Count Down to the Quilts by Barb Quilt Retreat – 3 days

For some reason I decided to have a Pampered Chef party at my house tonight so my preparation for the Quilts by Barb Quilt Retreat had to go on hold so I could clean my house (or at least three rooms of my house…).  BUT I’m still super excited!

Your temptation/teaser today is -

American Candy Quilt – Hand in Hand

overview of the quilt   close up of the quilting

Count Down to the Quilts by Barb Quilt Retreat – 4 days

I am so excited to head down to Belmont for the quilt retreat and I’m sure there are many others that are as well.  It’s been such a crazy busy apple season that I absolutely can’t wait to go and sew for 2 days straight (I know, some of you luckies get to stay for 3 days)!

If you’re not excited yet I wanted to show off one of the quilt’s Diane made as an example for the retreat to help get you excited.

The Scrappy Blackford

OverviewA close up of the amazing quilting Barb did on the quilt! 

Wait to see more as I continue to count down to the retreat!

Crazy Nine Patch Class

The Crazy Nine Patch Class was a success. Take a look at a few of the quilts that were started.

More later. Barb

I still have openings!

Announcing a brand new Quilt Class!!
“Crazy Nine Patch”
When: Wed, July 28, 2010
Time: 9:00 – 3:00
Where: Barb Raisbeck home, 421 Mill St, Bloomington, WI
Cost: $30
Lunch: Will be provided


Call me at 608-994-2821 or email me at Quiltsbybarb@tds.net for details or to reserve your spot.
Barbara Raisbeck

An Interview with Tisha Sandberg – Instructor of the Papercraft/Scrapbooking Portion of the QuiltsbyBarb Getaway Weekend

As well as being able to learn some fantastic new quilting projects on the 2010 QuiltsbyBarb Getaway Weekend you will also have an opportunity to learn from an artist on some Papercraft/Scrapbooking techniques.

Meet the instructor - Tisha Sandberg

I asked Tisha a few more questions about herself and her art so we could find out even more. And here’s what she had to say:

***All Images shown are examples of Tisha’s work***

When did you first start creating things?

I’ve always loved making things; Halloween costumes, Valentine boxes (I’m seriously dating myself now!) really anything that involves working with my hands. I grew up around lots of boys, so I also built things with wood, used tools and did lots and lots of yard work, which I think can also be creative…digging, planting, growing.

What were the first things you created? and how did your creativity progress from there?

My first serious art experiences were in Jr. High School. I had an incredible teacher who exposed me to things like printmaking, sculpture and other forms of art that, in retrospect, were pretty amazing for Junior High. I also lived in a college town and was able to take classes in the summer. A friend and I took a class one summer and there was a nude model. When my dad picked us up we didn’t say a word for fear we wouldn’t be able to take classes any more.

My early art experiences really stuck with me but I didn’t get back to art seriously until about 12 years ago. I turned a room in our house into a studio and it really changed my life. Everybody needs a workspace of their own….even if it’s a tiny one!

Where do you find your inspiration?

Everywhere! I love design and texture and look to everyday things for inspiration. I take a lot of photographs and also carry a notebook with me all the times. I’m also drawn to primitive, African and Indian art and like to browse through books with images of cave art or the designs on clothing, etc..

What is your favorite medium to work in? I really can’t think of many things I don’t like to work with, but paper and fabric are probably my favorites. Do you still dream about making other things? If so, what? Absolutely! But as I get older I’ve realized that I just can’t do everything that I have a desire to do. I’d rather do a few things well than lots of things in a mediocre way.

What's your favorite variety of apple?

Honey Crisp, but I buy Empires because they keep so well.

What are your favorite shops on etsy? Why do you like them? I love printmaking, so love all the sites that have silk screen and relief printed items. I also love handmade books and cards because they can be really unique, funky, beautiful, etc., and still have a functional use. There are so many great shops it’s hard to pick a favorite.

see more of her fantastic work

So now that you’ve ‘met’ the instructor let’s find out MORE!

What will we be doing?

We will be having a special area with lots of room for scrapbookers, card makers and papercrafters to share ideas and enthusiasm for the things they love to do. We may even find some things to do with all those beautiful leftover scraps of fabric!

projects

• handmade books that can be used as photo albums or scrap books

• handmade cards and creative packaging ideas for giving them as gifts

• templates and instructions for making gift bags, boxes and photo/music CD cases

• rubber stamp carving

• other instructional information ***Information will be presented on photo editing/altering, printing your own papers, using materials you won't find in a scrapbook store and much, much more. There'll be plenty of time for you to share your own creative ideas as well. So come and join us!

I am personally excited about this addition to the quilt retreat weekend! There are some great lessons being taught that can be incorporated into creating amazing OOAK fabric (rubber stamp carving) and art quilting! What fun and what variety!