inspiration from ... quilts!

I truly love quilts and admire quilters and fabric artists. Would I like to be one? Sure. But, lacking even the most basic of skills, I limit my love of quilts to visiting quilt exhibits and shows, buying how-to books for quilts I'll never make, and even the occasional fabric purchase.

But this time, it was different. I recently purchased a copy of "The Mountain Artisans Quilting Book" by Alfred Allan Lewis, published in 1973. Pictured on the cover is the most wonderful art quilt, panel after panel of colorful whimsy and bright cheer. Fanciful mushrooms, rabbits, birds, flowers; a quizzical-looking snail and so much more. This "Rockefeller Quilt" became the basis of my newest collection of pendants (pictured above is one of them, "I Have A Bird In Spring) and has introduced me to new possibilities in designs, while retaining my own "signature" look.

If you are a quilter or other fabric artist, I recommend this book for ideas that are just as fresh today as it was in 1973. The story behind West Virginia's Mountain Artisans is enlightening as well, from their humble roots to their successes, even winning a Coty Award in the process of turning the world on to their craft.

Remember - inspiration can come from anywhere and you can apply nearly any concept to your own creative pursuits!

get wired!

One of the ways that Lonesome Road Studio has evolved over time is in regard to jewelry components. I've always used sterling silver, gold-filled, copper. But recently I've developed a love for the beauty of handcrafted artisan earwires.

Picture the three pairs of earrings above with typical earwires purchased from a craft store or other similar source. While they would still be three lovely pairs of earrings (of course, I created them hehe), the handcrafted artisan earwires add so much more to the finished piece.

At this time I am still purchasing the earwires from the artisans (sterling silver earwires by Aunali in photos one and three; oxidized sterling silver earwires by Rocki's Artisan Supplies in photo two). Yet, in my quest to learn more techniques related to my craft and to provide a unique and beautiful item with my own creative touch (and that is still affordable), I am going to try my own hand at artisan earwires. To begin with, I have found this basic earwire tutorial, but I am always willing to learn from others. Feel free to post your links to your own tutorials, or add some helpful tips for the earwire newbies out there!