Workshop Day - A Coat of Many Styles

So much incredible creative energy was buzzing around the room at the “Coat of Many Styles” workshop yesterday. Four lovely ladies were up for the Sunday challenge and Sunday sleepiness was left behind.

 

As usual, I managed to cover almost every usable surface with paper quilts, papers of every colour and by every designer, sewing machines and embellishments before we even started – but we still had room to create - thank goodness!!

We started the morning with a run through of idea possibilities. Would our coats be inspired by China, Korea, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, the 1930's, wedding coats from the 1960's or high fashion such as Dolce and Gabana. Choices!!

Then it was straight into choosing what techniques to use. Applique, Strip, Just Squares, Crazy or Scrap.

Now paper choices. Paper choice is always the most time consuming part of any project. The paper stacks remove some of the colour co-ordination concerns, but most people (being creative souls), want to add other paper collections or colours into the mix. Some of the colour choices become crystal clear as the project progresses and colours, which you may not have remotely considered, all of a sudden become your best friend. It’s all part of the fun and these choices make everyone’s work truly unique and a reflection of their individual personalities.

These creations are true craft art. By lunch time we were well underway to finishing the first coat and were thinking about embellishments and layering papers. I think you will agree that the work is truly inspirational.

Kay used a combination of papers from DCWV, Graphic 45, Stamping up and a Chiyogami from Japan. Metal feather charm (unknown source). Just Squares technique.

Cheryl used Basic Grey, DCWV and vintage wrapping paper. Charms from Scrapmatts. Crazy technique.

Karen C used DCWV and Stamping Up. Swarovski crystals. Strips and Applique technique.

Karen M used a beautiful hand made silk paper, Vintage gift wrap, Italian marbled paper, Alison Ellis, Chiyogami, Rossi from Italy, Anna Griffin and Christina Re. Strips and Applique technique.

After lunch it was time to start thinking about new ideas for the second coat which everyone started – and almost finished. I’m really looking forward to seeing pictures of the completed second coats which I will share with you.

To help our creative spirits, The Irish Club put on a delicious morning tea and lunch. Thanks Anne, who owns A White Dragon Papercraft store for organizing and co-ordinating the day. And thank you to Ron for helping me unload and re-load all my gear from the car. Where would we be without you both? Lost for sure.

If you would like me to run a "Coat of Many Styles" workshop at your craft group or store - please contact me.

The Autumn Papercrafts Festival - Penrith, Sydney

I am just back from the wonderful Paper Crafts Festival at Penrith. What a week-end! It was great to catch up with the other store owners and customers (many who have followed my journey since the Sydney Stitches and Craft Show back in 2007). So many happy people enjoying the latest crafting products. I don’t have too many pictures – as we were SOOO busy which was fabulous. We set up a Make and Take table again and we were so happy that everyone, (women, men and children) 

We had a great space at the show. Here is Bill setting up the booth.

of any age, realised just how very easy and how much fun Paper Quilting is. We’ll be doing it all again next week at The Australasian Quilt Convention in Melbourne.

Make and Take table on the first day of the show.

It was lovely to see a family creating gift tags together.

Sunday was VERY busy

An Afternoon at the Canberra Show

Every year at this time the show comes to Canberra. And because Canberra is sometimes known as the bush capital it is a very rural focused with many farm exhibits, animals and agriculture. But the part I love is of course the Craft Pavilion where there are exhibits ranging from knitting, lace, embroidery, crochet and quilting  to quilling, card making – and now Paper Quilting.

Two of my students from A White Dragon entered the Paper Quilting category and I was very proud that Harriet was awarded first place and Patricia won both second and third. It was fantastic to walk into the pavilion and see their work displayed in the glass cabinets set up to showcase all the work. Congratulations girls.

Harriet's award winning Paper Quilt entry

Patricia's second place entry

Local vegetable competition

Proud Dahlia growers getting ready for judging

Display of antique garments

Spinners and weavers at the show

Thursday, 24th January 2013 

One of my top 10 tips is ALWAYS – and I mean always, be on the lookout for inspiration where ever you go.  I was in the newsagent yesterday, leafing through the latest delivery of magazines (am I addicted to magazines? – yes I think so). ' Bliss Victoria' http://www.victoriamag.com  is just one which is sure to inspire. I came across this beautiful Victorian inspired heart ornament. I wondered if I could adapt my pattern “Sparkle Heart” (pattern # GC108a) to look like this lovely piece.

 To create the Paper Quilt, I used a decoupage wrapping paper along with an Anna Griffin cream design paper and shell pink card stock. It is sewn with a variegated polyester thread. Around the heart I added a row of clear rhinestones and then a smaller row of champagne colour rhinestones. Pearls would also look very pretty. To the centre I attached a monogram pendant. Result – “Sparkle Heart” with a difference – very very  sparkly but with a vintage twist.

I think this would make a really special Valentine’s Day card or picture to frame for someone you love. Or find a Mum/Mom pendant and create this for Mother’s Day. A double monogram would make a beautiful wedding card or picture.

Happy Paper Quilting

Michaela