Postcard for Irish Patchwork Society

A few weeks ago I mentioned the International Postcard Exchange hosted by the Irish Patchwork Society. Thought I would show you my first card, I plan to make at least three. One for each of the times my mother-in-law had cancer. These cards will be sold to raise money for breast cancer research.

Think about making a card, it's for a very good cause! You can find the information here.

This first card is thread painted. The cards need to have a floral, nature, horticulture, landscape or environmental theme. Which can encompass a lot of ideas. I chose floral and made a rose for this card. The darkest color is the color of the fabric, the other two colors are thread painted. I was thrilled when my son knew right away that it's a rose! Success!

The cards need to arrive in Ireland by the end of May, so there is plenty of time to make one or two or more. They will first be displayed at two major shows in Ireland, so this is your chance to be in an International Show!
Have a creative day!
Janet

A Day of silence for Japan

Giving! How can we do less!

I am so saddened by the disaster in Japan. I don't know how anyone could not be. I need to do something. At this point in time money seems to be the best answer, so they can spend it where it is needed the most. Ricky Timms and Alex Anderson have joined forces to help quilters give to a reliable organization, Red Cross Disaster Relief. Here is the link

You will also be entered in a chance to win a retreat with Ricky or a Quilt by Alex. Bonus!

I was watching a show the other day that mentioned how help is needed far into the future after a disaster such as the one in Louisiana, Haiti, Christchurch or Japan. Many communities get forgotten once the funds run out and the media moves on to the next story. So maybe it would be good to make an annual donation, put it on your calendar so you don't forget.

I finished up my Hearts for Christchurch and sent them off in the mail. I also made a second altoid tin purse for a friend. Still working on finding a better way to make these, so I may need to make a third.

I took an embellishing class last Saturday that was a lot of fun. Played with glitter which I have never used before on a quilt. We used a special glue pen and just applied along the thread line, than lightly applied some very fine glitter.

Very fun. This is the teacher's (Mary Nordeng) stitching sample, she had one ready for each person taking the class. We also added some beads and foil, and played with paintsticks. All in all a fun class. Now I need to finish it for the next Minnesota contemporary Quilts meeting. They have started throwing out mini challenges each month. This month is illumination and I think my glittery piece looks like it would fit.

Have a creative day
Janet

Hearts for Christchurch

A member of the Postmark'd Art group is from New Zealand. Evie has started something called Hearts for Christchurch. By now everyone has heard about the horrific earthquake centered in Christchurch, New Zealand. They have a huge job ahead of them rebuilding the community and rebuilding their spirit. I am going to post a quote from her blog explaining what this is all about. Be sure to visit her blog though so you can see some of the hearts that have already been received.

"I am gathering hearts for Christchurch. Not heart blocks in the quilting sense but ‘hanging’ hearts.
Two heart shapes sewn together, stuffed or not, embellished, embroidered, CQ’d, quilted, plain or fancy, felt or fabric or anything goes. Add a loop at the top.
However many inches high that you care to make. For ease of postage, envelope size is a good measurement.
Also for ease of postage you can send them flat, leave an opening and add a note “Please stuff me” I have a couple of non sewers on stuffing.
You can choose to sign them on the back and add a message. It would be nice to have at least the area they come from.
This is just a small measure of something nice to give in this terrible time.
A heart is a symbol of caring and I know we all feel an overpowering desire to do something."

They can be sent to :

Hearts for Christchurch
C/- Evie Harris
523 Main North Road
Bay View
Napier 4104
New Zealand

There are some wonderful photos on her blog and if you have further questions, Evie would be glad to answer them. Here is the link for Evie's blog.

So now we are sending postcards to Ireland to raise money for breast cancer research, hearts to New Zealand to show our support of people going through a very tough experience. What's next? Maybe we should all make Quilts of Valor as well. The charity opportunities are endless in the quilting world. And Quilters are always generous people.
Have a wonderful day
Janet