The 'Wild' Flowers! series was developed out of a desire to create dimension on my quilts in a whimsical, innovative way. After taking a class in paper-piecing with Barbara Barber in 2008, the first ‘Wild’ Flower quilt came to be. The whimsical flowers have dimensional 'open' centers. The three larger pieces in this series which are referred to as "Really ‘Wild’ Flowers!” quilts have extended titles which include “Seasons.”
2008 'Wild' Flowers! 33 x 44.5 - Private Collection
Originally a Robert Kaufman challenge quilt, this is the first in my whimsical 'Wild' Flowers! series. I developed these 'open-centered,' dimensional, fantasy flowers with the desire to create something unique and different from what I'd ever seen before back in 2008. The flowers, including the buds on the vine and all the leaves, are paper-pieced and hand appliqued. The three flowers are machine appliqued. It is predominantly quilted with a garden theme of pebbles, leaves and ferns.
2009 Really 'Wild' Flowers! 55 x 54 - Private Collection
The first of four, "Really 'Wild' Flowers!" quilts in this 'series within a series.' It was designed to be bright and cheerful - emphasizing dimension, color, and texture.
Flowers and leaves are paper-pieced and hand-appliqued. The butterflies are quilted and lightly brushed with translucent Tsukineko inks on both the front and back side. Quilted predominantly with a nature theme of flowers, ferns, grass, and pebbles.
2010 Little 'Wild' Flowers! 28 x 36 - Private Collection
As the third piece in the series, my desire was to explore different dimensional shaped flowers beyond the round ones I made in the first two quilts. These three flowers are the result. I added pieced prairie points within the body of the quilt facing inwards, which is uncommon to where I'd always seen prairie points - around the perimeter of a quilt.
201 1 Really 'Wild' Flowers! Second Season 62 x 65
The second of the three larger quilts in the 'Wild' Flowers! series. I expanded the designs of my whimsical flowers with unusual shapes and layers. I added pieced prairie points and vines with dimensional flowers.
This quilt went missing after the IQA Houston show in 2011. I still hold out hope that one day it may be seen or found by a caring person and returned to its rightful home. If you see this quilt in any location, anywhere,please do contact me.
2014 'Wild' Flower Fiesta! 28 x 43 - Private Collection
Designed to be cheerful, colorful, and festive - it's a party! I did extensive beading to add interest to both the design and theme.
The flowers, stems and leaves are appliqued in such a way as to remain very dimensional, creating a layered look.
The top portion of the pitcher is embroidered with rice stitches rather than quilted in order to keep it dimensional.
The gold 'coils' spiraling outward are bobbin-quilted with Razzle Dazzle thread.
2015 Really 'Wild' Flowers! Third Season 41 x 61.5
This banner shaped quilt is the third of the 4 larger "Season" pieces in my ‘Wild’ Flowers! series. It has my signature 'open-centered' flowers, and pieced prairie points. It was designed to emphasize texture, layering, color and movement.
Embellished with metallic thread, beads, Swarovski crystals and various sizes of pieced prairie points. Construction methods include machine piecing, machine and hand appliqué, paper piecing, and domestic machine quilting.
Really 'Wild' Flowers! Fourth Season 46.5 x 59
The fourth in my whimsical, “Really ‘Wild’ Flowers!” series and the most complex quilt I’ve made to this point. I never could convince myself to replicate my “Really ‘Wild’ Flowers! Second Season” piece but finally decided I would make one with some similar design elements and colors. So I created many flowers of different shapes and sizes rather than seven large ones; and added dimensional butterflies and hearts among other things. Embellished with Swarovski crystals, beads, buttons, and metal charms.