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.

Paperific Expo

How lucky were Bill and I to be visiting Melbourne for the third time this year! Paperific Expo is one of my favourite events and it was very exciting to be taking part for I think the 4th year. Boy does time go quickly and how things have changed.

Here is my stand back in 2010 when I was Wren's Nest Studio. I had 4 patterns to sell and quite a small display of finished Paper Quilts. I am very fortunate to still meet women who have followed my journey since these early days - and long before.

We had a wonderful space this year where I could create a gallery of Paper Quilts and a table for Make and Takes. I can’t remember being quite so busy – ever! During the three days of the show we had over 150 crafters creating 150 beautiful gift tags.  Young, older and wiser, girls and boys, men and women – they all took part.  Here are some pictures of our space at the show including some hanging decorative Paper Quilts and Paper Quilts displayed in embroidery hoops. These are great fun to create and I look forward to making some more soon.

Paperific Expo Stand

Paper Quilts displayed in Embroidery Hoops.  



Paper Quilts set free to hang as decorations