February 23, 2012
Alphabets
What is it about Typography? That really formal word for ‘Letters’? I love the shapes of letters, the words they create, the fonts… all of it has a pull like no other image for me. This great pieced Alphabet quilt is so classic in it’s red and green.
This quilt is Circa 1910 from the International Quilt Study Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1997.007.0324
Many quilts have initials on them. If you hang out with me, you know I love the quilts that are more out there, wild, free, created with abandon! This quilt made me gasp when I saw it! Look at all the funky crazy things in there.. animals, odd flowers, random tossed baskets… and letters. Can you find them? Wonder if those are the initials of the maker?
This quilt is Circa 1860-1880 International Quilt Study Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2008.040.0114
When modern quilters took to putting letters on quilts they ran with it! From quotes, single letters for initials and such… to this quilt by Tulapink.com that is a very modern interpretation of the Alphabet. It is one of my current favorites. Yes.. it’s on my to do list!
Heartfelt Welcome is one of my quilts with words. I think I would put words on ALL my quilts… but you might get board with that..or would you?
Do you put words on quilts?
~Pat Sloan
EXOTIC ORCHIDS: A Winter Pick-Me-Up
This time of the year, we all start to get a bit tired of cold weather, whipping winds and knee-deep snow. Even those of us who live in warmer climates are getting more ready for spring, but it’s still a month or more away. One of my favorite pick-me-ups to cure the winter blues is to buy an exotic indoor plant—these more tropical plants remind me of lying on a beach with an umbrella drink. To get an instant boost this month, pick up an orchid plant and let the brilliant colors and exotic shapes transport you.
The quickest way to kill an orchid is with too much care. Sounds a little counter-intuitive for such a gorgeous plant, doesn’t it? The first orchid I ever had was dead in a month—because I loved it to death. Literally. So don’t hover over these beautiful flowers; let them do their thing until they tell you that they need some attention. After all, they grow in trees in their native environment, so they are very used to being ignored.
Place your orchids by a bright window—they need light, but no direct sunlight. Water about every 10 days or so—in cooler weather, you can probably go two weeks in between watering. Although orchids love humidity, don’t allow them to sit in water or they’ll rot. Instead, place them in a saucer with pebbles in water; the planter will sit on top of the pebbles rather than coming into direct contact with the water.
Use a soil that is specially packaged as suitable for orchids—peat-based potting soils are perfect, as are those with bark pieces. These soils don’t retain excessive moisture that can quickly rot orchids. Fertilize according to package directions, only using a fertilizer that is made for these flowers. When in doubt, water and fertilize less rather than more!
These gorgeous plants will love the humidity of your bathroom, or the bright light of your living room window. Although their care is specific, it’s very low-maintenance, making it the perfect plant to add to your indoor garden!
~Jenny Peterson
Bring Spring Indoors
It’s the time of year when our thoughts turn to spring. Warm days and sunshine are just around the corner, but for the moment we are still caught up in the winter cold. If you’re itching to inject a little bit of that spring feeling into your home, however, there’s a relatively easy way to do it. Try treating yourself to some flowers. After all, spring is the time when the earth is reborn. Tiny buds dot every tree and blossoms push their way up through the cold ground. So what better way to cure spring fever than to display the most iconic of spring symbols?
Flowers are not only pretty; they have actually been shown to elevate the mood. Studies have shown that the mere presence of flowers in a space improves peoples’ sense of wellbeing. So try these ideas to bring some spring into your space.
The next time you are at the grocery store, make sure and grab a bunch of flowers. Grocery store flowers are often quite affordable and readily available, so don’t hesitate to grab a bouquet. Try to avoid purchasing flowers that are displayed in front of a store near the street, however. These flowers won’t stay fresh as long since they have been exposed to car exhaust and the elements.
Another great idea is to force blooms. You can purchase bulbs (such as paper whites – a winter blooming favorite) or you can wait until the weather gets a wee bit warmer, and the buds are just starting to form on branches. You can then “force” the bulbs to bloom, or the branches to blossom in the warmth of your home. Nothing says “spring” like blossoms on a branch.
So if you’re getting anxious for spring to arrive, don’t worry! Just grab some flowers and bring the feeling of warm spring sunshine into your house.
~Wendy Hyde
Shabbynest.blogspot.com
Unique Expressions of Love
Valentine’s Day is typically celebrated with flowers, fancy dinners and boxed chocolates. But all of those things are temporary indulgences. Flowers wilt, and dinners and chocolates are quickly consumed and forgotten.
Why not consider something longer lasting for your Valentine this year? These items are a wonderful way to say “I love you” any time of the year.
Remind your special someone of your love every time they sit in a piece from this Treated Pine Country Heart Group. The garden bench or patio chair can be purchased separately, or pair them together with the end table for a nice ensemble. Each piece has a heart hand-crafted into it, expressing love every time you sit down.
Does your loved one enjoy swinging in the breeze, or taking in the scenery while relaxing to the sounds of the evening? If so, we have a number of unique heart porch swings that will make them feel special while they relax and enjoy the outdoors. Each piece is constructed of sturdy and durable pine, with hearts – one or two, depending on the piece – carved into the back support, adding the look and feel of lasting love.
Looking for something to express your love that can be enjoyed year round? Why not consider a hope chest?
This Berryville Cedar Chest is a safe and secure way for loved ones to keep their treasured gifts – old cards, jewelry and other special mementoes. Constructed of Eastern Red Cedar, this piece possesses a rich color and uniform grain. Exceptionally durable, the aroma of cedar also makes it naturally resistant to infestation and decay. It is a gift that can be treasured for years to come.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
~Shari Berg
The Power of a Heart
To say I have adored hearts for a lifetime can not sum up my true feelings for this image. A heart is not only love, but hope, unity, beauty and most of all joy. I find the heart shapes to be so amazing that I can use them and love them over and over. My quilt above is “Love letters” inspired by the heart as the universal symbol of love.
International Quilt Study Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1997.007.0547
I really adore how these ‘trees’ formed the heart. I think this is very clever. Can you imagine doing one and framing it with borders? It would be a fabulous wedding or anniversary quilt. Or four blocks together (I’d have to have them going the ‘right’ direction.. would you?) This quilt is Circa 1870 from the International Quilt Study Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1997.007.0547
International Quilt Study Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2003.003.0225
It was such a delight for me to be able to see Yvonne Wells quilts before her exhibit was hung at the IQSC. Then I had the privledge of interviewing her on Dec 19, 2011 for my radio show! Did you have a chance to listen yet? Yvonne made this quilt in 1987, and it makes me smile!
This single heart is on my website as a free pattern. Make one… or several. Combine into a table runner, tall skinny wall hanging, multiples for a quilt. Put on the words.. or not.. and send me a photo of what you do!
Do you have a Heart quilt?
~Pat Sloan
Visit A Public Garden
Winter is a great time to visit one of your local public gardens—the crowds are thinner and the staff has more time to answer your questions! Botanical gardens, wildflower centers and arboretums are great sources of inspiration, but if you don’t plan the trip well, it can also be a source of frustration. Here are some great tips to make the most of your next public garden excursion.
Wear comfortable clothes. You’ll be walking a lot, and sometimes the pathways are more like a light hike, so dress accordingly. Flat shoes and clothing with some “give” will keep you moving well all day long. I like cargo pants—the pockets are perfect for car keys and phones so I don’t have to bring my purse along.
Bring a camera and small notebook. A digital camera is perfect for capturing photos of plants and whole gardens, while the small notebook can be used to make some sketches and further notes. Buy a notebook small enough to tuck in a pocket so your hands are freed up for more picture-taking. I once took a large binder with me and it was so cumbersome, I wound up leaving early!
Observe everything. This sounds like an obvious piece of advice, doesn’t it? But, it’s really more like “Observe everything with a plan.” Look for new plants, or different varieties of familiar plants. Take pictures of the plant first, and then the plant tag or placard, so you won’t need to write everything down. Observe how gardens are laid out, what plants look great with other plants, and new materials that kick the garden up a notch. Take note of how gardens are placed around structures like pergolas and gazebos, as well as different accents like bridges and benches.
Visit the gift shop. The gift shop is a wonderful place for buying plant and garden books, seed packets, garden calendars and journals, and other garden-related goodies. Ask the staff about anything that you want more information about, and check out the schedule for classes on plant identification, native plant use and general garden design.
~Jenny Peterson
Enhance Your Experience
It’s never too early to think about ways to update and improve your outdoor living space. Spring is just around the corner, bringing with it the flowers and outdoor landscape treasures we enjoy.
Gardens are a popular outdoor addition to many homes. Often seen as a way to get closer to nature, gardens also can provide a relaxing experience.
There are several ways you can enhance your experience in any outdoor garden, no matter how large or small.
Small gardens
One of the easiest ways to spice up a small garden is with a decorative mini bridge. These bridges are not made for actual use, but rather for aesthetic purposes. Many people also use them to add to the look of their koi ponds.
The only thing better than the sight and smell of flowers in your garden is the sound of birds enjoying the beautiful outdoor garden you’ve created. Encourage the winged treasures to stop by more often with a bird house or bird feeder. Feeders will ensure your feathered friends stop by often, while houses might encourage them to take up permanent residence. We have had several generations of finches living in our bird house. It has been quite a unique experience to be able to see – and hear – the babies as they grow.
Large gardens
If you have a larger garden, you may want to consider adding seating to it. What better way to sit and relax while taking in the sights and smells than with a bench?
From small and quaint to full-size and magnificent, garden benches add not only style to your garden – but also a comfortable place to sit while taking in the view.
The type and size of bench you choose will be based on the overall size of your garden. For larger gardens, you may wish to include more than one bench.
If you have a pond or stream incorporated into your garden area, you may want to consider a full-size bridge. Functional, as well as attractive, these bridges add value to any large outdoor area.
How do you plan to spruce up your outdoor living space this year?
~Shari Berg
Listening to Your House
One of the tricks that professional decorators use to get just the right look in a house, is to listen to what the house has to say. And no, the house doesn’t really talk to them, but taking cues from a home’s architecture, light, and overall space always leads to a décor scheme that is in sync with the home, and makes it feel natural and comfortable, not contrived.
This trick works to create a space that makes the occupant feel comfortable as well because often we are drawn to particular living spaces because of their architecture. If you are a fan of the country cottage look, you will most likely be drawn to a living space that has a cottage feel to it. If you’re a fan of a more contemporary look, contemporary spaces will likely appeal to you more. You might be drawn to high ceilings and clean lines.
So if you’d like to make your décor and your space work together in perfect harmony, start by assessing the architecture of the room. Is the room large and open, or small and cozy? Does the room have many traditional details or is it more contemporary in feel? Does the room have a lot of light or is it darker and more intimate? After you have determined the architectural feeling of the space, you have a great jumping off point for décor.
Deciding which direction you are going to pursue for the overall feeling of the room will also help you to determine colors and fabrics. There are certain color schemes that lend themselves more easily to one type of décor than to another. For example, trendier colors fit better in more contemporary spaces. Cottage spaces lend themselves better to more traditional color schemes and so on.
So if you are tempted to redecorate your space in the new year, listen to what your home is trying to tell you and use that as inspiration for a jumping off point. Then see how “listening” to your home can create a comfortable, inviting space that you will love!
~Wendy Hyde
Keep Thinking Spring!
A few weeks ago, we talked about looking past the snowy and cold weather to picture improvements to your outdoor living spaces. We talked about ways to spruce up your gardens and other outdoor areas with bridges, trellises and planters. Today, we’ll talk about a few other ways to add a little pizzazz without breaking the bank.
Changes do not have to be big and bold to make an impact on your outdoor living space. Take for example a mailbox. They often are the first thing people see when approaching your home, so it’s the perfect opportunity to express your individuality.
Another great way to add pleasure to your outdoor space is with a bird house or bird feeder. Bird feeders and houses can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. As long as they are stocked with tasty bird seed, your new little friends will stop by on a regular basis. Listening to birds chattering is one of the most relaxing sounds of nature. Sit back, relax and watch and listen to these marvels of nature.
Lastly, another great way to add charm to your outdoor living space is with a weathervane. The first recorded use of a weathervane was in 48 B.C., built by astronomer Andronicus. Functional and attractive, you will enjoy them for years to come.
What are some of your ideas for sprucing up your outdoor living space?
~Shari Berg
Classic Blue and White
Blue and White quilts are the most classic of classic two color quilt combination. Quilters love blue and the crisp look of blue with white can be used any time of the year. I have a friend who decorates her home in almost all blue and white, it’s amazing to see.
This quilt is Circa 1880-1900 and is a flying geese/lemoyne star combo. It reminds me of a railroad sign for some reason… not sure why!
This sunburst is an incredible display of wonderful piecing. I adore sharp points and how they sparkle on a quilt. This one is circa 1860-1880.
I really do not have any ‘pure’ Blue and White quilts myself. This piece is from my Redwork book. It is as close to a blue/white as I can find in my collection. Of course if I did use just Blue and White I would need some prints — maybe batiks – or some tone on tones. I don’t think I could do a solid blue white like many of the antiques are.
This repeated a coffee cup makes me smile! Isn’t that the sign of a fun quilt? Circa 1910-1930 the quilt is 81″ x 72”… that is a LOT of coffee cups… but I think it might JUST be worth it as you know how I love my coffee… wink!
The International Quilt Study Center and Museum database has a lot of quilts that fit this category, I entered Blue White and wow! Give it a try!
Do you have a Blue and White quilt?
~Pat Sloan
**Quilt photos provided courtesy of the International Quilt Study Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
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To say I have adored hearts for a lifetime can not sum up my true...