, with heavy beading resting on their hip lines, and a sash running from the backside to the front creating a traditional pantie line, they are very nicely made up and are presented topless to make a statement about their purity.
There is the pouring of libation, and then these young women are led out to dance topless symbolizing maturity into womanhood, and also her availability to prospective young suitors and husbands.

I chose 'Dipo' for my quilting project, since it is a beautiful cultural topic to discuss as well as an interesting piece when represented in fabric, and also to share and compare with the rest of the world the coming of age celebration for girls.

Dipo is going to some more shows from here and might just show up in you state, so be on the look out. This art work called 'Dipo' is a 'Marble mosaic' a special technique I have created for my mosaic quilting, Dipo had its debut at the North West Quilters Guild Expo, and it was a 'Chart eater' making me very proud!

Quilted Nonsense: Celebrating Masai

Quilted Nonsense: Celebrating Masai: "The Massai are very ordinary people with a simple life styl...e, they have always reminded me that the simple and best things in life are fr..."

Quilted Nonsense: LOVE

Quilted Nonsense: LOVE: "Seahorses are fish that are covered with bony plates and not scales. Males are responsible for child bearing, they fertilize and carry eggs ..."

LOVE

Seahorses are fish that are covered with bony plates and not scales. Males are responsible for child bearing, they fertilize and carry eggs the female deposits into the males pouch, and he carries them to term. Once born, baby seahorses are on their own and they swim away.

Sea horses are found in the warm waters of the world, generally in the shallower waters near the coast lines, they feed on brine shrimp, fish and plankton, Seahorses mate for life and when one partner dies the remaining sea horse never picks a new partner.

They are very vulnerable creatures, and I have always been intrigued by their natural characteristics, they are very protective of their specie. This is a commissioned piece I worked on for a lovely couple for Valentines day.

Artist statement  
This under water piece is a totally painted Art quilt with Acrylics, fabrics used are hand dyed fabric for the background which also served as a canvas, as well as printed fabrics. 
Work is machine pieced, appliquéd, quilted and totally painted and meticulously hand beaded.
Dimensions 22 1/2L 33W

Beautiful Nonsense. Now featured on 'The Quilt Show' June 2014!

This is Beautiful Nonsense, an abstract quilt art which I created after watching so much of the horrific oil spill in the Gulf. I thought of using some of the pictures of the spill which I had saved in an abstract fiber art African inspired quilt. The oil spill at its height was one horrific event that impacted so much of our lives, heroic lives were taken, and our wild life, sea life, and ocean vegetation were greatly impacted.

I thought of the lives that were lost, and the grieving families, and how fragile life was. As I slept that night, I dreamed this piece an abstract work on this tragedy, and 'Beautiful Nonsense' was born!

I decided to change things a little by giving a background that looked more like relief features instead of the blue ocean color, keeping in mind that this quilt was African Inspired, I decided keep the background of this art work in black since black in Africa is symbolic of loss, sorrow and pain.
Our environment was heavily impacted by this unfortunate oil spill, but I decided to tap into that negative energy and turn it into a positive work of art.

Fabrics used were African print and black Swiss linen, and work is machine stitched, heavily trapunto'd, and machine quilted. Work is also hand painted and meticulously hand beaded.

Massai

In the last two days, two lovely Face book friends have for some reason  been going on about this quilt of mine 'Massai' and so it just struck me to feature it next on my community page, in order to share the beautiful story of the Massai people of East Africa.

The Massai are very ordinary people with a very simple life style, they have always reminded me that the simple and best things in life are free, and beyond all the hardship that Africa endures, they prove that you can see 'Happy' in any difficult situation. They wear the whitest smile, and the darkest complexion, characteristics so unique of people who reside along that part of the equator.

The Masai are semi-nomadic people located in Kenya and northern Tanzania. Due to their distinctive customs and dress, the Massai choose to reside near the game parks of East Africa, they are among the most well known of the African ethnic groups.They speak Maa, a local dialect. As well as Swahili and English.

They are live stock farmers, and I have always been intrigued by their unique appearance, the stretching and piercing of the their ear lobes, including the thorns they use for piercing, as well as twigs, stones, the pieces of elephant tusks, and empty film canisters they wear in their earlobes. Red is the most favored color of the Massai men.
This quilt 'Massai' is up for exhibit in March and you just might see it at a show in you state, so keep looking!!

I created this abstract work to share the beautiful story of the Masai people of East Africa. Fabrics used are hand dyed fabrics and Kente prints. Work is machine appliqued, quilted,and lightly hand painted.
Massai 55W  261/2L