August 25, 2011

French Inspirations for Artful Hands






WE DID IT!!! Bonnie and I finished our book inspired by our trip last fall to France! The title is French Inspirations for Artful Hands. I've heard other people say they have put their "blood sweat and tears" into a project and now I know what they mean. This book not only has all three of those, but it has a huge part of our hearts too. This book has tons of photos, beautiful directions, (with step by step pictures) and projects ranging from quilts to woolen slippers. We wanted every page to be a pretty one - a feast for the eyes. Throughout the book there are photos of places and images that inspired us in designing the projects for this book. We've even included our notes and photos about our favorites, including the great antique shop in Brantôme!
The chalkboard doodle is based on a photo we took at the Marqueyssac Gardens, a wonderful boxwood garden. This little carved dove sat perched on top of one of the buildings. She was the inspiration for our doves. Bonnie designed the piecing of the dove and then we each made our own version of her. Bonnie's is a beautiful cream peace dove with embroidered wings and mine is a folksy take on the traditional tomato pin cushion.

We included many of the beautiful papers we found along the way; old handwritten papers,
etchings, & illustrations from antique books. We created some clever little projects for using these images on paper. With these images, and simple directions, you can make one of a kind paper weights, pendants (in the photo of one of the pages above), or a miniature flower press.


Interested?.......To hear more about the book, tune into the American Patchwork & Quilting Radio show hosted by Pat Sloan on Monday the 29th. The show starts at 1pm western time (we're the second guest of the day, I think). We are really excited, and a little nervous, to be guests on her LIVE show.

The book is heading to the printer today! It should be ready to ship mid October.
We would love for your local quilt shop to carry it; feel free to share this blog with them! Retail $28.95

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15 comments:

WoolenSails said...

Congratulations! It looks like a wonderful book to have.

Debbie

Robyn of Robyns Nest said...

You & Bonnie have been busy little beavers.Congratulations,the photos of the book look amazing & I can't wait to place my order

Ginny Worden said...

Congratulations to you and your sister, looking forward to finding your book in my local quilt store.

Anna said...

I can't wait to get my copy. The peek was inspiring!

BuggletQuilts said...

The book looks gorgeous! I can't wait to see it.

Jan PATEK said...

Looks great. We all need to go back and soak up some more ideas. You certainly had some great ones. Love the tomato bird.

lissa said...

congratulations Bonnie and Kathy on the book. That is so exciting. I will be listening to the radio show today.

Minick and Simpson said...

The book looks delightful - cannot wait.
Be seeing you soon at market
Polly

Jacqueline said...

Wow, that looks wonderful. Can't wait to see and touch it ! Looking forward to recieve it.
Jacqueline

Laurel Keith said...

It's beautiful, I can't wait to see it.

Ulla said...

Hi! Greetings from Finland! Your books are lovely! I hope to get them. Congratulations! Your quilts are FANTASTIC! I am cpeechless! Have a nice day!

Carole K said...

It looks beautiful-can't wait to check it out and Buy! Congratulations.

Carolyne said...

Oh, MY what a delightful introduction to your new book. I love having a good *read* as well as fun ideas!
XOXO
~Carolyne

Mary T. Pratt Salmon said...

Have you posted yet for Moda County Fair blog hop?
Thanks,
Mary

Carrie P. said...

congratulations! this book looks like some great things I would like to make.