Happy New Year readers & friends!
I’ve been taking to my sketchbook and trying out new tools this month. It’s been keeping me busy while January does its January thing.
I bought these “TOOLI-ART” brand acrylic markers as a cheaper alternative to POSCA markers. They work for me. They’ve been especially great on top of some pan-pastels. (If you want to try this I recommend using a fixative over top of your pastels.) I especially like the wide color selection this pen has. This is the neutral pack and you can see there is a great variety of warm and cool colors greys.
These nature studies are inspired by my own photos from the trails we visit in the summer. Specifically trying to clue into textures and how to describe them in a way that is representative but still shows the hand and tools. These studies are supplementary work that will help with a book I’m in progress with.
In textiles, I’m working on a new quilt. My goal for this one was to learn a number of new blocks from Lori Holt’s book, Farm Girl Vintage. I love Lori’s books and her ginghams but I went with charm packs from Ruby Star - I thought the palette had a touch of 70s vibe that would work great in our home.
I’m drawn to buying charm packs but I learned it’s probably not the most economical for these specific blocks I chose. Adding in cream was a helpful way to stretch the charm packs out. I’ll keep that idea in my pocket for future quilts.
When I put my mind to quilt I can work quickly, my hope for this project was that the more complex six inch blocks would slow me down. Well, it has been two months, and counting on this one! Be careful what you ask for!
Admittedly, this isn’t my best block, but I’m crazy about this orange-y pink color!
This quilt is definitely the most challenging quilt I’ve attempted and I’m nervous to see how the experiment will turn out. I better finish this up fast because this TULA NOVA pattern burning a hole in my pocket! Planning on doing something unexpected with the colors. More soon!
This snow is the perfect weather to get down to work in the studio, I’m signing off! Look for my article coming out on Muddy Colors next week. Take care. - Kirbi
