Barb's Blog

Announcing the Cloth Paper Scissors "Mother Earth" Art Doll Challenge Finalists!

2009-12-22T18:01:00Z

Congratulations!! What a wonderful selection of art doll entries we received. It is always fun to see the different interpretations and techniques...and the many locations that the entries arrive from.

We would like the following artists to send their "Mother Earth" art dolls to us by January 8th for consideration for publication.

Please send your art doll to: 23 Gleasondale Road, Stow, MA 01775 (if using UPS, FedEx, etc.) and to P.O. Box 685, Stow, MA 01775 (if using USPS). Our offices are closing December 24th and not reopening until January 4th. Please plan your shipping so that your doll does not arrive before January 4th.

If you have any questions , please call 978-897-7750 x207, or email me at bdelaney@interweave.com.

Finalists

Deirdre Abbotts

Christen Bills

Karen Burns

Shelly Costa

Jody Dufresne

Alyce Farrar

Laura Fraedrich

Ranell Hansen

Ronni Hunter

Tricia Kidd

Dot Lewallen

Kate Madeloso

Andrea Parr

Jacqui Savage and Mo Wassel

Lorena Sinclair

Sharon Stauffer

Carolyn Sutton

Happy holidays to you and yours!

Warm wishes,

Barbara Delaney

Cloth Paper Scissors "Homework"

2009-11-13T15:07:00Z

Well, we knew that people were enjoying the Homework section in Cloth Paper Scissors, but little did we know how seriously some people take their "assignments"! Loretta Vizzutti of Missoula, Montana, completed the homework from Linda and Opie O'Brien (Take a look at the September/October issue) to make her own Dada figure and she even sent us a photo. She said she had a lot of fun with it ( See below). We love hearing from our readers and really enjoy it when they send us images of the art they are inspired to make after reading an issue. Thanks for sharing Loretta. I hope we get to see more of your art...and art from other inspired readers, too.

Have a great weekend.

Barb

Cloth Paper Scissors "Mother Earth" Art Doll Reader Challenge

2009-11-11T16:32:00Z

The deadline for our "Mother Earth'"Art Doll Reader Challenge is coming up. Don't be left out. Show us your art and help us celebrate Earth Day when we publish some of our favorites in the March/April Issue of Cloth Paper Scissors.

Here are the rules

1. Create one mixed-media art doll representing your interpretation of "Mother Earth. "Your art doll may be made out of any materials, but she can be no larger than 12″ tall and 8″ wide, with a depth no more than 2″.

2. Your entry must be free of any text or images that are protected by copyright, unless you have the expressed written permission from the person or institution that holds the copyright and you provide that written permission with your submission.

3. You may use any pattern you like—or none—provided the doll fits the dimensions listed above. If you want guidance, there is a pattern and directions for an art doll by Nola Hart in the November/December 2009 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors as well as another art doll interpretation by Melanie Testa. There are also directions for a basic art doll by Debbi Crane in the September/October 2009 issue.

4. To be considered for the challenge, send two low-res (each less than 1MB) images of your entry (one of the entire piece and one detail) via email by December 18th, 2009, to challenges@interweave.com, with the words “Mother Earth” in the subject line. Please include your name, physical address, email address, phone number, and a brief explanation of the piece.

Note: Please do not “zip” your files and be sure to send jpegs.

5. We will announce the finalists on my blog on quiltingarts.com on Tuesday, December 22, 2009.

6. If accepted, your artwork must be in our offices no later than January 8, 2010, and at that time a flat shipping and handling fee of $15 (U.S. and Canada) and $25 (all other international) will be due.

Note: Our offices will be closed December 24, 2009 through January 3, 2010, so please plan to mail your entry to arrive before December 24 or after January 3.

7. The entire piece (or pieces) and all of its packaging must weigh less than 5 lbs. and fit into a standard shipping/mailing box (no larger than 12" x 4" x 14") or padded envelope.

*** If you have questions about the “Mother Earth ” Reader Challenge, contact me at 978-897-7750, ext. 207, or bdelaney@interweave.com.

I look forward to seeing some wonderful art. Have fun!

~ Barbara

International Quilt Festival/ Houston

2009-10-22T16:26:00Z

Greetings!

As busy as we all were at Festival (check out Pokey's photos), it's not surprising that the time just flew by and here we are back in Massachusetts (a bit tired but truly inspired). It was a great week! We thought we were coming back to snow! but surprise; it's 70 degrees today and has actually been very nice since our return.

I have so many people to thank for helping to make Make It University! ™ and Open Studios such a big success.

It is always wonderful to spend some time with the people whose artwork graces the pages of Quilting Arts, Gifts, and Cloth Paper Scissors, and the vendors whose products help us all create. We are very lucky to have these talented individuals on our "team." The MIU Workshops were hugely popular (as usual) and I thank everyone who participated, artists and vendors alike: Alma de la Melena Cox, Jane Dàvila, Jamie Fingal, Judy Gula of Artistic Artifacts, Leslie Tucker Jenison, Lois Jarvis Of Rust-Tex, Liz Kettle, Lyric Kinard, Judy Coates Perez, Lesley Riley, Kristen Rodriguez of Fiber on a Whim, and Fran Valera of Little Windows. I truly appreciate the time they spent planning, organizing, and teaching such creative and inspiring Workshops.

Open Studios was also a destination point and attendees were not disappointed. All of the artists were very happy to chat, share theire ideas and knowledge, and show and talk about their amazing art. In addition to the artist mentioned above, Christine Adams, Frances Holliday Alford, Tracie and Marilyn Huskamp, Susan Brubaker Knapp, Michele Muska, Melanie Testa, and Sharon Tomlinson shared their time and talent in Open Studios. Thank you all.

Last, but certainly not least, I want to recognize the companies who were SO generous and provided product and/or door prizes for the big raffle on Preview Night (sponsored by Cloth Paper Scissors), for Make It University!, and for Pokey's special Runway event on Saturday night. Quality product in abundance: Aurafil Thread, Clearsnap, C&T Publishing, Hoffman Fabrics, Jacquard, Moda Fabrics, ProChemical & Dye, Ranger Ink, and The Warm™ Company.

I have to say, though, the *star* of the show was Quilt Scene. We couldn't get them on the tables fast enough! It created such excitement; everyone was amazed that we were able to keep the winners a surprise and still get the magazine to the show on time. If you haven't seen it yet, you must. It's a keeper.

Thank you everyone, participants and attendees, for making the Houston 2009 Festival another memorable event.

Wishing you all the best,

Barb

"Sailors' Valentine" finalists!

2009-09-11T13:11:00Z

Congratulations!!

We would like the following artists to send their Sailors' Valentines to Cloth Paper Scissors for consideration for publication.

Please send your art to 23 Gleasondale Rd., Stow, MA 01775, if you use a carrier, or to P.O. Box 685, Stow, MA, if you use USPS.

** All "Valentines" must be in our Stow office no later than October 2nd.**

Please be sure to include all contact information with your artwork: full name, shipping address, email address, phone number.

To review challenge details, check page 85 in the July/August issue of Cloth Paper Scissors, or go to clothpaperscissors.com.

“Sailor Valentine” finalists

Kim Geiser

Maureen Erhardt

(“…The Best is Yet to Be”)

Beth Fedigan

Victoria Klasch

Mindy Lacefield

Lou McCulloch

(“Starfish”)

Linn Shimek

Lisa Kettell

Laura Fraedrich

(“Forever and Ever”)

Jody Dufresne

Lynda Thompson

(“Be Mine”)

Don't miss out!

2009-09-03T21:33:00Z

The September 8th deadline for the Cloth Paper Scissors' Sailor's Valentine Challenge is fast approaching!

Have you sent your entry yet? We have received a lot of wonderful art and have lots to share with our readers. I hope you'll add yours to the mix.

Wishing you a fun-filled and safe Labor Day weekend.

The August/September issue of Quilting Arts is ready for you!

2009-08-06T17:26:00Z

The August/September issue is on the newsstands! Another beautiful cover! It's so colorful...so summery. Check out the cover quilt, made by Frances Holliday Alford, on page 15 and see how she created it.

It makes me smile just looking at it.

And have you looked inside? We have Ethically Ethnic Cuffs, Creating with Silk, The Whisper Quilt Challenge, 2010 Calendar Contest: Judges' Choice, two great Spotlights... and SO much more!

Take a look and let me know what you think. Send your letters to bdelaney@interweave.com.

Announcing the Cloth Paper Scissors "Winter Holiday Critter Stuffies" finalists!!

2009-07-31T13:53:00Z

Today's the day!

It was a tough call, but we have chosen the "Winter Holiday Critter Stuffies" finalists and would like the following artists to send their Critter Stuffies to Cloth Paper Scissors for consideration for publication. Please send your art to 23 Gleasondale Rd., Stow, MA 01775, if you use a carrier, or to P.O. Box 685, Stow, MA, if you use USPS. All "Stuffies" must be in our Stow office no later than August 14th.

For full shipping details, check page 34 in the May/June issue of Cloth Paper Scissors, or go to clothpaperscissors.com.

“Christmas Corgi”

Cathy Santarsiero

“Two-sided Stuffies”

Barb Jane Drees Brown

“Buffay the Diet Slayer”

Jean K. Brown

“Faith, Hope, and Love”

Daryle Cook

“Sno-ball”

Debbi Crane

“Cardinal Stuffie”

Heidi Crockett

“Evie”

Michele Cushman

“Tree Hee”

Jennifer Greenwell

“Owl Stuffie” (1 and 2)

Janis Harper

“Christmas Queen Stuffies” (all 3)

Jacqueline Kneller

“Winter’s Night Mouse”

Deborah Olsen

“Disgruntled Credit Card”

Karen Piercy

“Winter Sparkle Stuffie”

Carolyn Saxby

“My Overindulging Self”

Stephanie Williams

“Winter Witch”

Lynne Redmond

“Kept Sheep” (pink purse)

Alexandra Wahl

“Chinese Fortune Fish”

Melinda LeBaron

What spooked you?

2009-06-26T18:43:00Z

For our Popping the Question (p.12) in the July/August issue of Cloth Paper Scissors, we asked readers to share their scariest, freakiest, most terrifying art accident...

And it sounds like our readers have gotten themselves into some frightening situations!

Tell us about yours!

Don't be afraid... please email me.

We are very excited about this issue (but aren't we always?)...Wait until you see it!

Cloth Paper Scissors “Winter Holiday Critter Stuffie” Reader Challenge

2009-06-24T14:53:00Z

The deadline for our “Winter Holiday Critter Stuffie” Reader Challenge is coming up on July 13^th and we thought it might be fun to do a mini-interview with the artist who inspired this challenge: Diana Trout. Diana’s Critters are adorable and fun to make. Take a look at Diana’s article in our May/June issue and get inspired to make your own.

(Opening page from Diana's article in our May/June issue.)

1. I know Stuffies are quite popular right now, but what prompted you to make your first one?

My pal, Susan, and I were goofing around, painting fabric in my studio. I had been teaching a series of stuffies workshops so after the fabric dried, it just seemed like a natural step. Watching all those folks in my workshops having fun making stuffies made me want to have fun, too. Also it was wintertime. Things like this happen in the winter when you aren't distracted by nice weather.

2. Does a Critter’s personality come to mind and then you create it, or does the personality emerge as you create?

I'm definitely a "fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants" artist. I sit down with my materials doing one thing and then the next thing, until I stop. I like to think that making art in this manner makes the art come from some place deeper within me. But it may be that I'm not organized enough to do all that planning.

3. The Critter Stuffies that you made for CLOTH PAPER SCISSORS were small. Have you made any larger Critters?

I like to make this [small] size. They fit easily into my hand. I've made teeny stuffies from Aranzo Aranzi's THE CUTE BOOK. Now that you mention it, it would be fun to make some large monster-sized stuffies and some wee elves. That could make for some action-packed videos.

4. Do you ever find your mood on any given day translated into the Critter?

Absolutely. Working on those Critters is like looking into a crystal ball. My mood will be revealed if I am patient. Critter Stuffies are the windows into my soul, my inner self portraits.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

-------------------------------Take a look at this "Christmas Corgi" stuffie submitted by Cathy Santarsiero of South Salem, NY.

There is still time to enter the "Winter Holiday Critter Stuffie" Reader Challenge. See entry rules at clothpaperscissors.com.

Now, go have some fun and create some "Stuffies.” I can’t wait to see all of the new Critters!

A day at the beach...

2009-06-19T16:59:00Z

Summer’s on its way... though you can't prove it by the weather we've been having! No trips to the beach yet, but that doesn't mean I haven't been anxiously awaiting that first dip in the ocean.

With that in mind, I started thinking about our "Life's a Beach" challenge. Grabbing a map, with the pile of challenge entries before me, I started marking the states where the entries were from. I discovered that we had entries from 47 states (including Hawaii and Alaska), Australia, Brazil, Canada, Finland, New Zealand, Sweden, and the U.K. Wow; pretty impressive, I'd say.

The artwork is impressive, too! Look for the "Life's a Beach" challenge results in the July/August issue of Cloth Paper Scissors. [And think sun!]

Feedback

2009-06-10T18:16:00Z

So, what did you think about the June/July issue of Quilting Arts Magazine? The art and artists we get to work with every issue are amazing.

And this cover; I love it! I find it very calming... It's the perfect issue to pack up and bring to the beach.

Take another look at the Table of Contents: More "Rock On!" quilts, retro-inspired samplers; embellished and embroidered paper collage; low-relief printing; and these are just a few highlights!

Take a minute to let me know what you think; we like to hear from our readers! Please email me at bdelaney@interweave.com.

Cloth Paper Scissors "Skeleton" finalists revealed

2009-05-13T19:57:00Z

Congratulations! We would like the following artists to send their “Skeletons in Your Closet” mixed-media art to us by June 2^nd for consideration for publication. Please send your art to 23 Gleasondale Rd., Stow, MA 01775, if you use a carrier, or to P.O. Box 685 if you use USPS.

As always we were quite impressed with the variety and talent of our readers. We are looking forward to seeing your artwork!

Please check the March/April 2009 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors, page 32, for the complete rules for sending your artwork.

* Finalists will also be emailed.

“The Long Walk Home” and “Mr. Harrison’s Transition”

Andrea Manard

Memphis, TN

“Edgar’s Storage Closet is Full”

Cathy Rylander

Bryan, TX

“No Wire Hangers…Ever”

“Who Goes Out on Halloween?”

And “Papier-mâché Wood Ornament”

Kristen Beason

Hudson, OH

“Skeleton Sleuths”

Susan Eisaman Gowan

Aurora, CA

“A Witch’s Collection Box”

Marlene Denn

New Lothrop, MI

“Teddy Bear”

Michele DeHate

Santa Rosa, CA

“Skeletons in Your Closet”

Christy RePenec

Austin, TX

“Spooky Elegance”

Theresa Hackworth

Redding, CT

“Waiting for Mr. Right”

Kathy Prescott Parker

“Soldered Shadowbox”

Lani Robertson

Kit Carson, CO

“Skeleton Bunnies”

Debb George

Williams, IN

“Skeletons”

Jeane Frizzell

Peoria, AZ

“Halloween Egg”

Lynette Fisk

Pleasant Hill, MO

It’s challenging...

2009-04-29T09:58:00Z

Opening reader challenge art is a lot of fun. I am honored to be able to see such inspiring work. But, sometimes it becomes a bit of a challenge (pun intended) to decipher just who the artwork is from. Some people really get into creating beautiful labels for their work with stitched writing on fabric, others write theirs by hand in wonderful script, still others slip a business card in a specially made pocket. Though I truly appreciate the creativity, sometimes (aside from the business cards) it's difficult to read just who the artist is, or maybe what the name of their town is. An "r" becomes an "n," an "a" an "o," and then we need to do further investigating.

Though "cursive" is artistically appealing, and we all love those beautiful stitch selections on our sewing machines, it would be great if the labels on your wonderful art could be typed or printed, with a careful eye to the pesky letters, like "a" and "o," so that we don't have errors.

As always, it is a pleasure to be a part of this artistic adventure. :o)

Fun times

2009-04-24T13:00:00Z

We are just back from the International Quilt Festival in Chicago, which is always an adventure. I got to see some artist friends, had lots of laughs, and we had lots of fun. Take a look.

It's always great to meet up with the wonderful people who create such beautiful artwork for the magazines...

Yet, we're no sooner back and we need to start thinking about the next show: Long Beach, California, July 24th-26th. Are you planning to be there?

It was lots of fun last year. In Long Beach we have the added fun of Pokey's luncheon. This year Pokey will be speaking on "Quilting Arts Uncensored." If you haven't attended one of Pokey's luncheons before, you are in for a real treat. Reserve a space!