SAQA "I'm Not Crazy" Exhibit Entry

To contact us Click HERE
Studio Art Quilters Association is having an exhibit titled "I'm Not Crazy" which explores mental health issues. I think the title  is offensive but whatever. It is the perspective or someone with mental illness, a caretaker or friend or family member of someone with mental illness. I have a very close friend who is Bipolar and is medicated to have balance in her life. This quilt is my interpretation of being bipolar-one minute she is happy, hyper bouncing off the wall and the next sad, depressed and angered. I used muted sad, dull colors to represent being depressed and, of course, the frustrated facial expression. I used bright colored fabrics with lots of chaos for the manic side's clothing, make up and jewelry. Her hair is out of control and her facial expression shouts "manic." I used lots of desciptive words on both sides of the personality in a subtle way in the background. I purposely went subtle because in society we don't want to talk about mental health issues and they are subtle and quiet  in our discussions. I found there is a two sided smiley face which symbolizes Bipolar Disorder and I added it to the quilt in the lower center of the quilt.This photo is a closeup of the depressed personality.And this is a photo of the manic personality. She's kind of "out there!" Her expression deminds me of Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland!!Cloeup of the Bipolar symbol and a few of the background words.I embellished the manic side with hand made Sculpey clay beads, a beaded earring, rhinestones for pierced earrings, orange lame' in the hair to symbolize being wired, and some fabric paint. The intent was for excess and chaos in hair, make up, clothing and jewelry. The depressed side has a necklace made to buttons made from leather (pretty cool from a quilt show!), a few beads for the necklace and a rhinestone for the nose piercing. Both have a little fabric paint for details.

The exhibit aplication is online at SAQA's website the month of May and during the summer we find out if we made the cut then the selected quilts will travel for 2 years to the various Mancuso Quilt Shows.

This quilt is not meant to represent beauty but a social issue. I was thinking of entering it in the local community art show at my library which runs through the summer but I'm not sure if the social issue would offend people. I guess art can do that sometimes...

Quilting Arts Magazine's Reader Challenge Reject!!

To contact us Click HERE
Well I am having a month of rejections!! I applied for an article in Quilting Arts Magazine and was rejected earlier in June. My piece for the "I'm Not Crazy" for SAQA was not selected. They had 128 entries and only chose 20. I'm very bummed about this one because this subject is very personal to me and I put alot of emotion into that piece. Then I entered the Quilting Arts Magazine's Reader Challenge on Signature Color and there were over 150 entries and only 15 were chosen. I had a blast on this little 8" x 8" project including the beading around the binding. This will be a cute addition to my studio and it makes me smile. I'm just a bit unsure if I want to participate in these things for a while. It seems abstract art is trendy at the moment and representational art is on the back burner. I still love to made art and will continue.

Girl's Night Out Blogger Get Together

To contact us Click HERE
We're so excited for THIS:
We know it's going to be a great night with some amazing bloggers who love (love!) sewing.  But wait... there's more!
Join in on the fun by with the Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store Girl's Night Out Contest -- you could win your own sewing swag!


Entries can be made via Twitter or Instagram by simply answering the question: 
What's in your sewing stash that you couldn't live without?
Be sure to use the hashtag #sewswag in your entry!!!
3 winners will be chosen at random during the Event and tweeted out live.
Don't have a Twitter or Instagram account? Leave a comment on this post for entry.
Rules: You may receive up to (2) total entries by choosing one of the three methods listed above. No duplicate comments, tweets or photos. All entries made via comments on this post must have an e-mail address listed in the comment. The contest runs from 10/2/12 - 10/12/12, and is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and notified by e-mail, direct twitter message, or Instagram comment. You have 72 hours to respond, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
Want more Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores Girl's Night Out fun?  
Follow along on Twitter and Instagram to see live tweets and photos before, during & after the event using the hashtag #getinonthefun.  Be a part of it!

SAQA "I'm Not Crazy" Exhibit Entry

To contact us Click HERE
Studio Art Quilters Association is having an exhibit titled "I'm Not Crazy" which explores mental health issues. I think the title  is offensive but whatever. It is the perspective or someone with mental illness, a caretaker or friend or family member of someone with mental illness. I have a very close friend who is Bipolar and is medicated to have balance in her life. This quilt is my interpretation of being bipolar-one minute she is happy, hyper bouncing off the wall and the next sad, depressed and angered. I used muted sad, dull colors to represent being depressed and, of course, the frustrated facial expression. I used bright colored fabrics with lots of chaos for the manic side's clothing, make up and jewelry. Her hair is out of control and her facial expression shouts "manic." I used lots of desciptive words on both sides of the personality in a subtle way in the background. I purposely went subtle because in society we don't want to talk about mental health issues and they are subtle and quiet  in our discussions. I found there is a two sided smiley face which symbolizes Bipolar Disorder and I added it to the quilt in the lower center of the quilt.This photo is a closeup of the depressed personality.And this is a photo of the manic personality. She's kind of "out there!" Her expression deminds me of Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland!!Cloeup of the Bipolar symbol and a few of the background words.I embellished the manic side with hand made Sculpey clay beads, a beaded earring, rhinestones for pierced earrings, orange lame' in the hair to symbolize being wired, and some fabric paint. The intent was for excess and chaos in hair, make up, clothing and jewelry. The depressed side has a necklace made to buttons made from leather (pretty cool from a quilt show!), a few beads for the necklace and a rhinestone for the nose piercing. Both have a little fabric paint for details.

The exhibit aplication is online at SAQA's website the month of May and during the summer we find out if we made the cut then the selected quilts will travel for 2 years to the various Mancuso Quilt Shows.

This quilt is not meant to represent beauty but a social issue. I was thinking of entering it in the local community art show at my library which runs through the summer but I'm not sure if the social issue would offend people. I guess art can do that sometimes...

Quilting Arts Magazine's Reader Challenge Reject!!

To contact us Click HERE
Well I am having a month of rejections!! I applied for an article in Quilting Arts Magazine and was rejected earlier in June. My piece for the "I'm Not Crazy" for SAQA was not selected. They had 128 entries and only chose 20. I'm very bummed about this one because this subject is very personal to me and I put alot of emotion into that piece. Then I entered the Quilting Arts Magazine's Reader Challenge on Signature Color and there were over 150 entries and only 15 were chosen. I had a blast on this little 8" x 8" project including the beading around the binding. This will be a cute addition to my studio and it makes me smile. I'm just a bit unsure if I want to participate in these things for a while. It seems abstract art is trendy at the moment and representational art is on the back burner. I still love to made art and will continue.

Girl's Night Out Blogger Get Together

To contact us Click HERE
We're so excited for THIS:
We know it's going to be a great night with some amazing bloggers who love (love!) sewing.  But wait... there's more!
Join in on the fun by with the Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store Girl's Night Out Contest -- you could win your own sewing swag!


Entries can be made via Twitter or Instagram by simply answering the question: 
What's in your sewing stash that you couldn't live without?
Be sure to use the hashtag #sewswag in your entry!!!
3 winners will be chosen at random during the Event and tweeted out live.
Don't have a Twitter or Instagram account? Leave a comment on this post for entry.
Rules: You may receive up to (2) total entries by choosing one of the three methods listed above. No duplicate comments, tweets or photos. All entries made via comments on this post must have an e-mail address listed in the comment. The contest runs from 10/2/12 - 10/12/12, and is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and notified by e-mail, direct twitter message, or Instagram comment. You have 72 hours to respond, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
Want more Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores Girl's Night Out fun?  
Follow along on Twitter and Instagram to see live tweets and photos before, during & after the event using the hashtag #getinonthefun.  Be a part of it!

Themed Gifts: Mason Jars Ideas from Martha Stewart Crafts

To contact us Click HERE

1. Beach Time Jar: Remove the inner lid, paint the jar with a design of your choice. Place sand inside, and add a candle on top. Decorate jar with a hemp chord.

2. Pasta Soup Jar: Remove inner lid, and paint the jar with a design of your choice. Fill first half with dry lentils and beans, then add bowtie pasta on top. Add a bow and directions for 3 bean pasta soup.

3. Spa Jar: Remove inner lid, and paint the jar with a bath theme. Fill with bath salts. Add a loofah or sponge tied to the outside.

Painting Supplies & Tools:

• Medium mason jar
• Martha Stewart Crafts™ paint in colors of choice
• Paintbrush

DIRECTIONS:
1. Paint the inner lid of mason jars in one color. Allow to dry.
2. Squeeze other color of paint inside mason jar and swirl around until coated and pour out the excess. Allow to dry.

Girl's Night Out Blogger Get Together

To contact us Click HERE
We're so excited for THIS:
We know it's going to be a great night with some amazing bloggers who love (love!) sewing.  But wait... there's more!
Join in on the fun by with the Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store Girl's Night Out Contest -- you could win your own sewing swag!


Entries can be made via Twitter or Instagram by simply answering the question: 
What's in your sewing stash that you couldn't live without?
Be sure to use the hashtag #sewswag in your entry!!!
3 winners will be chosen at random during the Event and tweeted out live.
Don't have a Twitter or Instagram account? Leave a comment on this post for entry.
Rules: You may receive up to (2) total entries by choosing one of the three methods listed above. No duplicate comments, tweets or photos. All entries made via comments on this post must have an e-mail address listed in the comment. The contest runs from 10/2/12 - 10/12/12, and is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and notified by e-mail, direct twitter message, or Instagram comment. You have 72 hours to respond, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
Want more Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores Girl's Night Out fun?  
Follow along on Twitter and Instagram to see live tweets and photos before, during & after the event using the hashtag #getinonthefun.  Be a part of it!

Candy Swirl Hot Pad (Crochet) directions

To contact us Click HERE

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Bernat® Handicrafter® Holiday Sparkle yarn:
  Contrast A (White Sparkle) 1 skein
  Contrast B (Red Sparkle) 1 skein
• Bernat® Handicrafter® Holiday Twists yarn:
  Contrast C (Yuletide Twist) 1 skein
• Size G or 6 crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge

DIRECTIONS:Gauge: 14 sc and 15 rows = 4"Note: When removing hook from st, pull out a long loop of yarn from rem st to ensure project does not unravel. With A, ch 2.Rnd 1: (1 sc. 3 hdc) in 2nd ch from hook. Remove hook. Make a slip knot with B and draw up through same sp as previous sts. Ch 1. (1 sc. 3 hdc) in same sp.
Rnd 2: With B, 2 hdc in first sc worked with A. (2 hdc in next hdc worked with A) 3 times. Remove hook. Return to last st worked with A, 2 hdc in first sc worked with B. (2 hdc in next hdc worked with B) 9 times. Remove hook.
Rnd 3: Return hook to last st worked with B, (2 hdc in next hdc. 1 hdc in next hdc) 10 times. Remove hook.
Rnd 4: Return hook to last st worked with A, (1 hdc in each of next 2 hdc. 2 hdc in next hdc) 10 times. Remove hook.
Rnd 5: Return hook to last st worked with B, (1 hdc in next hdc. 2 hdc in next hdc. 1 hdc in each of next 2 hdc) 10 times. Remove hook.
Rnd 6: Return hook to last st worked with A, (1 hdc in each of next 2 hdc. 2 hdc in next hdc. 1 hdc in each of next 2 hdc) 10 times. Remove hook.
Rnd 7: Return hook to last st worked with B, (1 hdc in each of next 3 hdc. 2 hdc in next hdc. 1 hdc in each of next 2 hdc) 10 times. Remove hook.
Rnd 8: Return hook to last st worked with A, (1 hdc in each of next 2 hdc. 2 hdc in next hdc. 1 hdc in each of next 4 hdc) 9 times. 1 hdc in each of next 2 hdc. 2 sc in next hdc. 1 sc in each of next 4 hdc. Break A.
Rnd 9: Return hook to last st worked with B. (1 hdc in each of next 4 hdc. 2 hdc in next hdc. 1 hdc in each of next 4 hdc) 4 times. 1 hdc in each of next 4 hdc. 2 sc in next hdc. 1 sc in each of next 4 hdc). Break B.
Rnd 10: Join C with sl st in last st worked with A. Ch 1. 1 sc in same sp. 1 sc in each st around. Join with sl st to fi rst sc.
Rnd 11: Ch 1. Working from left to right instead of from right to left as usual, work 1 reverse sc in each sc around. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Abbreviations:
ch chain
hdc half double crochet
rem remaining
sc single crochet
sl st slip stitch
sp(s) space(s)
st(s) stitch(es)

SAQA "I'm Not Crazy" Exhibit Entry

To contact us Click HERE
Studio Art Quilters Association is having an exhibit titled "I'm Not Crazy" which explores mental health issues. I think the title  is offensive but whatever. It is the perspective or someone with mental illness, a caretaker or friend or family member of someone with mental illness. I have a very close friend who is Bipolar and is medicated to have balance in her life. This quilt is my interpretation of being bipolar-one minute she is happy, hyper bouncing off the wall and the next sad, depressed and angered. I used muted sad, dull colors to represent being depressed and, of course, the frustrated facial expression. I used bright colored fabrics with lots of chaos for the manic side's clothing, make up and jewelry. Her hair is out of control and her facial expression shouts "manic." I used lots of desciptive words on both sides of the personality in a subtle way in the background. I purposely went subtle because in society we don't want to talk about mental health issues and they are subtle and quiet  in our discussions. I found there is a two sided smiley face which symbolizes Bipolar Disorder and I added it to the quilt in the lower center of the quilt.This photo is a closeup of the depressed personality.And this is a photo of the manic personality. She's kind of "out there!" Her expression deminds me of Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland!!Cloeup of the Bipolar symbol and a few of the background words.I embellished the manic side with hand made Sculpey clay beads, a beaded earring, rhinestones for pierced earrings, orange lame' in the hair to symbolize being wired, and some fabric paint. The intent was for excess and chaos in hair, make up, clothing and jewelry. The depressed side has a necklace made to buttons made from leather (pretty cool from a quilt show!), a few beads for the necklace and a rhinestone for the nose piercing. Both have a little fabric paint for details.

The exhibit aplication is online at SAQA's website the month of May and during the summer we find out if we made the cut then the selected quilts will travel for 2 years to the various Mancuso Quilt Shows.

This quilt is not meant to represent beauty but a social issue. I was thinking of entering it in the local community art show at my library which runs through the summer but I'm not sure if the social issue would offend people. I guess art can do that sometimes...

Quilting Arts Magazine's Reader Challenge Reject!!

To contact us Click HERE
Well I am having a month of rejections!! I applied for an article in Quilting Arts Magazine and was rejected earlier in June. My piece for the "I'm Not Crazy" for SAQA was not selected. They had 128 entries and only chose 20. I'm very bummed about this one because this subject is very personal to me and I put alot of emotion into that piece. Then I entered the Quilting Arts Magazine's Reader Challenge on Signature Color and there were over 150 entries and only 15 were chosen. I had a blast on this little 8" x 8" project including the beading around the binding. This will be a cute addition to my studio and it makes me smile. I'm just a bit unsure if I want to participate in these things for a while. It seems abstract art is trendy at the moment and representational art is on the back burner. I still love to made art and will continue.

Girl's Night Out Blogger Get Together

To contact us Click HERE
We're so excited for THIS:
We know it's going to be a great night with some amazing bloggers who love (love!) sewing.  But wait... there's more!
Join in on the fun by with the Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store Girl's Night Out Contest -- you could win your own sewing swag!


Entries can be made via Twitter or Instagram by simply answering the question: 
What's in your sewing stash that you couldn't live without?
Be sure to use the hashtag #sewswag in your entry!!!
3 winners will be chosen at random during the Event and tweeted out live.
Don't have a Twitter or Instagram account? Leave a comment on this post for entry.
Rules: You may receive up to (2) total entries by choosing one of the three methods listed above. No duplicate comments, tweets or photos. All entries made via comments on this post must have an e-mail address listed in the comment. The contest runs from 10/2/12 - 10/12/12, and is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and notified by e-mail, direct twitter message, or Instagram comment. You have 72 hours to respond, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
Want more Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores Girl's Night Out fun?  
Follow along on Twitter and Instagram to see live tweets and photos before, during & after the event using the hashtag #getinonthefun.  Be a part of it!

Get the Fiskars® Fuse for Your Chance to Win!

To contact us Click HERE

Get a Fuse Creativity System® Starter Set this holiday season, and you could win a fabulous Fuse prize pack worth over $500!* All you have to do is register your product using the link below before January 15, 2013.

Register your Fuse Starter Set here: http://www2.fiskars.com/Customer-Service/Product-Registration

A total of 25 lucky crafters will receive eight Medium Design Sets with steel-rule dies, three Medium Design Sets with intricate photo-etched dies, one Large Design Set with a steel-rule die and one large cutting plate. With all these great dies, letterpress plates and the Fuse Creativity Machine included with your starter set, there’s no limit to the stunning embellishments you can create. The Fuse Creativity System® is currently on sale at Jo-Ann stores everywhere — get the starter set for just $199 and all dies for 25% off!

*No purchase necessary; void where prohibited. 18 and older, legal U.S. and Canada residents only (50 US and DC). Void in Quebec.  Ends January 15, 2013. Complete details at http://www2.fiskars.com/Legal/Fiskars-Fuse-Creativity-System-Consumer-Sweepstakes-rules. Sponsored by Fiskars Brands, Inc., 2537 Daniels St., Madison, WI 53718.

SAQA "I'm Not Crazy" Exhibit Entry

To contact us Click HERE
Studio Art Quilters Association is having an exhibit titled "I'm Not Crazy" which explores mental health issues. I think the title  is offensive but whatever. It is the perspective or someone with mental illness, a caretaker or friend or family member of someone with mental illness. I have a very close friend who is Bipolar and is medicated to have balance in her life. This quilt is my interpretation of being bipolar-one minute she is happy, hyper bouncing off the wall and the next sad, depressed and angered. I used muted sad, dull colors to represent being depressed and, of course, the frustrated facial expression. I used bright colored fabrics with lots of chaos for the manic side's clothing, make up and jewelry. Her hair is out of control and her facial expression shouts "manic." I used lots of desciptive words on both sides of the personality in a subtle way in the background. I purposely went subtle because in society we don't want to talk about mental health issues and they are subtle and quiet  in our discussions. I found there is a two sided smiley face which symbolizes Bipolar Disorder and I added it to the quilt in the lower center of the quilt.This photo is a closeup of the depressed personality.And this is a photo of the manic personality. She's kind of "out there!" Her expression deminds me of Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland!!Cloeup of the Bipolar symbol and a few of the background words.I embellished the manic side with hand made Sculpey clay beads, a beaded earring, rhinestones for pierced earrings, orange lame' in the hair to symbolize being wired, and some fabric paint. The intent was for excess and chaos in hair, make up, clothing and jewelry. The depressed side has a necklace made to buttons made from leather (pretty cool from a quilt show!), a few beads for the necklace and a rhinestone for the nose piercing. Both have a little fabric paint for details.

The exhibit aplication is online at SAQA's website the month of May and during the summer we find out if we made the cut then the selected quilts will travel for 2 years to the various Mancuso Quilt Shows.

This quilt is not meant to represent beauty but a social issue. I was thinking of entering it in the local community art show at my library which runs through the summer but I'm not sure if the social issue would offend people. I guess art can do that sometimes...

Quilting Arts Magazine's Reader Challenge Reject!!

To contact us Click HERE
Well I am having a month of rejections!! I applied for an article in Quilting Arts Magazine and was rejected earlier in June. My piece for the "I'm Not Crazy" for SAQA was not selected. They had 128 entries and only chose 20. I'm very bummed about this one because this subject is very personal to me and I put alot of emotion into that piece. Then I entered the Quilting Arts Magazine's Reader Challenge on Signature Color and there were over 150 entries and only 15 were chosen. I had a blast on this little 8" x 8" project including the beading around the binding. This will be a cute addition to my studio and it makes me smile. I'm just a bit unsure if I want to participate in these things for a while. It seems abstract art is trendy at the moment and representational art is on the back burner. I still love to made art and will continue.

Girl's Night Out Blogger Get Together

To contact us Click HERE
We're so excited for THIS:
We know it's going to be a great night with some amazing bloggers who love (love!) sewing.  But wait... there's more!
Join in on the fun by with the Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store Girl's Night Out Contest -- you could win your own sewing swag!


Entries can be made via Twitter or Instagram by simply answering the question: 
What's in your sewing stash that you couldn't live without?
Be sure to use the hashtag #sewswag in your entry!!!
3 winners will be chosen at random during the Event and tweeted out live.
Don't have a Twitter or Instagram account? Leave a comment on this post for entry.
Rules: You may receive up to (2) total entries by choosing one of the three methods listed above. No duplicate comments, tweets or photos. All entries made via comments on this post must have an e-mail address listed in the comment. The contest runs from 10/2/12 - 10/12/12, and is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and notified by e-mail, direct twitter message, or Instagram comment. You have 72 hours to respond, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
Want more Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores Girl's Night Out fun?  
Follow along on Twitter and Instagram to see live tweets and photos before, during & after the event using the hashtag #getinonthefun.  Be a part of it!

Join Jo-Ann & CraftBuds for the Stuff Your Crafty Stocking Giveaway!

To contact us Click HERE
Hear those jingle bells? Santa's coming to town early with the Stuff Your Crafty Stocking Giveaway! Thanks to the awesome team at CraftBuds & Imagine Gnats for putting this together :) Read on to find out more!

We're excited to team up with some fantastic bloggers and companies to help you have the craftiest Christmas ever! Enter the Stuff Your Crafty Stocking Giveaway for your chance to win one of five HUGE stocking stuffers. The total of all prizes is valued at more than $2,000!
Janome Hello Kitty 15822 Sewing Machine • Coats + Clark • Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores
Andover Fabrics • Pink Castle Fabrics • Sewn Studio • Go To PatternsSewCanShe.com • Sew Mama Sew • Figgy’s • Casa Crafty
FreeSpirit Fabric • Aurifil • Pellon

Craftsy
To enter the giveaway, simply "Like" all of the Facebook pages below, and fill out the Google form letting us know you did. We know you will love them just as much as we do!



Make sure you only enter ONCE, because this form is shared on all of the participating sites. Duplicate entries will be deleted, and giveaway ends Monday, Dec. 17th. Good luck!  
* This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability. No purchase necessary. For alternate entry, e-mail lindsay(at)craftbuds(dot)com with your full name and the subject line "Stuff Your Stocking Contest." The sponsors will ship all prizes within 7 days of the end of the giveaway. Giveaway starts Monday, December 10th at midnight pm EST and ends Monday, December 17th at midnight EST. Once the giveaway ends, winners will be chosen using Random.org and contacted within 24 hours by e-mail. This main contest post at CraftBuds.com will be updated with winners’ names once we’ve heard back from them. Winners will need to respond within 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be chosen. Some giveaways open worldwide.