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Sunday, November 17, 2013

Sadly, There is more to life than quilling

 I’m sure many of you are disappointed with the lack of activity on this blog. I have been going through a period of adjustment since I am no longer able to do much quilling. Gone are the days when I could quill for hours at a time; it was always so relaxing.  Now my hands and neck complain after just a few minutes. I have been turning away custom work for several months now and it has taken me a while to get past my disappointment. However I still have Whimsiquills which keeps me in touch with other quillers and I am able to do some small projects like those pictured here.

Now that I have a little free time, I have been spending it with my two dogs, my new puppy (there is no better cure for depression than a little puppy), and a two year old Shih Tzu I am fostering trying to get him ready for a “forever” home. I am writing about this experience in Furry Fosters. If you are a dog lover, you might enjoy taking a peek at little Shylo’s progress.

Last week we brought in Alli Bartkowski’s DVD Quilling Made Easy(QC550) so I sat down and watched it. I have always said anytime quillers get together they will learn something new. Alli demonstrated a technique called the “beehive”. I had never tried it but thought it looked like it would be a good way of filling in areas and keeping it open and lacy looking. So I tried it and here are the results.  I did the Christmas tree using crimped paper just to see what it would look like. The Poinsettia I made with uncrimped papers. I created the petals using ring coils (wrapping the paper around a ¾" dowel four times) and then used the beehive technique to fill the petals in. I really like the look. The leaves are limple alternate side looping, and the center is a 6" strip of 1/4" paper fringed. I am fringing using a fringing die (QCT184) these days since my hand tires very quickly using my fringer. I did the poinsettia in one of our domed cards which means I can mail it with no special packaging at the first class rate. I really love these cards. They come with a round or oval dome.Alli mentioned in the DVD that this technique was used in antique quilling and shows a 17th Century reliquary and has recently been named the beehive technique. There are many tutorials on YouTube if you are interested. Just search for “quilling beehive technique”. The technique is also describe in Creative Paper Quilling (B70105) a new book put out by Annie's Paper Crafts . The book has projects designed by many different quillers.

3 comments:

Michele said...

Hi Pat!
First, I think you should remove the word "sadly" from your post. While it is sad that you cannot quill as much as you used to, sometimes removing something from your life that has taken up so much of your time, leaves room for other good things to happen to you.

Having said that, I am so happy to see a post from you. I have thought of you often over the last few years, as you have been so helpful to me as I began learning to quill (starting back in 2007, I think). Through your website, blog, and posts in the NAQG forum, I learned so much. And though now I know a whole lot more than I did, I still seek guidance and inspiration from those that have so much experience - like yourself.
I moved forward with quilling because you were there to guide me (and you probably didn’t even know it). And there is still so much you have to offer in your area of expertise, if you choose to do that. Selfishly, I would love it! I miss seeing your posts on the NAQG Yahoo site.
I have recently submitted my application to the NAQG for accreditation. My hands were shaking as I sealed that envelope and mailed it off. I am not sure my quilling is worthy of accreditation, but as a personal goal, I will try. If I don’t make it, at least I will have gone through the experience. I will also be attending my first NAQGCON in May of 2014. I have always felt like I was missing something when I would read about them in Quill America, so I made a vow to attend the next one. Plus, since I have never met another quiller, I want to make sure you all really exist.
Though my interest in quilling has never waned since I was first introduced, the time I have to submerge myself in it is often limited - by work, children, granddaughter, and my volunteer work. I also have space restrictions. When you shared a picture of the big windowed room where you did your quilling, I was salivating. lol. Such a beautiful space to create beautiful things.
I sent you an email about 4-5 months ago asking if you had any of your quilled items for sale because you have been like a mentor to me, and it would mean a lot to me to have something you have made. I didn’t hear back from you, so I am mentioning it here.
Again, it is so wonderful to hear from you and finding out what you are up to. Shylo appears to be a challenge and I congratulate you for the great things you are doing with him and for him – truly a kindhearted and worthwhile adventure.
Hoping to see a new post here soon,
A very appreciative and thankful fan,
Michele Johnson

Toni Swayze said...

Hi Pat! I discovered your site/store a couple months ago and it has fast become one of my favorite places to shop :) I love your selection and the unique items you have found to enhance our creations.

Thank you for sharing things on your blog. Many people have benefited from your experience and love of such a beautiful art.

Bronwyn said...

It is great you can post again on your blog