Back in November I took a one-day live online class with quilter, Sarah Bond. It was called "Coming Full Circle" and it was all about making different kinds of super cool circle designs, as in this photo from her instagram:
Or this one of my laptop during class:
I decided to use fabrics and rules from the Modern Quilt Guild QuiltCon Together Floral & Vine challenge while learning how to make these circles. I figured that way I could kill two birds with one stone: learn something and make something for the challenge. It didn't quite work out that way, but more on that later.
These were the fabrics:
And these were the rules:
Eligible quilts must use a minimum of three of the four selected challenge fabrics, and any number of solids. Additional solids may be used on the binding, and additional prints may be used on the backing as desired.
So, I grabbed some solids that I thought coordinated well…
…and I made this:
And decided that it wasn't really "me." I wanted the quilt to feel more improv-style. So, I turned it into this…
…which became this quilt top:
It's fine. But it's still sitting on my design wall and I am unmotivated to quilt it because I don't love it and quilting is a lot of work. By now, I've missed the deadline for the challenge anyway. I think I might turn it into a bag or an apron?
I'm glad I took the class. I'm glad I learned a new skill. I just don't love this piece and that's okay. For me, going to a class isn't about emerging with a beautiful finished object, rather it's about self-care, exploration, enjoyment, learning, camaraderie, and inspiration.
What's your opinion? What motivates you to take an art class?
Thanks for stopping by!
You are such a prolific artist and it is wonderful when you show projects that aren’t finished (or don’t come to fruition). I have no doubt you will transform this into something you are happy with. That is the beauty of your artistry and attitude! Thank you for including this in your posts!
You are such a prolific artist and it is wonderful when you show projects that aren’t finished (or don’t come to fruition). I have no doubt you will transform this into something you are happy with. That is the beauty of your artistry and attitude! Thank you for including this in your posts!
You are such a prolific artist and it is wonderful when you show projects that aren’t finished (or don’t come to fruition). I have no doubt you will transform this into something you are happy with. That is the beauty of your artistry and attitude! Thank you for including this in your posts!
You are such a prolific artist and it is wonderful when you show projects that aren’t finished (or don’t come to fruition). I have no doubt you will transform this into something you are happy with. That is the beauty of your artistry and attitude! Thank you for including this in your posts!
You are such a prolific artist and it is wonderful when you show projects that aren’t finished (or don’t come to fruition). I have no doubt you will transform this into something you are happy with. That is the beauty of your artistry and attitude! Thank you for including this in your posts!
You are such a prolific artist and it is wonderful when you show projects that aren’t finished (or don’t come to fruition). I have no doubt you will transform this into something you are happy with. That is the beauty of your artistry and attitude! Thank you for including this in your posts!
You are such a prolific artist and it is wonderful when you show projects that aren’t finished (or don’t come to fruition). I have no doubt you will transform this into something you are happy with. That is the beauty of your artistry and attitude! Thank you for including this in your posts!
Who cares about the challenge – this is SO MUCH MORE EXCITING! Well, good for the challenge that it got you motivated to play.
Who cares about the challenge – this is SO MUCH MORE EXCITING! Well, good for the challenge that it got you motivated to play.
Who cares about the challenge – this is SO MUCH MORE EXCITING! Well, good for the challenge that it got you motivated to play.
Who cares about the challenge – this is SO MUCH MORE EXCITING! Well, good for the challenge that it got you motivated to play.
Who cares about the challenge – this is SO MUCH MORE EXCITING! Well, good for the challenge that it got you motivated to play.
Who cares about the challenge – this is SO MUCH MORE EXCITING! Well, good for the challenge that it got you motivated to play.
Who cares about the challenge – this is SO MUCH MORE EXCITING! Well, good for the challenge that it got you motivated to play.
Julie, it turned out great either way. My thought is “not Julie’s colors”? Maybe that is why you are nor thrilled? Whatever yo do it is wonderful
Julie, it turned out great either way. My thought is “not Julie’s colors”? Maybe that is why you are nor thrilled? Whatever yo do it is wonderful
Julie, it turned out great either way. My thought is “not Julie’s colors”? Maybe that is why you are nor thrilled? Whatever yo do it is wonderful
Julie, it turned out great either way. My thought is “not Julie’s colors”? Maybe that is why you are nor thrilled? Whatever yo do it is wonderful
Julie, it turned out great either way. My thought is “not Julie’s colors”? Maybe that is why you are nor thrilled? Whatever yo do it is wonderful
Julie, it turned out great either way. My thought is “not Julie’s colors”? Maybe that is why you are nor thrilled? Whatever yo do it is wonderful
Julie, it turned out great either way. My thought is “not Julie’s colors”? Maybe that is why you are nor thrilled? Whatever yo do it is wonderful
I join classes for inspiration and to learn new skills.
I join classes for inspiration and to learn new skills.
I join classes for inspiration and to learn new skills.
I join classes for inspiration and to learn new skills.
I join classes for inspiration and to learn new skills.
I join classes for inspiration and to learn new skills.
I join classes for inspiration and to learn new skills.
I see my reasons to take classes are evolving I’m a quest for my true style and for now I think is just to inspire sometimes to support and to see some sparkle of ideas, but it’s getting harder and harder to get classes that teach you a process and why and not just to copy the teacher style.
But I still think they make me feel motivated to create.
I see my reasons to take classes are evolving I’m a quest for my true style and for now I think is just to inspire sometimes to support and to see some sparkle of ideas, but it’s getting harder and harder to get classes that teach you a process and why and not just to copy the teacher style.
But I still think they make me feel motivated to create.
I see my reasons to take classes are evolving I’m a quest for my true style and for now I think is just to inspire sometimes to support and to see some sparkle of ideas, but it’s getting harder and harder to get classes that teach you a process and why and not just to copy the teacher style.
But I still think they make me feel motivated to create.
I see my reasons to take classes are evolving I’m a quest for my true style and for now I think is just to inspire sometimes to support and to see some sparkle of ideas, but it’s getting harder and harder to get classes that teach you a process and why and not just to copy the teacher style.
But I still think they make me feel motivated to create.
I see my reasons to take classes are evolving I’m a quest for my true style and for now I think is just to inspire sometimes to support and to see some sparkle of ideas, but it’s getting harder and harder to get classes that teach you a process and why and not just to copy the teacher style.
But I still think they make me feel motivated to create.
I see my reasons to take classes are evolving I’m a quest for my true style and for now I think is just to inspire sometimes to support and to see some sparkle of ideas, but it’s getting harder and harder to get classes that teach you a process and why and not just to copy the teacher style.
But I still think they make me feel motivated to create.
I see my reasons to take classes are evolving I’m a quest for my true style and for now I think is just to inspire sometimes to support and to see some sparkle of ideas, but it’s getting harder and harder to get classes that teach you a process and why and not just to copy the teacher style.
But I still think they make me feel motivated to create.
I like your guts, girl. Attunement to that strong inner voice always leads you to something deeper, richer, and more in alignment with who you really are as an artist. That’s what I’ve liked about your art, your teaching style and your artistic output. The other thing I adore is that you are fearless in sharing what you don’t know or don’t feel good about to the people who follow you on social media. Very rare. Much needed as a role model but very rare.
Stick with what your gut tells you, Julie, even if the message is not what you want to hear. That voice is always right on the money.
I like your guts, girl. Attunement to that strong inner voice always leads you to something deeper, richer, and more in alignment with who you really are as an artist. That’s what I’ve liked about your art, your teaching style and your artistic output. The other thing I adore is that you are fearless in sharing what you don’t know or don’t feel good about to the people who follow you on social media. Very rare. Much needed as a role model but very rare.
Stick with what your gut tells you, Julie, even if the message is not what you want to hear. That voice is always right on the money.
I like your guts, girl. Attunement to that strong inner voice always leads you to something deeper, richer, and more in alignment with who you really are as an artist. That’s what I’ve liked about your art, your teaching style and your artistic output. The other thing I adore is that you are fearless in sharing what you don’t know or don’t feel good about to the people who follow you on social media. Very rare. Much needed as a role model but very rare.
Stick with what your gut tells you, Julie, even if the message is not what you want to hear. That voice is always right on the money.
I like your guts, girl. Attunement to that strong inner voice always leads you to something deeper, richer, and more in alignment with who you really are as an artist. That’s what I’ve liked about your art, your teaching style and your artistic output. The other thing I adore is that you are fearless in sharing what you don’t know or don’t feel good about to the people who follow you on social media. Very rare. Much needed as a role model but very rare.
Stick with what your gut tells you, Julie, even if the message is not what you want to hear. That voice is always right on the money.
I like your guts, girl. Attunement to that strong inner voice always leads you to something deeper, richer, and more in alignment with who you really are as an artist. That’s what I’ve liked about your art, your teaching style and your artistic output. The other thing I adore is that you are fearless in sharing what you don’t know or don’t feel good about to the people who follow you on social media. Very rare. Much needed as a role model but very rare.
Stick with what your gut tells you, Julie, even if the message is not what you want to hear. That voice is always right on the money.
I like your guts, girl. Attunement to that strong inner voice always leads you to something deeper, richer, and more in alignment with who you really are as an artist. That’s what I’ve liked about your art, your teaching style and your artistic output. The other thing I adore is that you are fearless in sharing what you don’t know or don’t feel good about to the people who follow you on social media. Very rare. Much needed as a role model but very rare.
Stick with what your gut tells you, Julie, even if the message is not what you want to hear. That voice is always right on the money.
I like your guts, girl. Attunement to that strong inner voice always leads you to something deeper, richer, and more in alignment with who you really are as an artist. That’s what I’ve liked about your art, your teaching style and your artistic output. The other thing I adore is that you are fearless in sharing what you don’t know or don’t feel good about to the people who follow you on social media. Very rare. Much needed as a role model but very rare.
Stick with what your gut tells you, Julie, even if the message is not what you want to hear. That voice is always right on the money.
For me, classes are about learning a new process, inspiration, fun, or just an escape from the day to day and a chance to see others’ art and processes. In the past, some of the classes I took – both in person and in the early years of online – and tried doing the project as the teacher did; they always, or at least mostly, were epic fails. Why, you ask? Well, I think because I was doing someone else’s project using their process; they just weren’t ‘me’. I’ve saved some of those by-gone failures and re-worked them. Even cut one up!
For me, classes are about learning a new process, inspiration, fun, or just an escape from the day to day and a chance to see others’ art and processes. In the past, some of the classes I took – both in person and in the early years of online – and tried doing the project as the teacher did; they always, or at least mostly, were epic fails. Why, you ask? Well, I think because I was doing someone else’s project using their process; they just weren’t ‘me’. I’ve saved some of those by-gone failures and re-worked them. Even cut one up!
For me, classes are about learning a new process, inspiration, fun, or just an escape from the day to day and a chance to see others’ art and processes. In the past, some of the classes I took – both in person and in the early years of online – and tried doing the project as the teacher did; they always, or at least mostly, were epic fails. Why, you ask? Well, I think because I was doing someone else’s project using their process; they just weren’t ‘me’. I’ve saved some of those by-gone failures and re-worked them. Even cut one up!
For me, classes are about learning a new process, inspiration, fun, or just an escape from the day to day and a chance to see others’ art and processes. In the past, some of the classes I took – both in person and in the early years of online – and tried doing the project as the teacher did; they always, or at least mostly, were epic fails. Why, you ask? Well, I think because I was doing someone else’s project using their process; they just weren’t ‘me’. I’ve saved some of those by-gone failures and re-worked them. Even cut one up!
For me, classes are about learning a new process, inspiration, fun, or just an escape from the day to day and a chance to see others’ art and processes. In the past, some of the classes I took – both in person and in the early years of online – and tried doing the project as the teacher did; they always, or at least mostly, were epic fails. Why, you ask? Well, I think because I was doing someone else’s project using their process; they just weren’t ‘me’. I’ve saved some of those by-gone failures and re-worked them. Even cut one up!
For me, classes are about learning a new process, inspiration, fun, or just an escape from the day to day and a chance to see others’ art and processes. In the past, some of the classes I took – both in person and in the early years of online – and tried doing the project as the teacher did; they always, or at least mostly, were epic fails. Why, you ask? Well, I think because I was doing someone else’s project using their process; they just weren’t ‘me’. I’ve saved some of those by-gone failures and re-worked them. Even cut one up!
For me, classes are about learning a new process, inspiration, fun, or just an escape from the day to day and a chance to see others’ art and processes. In the past, some of the classes I took – both in person and in the early years of online – and tried doing the project as the teacher did; they always, or at least mostly, were epic fails. Why, you ask? Well, I think because I was doing someone else’s project using their process; they just weren’t ‘me’. I’ve saved some of those by-gone failures and re-worked them. Even cut one up!
You already have so much invested in this piece so put it aside and one day you will enlighten yourself with a fresh idea when you least expect it.
You already have so much invested in this piece so put it aside and one day you will enlighten yourself with a fresh idea when you least expect it.
You already have so much invested in this piece so put it aside and one day you will enlighten yourself with a fresh idea when you least expect it.
You already have so much invested in this piece so put it aside and one day you will enlighten yourself with a fresh idea when you least expect it.
You already have so much invested in this piece so put it aside and one day you will enlighten yourself with a fresh idea when you least expect it.
You already have so much invested in this piece so put it aside and one day you will enlighten yourself with a fresh idea when you least expect it.
You already have so much invested in this piece so put it aside and one day you will enlighten yourself with a fresh idea when you least expect it.
I join to learn, to gain a skill I seek. If I find a good teacher (which means I learned something, giving the cost in money and time value), I will take their other classes. Online classes gives me more opportunities but in person is still better for good teachers.
I have taken a lot of color classes, consequently, I can mix any color, I can make color plans but I am still blank when it comes to choosing colors to use in an abstract way. Still looking for the guidance to gain color confidence…
I join to learn, to gain a skill I seek. If I find a good teacher (which means I learned something, giving the cost in money and time value), I will take their other classes. Online classes gives me more opportunities but in person is still better for good teachers.
I have taken a lot of color classes, consequently, I can mix any color, I can make color plans but I am still blank when it comes to choosing colors to use in an abstract way. Still looking for the guidance to gain color confidence…
I join to learn, to gain a skill I seek. If I find a good teacher (which means I learned something, giving the cost in money and time value), I will take their other classes. Online classes gives me more opportunities but in person is still better for good teachers.
I have taken a lot of color classes, consequently, I can mix any color, I can make color plans but I am still blank when it comes to choosing colors to use in an abstract way. Still looking for the guidance to gain color confidence…
I join to learn, to gain a skill I seek. If I find a good teacher (which means I learned something, giving the cost in money and time value), I will take their other classes. Online classes gives me more opportunities but in person is still better for good teachers.
I have taken a lot of color classes, consequently, I can mix any color, I can make color plans but I am still blank when it comes to choosing colors to use in an abstract way. Still looking for the guidance to gain color confidence…
I join to learn, to gain a skill I seek. If I find a good teacher (which means I learned something, giving the cost in money and time value), I will take their other classes. Online classes gives me more opportunities but in person is still better for good teachers.
I have taken a lot of color classes, consequently, I can mix any color, I can make color plans but I am still blank when it comes to choosing colors to use in an abstract way. Still looking for the guidance to gain color confidence…
I join to learn, to gain a skill I seek. If I find a good teacher (which means I learned something, giving the cost in money and time value), I will take their other classes. Online classes gives me more opportunities but in person is still better for good teachers.
I have taken a lot of color classes, consequently, I can mix any color, I can make color plans but I am still blank when it comes to choosing colors to use in an abstract way. Still looking for the guidance to gain color confidence…
I join to learn, to gain a skill I seek. If I find a good teacher (which means I learned something, giving the cost in money and time value), I will take their other classes. Online classes gives me more opportunities but in person is still better for good teachers.
I have taken a lot of color classes, consequently, I can mix any color, I can make color plans but I am still blank when it comes to choosing colors to use in an abstract way. Still looking for the guidance to gain color confidence…