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| dreams of autumn--32 x 48"--quilt--Ann Brauer |
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| dreams of autumn--detail--Ann Brauer |
Showing posts with label Berkshire Crafts Fair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Berkshire Crafts Fair. Show all posts
Monday, August 5, 2019
dreams of autumn
What a lovely day it is. The first hint of the crisp cool air of autumn even though it is only August. Amazing how my perspective and energy changes. And yes, I finished this quilt "dreams of autumn" just in time for the Berkshires Craft Show next week-end at Monument Mountain High School in Great Barrington, MA www.berkshirescraftfair.org. One of my favorite shows with so many wonderful artists. If you are in the area I hope you will visit. I included a coupon for reduced admission in this post.
Friday, July 26, 2019
which way is up?
Some quilts are so versatile. They can be hung sideways, upside down, right side up. Always a different look. What fun. Which do you prefer? Don't you love all the different colors that create the greys?
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| grey flame--12 x 40"--Ann Brauer 2019 |
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| grey flame--12 x 40"--Ann Brauer 2019 |
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| grey flame--12 x 40"--Ann Brauer 2019 |
Sunday, July 21, 2019
hot off the sewing machine
One of the reasons I love having a studio open to the public is that I get to test public reaction to my new quilts as I finish them. Now of course I don't always listen but sometimes it is reassuring when customers are immediately drawn to a new quilt. That happened this week-end with my quilt "suddenly spring" which I just finished. Aren't the colors wonderful?
And hanging in my studio in Shelburne Falls.
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| suddenly spring--32 x 48"--quilt--Ann Brauer 2019 |
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| suddenly spring--studio shot--ann brauer 2019 |
Thursday, July 18, 2019
April morning
What a difference a day makes. Suddenly the front has passed. Rain fell last night--enough to water the garden and lawn. The flowers look refreshed. The air is a delightful cool temperature full of energy and projects. It won't last but for now it is meant to be enjoyed.
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| April morning--40 x 40 inches--ann brauer 2019 |
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| April morning--detail--ann brauer 2019 |
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
autumn solstice
It may be hazy, hot and humid this week but soon indeed "autumn solstice" will come.
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| autumn solstice--30 x 60"--ann brauer 2018--photo by John Polak |
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| autumn solstice--detail--ann brauer 2018 |
Saturday, July 13, 2019
the quilt speaks for itself
Sometimes I wonder if the story of the quilt is even needed. Maybe it is enough to be in its presence and just absorb it without the words to describe it. I am not sure. I do know I made this quilt in the depths of winter. That period when I was tired of cold and snow. Tired of grey skies and early nights. You must know the feeling, don't you? Whether it is the skies or the grey inside you. But now I am telling a story and I wanted to let you and the quilt tell your own tale.
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| summer will come--30 x 60 inches--ann brauer 2019--image by John Polak |
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| detail--summer will come--ann brauer--image by John Polak |
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| detail--summer will come--ann brauer--image by John Polak |
Monday, July 31, 2017
the memory of red hills
Sometimes a quilt is more than a quilt. At least that is my latest thought. Those who have been in my studio recently--or those who follow me on Facebook or Instagram or Etsy--may have seen that I am starting to mount some of my quilts on stretcher boards. What a different look it gives. In the once sense the quilt takes on an added importance. Each stitch seems to become more significant. The quilt is also a given size.
Now I have occasionally mounted quilts before. I used to frame a few of them just to show people they could. Customers have also had quilts framed. They do look great.
On the other hand, I miss the immediacy of quilts as fiber art. Something that everyone can relate to. For a long time I have resisted the preciousness of mounting quilts. Does it make them more than they are. I can feel a different reaction to the mounted pieces when customers view them in the studio. And I know that it will be harder to display them at a craft show. I can't just lay the extras out on my shelves to have customers go through them. I can't fit them so easily in my plastic boxes for transport. I haven't even thought about shipping yet.
It will be interesting to see what happens. Certainly I will bring a number of them to the Berkshire Craft Show August 11-13 at Monument Mountain High School in Great Barrington. What a wonderful place to test them out.
Is this a method I will continue? I don't know. But for now I can feel an energy and life in the new works that is pushing me forward. What do you think? Do you mount your work? Do you appreciate mounted quilts or would you rather they were just quilts.
Now I have occasionally mounted quilts before. I used to frame a few of them just to show people they could. Customers have also had quilts framed. They do look great.
On the other hand, I miss the immediacy of quilts as fiber art. Something that everyone can relate to. For a long time I have resisted the preciousness of mounting quilts. Does it make them more than they are. I can feel a different reaction to the mounted pieces when customers view them in the studio. And I know that it will be harder to display them at a craft show. I can't just lay the extras out on my shelves to have customers go through them. I can't fit them so easily in my plastic boxes for transport. I haven't even thought about shipping yet.
It will be interesting to see what happens. Certainly I will bring a number of them to the Berkshire Craft Show August 11-13 at Monument Mountain High School in Great Barrington. What a wonderful place to test them out.
Is this a method I will continue? I don't know. But for now I can feel an energy and life in the new works that is pushing me forward. What do you think? Do you mount your work? Do you appreciate mounted quilts or would you rather they were just quilts.
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| the memory of red hills--12x36"--Ann Brauer 2017 |
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| the memory of red hills--12x36"--Ann Brauer 2017 |
Friday, July 28, 2017
colors of summer
I have been thinking about my quilt "colors of summer" recently as I renewed its listing on my Etsy shop. I still love this quilt but at 45x60" usually I don't display it at craft shows or even hang it in my studio. Oh to have unlimited wall space--sigh. Instead it is waiting with other quilts at the studio for just the right person. And I do list it on my web site and on Etsy.
When I made it, I was working in the studio in exile as I call it now. My view was of the geometry of the Iron Bridge across the Deerfield River with a hint of sky. Amazing isn't it, how location can influence one's work?
I loved the intensity of the colors as the thin seams almost created a work that appeared woven, not sewn with wonderful complex texture and color. It was one of my series of rainbow quilts trying to capture all the colors of summer in one piece of art. Even now I gently touch the many rows of fabric and feel its substance. Still I smile at the artistic pun of a quilt that looked woven in more ways than one.
The top rows of the quilt came together readily as I remember but oh those bottom rows. What color would create the right feeling and ground the quilt. So many mornings I would wake up thinking of solutions--should it just disappear in smaller and smaller colors. Should it look like water? Maybe the teal should move into a chartreuse to really sing? I would pin fabrics up and pace as I tried to imagine the colors that would work. Then make test samples to try to solve the dilemma.
Finally I chose the bright green of summer grass and leaves. A complete landscape just perfect for the "colors of summer", isn't it? Don't you love how it grounds the quilt and makes it even more of a landscape.
To see more of this quilt do drop by my studio if you are in Shelburne Falls or check out additional images on my Etsy shop. https://www.etsy.com/listing/172682064/quilted-wall-hanging-colors-of-summer?ref=pr_shop
When I made it, I was working in the studio in exile as I call it now. My view was of the geometry of the Iron Bridge across the Deerfield River with a hint of sky. Amazing isn't it, how location can influence one's work?
I loved the intensity of the colors as the thin seams almost created a work that appeared woven, not sewn with wonderful complex texture and color. It was one of my series of rainbow quilts trying to capture all the colors of summer in one piece of art. Even now I gently touch the many rows of fabric and feel its substance. Still I smile at the artistic pun of a quilt that looked woven in more ways than one.
The top rows of the quilt came together readily as I remember but oh those bottom rows. What color would create the right feeling and ground the quilt. So many mornings I would wake up thinking of solutions--should it just disappear in smaller and smaller colors. Should it look like water? Maybe the teal should move into a chartreuse to really sing? I would pin fabrics up and pace as I tried to imagine the colors that would work. Then make test samples to try to solve the dilemma.
Finally I chose the bright green of summer grass and leaves. A complete landscape just perfect for the "colors of summer", isn't it? Don't you love how it grounds the quilt and makes it even more of a landscape.
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| colors of summer--45x60"--Ann Brauer 2013--photo by John Polak |
To see more of this quilt do drop by my studio if you are in Shelburne Falls or check out additional images on my Etsy shop. https://www.etsy.com/listing/172682064/quilted-wall-hanging-colors-of-summer?ref=pr_shop
Thursday, June 15, 2017
time for new postcards--day 23
Sooner than I can imagine, it will be time for the Berkshire Craft Show in Great Barrington, MA August 11-13. Yikes. This summer is speeding by although it is still only mid June. Luckily I love doing this show. Small. Great work. Easy to do. And the best volunteers around.
I figure if I am doing a show, I might as well work to promote myself at this show. Sure I will mention it on the various social media sites--my viewers may even get a wee bit tired of hearing about it. And for those in the area, I will send out a postcard as time draws near. Often this is still the best way of reminding my customers to plan on coming and checking out my new quilts. Or if they can't come that day, they can still go on line and see what I have that they might want. Just saying.
After all, I do have to market my work to stay in business. So I chose a quilt that I still own, added information about the show and its web site http://www.berkshirecraftsfair.org and ordered the cards. Sometime in the next couple of weeks, I will print my mailing list and send the cards off at the end of July. Always something isn't it?
I figure if I am doing a show, I might as well work to promote myself at this show. Sure I will mention it on the various social media sites--my viewers may even get a wee bit tired of hearing about it. And for those in the area, I will send out a postcard as time draws near. Often this is still the best way of reminding my customers to plan on coming and checking out my new quilts. Or if they can't come that day, they can still go on line and see what I have that they might want. Just saying.
After all, I do have to market my work to stay in business. So I chose a quilt that I still own, added information about the show and its web site http://www.berkshirecraftsfair.org and ordered the cards. Sometime in the next couple of weeks, I will print my mailing list and send the cards off at the end of July. Always something isn't it?
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| autumn sunset--quilt--40x40 inches--Ann Brauer 2017--image by John Polak |
Thursday, May 25, 2017
don't stop thinking about tomorrow--day 3
Yesterday I got to accept the shows I will do for the rest of the year. And what great shows they will be. Sure--I didn't get into everything I wanted. Rejection hurts but it happens. I knew it might so I applied to several shows that I also wanted to do. They can reject me but they can't keep me down. Always have Plan B. Don't stop thinking about tomorrow.
For those who wonder how I choose, I try for a mix of some shows that I have done before where the audience anticipates that I will be there, some "new" shows or at least shows which I haven't done for a long time but where I do have an audience and shows where I can expand my market by introducing my quilts to people who may not have seen them before. Of course I consider where the shows are, the ease of doing them, the mix of artists.
My first show will be the Berkshire Craft Show at Monument Mountain High School in Great Barrington August 11-13. This is the sweetest show that has been going on for 44 years run by teachers for the benefit of students. Sure the booths are small and spread out but there are some wonderful craft artists who participate and a dedicated following of locals and people who are in The Berkshires to go to Tanglewood and all the other wonderful cultural activities. I have done it for a number of years since it so easy and friendly and I get to sleep at home !!! Check out their web site--you will be amazed at the quality of the work in this show. http://berkshirecraftsfair.org/
Later I will tell you about the other shows and even get them posted on my web site.
For now though it is time to close with an image of my quilt--one fine day.
For those who wonder how I choose, I try for a mix of some shows that I have done before where the audience anticipates that I will be there, some "new" shows or at least shows which I haven't done for a long time but where I do have an audience and shows where I can expand my market by introducing my quilts to people who may not have seen them before. Of course I consider where the shows are, the ease of doing them, the mix of artists.
My first show will be the Berkshire Craft Show at Monument Mountain High School in Great Barrington August 11-13. This is the sweetest show that has been going on for 44 years run by teachers for the benefit of students. Sure the booths are small and spread out but there are some wonderful craft artists who participate and a dedicated following of locals and people who are in The Berkshires to go to Tanglewood and all the other wonderful cultural activities. I have done it for a number of years since it so easy and friendly and I get to sleep at home !!! Check out their web site--you will be amazed at the quality of the work in this show. http://berkshirecraftsfair.org/
Later I will tell you about the other shows and even get them posted on my web site.
For now though it is time to close with an image of my quilt--one fine day.
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| one fine day--quilt--ann brauer 2017 |
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
the quilts of Ann Brauer--May showers edition
OK--isn't there a saying that May showers bring June flowers? Or something like that. After a really warm February (which did a number on my forsythia), a cool March and a dry April we are finally getting some much needed rain. Yes, I would love a couple of nice sunny days but t has been perfect weather to plant my early spring crops--lots of onions, celery, swiss chard, and of course peas.
It has also been perfect weather to make quilts--which is good since Shelburne Falls is having its first ArtWalk of the season May 7 from 2 until 6. What a perfect time to plan a trip to our little village. The Bridge of Flowers is absolutely glorious, the rain has made the flowers spectacular and the hills are turning that wonderful shade of spring green. Lots of galleries will be open with special events. And then there are the restaurants--need I say more?
I have been working on lots of new quilts that continue to explore the circles that I started creating. Don't you love how "ocean sunrise" dances above the water?
This really new quilt "it might as well…" reminds me of the splendor of gardens in the spring. It is part of a series of imaginary landscapes I have just started to create that are smaller and more intimate. I think it is about 16 x 40 inches if I remember correctly.
And there is the meditative landscape of "desert days". Don't you want to just fall into that horizon?
Meanwhile if you can't make it to Shelburne Falls this week-end, the next ArtWalk will be June 18 from 2-6. I will be doing the Berkshires Craft Show in Great Barrington August 12-14, and the American Craft Exposition in September in Glencoe, IL but more of these later. Of course my studio is open almost every day but Tuesday (although calling first is a great idea) and I continue to keep my Etsy shop well stocked. http://www.etsy.com/shop/annbrauer
I hope you have a joyous spring.
It has also been perfect weather to make quilts--which is good since Shelburne Falls is having its first ArtWalk of the season May 7 from 2 until 6. What a perfect time to plan a trip to our little village. The Bridge of Flowers is absolutely glorious, the rain has made the flowers spectacular and the hills are turning that wonderful shade of spring green. Lots of galleries will be open with special events. And then there are the restaurants--need I say more?
I have been working on lots of new quilts that continue to explore the circles that I started creating. Don't you love how "ocean sunrise" dances above the water?
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| ocean sunrise--40x57 inches--ann brauer 2016--photo by John Polak |
This really new quilt "it might as well…" reminds me of the splendor of gardens in the spring. It is part of a series of imaginary landscapes I have just started to create that are smaller and more intimate. I think it is about 16 x 40 inches if I remember correctly.
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| it might as well--16x40 inches--ann brauer 2016 |
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| desert days--quilt--37x57 inches--Ann Brauer 2016 |
Meanwhile if you can't make it to Shelburne Falls this week-end, the next ArtWalk will be June 18 from 2-6. I will be doing the Berkshires Craft Show in Great Barrington August 12-14, and the American Craft Exposition in September in Glencoe, IL but more of these later. Of course my studio is open almost every day but Tuesday (although calling first is a great idea) and I continue to keep my Etsy shop well stocked. http://www.etsy.com/shop/annbrauer
I hope you have a joyous spring.
Thursday, July 2, 2015
the quilts of Ann Brauer--July 18 ArtWalk
Dear all,
It seems amazing that it is summer already. First it was hot and dry in May. Yes, I had to figure out which precious new plants would get the water from the shower as I tried to keep them all going. Then June brought rain and lots of it. The weeds are doing very well in my garden as the straw mulch I applied in May had lots of grass seeds. Oh well, it is always something.
Meanwhile I am enjoying my new studio even more than I thought I would. It is hard to believe that I have now been in it for more than a year. And today actually began my 34th year of supporting myself making quilts. How time flies.
My new studio continues to inspire me to more and more quilts based on my flames and circles theme. Indeed I often have problems trying to figure out which one to make next. I have decided to treat myself by displaying most of the new pieces in my studio in a mini-show I am calling Circle and Flames during the Shelburne Falls Art Walk this July 18. I am quite curious to see what the grouping will look like and I can't wait to get your comments either. Indeed, having my gallery walls covered with my new quilts is a secret dream of mine I have had for several years--here's hoping it works.
If you happen to be in the Village then I hope you will drop by and say hi. The Walk runs between 4 and 8 pm and most other galleries in town will also be open. The Bridge of Flowers is absolutely spectacular this year.
Of course if you are in town some other day, I should be open--although do call or e-mail first if you are coming from a distance. I am usually closed on Tuesdays.
If you are in town some other day, I will probably be there working on more quilts (although you might want to call if coming from a distance). August 12-14 I will be doing the Berkshire Craft Show at Monument Mountain High School in Great Barrington. This show always has some wonderful work. For more information: http://berkshirecraftsfair.org/ The American Craft Exposition in Evanston this year will be in September in Glencoe--but more of that later.
Of course you can follow me on Facebook or Instagram to see more of my latest creations. And I continue to post on Etsy for those who live at a distance.
Have a great summer. I hope to see some of you.
It seems amazing that it is summer already. First it was hot and dry in May. Yes, I had to figure out which precious new plants would get the water from the shower as I tried to keep them all going. Then June brought rain and lots of it. The weeds are doing very well in my garden as the straw mulch I applied in May had lots of grass seeds. Oh well, it is always something.
Meanwhile I am enjoying my new studio even more than I thought I would. It is hard to believe that I have now been in it for more than a year. And today actually began my 34th year of supporting myself making quilts. How time flies.
My new studio continues to inspire me to more and more quilts based on my flames and circles theme. Indeed I often have problems trying to figure out which one to make next. I have decided to treat myself by displaying most of the new pieces in my studio in a mini-show I am calling Circle and Flames during the Shelburne Falls Art Walk this July 18. I am quite curious to see what the grouping will look like and I can't wait to get your comments either. Indeed, having my gallery walls covered with my new quilts is a secret dream of mine I have had for several years--here's hoping it works.
If you happen to be in the Village then I hope you will drop by and say hi. The Walk runs between 4 and 8 pm and most other galleries in town will also be open. The Bridge of Flowers is absolutely spectacular this year.
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| green circle--40x40 inches--quilt--Ann Brauer |
Of course if you are in town some other day, I should be open--although do call or e-mail first if you are coming from a distance. I am usually closed on Tuesdays.
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| three flames--each 12 x 60 inches--quilt--Ann Brauer |
If you are in town some other day, I will probably be there working on more quilts (although you might want to call if coming from a distance). August 12-14 I will be doing the Berkshire Craft Show at Monument Mountain High School in Great Barrington. This show always has some wonderful work. For more information: http://berkshirecraftsfair.org/ The American Craft Exposition in Evanston this year will be in September in Glencoe--but more of that later.
Of course you can follow me on Facebook or Instagram to see more of my latest creations. And I continue to post on Etsy for those who live at a distance.
Have a great summer. I hope to see some of you.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
the quilts of Ann Brauer--I'm on a roll
I know I haven't been writing for a while. What can I say? Well, actually I have a good excuse and it is not just that I need to spend time in my garden. You see, I have been on a roll. Now let me explain. Finally I got inspired as in really inspired. Now inspiration as many of you may know can be a very delicate and tender process. You just can't tell when it is going to strike or how long it is going to last or even where it is going to take you. Certainly I didn't want to jinx it by talking about it too early or even thinking about it too much. Instead at least for me it is a question of making one quilt and then making the next one with all deliberate speed and letting the process pull me forward.
This time I am (knock on wood) lucky. As of June 1 I will have been in my new studio a year and I am loving it. Just imagining how the new work will look in such a great space is inspiration in itself. Right now I also have time to create. My next craft show is not until the Berkshire Craft Show in August at Monument Mountain HIgh School in Great Barrington. The Evanston Show will be in September in a new location--I keep planning how the new quilts will look in that space.
Consider this one I call "blue sun". Yes it is framed. I still need to attach wire for hanging it but doesn't it look smart on the dolly. It is all pieced and quilted, and then I quilted on top of it to give it even more substance and texture.
Then there is the companion quilt which is not quite done--red sun. Won't the two look fabulous together?
And of course the flame series. Are they table runners? Wall hangings? They can be used either separately or maybe a pairing go up the stair case.
When I need a break from such concentration, I still make my smaller items. The eyeglass cases, the placemats, pillows. Some of my older quilts have put on sale. Shelburne Falls is beautiful right now with new flowers on the Bridge every day. There are some wonderful new shops--a great little Mexican restaurant near where my studio in exile was, the cream puff bakery and of course the kitchen store just down stream from me has its bargains. Riverfest is June 6--always a family day.
Most of the summer I will be in my studio working on these new quilts. When you are in town, I hope you will stop by to admire the view from my walkway and give me your impressions of my work. Of course do call first if you are coming from a distance. If Shelburne Falls is not in your plans, you can check out my latest work on Facebook and I do have many of these quilts listed on my Etsy shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop/annbrauer
Have a great late spring. I look forward to seeing some of you either in person or on line.
This time I am (knock on wood) lucky. As of June 1 I will have been in my new studio a year and I am loving it. Just imagining how the new work will look in such a great space is inspiration in itself. Right now I also have time to create. My next craft show is not until the Berkshire Craft Show in August at Monument Mountain HIgh School in Great Barrington. The Evanston Show will be in September in a new location--I keep planning how the new quilts will look in that space.
Consider this one I call "blue sun". Yes it is framed. I still need to attach wire for hanging it but doesn't it look smart on the dolly. It is all pieced and quilted, and then I quilted on top of it to give it even more substance and texture.
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| blue sun--quilt--40x40 inches--Ann Brauer |
Then there is the companion quilt which is not quite done--red sun. Won't the two look fabulous together?
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| red sun--quilt--40x40 inches--Ann Brauer |
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| three flames--each 12 x 60"--quilt--Ann Brauer |
When I need a break from such concentration, I still make my smaller items. The eyeglass cases, the placemats, pillows. Some of my older quilts have put on sale. Shelburne Falls is beautiful right now with new flowers on the Bridge every day. There are some wonderful new shops--a great little Mexican restaurant near where my studio in exile was, the cream puff bakery and of course the kitchen store just down stream from me has its bargains. Riverfest is June 6--always a family day.
Most of the summer I will be in my studio working on these new quilts. When you are in town, I hope you will stop by to admire the view from my walkway and give me your impressions of my work. Of course do call first if you are coming from a distance. If Shelburne Falls is not in your plans, you can check out my latest work on Facebook and I do have many of these quilts listed on my Etsy shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop/annbrauer
Have a great late spring. I look forward to seeing some of you either in person or on line.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
the quilts of Ann Brauer--better late than never
OK--I am late. August snuck up on me. July was just a blur as I settled into my new studio--oh so wonderful it is--and began making quilts for all the shows that I am doing. What fun I am having with the ten foot walls in my new space. Just look at the colors of "prairie sunset". Doesn't it stretch forever? Don't you just love the polished cement floors? This quilt has about 3/4 mile of stitching in it--what was I thinking? No wonder this newsletter is late.
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| prairie sunset--about 94x108"--Ann Brauer 2014 |
Tomorrow--yikes--I am setting up for the Berkshire Craft Show at Monument Mountain HIgh School in Great Barrington, MA. This is a wonderful show--now in its 41st year. This year I was honored to actually serve on the jury for this show and what a great selection of work will be here. If you happen to be in the area, do check it out. It runs August 8-10. For more information http://www.berkshirecraftsfair.org And yes, prairie sunset will be in my booth.
Then there is the American Craft Exposition in Evanston, IL. What a show this is. There is so much amazing work here with some of the very best artists from across the country doing this show. I also spend as much time as possible absorbing all this work. Of course I will have new quilts for this show also.For more information http://www.americancraftexpo.org Discount tickets are even available until August 13.
Meanwhile August 16 and 17 is the tax free week-end in Massachusetts. So if you are thinking of a quilt, please feel free to pre-shop my web site.
I do hope to see some of you this month. If you are coming from a distance, I do suggest calling first since as you can tell, there are times I will not be in the studio.
Monday, July 21, 2014
the mission
The mission--which I chose to accept--is to create a special quilt for the office of a client of mine. They loved this quilt--rivers of green. Just the right size and shape. Just the right amount of motion. But are the colors ones that work for them? Is it too "cold" for their space?
Then I start to worry. (I do that a lot with a custom order anyway.) Are these the right colors? Even if they are--will the customer be able to visualize that this will really result in an "olive" river?
Well, there is only one good way to test it. So I decide to start.
Yes, I do like how the colors are beginning to flow.
Is blue the right color to surround the quilt? Again I am not sure. There is blue in the office. Well, I might as well make it. This quilt is not for them anyway. But for me. Certainly these are colors that will sell. And I do need lots of quilts. Next month I am doing the Berkshire Craft Show at Monument Mountain High School August 8-10 and then the American Craft Exposition in Evanston August 22-24. Yes, I will be busy.
And now I wonder. What if I used a lighter tan to surround the quilt? How would that look? Or maybe switched up the colors all together. So many possibilities. What if the olive were more purple and the outside more beige? How would that look? Don't you love how one quilt can inspire others? Does this happen to you? And what will the clients think?
For those in the area, do check out the Berkshire Craft Show--now in its 41st year. http://www.berkshirecraftsfair.org and the American Craft Exposition at http://www.americancraftexpo.org. Hope to see some of you there.
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| river of green--36x36"--Ann Brauer 2014 |
After all, it is a quilt that will be in the office of the administrator. She will be looking at it every day. The clients will be coming in and associating this quilt with the office. It must be just right. They send me the colors of the office and a link to their web site. So helpful. This is a custom order so I should get a feeling for the space.
I suggest that since they use the concept of an olive branch in their work, maybe the quilt should reflect an olive branch. Great idea. But they can't quite visualize it. Can I send some colors? Sure.
What is the color of a black olive? Look at it. Sort of a combination of reds and purples, browns. How to add just the right amount of sparkle to the olive? There wasn't a good fabric I could find that was just "olive". I add snippets of fabrics to give them an idea.
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| Ann Brauer |
Then I start to worry. (I do that a lot with a custom order anyway.) Are these the right colors? Even if they are--will the customer be able to visualize that this will really result in an "olive" river?
Well, there is only one good way to test it. So I decide to start.
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| Ann Brauer |
Is this too busy? How do the colors work? Again I know the quilt will change as it grows.
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| Ann Brauer |
Is blue the right color to surround the quilt? Again I am not sure. There is blue in the office. Well, I might as well make it. This quilt is not for them anyway. But for me. Certainly these are colors that will sell. And I do need lots of quilts. Next month I am doing the Berkshire Craft Show at Monument Mountain High School August 8-10 and then the American Craft Exposition in Evanston August 22-24. Yes, I will be busy.
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| Ann Brauer |
For those in the area, do check out the Berkshire Craft Show--now in its 41st year. http://www.berkshirecraftsfair.org and the American Craft Exposition at http://www.americancraftexpo.org. Hope to see some of you there.
Monday, July 7, 2014
the wind up
OK-- by now--as you just might already know--I moved into a new studio. Yeah!!! Friends told me my work looks absolutely fabulous. Never have they seen it look so good.
And sure enough, within days, my big quilt--September fields--is headed for its new home. Yeah!!! Again.
But that means that I need to make another new quilt. After all, I am doing the Berkshire Craft Show August 8-10 in Great Barrington, MA. Should I cheer again? And then The American Craft Exposition in Evanston Augut 22-24. Yikes, what was I thinking.
Well, there is no time to think. I have to start--NOW. But what to make. Truth be told, I am not always feeling creative. Especially not when I am building a new studio. (Not that that is something I do often--but lots of my energy goes to deciding what color the door should be, what about the color of the tile in the rental unit upstairs. And how can I promote the new studio?) You get the gist.
But I can't hold a pity party. I must dig deep and think quickly. I know I want the quilt to have lots of color in it. I do after all have a black and grey quilt--winter light--which is fabulous. So I want something different and joyous.
I look around me. This is a quilt I made as a test for a large quilt that never happened. Yes, I love the sweep of the colors. So rich and wonderful.
I love the sweep of the colors. But while the white looks fantastic in this smaller quilt, would it be too busy in a large quilt? I try to visualize it.
Maybe dark would look better? More like September fields. Hmmm.
Well, it is time to make what I know. I can't fret about the new quilt too long. Fretting after all takes up time and energy. So I start. One long thin strip of yellow.
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| September fields--quilt--Ann Brauer--2014 |
And sure enough, within days, my big quilt--September fields--is headed for its new home. Yeah!!! Again.
But that means that I need to make another new quilt. After all, I am doing the Berkshire Craft Show August 8-10 in Great Barrington, MA. Should I cheer again? And then The American Craft Exposition in Evanston Augut 22-24. Yikes, what was I thinking.
Well, there is no time to think. I have to start--NOW. But what to make. Truth be told, I am not always feeling creative. Especially not when I am building a new studio. (Not that that is something I do often--but lots of my energy goes to deciding what color the door should be, what about the color of the tile in the rental unit upstairs. And how can I promote the new studio?) You get the gist.
But I can't hold a pity party. I must dig deep and think quickly. I know I want the quilt to have lots of color in it. I do after all have a black and grey quilt--winter light--which is fabulous. So I want something different and joyous.
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| winter light--99x99"--Ann Brauer--2013--quilt |
I look around me. This is a quilt I made as a test for a large quilt that never happened. Yes, I love the sweep of the colors. So rich and wonderful.
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| quilt by Ann Brauer |
But is it too "country"? Too much design in the fabric? I wonder.
Maybe it would look more "modern" if I had thin stripes running through it. Yes, these quilts have names and better pictures. But this is how I was thinking. Put them up in the studio. Stand back. Think and ponder.
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| quilt by Ann Brauer |
I love the sweep of the colors. But while the white looks fantastic in this smaller quilt, would it be too busy in a large quilt? I try to visualize it.
Maybe dark would look better? More like September fields. Hmmm.
 |
| quilt by Ann Brauer |
Well, it is time to make what I know. I can't fret about the new quilt too long. Fretting after all takes up time and energy. So I start. One long thin strip of yellow.
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| quilt by Ann Brauer |
Now it looks like I am getting somewhere, doesn't it?
I organize and play with the next row. Arrange and re-arrange the colors. How quickly do I want the progression to happen? What will it look like when the quilt is done. After all, this quilt will be BIG.
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| quilt by Ann Brauer |
Time to start. These seams are long.
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| quilt by Ann Brauer |
Nice colors though aren't they? Now it seems like I am getting some place. If only I can continue. One row at a time.
And you--how do you start a big quilt? Do you find the wind up to be the hardest part? Do you just jump in? Do you go back to what you have made before to find inspiration? Is this a trick for keeping your style consistent?
And most importantly, how will I get it done before those two craft shows? Will it take on a life of its own? Can I just keep going?
For more information about the Berkshire Craft Show at Monument Mountain High School in Great Barrington now in its 41st year. www.berkshirecraftsfair.or
And the American Craft Exposition at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. www.americancraftexpo.org
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