You may remember that I’ve been working on a way to rescue a project with a Very Busy Background. I experimented with a computer-simulated overlay, then took the plunge and applied a Paintstik overlay to one section of the piece. Today, I’m happy to report that the Sheer Paintstik Overlay really works! In case […]
Studio Essentials: Finding the Sweet Spot
After three months in Chapala with (very) limited supplies, I found my home studio more than a bit overwhelming. With several decades worth of art supplies on hand, it’s a miracle I get anything done! It’s time to remove the distractions and get down to a smaller set of Studio Essentials. Rather than just “thinking” […]
Alphabet Quilt Challenge 1: A Good Start
If you pay any attention to the financial news, you have probably heard that Google has rearranged its corporate structure under a new holding company by the name of Alphabet. I’m not sure how they picked the name, but they certainly aren’t the only folks playing with letters these days. The DIVAS (my small quilt […]
Transfer Crayons and Rubbing Plates for Fabric Fun!
If you’ve been with me for a while here in the Cedar Canyon Community, you know that I love playing with Rubbing Plates. As in totally smitten with the crazy things. (Yes, I know… there are more “grown up” things to play with as I near my 55th birthday – but I’m old enough to […]
Before You Start That Big Project…
Last week I shared an article by Nancy Kazlauckas about how she tests Paintstik colors for a project. I’m not quite as methodical as Nancy, but I did use her color testing method before I started painting on my big 3-panel project. In this case, a couple of hours up front saved me a lot […]
Choose Colors With Confidence!
by Shelly Stokes, Founder and Creative Mentor One of the students in the Totally Textured online course asked for advice on choosing Paintstik colors for a piece of fabric. Now, I have to admit that I usually “go with my gut” — choosing colors by instinct rather than some set plan. And that’s not terribly […]
Join Lisa Walton For A Truly Creative Journey
by Shelly Stokes, Founder and Creative Mentor While I was in Houston for Quilt Festival, I had a chance to spend some time with several of my favorite Aussies, including Lisa Walton. Lisa is one of the more adventurous textile artists I have met, both in her willingness to hop on a plane to far-flung […]
A Kraft-Tex Dying Play Day
by Shelly Stokes, Founder and Creative Mentor I bailed out of the office last Thursday for a couple of days with Laura Murray in the Twin Cities. It is always wonderful to spend time with my creative friends, and this trip was great fun. Laura and I met author and contemporary quilter extraordinaire Susan Stein […]
Inspired By Color At Quilt Market
by Shelly Stokes, Founder and Creative Mentor I have just returned from a whirlwind trip to Quilt Market in Houston, TX. I have worked every market for the past 8 years, and it was time for a break. It was a delightful trip in more ways than my tired little brain can count right now. […]
Stitch Your Way Through Detours
Last week was more than a bit of a detour here in South Dakota. My sweetheart Jack had emergency surgery and was stuck in the hospital for four long days. I passed a few hours by working on some stitching. It hasn’t been much of a vacation, but we made it through and I expect […]
Ask Shelly: Do I Really Need A Blender Paintstik?
Many of you have acquired Paintstiks Blenders over the years, and I get a lot of questions about how to use them. Let’s start with what a blender is, and then tackle whether or not we need them. You might be surprised by my advice about these sticks. First of all, let’s be clear about […]
Charming Painted Pumpkins From Thea McCurry
I just love it when you send me photos. Really, it makes my day! I’m always thrilled to see what you are doing with Paintstiks, whether it’s something blissfully simple or a complex piece of art. Last week, this photo arrived from Thea McCurry. I found it totally charming and was grateful that she allowed […]
