Love those Handles

This set of handles have been hanging around in my studio for a while.  I love the handles and new I needed to design something to fit them.  I am now down to okay, I have the bag sorta done in muslin, I have created some really pretty crazy blocks. I need a little more fabric to accent the side and bottom  of the bag.  This ended up being a bit harder task than I thought.  I will simply blame it on the handles.

A little Inspiration

It seems where ever I go Nature inspires me. While doing some teaching and shows in Florida we visited a nature preserve. I was so excited to see the birds. I came home with lots of pictures.

 The subtle color of a bird that is the most beautiful color of grey, or is it blue?

 but it is funny what might most inspire you...The boardwalk Itself.

Naples Florida Quilt Show 2011

Earlier this year I attended the Naples Florida Quilt Show.  A great Show with outstanding Quilts.

Here is a peak of a few of my favorites.

And then We Cracked Open the Tequila by Veronica Von Zwehl

Shelter by Suzanne Sanger

Beyond the Steps by Deb Crine

My new Crazy Quilted Stick Horse.  New Pattern available at www.karenpharrstudios.com

Rusting in the Heat

Rust dying in the 90 degree heat, got some great new colors !!

Don't forget, Rust instructions are now in the Fearless Fabric Painting Book. 

http://www.karenpharrstudios.com/shopbooks.html

Crazy Shuffle - All Batiks

This new crazy shuffle is from my Crazy Shuffle Book.  Just 9 fats make this large lap size top,  add more fats, make it bigger. 

This great fabric is from Sew Batik and pattern by Karen Pharr Studios

http://www.karenpharrstudios.com/shopbooks.html

Welcome Home

New Patterns

Never did I think I would work in a "series" but my door have seem to take on their own life. Request for a door for a guild in the Southern part of the country has created the new Blue Door.

With the popularity rising I have turned both of these now in to Patterns and there are a few Limited Kits available.

Next on the Hoizone is going to be a stone wall with a wood door. 

Check out the new patterns and kits at http://www.karenpharrstudios.com/shoppatterns.html

The flood Wall

A reminder of the Flood before the wall is painted on the Flood Wall which protects Paducah from the river. 

BryerPatch Studio, Paducah Ky

Bryerpatch Studios

 So last year this was one of the places I never made it too.  Now I know what I was missing.

Caryl Bryer Fallert has built a stunning studio called Bryerpatch in Paducah. She works and lives in this large beautiful building specifically built to house both her business and home.  Perfectly laid out to accomodate a show room, work room and upstairs living and personal Studio.  My friend Bridget who works for Caryl during Paducah week gave me a grand tour. 

Caryl Bryer Fallert greeting her guest at the studio

One of my most favorite pieces by Caryl Bryer Fallert

Bridgette, next to her art as a featured artist for the week.

Paducah Class Room

Making Doors

All three classes went great in Paduach, the classes were moved to a whole new location but the students were great and classes were fun.

Paducah

Ahh, kits are made, van is packed.  Rain or Shine Paducah is On!!!  Hope to see you there.

Classes this Summer in Florida

The dates are official !!! join me at Crafty Threads quilt shop  http://www.craftythreads.com/
for Fearless Fabric Painting, Landscapes and Fusing, Fibers and Fun June 30th, July 1st and 2nd.

new Door Update

In the process of a New Door Art Quilt...

Needs some quilting and I am thinking a Welcome sign.

Finding the Artist In You

Join me Saturday at the Cincinnati International Quilt festival.  At 3:30 on the SAQA stage I will be giving my lecture ( not a fan of that word) Finding the Artist in You. 

After the Lecture,  Skyline Chili !!!

MMMMMmmmmmm...

I see Somthing New !!

Last night I wanted to test the Karen Pharr Studios base extender over colored pencils to see how it works.

I drew a simple picture, went over it with the base extender and let it dry. Once dry I ironed to set everything and then washed it. A good wash with Soap and water since I was testing.

No runs, No loss of Color. Still very Soft.

Another great way to use the base extender.

http://www.karenpharrstudios.com/catalog/item/7487423/7870859.htm

New Underwater View

The most fun I have had in a while, Creating this Underwater piece. Scrunching fabrics, melting others. The frame just sets it all off.

New Logo's

I have always wanted a "real logo" so I decided to get some professional help. What do you Think?

Thanks to PiktureThis Photography.

Urban Inspiration Quilt Show

New York City here we come !!!  This show is held in the Fashion Institute of Technology.  And yes, I plan to make my way to MOOD Fabrics.

Fearless Fabric Painting Book

I can't believe it !!

Pre-Order Your Fearless Fabric Painting Book today 

at a special price.

http://www.karenpharrstudios.com/catalog/item/7487423/8679507.htm

The Man behind the Scenes

Rarely seen, the man behind the scenes.  My husband Mark is who really keeps things going.

When you see him at the shows, working hard in the booth please thank him for being there.  He drives the car while I catch up on sleep, he carries all the fun stuff into the building for set up and re-packs it all so we can move on to the next show.

Thanks Mark !!!

Screen Print

Found this great new screen at the last show. I could wait to get it home and play.  This is my teal blue shimmer paint straight from the jar onto the screen printed onto white fabrics.  Soooo Easy !!

One of My Family

Zip it up Mom, Ready to go !!!

Time to be Crazy ???

This turned out so great, the center fabric is a new line from Quilting Treasures.  My favorite thing about a crazy quilt block is using all different types of fabrics.

A cheesy Heart

A cute little project to show off hand painted cheese cloth, raw edge painted batting, and painted lace wings.

Hand Painted Cheesecloth

newly handpainted cheesecloth.  Lots of great new colors.  Waiting for them to dry.

Painted Silk

Stenciled dupioni silk with Karen Pharr Studios Coral Shimmer Paint.

My Mini Art Doll

My new little mini art doll, she is a mear 4 inches tall,  I think everyone should try a little pink in their hair at least once.   Pattern for art dolls coming this week.

New Rusted Fabric

After moving, I know the process is the same but I had to get comfortable in my new rust dyeing area.  All seems well, Here are a couple of new pieces.

This newspaper print fabric is one of my favorite things to rust, it gives you a wonderful vintage look.

Painted Faces

Karen Pharr Studios Textile Paints work great on all medias

These are painted clay faces.

http://www.karenpharrstudios.com/paintstore.html

Red and White Crazy block

Ready to embellish, Then set with red-work blocks. 

Crazy blocks and Redwork

Red and white crazy blocks done, need embellished have 4 Redwork umbrellas and one Victorian lady to finish.  Football and stitching today.

Love it When it All Works Out

From This, Rust Dye Day in a skillet

To This

Stencil painted simple brown over my rust dyed fabric

newsletter

The first 2011 newsletter will be coming out this week.  Get signed up now, http://www.karenpharrstudios.com/newsletter.html so you don't miss a thing.

Happy 2011

Instead of starting a new diet, or exercise Let's all just make this the year to Color Outside the Lines.