Paintstiks, Where have you been all these years?

Talk about a step back into my childhood, this is as close as I am going to get to finger painting. I fell in serious "like" with this line of Christmas fabrics and the idea of painting or stenciling christmas motifs onto fabric. I rediscovered the fun of painting, it was so relaxing to interpret where the shadows should fall and how dark should the inner part of my christmas tree be. Don't get me wrong, sewing is by far my favorite form of relaxation. This stenciling comes a very close second, I was totally lost this past weekend looking for motifs to paint. Back in the early 1980's everyone was into stenciling their walls and around windows, in fact anything that didn't move was fair game. But like all things in life, it is in vogue again.

The wall hanging to the left is from the Terri Degenkolb's book Merry and Bright using her line of fabrics Winterberry Lane. I painted the the branch using Shiva Paintstiks and Freezer Paper. The ornaments were machine appliqued but sadly the order of Ric Rack hadn't arrived so I only had enough for one ornament. The pieced border was fairly easy to do and gives the wall hanging a bit of pizazz.

Don't look too closely at my pine needles, embroidery is not one of my stong skills but I am delighted with it. Now to quilt it and get it ready for hanging.

I also choose one of the stencil patterns from the book, JOY, and stenciled that onto the fabric. This was one of my practice pieces and it was great fun to play with. A totally different look to applique, just think of all the fun projects that you could do with these paints.

There is an upcoming class in this technique, it promises to be a fun day and no sewing machines allowed. The only materials you need to provide are cream background fabrics, a vivid imagination and bring along your christmas patterns or books to use as your Christmas stencil templates (say that ten times fast).

We will provide the freezer paper, paints and stencil brushes and as always, participants recieve a 10% discount off any purchases made on the day of the workshop. Bring a packed lunch. Tea, coffee and goodies are complimentary.

New Classes Starting

The Autumn is here, and I am anxious to start working on some fun projects for Christmas. The new building is nearing completetion and I think its time to get the classes up and going. I have some fun ideas for Christmas gifts and decorations and of course some gorgeous Christmas fabric has arrived. Also, I will be demonstrating fabric painting/stenciling for those of you who would like to try a new creative outlet.

I will be running two evening groups from mid September until the first week of December, and one morning group.

If you are interested in joining the advanced beginner/intermediate group this fall here are your choices:

Monday 11:00 - 1:00
Monday 7:00 - 9:30
Tuesday 7:00 - 9:00

Beginner Classes on Wednesday:
Morning 11:00 - 1:00
Evening 7:00 - 9:00

New Shop Update

As you can see from the pictures, the current shop is getting a little snug! Christmas fabrics and panels are all in stock now as well as two new lines for the autumn. We are feverishly working on the new shop and classroom here and hope to be in there very shortly.

The new lines that have arrived are Sandy Gervais' Reindeer Games with a panel and Deb Strain's Christmas line called Nature's Gift and that also comes with a panel. I also chose a line of fabric that is not what I would typically purchase for the store but thought I would give it a try and that is Red Rooster's line called Winterberry Lane by Whimsicals. It is a very countryish style and there is a lovely panel in that line as well. What appealed to me was the use of Shiva Paintstiks in the Whimsicals Christmas book that came out with the line of fabric. Let's just say it is a fun and great way to embellish your christmas projects. There will be a workshop this autumn and I will get a photo of the wall hanging that I completed so that you can see what I am jabbering on about.
I have received a number of phone calls and emails from people enquiring about the new shop and when we will be open. My answer is hopefully soon, before the end of September. In the mean time please feel free to give me a call if you want to stop by, 087*651*2109 and browse. I am always home and more than delighted to make arrangements for a visit. Please call before travelling to see us, I would hate for you to be disappointed if you showed up and the only ones here are the men in the family. Yikes, you would get a warm welcome but they would be useless in the shop.

I did receive an email from someone (asking about opening hours) but unfortunately I could not respond because your email address is blocked - Hi mel, give me a shout if you want to stop by!

Anywho, have a good week and happy sewing! Check out our class and workshop schedules for upcoming classes!

Happy quilting everyone
Anne Marie