Definition of “just ducky”: When asked how you’re doing, “just ducky” is a sarcastic way of saying everything is fine.
Block #19 is eight days late in getting done. I had it in my mind, but I have been side-lined by a health issue. Last week, after strolling the San Antonio Riverwalk and visiting Comfort, Texas with my Meemaw friends, I came down with a case of shingles. All I can say is…well, I can’t print the words I have been using. Let’s say I am “just ducky”.
Today is the first time I felt like coming into the studio to work…so, I consider this progress. During our stroll on the San Antonio Riverwalk, we were delighted to see so many ducks and ducklings.I found myself singing one of my favorite children’s songs, Six Little Ducks. This is the version of the song by Raffi…one of my favorite singers for kids.
I enjoyed watching a mother mallard and her ducklings…such a sweet sight.
I decided to record this memory in my quilt journal. My plans were to thread sketch ducks, but that would have been a bit too much for today. Instead, I drew and painted some ducks on a linen fabric.
I decided to tell a story with this block by having one duckling going in the opposite direction. This is the duckling that swims to the beat of a different drummer.
It was great being back in my studio. It made me feel much better.
It has been a beautiful Easter weekend with family!
I got to spend time with two of my sons, my youngest grandchildren, and my sister and her partner.
I had phone time with my other son, and texts from my oldest grandson.
When I returned home, I got busy on my fabric painting projects.
I have been viewing tutorials on fabric painting and trying things out.
I purchased some acrylic paints, pastels, and textile medium.
I might regret my decision to be economical and buy Artist Loft pastels instead of Inktense.
My reasoning was to try the process of using pastel blocks before investing in the pricey Inktense blocks.
Since I used these paints to make my hexagon blocks for my quilt journal, I figured it would be okay to experiment. This quilt journal is for me; and it is more of an art piece than a functional quilt.
Fabric painting is so much fun!
My work is basic and simple…nothing fancy.
There are so many things that need improvement, but it is a learning process for me.
I decided to work on two quilt journal blocks.
The block for last week is Ode to Spring.
I also wrote my first poem for the month of April, since this is poetry month.
Since I will be out of town next week, I went ahead and made the block for the week.
This block was inspired by the fabulous Easter Egg hunt I had with my grandchildren.
I started out by using water colors to paint the background for the Easter Egg Hunt block.
I ironed the water colored background. As it dried, I worked on the Ode to Spring block.
After the background dried, I appliqued some eggs and flowers.
My black thread outlining is a bit sketchy, but it will have to do.
Besides the fact that my free motion skill is limited, I was also having trouble with the tension on my sewing machine. I just need to sew the border.
I drew the picture for Ode to Spring using a black Micron marker.
Then, I coated a section with the textile medium. This was followed by a color with the pastel and then reapplying medium.
I worked a section at a time, applying the medium after each coat of paint.
I used pastels, markers, and colored pencils on this block…just trying things out.
The background is a bit streaky.
There are so many possibilities with painting the fabric.
This is just the beginning, and I hope to improve and continue having fun.