How to Become an Art Quilter - Off the Wall Friday

So this week I've been participating  Benita's Quilter's Meet & Greet Blog Hop.  I highly recommend you take some time and look at all the blogs!! Its been a lot of fun getting to know some new quilter bloggers and get a peek into their world.  Plus, I found the comments on my post interesting.

One in particular comes from Mindy who wrote,  "after looking at your blog I really want to try my hand at an art quilt. I just have to remind myself that I have very little experience and the first one I do will not be my best!  
How did you start?"

Good Question, Good Attitude!!  I was lucky enough to make my real first art quilt under the watchful eye of the late Joan Colvin  (Click here for a great little video featuring her!) in a 5 day class at
Quilting by the Lake.  She was the one that taught me that     WoW I can do this!!

However  I realize that not everyone is lucky enough to have a family that will let them drop everything to go to quilt conference, so I would suggest using blogs, youtube (because as always its not worth knowing if there isn't a tutorial on youtube)  and lastly books.

Blog Posts  (A few of my  past posts that will get you started  but honestly explore the web - there are ton out there!)

From Photo to Quilt   A quick explanation of how to go from a photo to pattern.

Big Idea at QBL  Shows how you go from your pattern to picking out fabrics

7 Ways to Abstract a Photo  Gives ways to take a photo to  a abstract design

Improvisational Piecing  Shows how I do quick easy abstract piecing

Red Solo Cup Dyeing   Hand fabric dyeing for beginners with fabulous results

Design Composition - Pointers on Good Composition

Favorite YouTube Channels 

Colourious - Textile Art   A ton of different techniques from sewing, thread painting, surface design
Ellen Anne Eddy  Shows her style of thread painting

(to tell you the truth - I use Craftsy classes for videos more than Youtube - I can highly recommend them for the small cost of them!)





Books I Couldn't Live Without!

 Art Quilt Workbook, Jane Davila, Elin Waterston
The Complete Photo Guide to Art Quilting, SusanStein
Create Your Own Free Form Quilts, Rayna Gillman
5 Must Have Art Quilt Books




There is so much out there to explore.....once I started compiling this list I thought - WoW no wonder someone could become overwhelmed.  I think if it was me....I would start with a good class on Craftsy.  Minimal investment, you can work at your own pace and there is always someone to answer questions.  Then start reading and practicing and don't be afraid to make mistakes and revival in your successes!

So What Have You Been Up to Creatively?