Curved Piecing

Here's a twist on some of what I do. I will be teaching my first class at the Quilter's Block on Curved Piecing. I have done various presentations on photos on fabric, drawing on fabric, stabilisers, and now I will lead my first specific sewing class. Many customers have asked me to teach them how to machine quilt - and I have declined, stating that it is difficult for me to teach machine quilting when I use a long-arm, and others use a domestic. It is not the same motion, and task. In my training from other professional long-armers, and teachers, is to practice drawing. So I became a Certified Zentangle Teacher so that I can teach this easy process of  drawing which can be translated into machine quilting.

But the curved piecing class (to be held after Easter) will be my first specific sewing class. I'm excited. Below is the class sample. Come learn how to easily and freely cut a curve and piece it back together. You will learn to piece without pins, and have a new method of piecing and add unique movement to your quilts.

curved piecing fun!

deb

Zentangle Anywhere!

If you enjoy zentangles, you probably can think of different ways to incorporate your tangling into other crafts and art spheres. Afterall, we can find tangles almost anywhere - from hotel carpets, to the bushes in your backyard. Here is an idea I will be incorporating into my workshop at the Mixed Minded conference in Kitchener, Ontario, May 29. A notebook cover.

the raw notebook 

Enjoy! deb

Relaxation

Been bringing the creative energy back. My family and I spent some great time getting some fresh air and exercise on the slopes of Jay Peak, Vermont. Now back to routine. so I have been tangling in the evening, trying some different patterns, and feeling new energy arise. Enjoy the tangles.

You can boost your self esteem

Yea! "one stroke at a time!" That's the Zentangle way!

I enjoyed a weekend with some enthuisiastic junior high youth. We spent time talking about who we are, what we like -- regular self understanding acts that help us also know where we are going. I'm a craft person, so I incorporated a craft activity that all would personalize and enjoy. I had them Modge-podge a jar with magazine pictures and tissue paper and fabric. They looked great, and the kids (including 7 guys) really enjoyed the activity and were proud of the job they did. In the end, the kids took home their jars with "compliments" from the others. A gift that keeps on building. So, they maybe didn't stroke the Zentangle way - but with a brush, but you can still see how breaking down a task makes all growing easier.

The next Zentangle 101 class will be held : Sunday, March 20; 2-3:30 p.m. Come enjoy an afternoon of relaxation and focus. email me at deb@kopeschny.ca to register.

If you would like to refresh your tangling and learn some more advanced tangles, Zentangle 201, Join me on March 16, Wednesday, 10-11:30 noon. Please register through deb@kopeschny.ca.

Take care..

Winter White and ..

We have been enjoying so much snow this year. Yea, you heard me right. I love the snow. I've done some snow dyeing, walking in the snow, shoveling and even had to dig myself out of snowbank yesterday.. Hmmph. I am looking forward to a trip to Vermont shortly too.

There are other winter whites that have helped me too - Zentangle drawings, and white bedsheets in a hotel room. Yes. We all need breaks. I went on a short winter sew-in with the Quilter's Block. It was a restful and productive time. I enjoyed the comraderie of other quilters, and the rest of white bedsheets. I started a quilt I am creating for a friends daughter's wedding. The first wedding of a group of friends we have. Then I did some freehand sewing on a piece I am trying to create for the Sacred Threads quilt show. I finished off with a crazy combination of kaffe fassett fabrics in a simple snowball pattern. Now none of these are done, so I won't post them now.

The Zentangle drawings have been a great respite for me as well. The small simple free form drawings allow me to be creative, simply, and relax. And there is much need for that lately. The Zentangles are not demanding, there are no expectations, and whatever comes - is beautiful.

I will be holding another Zentangle 101 class on Sunday, February 13, 2-4 p.m. You are welcome to join me and others in learning this simple technique. kids and adults and seniors, are all welcome. Let me know if you would like to join me, deb@kopeschny.ca

Mixed Minded-May 27-29

Allo! Guess What! the Art Studio in Kitchener, Ontario has invited me to participate in their conference coming May 27-29, 2011. I will be teaching a class on Zentangles with an additonal project. For more information check out: http://www.mixedminded.ca/  . Sign-up and experience exciting inspirational art in Kitchener!

How's this for a Zentangle? It is on a quilt I created called "Pink is it". It was shown at the Oshawa Fibre Art Show, 2010.

Take Care. Growing.

Happy New Year! Here's to Growth

Today is the 3rd day of 2011. On New Year's Eve, my friends and I excitedly marked the beginning of a new year. 2010 was full of peaks and valleys. 2011 is welcome to bring on new ventures and hopefully more peaks than valleys.
As I was looking back through pictures from the past month, I realised how much has happened in so little a time, and despite challenges, the time has been one of growth. Without trying new ventures, nothing is gained. It is with learning new skills and experiencing challenges that we growth. I don't want to remain stagnant. And I don't believe I have. So here is to more growth in the New Year. As many Quiltart forum pals share their word for the New Year - here is mine "growth."
Here are photos of the last days of 2010. Enjoy!

Class November

Zentangle Tree on Christmas Card, by Laura Kopeschny

Zentangle on Satin with Thread : fabric is 6" square