• FEATURE ARTICLE: A Video Gift for You
• ROXANE RECOMMENDS:  Giclee Prints for Gifts

In honor of this being my 101 blog post, I decided to give a video gift for all my students out there.  So, I made a short video about what the numero uno, best needle to use for free motion quilting.  This video will save you time and money when it comes to choosing and buying the right needle for your project.  Enjoy!  For those who don’t quilt, please feel free to forward to those who do.

Click here  ↓

The Best Needle Ever! 

ROXANE RECOMMENDS:

Wedding gifts, grad gifts, anniversary gifts, birthdays are all good excuses to give someone a gorgeous Giclee print of one of my textile paintings.  Please email me (roxane@roxanelessa.com) if you are interested in ordering any of my work in a museum quality print.  Notecards are also available.  Calendars might be good too.  What do you think?

And don’t forget, I make custom commissions too!  Read what my client Glenda had to say about her custom commission experience:

“Normally, I would be anxious about commissioning someone to do a work of art such as this. However, I felt a connection to you when Leigh showed me your work. It resonated with me and when I met you, you seemed almost a personification of your work. I immediately felt comfortable with you and knew that what you would create would be stunning. And it is!” 

About Roxane

Roxane is a full time studio textile artist and teacher with two girls and 1 fat cat.  She is a 2012 Niche Award Winner and exhibits her work all over the world.  Roxane enjoys traveling, knitting and most of all working with students who want to create their own fiber art, and not simply make other people’s patterns.  Her work is in several private collections and loves doing custom commissions.

If you and a small group of folks want a more private instruction experience, call me.  We can work out a studio workshop in my studio. Just drop me an email:  roxane@roxanelessa.com

  Permission to duplicate: You certainly can use this blog, just be sure to credit me and include this link, Roxane Lessa.  Hey, if you like this blog, please hit the FB or Twitter icon in the top right sidebar and share with others!  That’s why they are there…..:)

The post A Video Gift for You appeared first on ROXANE LESSA.

• FEATURE ARTICLE: Playing with Heat & Shape
• CONTEST RESULTS:  And the Winner is………..
• ROXANE RECOMMENDS

 Every now and then, a new material comes on the market to try.  I have been playing with Heat & Shape (The Revolutionary Heat Moldable Batting).  Why, you may ask?  Well, because it’s cool, I say.  It can be quilted, heated and shaped to any shape or form.  You all know I’ve been working with 3-D Sculptures like this:

Carnival Trio

So I am pleased to announce that I like this stuff.  You can also use it for bowls, purses, masks, etc.  It will crinkle and shrink if you add enough heat with your steam iron.  I found it pretty easy to mold.

Yesterday, I made this piece with a piece of Shibori fabric I had dyed.  I want to mount it on a deep red canvas.  Maybe add some beads?  You can order yours from Innovative Craft Products.  

Shibori fan

 And the Winner is……

Last week I had a contest to name this baby: 

Out of all the entries, I liked one of  Sandy Small’s.  He will win the printable jpeg of this piece.  The name I liked is “Melt”, because of the heat the colors and shapes suggest.  Congratulations Sandy, and thanks to everyone who played name this  art quilt game!

ROXANE RECOMMENDS:

Wedding gifts, grad gifts, anniversary gifts, birthdays are all good excuses to give someone a gorgeous Giclee print of one of my textile paintings.  Please email me (roxane@roxanelessa.com) if you are interested in ordering any of my work in a museum quality print.  Notecards are also available.  Calendars might be good too.  What do you think?

And don’t forget, I make custom commissions too!  Read what my client Glenda had to say about her custom commission experience:

“Normally, I would be anxious about commissioning someone to do a work of art such as this. However, I felt a connection to you when Leigh showed me your work. It resonated with me and when I met you, you seemed almost a personification of your work. I immediately felt comfortable with you and knew that what you would create would be stunning. And it is!” 

About Roxane

Roxane is a full time studio textile artist and teacher with two girls and 1 fat cat.  She is a 2012 Niche Award Winner and exhibits her work all over the world.  Roxane enjoys traveling, knitting and most of all working with students who want to create their own fiber art, and not simply make other people’s patterns.  Her work is in several private collections and loves doing custom commissions.

If you and a small group of folks want a more private instruction experience, call me.  We can work out a studio workshop in my studio. Just drop me an email:  roxane@roxanelessa.com

  Permission to duplicate: You certainly can use this blog, just be sure to credit me and include this link, Roxane Lessa.  Hey, if you like this blog, please hit the FB or Twitter icon in the top right sidebar and share with others!  That’s why they are there…..:)

The post Playing with Heat & Shape appeared first on ROXANE LESSA.

• FEATURE ARTICLE:  Name This Baby
• ROXANE RECOMMENDS

Remember this one?

I finally got around to quilting this baby.  I’m having a contest to name it.  If you come up with the winning name, I will send you a downloadable picture you can print out at a decent size!    So put on those thinking caps, and answer this question:  What does it make you feel like?  Please help me name this baby by  commenting in the comment section and submit your name.  I will announce the winner next week. 

Here is the finished piece:  Can you tell I was having fun with feathers? There is bobbin stitching, hand painted fabric, hand dyed fabric by Sherol Lappala, batiks, and even a few scraps of my shibori hand dyes.  I always say, whatever gets the job done.

ROXANE RECOMMENDS:

Wedding gifts, grad gifts, anniversary gifts, birthdays are all good excuses to give someone a gorgeous Giclee print of one of my textile paintings.  Please email me (roxane@roxanelessa.com) if you are interested in ordering any of my work in a museum quality print.  Notecards are also available.  Calendars might be good too.  What do you think?

And don’t forget, I make custom commissions too!  Read what my client Glenda had to say about her custom commission experience:

“Normally, I would be anxious about commissioning someone to do a work of art such as this. However, I felt a connection to you when Leigh showed me your work. It resonated with me and when I met you, you seemed almost a personification of your work. I immediately felt comfortable with you and knew that what you would create would be stunning. And it is!” 

About Roxane

Roxane is a full time studio textile artist and teacher with two girls and 1 fat cat.  She is a 2012 Niche Award Winner and exhibits her work all over the world.  Roxane enjoys traveling, knitting and most of all working with students who want to create their own fiber art, and not simply make other people’s patterns.  Her work is in several private collections and loves doing custom commissions.

If you and a small group of folks want a more private instruction experience, call me.  We can work out a studio workshop in my studio. Just drop me an email:  roxane@roxanelessa.com

  Permission to duplicate: You certainly can use this blog, just be sure to credit me and include this link, Roxane Lessa.  Hey, if you like this blog, please hit the FB or Twitter icon in the top right sidebar and share with others!  That’s why they are there…..:)

The post Name This Baby appeared first on ROXANE LESSA.

• FEATURE ARTICLE:  Interview with one of my students
• COMING SOON:  Giclee Prints

Presenting Cathy Hedberg, one of my fabulous students!  Cathy has taken many of my classes, and has been studying with me since I first started teaching.  She has a binder full of notes and handouts from just my classes.  I am so honored to have had her in my classes.  She always brings her best to each class.  She brings her willingness to push through fear to try new things.  And she always brings her sense of humor too! Why do I share her progress?  So you know it is possible for YOU too.  YOU can design and make all your own original art quilts.

Here is a brief interview with Cathy:

Me: What attracted you to making quilts in the beginning?  And what kind of quilts did you start out making?

Cathy: My mom was a Home Ec teacher, and I have been sewing since I was a preteen.  I think my first venture into quilting was in college.  I’m not sure why I chose my first project, but I still have an appliqued frog pillow hiding in my closet!  Fast forward to 1986, when I was at home with my first child, a premie, and looking for something creative to do.  I signed up for a beginning quilt class and learned how to make templates out of sandpaper!  My first quilts strictly followed “the rules” as I never thought I knew what I was doing despite having sewn for years. Another decade later when a wonderfully indulgent aunt gave me a new sewing machine with all of the bells and whistles, I started sewing all over again and haven’t stopped trying new things.

Me:  When you signed up for your first art quilting class, what were you hoping to learn?

Cathy: I still like a lot of the traditional patterns, but I don’t like my work to look like everyone elses; I like adding a little twist to make it different. I was beginning to get bored following someone else’s pattern. After admiring quilts that to me didn’t follow “the rules”, I took my first art class from Roxane.  To me one of the scariest things she had me do was paint my quilt.  I was totally out of my element. I had never painted anything, much less a quilt.  I was hooked and whenever I had the opportunity I took Roxane’s classes. I love learning new ways to make my quilting my own. It has opened a whole new world and has been so much fun!

Cathy Hedberg’s Still Life

This is the first time she ever painted- pretty good, no?

Me: Now that you have learned the whole process of designing, painting and quilting, what else would you like to make with your new found skills?

Cathy: I feel as if I have just begun on this new journey of designing, painting and quilting.  I am currently working on a piece that is truly stretching me, but is very exciting to see come together.  I started with a picture of my son doing something that he is very passionate about.  I am hoping that I can translate his passion into this quilt.  Being able to recognize what is special to someone and then create something from me just for them is very rewarding. 

Cathy’s newest quilt she designed in progress

Me: If you had all the time and money you needed,  what other techniques or types of art quilting would you like to learn in the future?

Cathy: I’m not sure. I have thought about learning to dye fabric.  I love the look of hand-dyes.  I would also like to experiment with using some non-traditional quilt fabrics to create a different look and, and I am always wanting to learn new free motion stitches. Right now I am having fun on my present journey, but I am sure something will speak to me when I least expect it.

Many thanks to Cathy for sharing her art quilting story! 

 GICLEE PRINTS

Be sure to let me know in the comments if there is a certain textile painting you would like a Giclee print of.  These will be  limited edition, signed, museum quality prints of my work.  They will be affordably priced compared to the original and would make great gifts for someone special!

 About Roxane

Roxane is a full time studio textile artist and teacher with two girls and 1 fat cat.  She is a 2012 Niche Award Winner and exhibits her work all over the world.  Roxane enjoys traveling, knitting and most of all working with students who want to create their own fiber art, and not simply make other people’s patterns.  Her work is in several private collections and loves doing custom commissions.

If you and a small group of folks want a more private instruction experience, call me.  We can work out a studio workshop in my studio. Just drop me an email:  roxane@roxanelessa.com

  Permission to duplicate: You certainly can use this blog, just be sure to credit me and include this link, Roxane Lessa.  Hey, if you like this blog, please hit the FB or Twitter icon in the top right sidebar and share with others!  That’s why they are there…..:)

The post Interview With One of My Students appeared first on ROXANE LESSA.

• FEATURE ARTICLE: Big Announcement:  Giclee Prints

I finally got off my butt and did a little research about getting my work made into high quality prints.   The art quilt in the picture is called Amazonia, and the original has been sold.  But now, you can still have this image and many others if you so desire.  

Sometime this week I should be getting samples to choose the best looking paper. Each print will be made on acid-free, museum quality, %100 cotton paper.   They will be a limited edition of 200 each and hand signed by me. 

So those of you who have always wanted to own a piece of my artwork can now do so, in a more affordable way than buying the original!  I’ll leave the framing up to you.  I’m thinking sets of blank notecards will follow too.  Keep posted, because I will create a special page on my website for prints that you can order right from the website!

 TESTIMONIALS from participants:

I feel a big boost in personal confidence re: making choices and quilting.  Thank you! 

The small class allowed for more individual help and encouragement.

Thank you so much- I  learned a great deal and have much more confidence in my skills!!

 About Roxane

Roxane is a full time studio textile artist and teacher with two girls and 1 fat cat.  She is a 2012 Niche Award Winner and exhibits her work all over the world.  Roxane enjoys traveling, knitting and most of all working with students who want to create their own fiber art, and not simply make other people’s patterns.  Her work is in several private collections and loves doing custom commissions.

If you and a small group of folks want a more private instruction experience, call me.  We can work out a studio workshop in my studio. Just drop me an email:  roxane@roxanelessa.com

  Permission to duplicate: You certainly can use this blog, just be sure to credit me and include this link, Roxane Lessa.  Hey, if you like this blog, please hit the FB or Twitter icon in the top right sidebar and share with others!  That’s why they are there…..:)

The post BIG Announcement! Giclee Prints appeared first on ROXANE LESSA.

• FEATURE ARTICLE: Why Use Paint on a Quilt?
• NEW WORK:  Quilting it
• COMING SOON:  May 25: Fused Applique and Paint Class, Thimble Pleasures, Chapel Hill

Feature Article:  Why Use Paint on a Quilt?

Before 2005, I had never dreamed I would be using paint on my art quilt, or as I now like to call them, textile paintings.  I took a class with Esterita Austin at a quilt show, and I was intrigued.  And scared.  Terrified I would “wreck” my little practice quilt.  Over the years, I have overcome my terror, and now teach others to do the same. (See upcoming class in Chapel Hill below).  I always say, even if you mess up royally, you can always fix it.

For example, once I was making a desert landscape quilt and the sky needed soft blending colors.  I messed up my first attempt, cut it off, painted a better sky, and attached it back onto the rest of the piece.  See what I mean?

Offending sky-gone.

Finished piece

 Mojave Sandstorm 

Using another photo of Pete Saloutos, I created a hot orange and purple desert with a sandstorm coming over the mountains.

Materials: Hand painted ( by myself and others), hand dyed and shibori dyed, and batik  cottons, fused, machine and bobbin quilted,various threads.

16″ X 44″, SOLD, 2011 

 But, back to original question:  why paint on a quilt?

• more depth
• more realism
• tiny details
• soft blending- hard to do with fabric pieces
• it’s fun, and the results are fantastic

If you paint, please use a softer blend made for fabric, like Setacolors or Profab paint by Prochem, or Jacquard Paints.  I also like the fabric medium GAC Golden 900 for making the paints easier to spread on fabric.  On the areas you paint, the hand will be crisper, but not as crisp as regular acrylic paint.

NEW WORK:  Quilting it

The new piece is called?  Because I don’t know the name of this plant.  Anyone who can tell me?  Any gardeners out there?  Anyway, the quilting is almost done.  I have to laugh-I almost never stipple quilt, but the pink veins on this plant called for exactly that.  Lots and lots of stippling.   And yes, the white spots are painted on!

For the techies out there, I used neon trilobal polyester thread, a little rayon thread, some green trilobal polyester, my trusty #14 Topstitch needle with the top tension at around 2, and clear Superior Mono.Poly in the bobbin.

What are you working on now?  Are you going to paint on it? What do you need help with? Ask me below.

 COMING SOON

 May 25: Fused Applique and Paint Class, Thimble Pleasures, Chapel Hill

 TESTIMONIALS from participants:

I feel a big boost in personal confidence re: making choices and quilting.  Thank you! 

The small class allowed for more individual help and encouragement.

Thank you so much- I  learned a great deal and have much more confidence in my skills!!

 About Roxane

Roxane is a full time studio textile artist and teacher with two girls and 1 fat cat.  She is a 2012 Niche Award Winner and exhibits her work all over the world.  Roxane enjoys traveling, knitting and most of all working with students who want to create their own fiber art, and not simply make other people’s patterns.  Her work is in several private collections and loves doing custom commissions.

If you and a small group of folks want a more private instruction experience, call me.  We can work out a studio workshop in my studio. Just drop me an email:  roxane@roxanelessa.com

  Permission to duplicate: You certainly can use this blog, just be sure to credit me and include this link, Roxane Lessa.  Hey, if you like this blog, please hit the FB or Twitter icon in the top right sidebar and share with others!  That’s why they are there…..:)

The post Why Paint On A Quilt? appeared first on ROXANE LESSA.

• FEATURE ARTICLE: Interview with an Interior Designer
• COMING SOON: Fused Applique Class at Thimble Pleasures

One of Patti’s designs

Feature Article:  Interview with an Interior Designer

Recently, I have been chatting with very nice interior designer in the Bay Area, in California on Linked In.  I’ve been trying to get some insight into their business to see if my custom commission art business can contribute in some way to their clients’ satisfaction.  As a result, I interviewed her and I want to share her viewpoints with you now, in case you’ve ever considered hiring a designer for your home or business.  I thought her philosophy and mine were quite simpatico!  Here she is:

Patty Cowger

Patti Cowger, 

PLC Interiors

www.plcinteriordesign.com

P.O. Box 10785

Napa, CA 94581

And here’s what she has to say:

Q  What made you want to be an interior designer? 

A  This is actually my third career. I had been a math teacher and a computer programmer for 12 years. In 1988, my dad became terminally ill and I spent several months by his side in the hospital. My grief was overwhelming. At some point, I started to notice my surroundings – a depressing, sterile, colorless hospital room. I remember saying to myself, “I wish I could make things pretty”. It would at least cheer my dad, me, and the rest of my family. Soon after my dad’s passing, I did just that. I took a trip to Tuscany to visit family and later studied the formal gardens of France. The beauty around me was inspiring and life-altering. It reconfirmed my wish to “make things pretty”. When I returned to the States, I pursued a degree in Architectural Interior Design. 

 It wasn’t until years later that I remembered that, as a kid, I had made doll houses out of empty grocery boxes. I was Barbie’s interior designer and didn’t even know it!

Q  Describe your ideal client?

A  Those who recognize that interior design is not about fluffing pillows but can have a real benefit to their daily lives – and endearingly helpless bachelors.  

 Q  How would you describe your preferred style, i.e. traditional, modern, etc.

A  Not too traditional or “period” (Victorian, Queen Anne, any of the Louis) although I’m becoming a fan of Regency in terms of its similarity to old-Hollywood glamour. I like natural fibers and texture and a spot of drama. I’m dying to do a tropical design, preferably on a tropical island! But I also like a southern Mediterranean, Moroccan, or Turkish style with white plastered walls, dark wood, and intricately colorful tile.   

Q  Do you have a favorite room you like to do most? 

A  Bathrooms and bedrooms because I love tile and fabrics. There’s also an element of math, which I love, involved in doing this custom work. I also like to tear down walls and rearrange them for better flow and/or views.                                                        

Q  What advice would you give to someone thinking of hiring a designer like yourself? Or why hire a designer in the first place? 

A  To think about how they want to feel with the end results. That feeling represents the value of my services. Do those results save time each day because spaces are organized and functional? Do colors make them happy and set the right moods? Do the clients have more family dinners after a kitchen remodeled? Do they have more friends over now that their homes are more inviting? People should ask themselves why they want to do the project at hand. They may say they want to add color but they’ll appreciate the end results more if they understand what color does for them. Does the palate energize or calm them? Digging a little deeper into the reasons why someone wants to undertake a project helps them with their design choices and appreciate the results more. 

Q  How can you help your clients save time and money? 

A  My 23 years experience in the industry goes a long way. I know what works, what doesn’t. I have great support – contractors, tradesmen, workrooms, showrooms. I know how to set and manage fees and time frames and how to get the most bang for a buck. So many times, new clients come to me after making costly mistakes and wasting time doing so. 

Q  What aspects of your design aesthetic set you apart from other designers? 

A  Hmmmm… I admire the work of many other designers so I guess I would set myself apart from those that do not have an appreciation (or knowledge) of the 3000-year history of architecture and furniture design. Having studied the way it all began and evolved – and why it evolved – brings greater layers of depth to a modern day designer’s work no matter what his/her preferred aesthetic is. That education is crucial in my opinion.  

Q  What are your main challenges in your design business? 

A  The obvious answer is the economy and the tightening of discretionary spending. But even in good times, the challenge has always been to unveil the mystery behind the role and worth of an interior designer. The public usually doesn’t see the extent of what we do – the behind-the-scenes organization and efforts made on their behalf. This is our fault by the way. People comment that our jobs must be “so fun” but the industry has not set the stage to give a full account of what we do. So, we should be doing that ourselves. Yes, it can be fun, but it’s still a business and we have a great responsibility to deliver an outcome that improves lives and lifestyles.   

 Furniture catalogues and internet sales are also a challenge. They’re fine for those who just want to generically furnish a house (and there’s nothing wrong with that) but not fine for those who want to create a home that reflects who they are. The challenge really rests with the public to know into which category they fall. 

 HGTV has also become problematic to the degree that people may believe a makeover can be done in two days for $1000 when, in reality, it can take six months to produce one episode and the network has  flipped the entire bill. One of my rooms was featured on “Sensible Chic” which allowed me to see some of the makings of the show.     

Q  Anything else you want people to know about you?

A  No, but thank you for your interest in my point of view. It was a pleasure to answer your questions. 

Isn’t she great?  I love her straight forward approach.  She’s very clear about the results she provides and what it can do for you.  Good to remember anytime you embark on a remodel or any work on your house.  Hire a good professional- they will save you time, money, and if they are any good, interpret your needs and desires better than you could yourself!

 COMING SOON

 May 25: Fused Applique and Paint Class, Thimble Pleasures, Chapel Hill

 TESTIMONIALS from participants:

I feel a big boost in personal confidence re: making choices and quilting.  Thank you! 

The small class allowed for more individual help and encouragement.

Thank you so much- I  learned a great deal and have much more confidence in my skills!!

 About Roxane

Roxane is a full time studio textile artist and teacher with two girls and 1 fat cat.  She is a 2012 Niche Award Winner and exhibits her work all over the world.  Roxane enjoys traveling, knitting and most of all working with students who want to create their own fiber art, and not simply make other people’s patterns.  Her work is in several private collections and loves doing custom commissions.

If you and a small group of folks want a more private instruction experience, call me.  We can work out a studio workshop in my studio. Just drop me an email:  roxane@roxanelessa.com

  Permission to duplicate: You certainly can use this blog, just be sure to credit me and include this link, Roxane Lessa.  Hey, if you like this blog, please hit the FB or Twitter icon in the top right sidebar and share with others!  That’s why they are there…..:)

The post Interview with an Interior Designer appeared first on ROXANE LESSA.

• FEATURE ARTICLE: How We Rocked It!
• COMING SOON: Fused Applique Class at Thimble Pleasures

Feature Article:  How We Rocked It!

OH boy, did we ever!  Penny and her husband David were the perfect hosts.  The food was divine and the dining room was so lovely.  We were waited on, hand and foot.  As if that weren’t enough, one of the participants, Sharon, gave hand and shoulder massages.  

It had been a while since I taught, and I had forgotten how much fun it was.  We used the upstairs hallway, which was enormous, and quickly delved into all things quilty.  We learned about tension, threads, and how to use both effectively in your quilting.  We practiced adjusting tension for each type of thread and analyzing good and bad tension.  We played with bobbin stitching and what great textures you can achieve with that.  We looked at quilt tops that weren’t quilted yet, and gave each other ideas how to quilt it.  We used a simple but effective method for trying out patterns and colors, and came up with a plan for quilting each top.  Also, I helped each quilter develop her own rhythm with her machine, so that her stitches were more even.  All that and much more.  Mostly, I think everyone went home with a new sense of confidence, and a plan for improvement, not to mention a whole set of new skills to make their quilting more fun and beautiful.   Plus, we are all friends now and will hopefully get together soon to compare results.

Here is an album of pictures from the retreat:

Sharon’s swatch

Carmen’s swatch with metallic thread

Jane and Carmen quilting

Cathy and Sharon quilting

Jane and Judith hard at work

front door windows

dining room window

Penny’s crewel embroidery

Buddy, the sweetest doggy

Penny’s tin cabinets

Penny our chef and host

Dining Room table

Thanks everyone who came and helped out on this fabulous event!! 

 TESTIMONIALS from participants:

I feel a big boost in personal confidence re: making choices and quilting.  Thank you! 

The small class allowed for more individual help and encouragement.

Thank you so much- I  learned a great deal and have much more confidence in my skills!!

 COMING SOON

 May 25: Fused Applique and Paint Class, Thimble Pleasures, Chapel Hill

 About Roxane

Roxane is a full time studio textile artist and teacher with two girls and 1 fat cat.  She is a 2012 Niche Award Winner and exhibits her work all over the world.  Roxane enjoys traveling, knitting and most of all working with students who want to create their own fiber art, and not simply make other people’s patterns.  Her work is in several private collections and loves doing custom commissions.

If you and a small group of folks want a more private instruction experience, call me.  We can work out a studio workshop in my studio. Just drop me an email:  roxane@roxanelessa.com

  Permission to duplicate: You certainly can use this blog, just be sure to credit me and include this link, Roxane Lessa.  Hey, if you like this blog, please hit the FB or Twitter icon in the top right sidebar and share with others!  That’s why they are there…..:)

The post The Rock Your Quilting Retreat 2013 appeared first on ROXANE LESSA.

• FEATURE ARTICLE: Installing the Commission
  
• See my work  This month at TRIG MODERN, 328 W. Jones St. Raleigh, NC 27603 (919) 516-8744, only until 4/29.
• COMING SOON: Rock Your Quilting Retreat, registration NOW FULL

FEATURE ARTICLE: Installing the Commission

NEWS FROM THE STUDIO

I just want to share that the commission I’ve been working on since Dec. is done!  I’ve been sharing the many steps that it took to make this piece.  I have named it Graceful Ladies.  My client, couldn’t wait to have it in her living room, and we are going to have an unveiling party to celebrate.  I am so grateful to have the opportunity to make this special piece for her.  It is so meaningful for me to do my best work for someone. I also created a photo book that documents the making of the piece, and I share the virtual version here for you: 

Commission Photo Book 

And a thumbnail of the happy owners:

COMING SOON

 The Rock Your  Quilting Retreat, Benson, NC!!!!

 Starring:  Penny Prichard, your host and fabulous chef, owner of the mansion

 And, Roxane Lessa, fiber artist and your mentor/teacher extraordinaire

 And 5 lovely ladies who are coming to re-commit to making gorgeous art quilts, have fun, de-stress, and  enjoy the community of other dedicated quilters.

 I will be shooting some video during the retreat, so stay tuned to see as these gals stretch their skills, break through their limiting beliefs about themselves, and ultimately make rockin’ art quilts!  I can’t wait!

Rock Your Quilting Retreat

Since the retreat is now full, let me know if you are interested in doing this workshop in my studio in the near future.  I will put you on a waiting list.

April 26, 27, & 28

Benson, NC 

Email me to find out more- roxane@roxanelessa.com

Make this beautiful quilt!  Testimonial: 

Roxane,

 I took a class from you last fall at Thimble Pleasures.  I finished the project and have attached a picture.  Thanks for the good instruction.  I really enjoyed the class – and the project.  Jo Grimley

May 25: Fused Applique and Paint Class, Thimble Pleasures, Chapel Hill

 About Roxane

Roxane is a full time studio textile artist and teacher with two girls and 1 fat cat.  She is a 2012 Niche Award Winner and exhibits her work all over the world.  Roxane enjoys traveling, knitting and most of all working with students who want to create their own fiber art, and not simply make other people’s patterns.  Her work is in several private collections and loves doing custom commissions.

If you and a small group of folks want a more private instruction experience, call me.  We can work out a studio workshop in my studio. Just drop me an email:  roxane@roxanelessa.com

  Permission to duplicate: You certainly can use this blog, just be sure to credit me and include this link, Roxane Lessa.  Hey, if you like this blog, please hit the FB or Twitter icon in the top right sidebar and share with others!  That’s why they are there…..:)

The post Installing the Commission appeared first on ROXANE LESSA.

• FEATURE ARTICLE: Changing Your Perspective
  
• See my work  This month at TRIG MODERN, 328 W. Jones St. Raleigh, NC 27603 (919) 516-8744, only until 4/29.
• COMING SOON: Rock Your Quilting Retreat, registration NOW FULL

FEATURE ARTICLE: Changing Your Perspective

I went to Asheville last week to work with my coach and mentor, Christine Kane, and many other fabulous, accomplished women.  It’s amazing what a change of perspective on everything can do.  Christine calls it re-framing.  Re-framing our thoughts, our surroundings, our life’s purpose, etc.  As artists, we all need to step back and examine what we are making, doing, and being.  Here’s some pics of the view from the Venue that illustrates what I mean:

Building art

 Now check it out when I zoomed in on the crazy building art. It is Asheville, right?

And dogwood branches inside a glass covered table?  Aren’t the shadows lovely?

And lastly, this little tree, so gorgeous as it begins to bud.  So many treasures I saw.

Little tree

As Spring unfolds, I hope you are noticing all the small things around you.  So much inspiration, so little time!

If you couldn’t make it to Trig last week, here are a few pics for you: these are all for sale and many more.

A grouping of Teeny, Tiny art canvases

Seaform #1 on a side table with modern chair

 COMING SOON!!!

Rock Your Quilting Retreat

Since the retreat is now full, let me know if you are interested in doing this workshop in my studio in the near future.  I will put you on a waiting list.

April 26, 27, & 28

Benson, NC 

Email me to find out more- roxane@roxanelessa.com

Make this beautiful quilt!  Testimonial: 

Roxane,

 I took a class from you last fall at Thimble Pleasures.  I finished the project and have attached a picture.  Thanks for the good instruction.  I really enjoyed the class – and the project.  Jo Grimley

May 25: Fused Applique and Paint Class, Thimble Pleasures, Chapel Hill

 About Roxane

Roxane is a full time studio textile artist and teacher with two girls and 1 fat cat.  She is a 2012 Niche Award Winner and exhibits her work all over the world.  Roxane enjoys traveling, knitting and most of all working with students who want to create their own fiber art, and not simply make other people’s patterns.  Her work is in several private collections and loves doing custom commissions.

If you and a small group of folks want a more private instruction experience, call me.  We can work out a studio workshop in my studio. Just drop me an email:  roxane@roxanelessa.com

  Permission to duplicate: You certainly can use this blog, just be sure to credit me and include this link, Roxane Lessa.  Hey, if you like this blog, please hit the FB or Twitter icon in the top right sidebar and share with others!  That’s why they are there…..:)

The post Changing Your Perspective appeared first on ROXANE LESSA.