March 2014 Newsletter

Our last meeting was on Monday, March 24th, and was attended by 11 people.  There was some very nice show and tell, as well as a few of the challenge pieces.  There are many out there yet to be finished and viewed, so feel free to continue to bring them to the meetings!  It's always fun for us to see what you've been up to these days.

Member News:

Sheryl Sleboda and Catherine Redford have finished filming more episodes with Quilting Arts TV!  You go, girls!  They will let us know when they can be viewed.

Natasha Lehrer was mentioned in an article in the March 16th Daily Harold.  "Folk Art.  Just What is it, Anyway?" was the name of it, and it was very interesting.  Fun to see you name in the paper, isn't it?!

Especially when it's not in the police blotter!

The Latest Challenge

was due, as I mentioned earlier.  It was about new techniques, with no size restrictions.  The due date has been extended until the day you are finished.  That's pretty much the way I work anyway!  Keep in mind that we have our show coming up in the fall, and this would make a nice addition.

Aloe Vera Gel

was discussed as a way to get tsuseneko ink to become a tint rather than a full strength color when "dying" fabric.  This can be found in the hand lotion department, as well as along with the sunscreens.

The other option is shaving cream with ink.  You merely need to heat set this with an iron.  I did not see any You Tube videos on this technique, but we're in luck.  Read on, dude!

May Demo

will possibly be a demo on the above mentioned technique for dying fabric with aloe vera gel and tsuseneko ink!  Woo-hoo!  Take THAT, You Tube!  We'll discuss this more privately as to whether it will be in May or another month.  More on that in the next newsletter.

April Demo

was supposed to be Sheryl Sleboda teaching us how to do smocking.  I discussed it with her.  Because we will be meeting in the gallery rather than the classroom, we are moving this demo to another month.

Lighting and work space will not be available, and this is also a hands on event.  More info on supplies, and possible cost will be written about another time.

Benedictine University

has a wonderful collection of specimens (animals, birds, bugs...) which are good for drawing.  If I understood correctly, you are able to "check out" some of these to take home, just like a library book.

"Look what I'm 'reading', honey!  A pheasant!"  Anyway, there is free parking in the south lot, and you enter the science building.  I'm sure you can call there to get more information as to their hours, etc.

Sharon Malec - "A Gallery of Nature"

That's the name of her show at Wasco Nursery and Garden Center.  It runs from July 3 - August 5, with an artist's reception on Saturday, July 19th, from 4 - 6 pm.  I am unsure of the show hours, though I assume it is open when the garden center is open.  41 W 781 Rt 64, St. Charles, IL  60175.  (630-584-4424)  Creative, textural fabric art.

More Sharon Malec:

She was the showcased artist at the Nature Artist's Exhibit at the Morton Arboretum.  She combines felting and quilting to form a colorful and tactile, soft-textured expression of nature.  I have no idea where I got that info from cause it sure doesn't read like I wrote it!  Nice job, Sharon!  Congratulations.

Wool 'n Magic 

by Jan Messent is the book that Sharon Malec got her inspiration from when working on her crocheted pieces on a hoop.  Very colorful, and looked impressionistic.  This book is out of print, but she happened to find it on Amazon for $4!  Maybe you'll be lucky, and find your very own copy!

The end:

Well, that's it for now.  I hope you will join us at our next meeting which is Monday, April 28th at 7 pm at the Naperville Art League.  There is a $3 charge per person.  Be there or be square!

xo,

Laurie

NOVEMBER 2013 NEWSLETTER

Hello, ladies!  I have heard from oh-so-many people about how wonderful our show was this year,...again!  Nice job.  There are so many talented people in this group, we all learn from each other, are influenced by each other, and above all, care about each other.  I'm proud to be a member of such a wonderful group of people, altho my work was missing from this years show.  Next year I should have something.  Let's keep our fingers crossed.
In the meantime, having missed the meeting, two ladies were kind enough to send me notes.  Thank you Linda and Yvette!  So here we go:

Our latest quilt show:

was a complete success.  We received very positive comments such as high end, elegant and diverse.  We drew a lot of visitors, even on Thursday evenings until about 7 p.m.  They liked the open feel with cubes rather than portable walls.  And 102 people signed the guest book, but we know there were many more.  As with all shows, we have learned lessons to take forward into the next event.  

1: Having all guests sign the guest book when they enter was one suggestion.  

2: When delivering your quilts, you should rank them in the order of preference so that if there are too many quilts, we can be sure which we can eliminate so that each person is represented.  (example:  I have 1 quilt to show, you have 10.  One of yours is bounced if there isn't room)  

3:  Description cards should be used (4.25" x 5.5") to describe the techniques/materials used, or the concept behind the piece.  This is an excellent idea.  Who ever happens to be on hand may not be familiar enough with your work to understand what all went behind the product.  The fonts and general format are to be determined.

4: The cases in front of the windows should be left there for better lighting.  Apparently the black coverings did not help to make the items visible.  

5:  We may look into having some type of collapsible shelving for the next show since we are all producing more "shelf" type items.

October 15 - 25, 2014:

These are the dates for next year's show at the Naperville Art League.

Challenge:

The latest and greatest challenge has been chosen!  Try a technique that is new to you, any size you'd like.  As to the technique, it is allowed if you have played with the technique, but haven't used it in a completed piece. Due date is March 2014.

You are more than welcome to hit Cheryl's blog where she reported on 52 techniques.  http://muppin.com/wordpress/index.php/blog/

Programs:

Any ideas?  Anyone?  Please bring your massive list to the next meeting!  It would also help if you have done some research on the program or speaker in advance.  Thanks.

Shows in the area:

1:  SAQA has a show in progress at the Fine Line in St. Charles.  Check out their website listed below, hit "Calendar", and you're rolling!  http://finelineca.org/

2:  There is a Fine Art of Fiber at the Chicago Botanical Garden, which begins on November 7 (Thursday).  Parking is free for MORTON ARBORETUM MEMBERS!!!  How's that for a bonus!? 

http://www.chicagobotanic.org/fiber

3:  There is also a show at the Morton Arboretum.  It opens with a reception on November 8th, and runs the weekend.  Sharon Malec is the featured artist!  (You go, girl!)  I checked out their website and couldn't seem to find anything on the show.  Can you help us out there, Sharon?

Member Notes:

1. Joan went on a mission trip to a poor area of Kentucky.  Quilters there could use quilting supplies such as crochet thread, sewing machine needles, some fabric, etc.  Joan, please let us know how we can contribute, and who to pass it all to.

2. Catherine taught classes at the AQS DesMoines show, and will be teaching in Houston.  Also, the Alzheimer's wallhanging she donated was recently auctioned.

3. Cheryl Sleboda will be included in the next season of Quilting Arts TV beginning this Thursday and running for 4 weeks (I'm late so "this Thursday" was probably last week.  Sorry.)  WYCC Channel 20 and 1 p.m. Thursdays.  Her car keys quilt is in the Quilting Arts magazine Nov/Dec issue, and will be in the Houston show.  She will also be teaching in Houston.

4.  Sharon Malec briefly demoed the horizontal Blackfoot spinning  spindle and a blending board for wool.

5. Yvette showed several hand-dyed silk scarves.  The fabric was  from Dharma, and the dyes from Procion.  Alice warned us that some colored beads fade.  She suggested washing some to test them.

November 25, 2013:

is the date of our next meeting.  Seven p.m. as usual.  There will be no meeting in December!!!  Enjoy your Thanksgiving, and the holiday of your choice after that!

xo,

Laurie

Our October Show Information

Our quilt show, an exhibition of original art quilts and mixed media works, will be from October 16th through October 26th.  It will be held at the 

Naperville Art League, 508 North Center Street, Naperville, IL (630-355-2530).  

Show hours are Wednesday and Friday - noon to 4 pm.  Thursday - noon to 8 pm.  

Saturday - 10 am to 4 pm.  Sunday - 2 pm to 4 pm.  

Artist's Reception is to be on Sunday, October 20th, from 2 pm to 4 pm.  There will be artist demonstrations, as well as refreshments.  

There is no entry fee.  It's going to be most excellent, as usual!  We look forward to seeing you there.

september 2013 newsletter

september 2013 newsletter

Hello one and all.  I finally made it to a meeting (first one since February, I believe), so can write with my own thoughts.  A thrill for some, dreaded by others!  It was good to be back, and surrounded by such talented and caring friends.

For the Love of Fiber 2013 Quilt Show!!!!!!!!

Our quilt show, an exhibition of original art quilts and mixed media works, will be from October 16th through October 26th.  It will be held at the Naperville Art League, 508 North Center Street, Naperville, IL (630-355-2530).  Show hours are Wednesday and Friday - noon to 4 pm.  Thursday - noon to 8 pm.  

Saturday - 10 am to 4 pm.  Sunday - 2 pm to 4 pm.  Artist's Reception is to be on Sunday,

October 20th, from 2 pm to 4 pm.  There will be artist demonstrations, as well as refreshments.  There is no entry fee.  It's going to be most excellent, as usual!  We look forward to seeing you there.

Members quilt show info:

We have been e-mailing you all the info on the show times and duties.  Just a recap on quilt drop off:

Drop them off on Tuesday, October 15th at the Naperville Art League between 3 and 6 pm.

You will need to take the time to fill out small individual cards per quilt once you've arrived.  If you can't drop them off that day, please contact us.  We'll figure out a drop off point for you ahead of time so your quilts can still be in the show.  I'd like to say that without the help of so many of you, this quilt show would not be possible.  I am incredibly absent from this show, so am guilty of not helping whatsoever.  I really appreciate anyone that took on something for me in my absence.  Here's to another great show, folks!

Riverwalk Quilters Guild Small Quilt Auction:

Start your holiday shopping early by joining the Riverwalk Quilters Guild at the Grace United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall (300 East Gartner Road, Naperville) on Tuesday, October 15th.  Preview time begins at 6:30 pm, and the auction begins at 7 pm.

There will be refreshments and a raffle basket.  Cash and checks accepted.  The proceeds benefit their Guild education programs.  For more information, go to www.riverwalkquilters.com.  Hit Events or Newsletter.  Sounds fun to me!

Fiber Fake Challenge Preview Night:

This last meeting was the night to show our Fiber Fake's.  The idea was to take a famous painting and produce a quilt.  Several were shown at the meeting, and one was better than the other!  Different styles, different techniques and mediums.  All very interesting, and very motivating.  Thank you, ladies, for sharing your work.

Fosshape:

There were several "sculptural" pieces displayed at the meeting that used a new product called Fosshape.  It is a very soft fiber, looks similar to a polyester quilt batt, and you can do just about anything you'd like to it.  Quilt it, paint it, sew it, do that thing with wool fibers (my head just went blank!  Argh!)....  Then you heat it with an iron and it firms up and holds your intended shape.  Too flippin' cool!  Info on this product can be found on-line.  Just type in Fosshape.  You will get many selections, including an instructional video!

Way cool, dude!  (Don't you just hate that phrase?!  Kids!  Why didn't they just stick with groovy?)

Watercolor Canvas:

Again, several members found ANOTHER fun thing to expand our creativity with.

Watercolor canvas!  Woo-hoo!  You can use anything from watercolors (duh!) to acrylics,

inks, neocolor II,...basically any water based mediums.  Google it, and you will once again find all the info you'd like, including videos, and where to buy it.  Thanks for sharing, ladies!

Morton Arboretum Art Exhibit:

On November 8th - 10th, the Morton Arboretum in Lisle will be having an art exhibit.  Our very own Sharon Malek will be the featured artist for this event!  The show itself is free, but parking is still included.  There will be no parking fees Friday evening, the night of the artist's reception.  Sharon, I looked online and found nothing in the Morton Arboretum site that gave any info at all about this show.  As a result, I am unable to give any info as to times, etc.  Sorry.  I assume if anyone is interested, you may call the arboretum directly.

Knock 'em dead, Sharon!  And I'm sure the rest of the show will be wonderful due to all the talent involved.

Newsletter wrap up:

It's been wonderful writing you again.  Our next meeting will be on Monday, October 28th at 7 pm, at the Naperville Art League (508 n. center st, naperville).  I look forward to seeing you all there.

xo,

Laurie

June 2013 Newsletter

Happy June, ladies and gentlemen,
I apologize for missing the last meeting.  My mother is home from the hospital, and doing a wee bit better.  Still weak, but trying hard.  Yvette was kind enough to get me some notes on the May meeting.

JUNE MEETING:  Laura Lein Svencner is our speaker for the evening!  She will begin after a brief business meeting.  She will give an 80 to 90 minute demo on what she does for collages.   There will be no show and tell tonight.  $10 cover charge per person for this event, which will include the usual $3 charge.  So, a total of $10 for the evening.  This is to cover the speaker and room rental fee.

"FOR THE LOVE OF FIBER", our next show, will be from October 18 - 26, with take down being at our meeting on the fourth Monday of October (the show ends the day before).  We will be getting the publicity underway.

FIBER FAKES CHALLENGE will be due at our September meeting.  (Another possible entry into the show!?!)  There is no size requirements, and I have absolutely no information on what that title means.  Yvette or someone?  Please let us know if we are making fiber copies of famous paintings, or what exactly this means.  Thanks in advance.

May's meeting had a lively discussion about the movie viewed at the April meeting.  It was followed by show and tell.  Some of our members have quilts in the Chicago IQF show in June, displaying their interpretations of a Modern Log Cabin!  Congratulations!

QUILTS.COM is the site to check for information on the International Quilt Festival/Chicago, June 21 - 23 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont.
June 20 (Preview night) is 5-9, June 21 & 22 is 10 - 6, June 23 is 10-3.  Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $7 for students.  Full show pass is $25.  (This show has member's work in the Log Cabin section.)

JUNE'S MEETING will be at 7 pm at the Naperville Art League on the 4th Monday of the month, June 28.  Remember, we are not to enter the building  before 7 pm.  Hope to see you there.
xo,  
Laurie

APRIL 2013 NEWSLETTER
I know it's not quite April yet, but as long as I have the info, I'm passing it on to you!
Thank you very much, Linda, for sending me the notes for the meeting last night.  Sorry I missed it, but my mother had doctor's appointments.

We welcomed 2 guests.

October show. Dates are being finalized. All Divas are encouraged to work on items for the show. Linda VanderKolk volunteered to head up publicity. Linda Kurz has updated guild lists for mailings. A quilt registration form will be used and due 1 month prior to the show.

Member list update. We hope to reconnect with past attendees. Laurie is updating the list.

April 22 movie night.  A great opportunity to bring a friend. “Who Does She Think She Is” will be shown. A signup sheet was passed around for set-up, treats and clean up. If you were not at the meeting, feel free to bring snack food. Cheryl will print Diva informational flyers to have available at the evening. The evening will be co-sponsored with the Naperville Art League.

News.

Nature Artists Guild show at the Morton Arboretum is April 5 to 7.

White Oak Library in Romeoville is interested in displaying artists’ work.

Specs Eyeglass stores also display art.

There will be a spinning show in Sept. or Oct. at Pheasant Run.

Catherine Redford won some recent awards including Best Miniature at QuiltCon. Congrats! She will be teaching at AQS Des Moines.

Cheryl Slevoda will be taping four Quilting Arts TV shows and has several other projects pending. Super!

Show & Tell was fabulous. Dimensional challenge pieces were truly innovative.

 

Next meeting: Monday, April 22 at 7:00 p.m.  Movie night.

March 2013 Newsletter
Hello one and all!  My, how time does fly.  I just realized that the next meeting is in 2 days, and I haven't written the newsletter yet!  Argh!
February's Meeting was sort of quiet and shorter than usual.  We covered some interesting things so please read on so you can catch up with the happenings of the group.
Silent Auction Donation:  The Naperville Art League is requesting a piece or pieces of art, or contributions of money for the league.  They would like to buy cabinets, tables, invest in some safety measures, etc.  Yvette will scan the registration form and send it to me, and I will forward it to you,...as in you who may be interested in contributing to this fine organization that helps to keep a roof over our heads, and a venue to show our work.  You may bring your donation to the March Diva's meeting, or drop it off at the art center.  The drop off date is April 6th if you'd like to drop if off yourself.  I believe the silent auction is on April 13th.
June Demo:  Laura Lein Svencner:  It will cost Divas $125 for a 60 to 90 minute demo about collage, steps and the art through process.  We could perhaps split the cost, with Divas covering a portion from our "pot of gold", and the rest being split between those that are there.
April's Meeting will be a movie night!  This is on April 22nd at 7 p.m. at the Naperville Art League, as always.  "Who Does She Think She Is?" is a riveting documentary by Academy Award-winning producer Pamela Tanner Boll.  The film features five bold women who navigate what it means to nurture children and family, and keep the creative fire burning.  Tanner Boll's energetic camera documents artists' actual work, giving us a feel for the creative process.  This movie raises thought provoking questions about how art is valued in our modern culture.  the evening is co-hosted by the Naperville Art League and the Fiber Art Divas.  There is no charge.  Refreshments will be served.
See you there, and please don't plan on trying out your big hat or bee hive hairdo that night!
Three Dimensional Challenge Due at March Meeting!  Did you do it?  Is it finished?

Okay, that's it for tonight.  Not proofreading this, so if it's wrong at any point, please forgive me.
See ya!
xo,
Laurie