tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26471099526919894022011-11-27T12:51:47.504-05:00A place for showcasing my art and my passion - quilling.If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.comBlogger501100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-64450064740058288542011-11-27T09:52:00.002-05:002011-11-27T09:56:42.430-05:00

With this nativity, I wanted to capture the love that this family unit had. I often think of Joseph's gentle heart and complete faith. He loved the Christ child as if he were his own. He was the baby's and Mary's protector. How tender the feelings that were surely passed during quiet moments following the Saviour's birth.

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-2060490344821680712011-11-27T09:44:00.004-05:002011-11-27T09:52:08.522-05:00

As I have created these nativities, I have pondered on my relationships with my own children and the tender moments I shared with them when they were infants. It has given me new insight into Mary's love for our Saviour. I tried to capture that precious moment between mother and infant in the following nativity, simple entitled, "Mary and Jesus".

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-53530360758739662642011-11-12T15:36:00.002-05:002011-11-12T15:37:51.055-05:00

Here is the third in my series of nativities for this year. Meg Crawford (a fellow quiller) helped me identify a really great perspective on this one. She said, " Joseph looks good. In this one he seems to be thinking about the future for all of them; in the others he seems focussed on caring for Mary and the Baby Jesus."

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-17859010023204051302011-11-08T14:01:00.001-05:002011-11-08T14:04:02.447-05:00

Here's the second in this year's series of nativities. I love this one especially for the tenderness Joseph is showing to Mary and baby Jesus. I also love how Jesus is grasping Mary's finger. I remember when my newborns did that and I just melted.

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-77094495801825724192011-11-08T09:04:00.004-05:002011-11-08T14:04:30.187-05:00

It's that time of year again! I love Christmas. It's my favorite time of the year. This year I'm once again making nativities as gifts. This time, I will have four total when I'm all done. Here's the first completed one:

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-41092895721012905802011-11-03T13:21:00.003-04:002011-11-03T13:27:40.509-04:00

A couple of friends had new babies, so I created baby name plates unique for each one. Luckily, I got the chance to create for both a boy and a girl. The boy's name plaque has a sword, a shield (CTR=Choose The Right), and a helmet. This one measured 8"x10".The girl's one is more simple and feminine. I decoupaged the canvas with light pink roses and then placed her quilled name over it. This

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-75939672726187549932011-11-03T13:14:00.003-04:002011-11-03T13:20:43.234-04:00

I finished this at the end of the summer, just haven't published it on my blog. It's my own design and showcases my love for faeries and fantasy art. It measures 8"x10". The face is made using eight different shades of peach, apricot, pink, brown, and orange.

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-72351864487536645262011-07-04T10:42:00.005-04:002011-07-04T10:49:25.342-04:00

I had fun the other day teaching a friend and her daughter how to quill. Here's what we made:It's hard to tell who are the novices and who's been quilling for a while here, huh? I told my friend that they were both naturals and she didn't believe me. I'm hoping to convince her that they both truly have talent and get them to quill with me again. What do you think?

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-46432818855111353192011-05-13T14:08:00.011-04:002011-05-27T11:31:23.725-04:00

So after I created my phoenix, I was looking on the web at other phoenixes and came across this really beautiful tattoo design. It looked like filigree to me so I immediately thought that I wanted to quill it. Sometimes designs just speak to you - this one definitely did to me!I thought it would look really nice if I used the same colors I did for my other phoenix - reds, oranges and yellow. I

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-67652586292296536612011-05-11T13:58:00.001-04:002011-05-27T11:29:07.330-04:00

I've been asked a few times if I'd ever consider creating videos with quilling instructions. I have considered it a time or two, but don't feel I'm really that technologically equipped to produce anything anyone could even view. My husband's not much better, so instead of making my out to be a fool, I'll provide you with links to other people's instructions and videos on quilling. Will that

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-28604265614759032652011-05-02T16:00:00.006-04:002011-05-13T14:02:48.332-04:00

I just added a bunch of new (to me) blogs from fellow quillers. Check out their beautiful work! What do I love to do next to creating my own quilled artwork? Admire that of others, of course! Just go to the lefthand side of my blog and you'll see a long list of blogs. If you know of other quilling blogs that aren't there, please comment and let me know. I'd love to add them so that I can continue

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-20904905323799249522011-04-30T16:34:00.005-04:002011-05-23T13:50:24.139-04:00

I have finally gotten my quilling "groove" back on. In early April, I felt an itch to quill again, so I started creating patterns and then cleaned out my craft cabinet, organized my quilling supplies, made an order for new quilling supplies and jumped into it. I was thinking it would take me months to complete another project, but here I am with a completed project in hand and I couldn't me more

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-19329083919690795692009-12-28T13:52:00.002-05:002009-12-28T13:56:46.172-05:00

I'm ready to pick up quilling again after taking a long break. My life is back to enough normalcy that I feel like I can quill again. I am taking orders for commissioned pieces. Just shoot me an email at iflookscouldquill@yahoo.com if you are interested. Please note, however, that quilling takes a long time - it's definitely not a quick turnaround art medium. Quilled creations take sometimes

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-43121511852352975152009-06-21T09:04:00.002-04:002009-06-21T09:10:03.664-04:00

My life has been quite hectic over the past few months - hence, no quilling since February. My baby was sick for a while, had a surgery, but is doing great now. He is starting to walk and gets into everything, so long gone are the days when I can set him on the floor with some toys near me while I quill. Also, my second oldest son has dyslexia and needs a lot of one-on-one instruction to help

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-26905752782495123792009-03-01T17:32:00.002-05:002009-03-01T17:37:53.760-05:00

Recently among the quilling online groups, discussion has been about quilling as an art and people's perceptions of it. Rather than get into it here, I'm redirecting my readers to Pat Caputo's Whimsiquills blog. She's put into words many of the same thoughts I've had. Enjoy her post!

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-10246014673279140582009-02-20T16:06:00.004-05:002009-02-20T16:17:36.673-05:00

I just finished the Scottish terrier today - it measures 5.5" x 8.5" - my client is going to frame it in a 7"x11" custom frame. The picture next to it is from a "real" Scottie - I altered the photo to make it look like an oil painting so I could better design a pattern for it. I know it doesn't look exactly like the original - I added an eye - it just didn't look right covering up the second

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-59039542390862617402009-02-17T16:31:00.004-05:002009-02-17T17:18:49.849-05:00

I just found the most amazing site/blog for card makers EVER!!! It's called "Sheetload of Cards". They have card sketches and....this is the best part...the measurements for a bunch of cards (anywhere from 6 to 10 dependent upon the layout) and/or for a single card. I love it because (1) I am not good at making card "sketches" (never knew that's what they were called prior to finding this blog)

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-54085693331123979602009-02-09T12:00:00.005-05:002009-02-09T12:09:44.655-05:00

Here are pictures of my students and their work from Saturday's class - with their permission, of course. Joyce left early, so we didn't get a picture of her completed project. Above from left to right: Marti, Joyce & Helen. Small class, but loads of fun!Above, Marti and Helen working on arranging their flowers for the wreaths.Marti's completed wreath.Helen's completed wreath - sorry the image

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-14321972362670247232009-02-05T12:32:00.004-05:002009-02-05T12:42:39.372-05:00

I decided to post the directions for this wreath I'll be teaching in my class this Saturday. Please note, however, that I am horrible at writing techniques (it's so much easily just to demonstrate to a live audience) - so I'll just tell you the size strips you need rather than explaining the technique for roses and fringed flowers. If you don't know how to do these things - most good quilling

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-17655763957754673212009-01-30T11:58:00.003-05:002009-01-30T12:04:56.771-05:00

I am going to teach how to make this wreath at my next quilling class - for intermediate quillers. The colors didn't photograph as well as I had hoped - although it still looks pretty. The darker blue is really a deep violet (but you can't tell in the picture). Oh well! I'm also going to be making other wreaths for my students to choose from - same amount of each kind of flowers, but

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-87952795944092072092009-01-28T11:00:00.007-05:002009-01-28T11:23:19.573-05:00

I was up with the baby at 4am this morning and then couldn't go back to sleep. So, doing what I do all too often - instead of trying harder to get sleep - I got up and quilled two new cards. I particularly like how the cream and gilded cream LOVE card turned out. If you want to know where my inspiration came from - it was another free font - this time called "Fontanessi" - I adapted it slightly

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-1617275197334125112009-01-26T16:38:00.003-05:002009-01-26T16:46:48.603-05:00

Okay, so you are probably sick of seeing these different filigree heart cards, but I promise none are the same - I'm not recycling old pictures over and over again. These two cards are especially great because I bartered a sweet deal - 5 slotted tools for a few filigree heart cards. My friend Janet (see today's earlier post) had purchased the slotted tools for a quilling class I taught to the

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-88670027692075048642009-01-26T12:39:00.004-05:002009-01-26T12:51:08.300-05:00

Yet again I have a post where no actual quilling will be shown (but I promise to update with real quilling later this week - I'm working on some more Valentine's cards - maybe too sugary sweet and not even Valentine's day - I know, but it was a great barter for me - traded four quilled Valentine's cards for 5 slotted quilling tools to use in my quilling classes).Now that's been explained, on to

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-48833166002897946652009-01-20T21:04:00.003-05:002009-01-21T14:21:23.338-05:00

It was brought to my attention on my "quillers" online group that there is a little girl in Pennsylvania who turned 5 last Friday who has a brain tumor and her "wish" for Christmas was to see how many cards she could get. At last count, she received over 160,000 cards! She had an MRI done on Monday (1/19/09) to see how her tumor was responding to treatment,and the results show that it has grown,

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-9336444229679304092009-01-16T16:32:00.004-05:002009-01-16T16:37:48.118-05:00

I just completed a yorkie pup and have fallen in love (keeping with the "love" theme of late)! I don't have any pets myself - unless you count my four kids (sometimes, I wonder if they are animals or people...), but when I saw that one of my Etsy customers loves terriers of all breeds, and saw a picture of a teacup yorkie, I couldn't resist quilling him. Although, he's bigger than a teacup

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-54115697002972968112009-01-09T10:39:00.003-05:002009-01-09T10:44:55.589-05:00

I just realized that I never shared the completed lovebirds card. I decided to leave the background heart unquilled and filled in just the birds and their perch. Also, I didn't make another one like I said I would. I'm just not one that likes doing the same thing twice (unless paid for it - petty, I know, but I've got to earn some money to support my quilling habit!)

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-71154473755190441732009-01-09T10:24:00.006-05:002009-01-09T10:38:23.224-05:00

I got an order from a friend to make her a couple of cards, but once I got started I couldn't stop. It helped that my kids were all sick and slept most of the day yesterday so I was able to quill a lot of the day while they were all sleeping. I know - kind of sad reasoning, huh! But, since we don't watch TV, what else was I going to do with my time - dishes? Quilling...dishes...quilling...dishes

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-57497784863417231972009-01-03T13:49:00.004-05:002009-01-09T10:39:28.086-05:00

I got up early this morning to make a card for Laura's wedding reception this afternoon. This is the result - its completely easily frameable and I added that in my message hoping that it doesn't get tossed, but will be framed - if nothing else but for Valentine's decorations in her new household.And, also I made another filigree heart card for Janet - my one true fan - who is a self-proclaimed

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-75058824297860147332009-01-02T18:01:00.005-05:002009-01-02T18:09:20.187-05:00

This choo choo train is for a little boy's birthday. He has a huge fascination with trains, so I thought a quilled train wall art would be appropriate - and fun for me as I've never quilled a train before. I tried to be creative with the cars, but as I was up until 2am finishing up this dandy piece (I wasn't watching the time and it passed right by me), I made the orange one kind of bland - so I

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-1295896496198030252008-12-26T17:01:00.008-05:002009-01-09T10:39:53.754-05:00

Love is in the air - at least at my house as I start to create Etsy shop items for Valentine's day. I just added four new cards to my Etsy shop. All four have hearts in them - although only two are technically "only" Valentine's Day cards. Have a look... I am currently in the process of creating another lovebirds project - same design, but completely filled with quilling. I am going to frame it

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-19574013446291209572008-12-20T14:44:00.005-05:002008-12-20T14:51:50.558-05:00

I finally listed items on my Etsy shop today (http://www.iflookscouldquill.etsy.com/). I created the shop about three weeks ago, but it has taken me soooo long to get up the courage to actually list. I know this may sound funny to some, but I've been my own worst enemy with self-torture talk such as "what if no one likes my stuff" or "what if I fail at this and waste money" (okay, so it's $0.20

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-8418160754130509622008-12-16T14:45:00.004-05:002008-12-16T14:55:10.063-05:00

I know I just posted yesterday, but I finished Laura's wedding gift today and wanted to get it posted. I think I'm safe posting as I don't think she or any of her family follow this blog. If any Methenys MAY read this prior to the wedding - LOOK AWAY!For the rest of you - all three of my blog's followers;), here's the wedding memento for Laura and soon-to-be hubby. I hope they like it. It's

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-49926195460819869132008-12-15T11:36:00.003-05:002008-12-15T11:44:55.807-05:00

This Christmas Angel is my favorite of the three I've done. I gave it as a gift to a friend, but was VERY tempted to keep it myself. But, my heart won out and it was delivered to it's rightful owner.Some day I'm going to actually quill something for my own house! I keep saying that anyway....Maybe next year I'll quill a nativity or a Christmas angel for my own home. The only problem is that I

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-78155465509801829382008-12-10T20:51:00.003-05:002008-12-10T20:56:31.114-05:00

I just made two more quilled presents - this time Christmas angels.The first isn't really with Christmas colors, but pretty nonetheless:This second one is adapted (slightly - the wings are different) from Malinda Johnson's angel kit published through Lake City Craft. It's for the DeLunas - I think it looks like Cesar's little girl Mariela who passed away.

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-3796337258254395852008-11-20T22:54:00.002-05:002008-11-20T23:05:14.852-05:00

These are my newest nativities made for family Christmas gifts. I was going to make several smaller ones for friends, but time is running out. So, friends, you'll just be getting quilled Christmas cards this year. I'm not super woman as much as I'd like to be and my aspirations continue to be larger than my abilities. This (below) is the white poinsettia card from Super Saturday. I

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-92087467454140750452008-11-17T08:58:00.006-05:002009-01-09T14:48:08.576-05:00

Here's a cute little turkey that I created to teach the homeschool group quilling.And below are some of the kids' turkey creations:I thought the kids did really well considering the youngest was 6 years old and the oldest was only 12.

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-76958554635334828382008-10-19T20:23:00.006-04:002008-11-25T17:40:28.588-05:00

So, one of the ladies on my quillers yahoo group posted that she needed an intervention because all she wants to do is quill. It got me thinking that we should have a "you know you're a quiller if" list going. If you quill and you'd like to contribute to this growing list, send me an email with "you know you're a quiller" in the subject line and I'll add to the list with your name as a

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-45696401549563962342008-10-17T00:29:00.003-04:002008-10-17T00:37:22.503-04:00

Okay, so three down, three to go - at least - I want six designs total, but I might make more than one of some of the designs.Here's the newest. I know, Mary's nose looks like a beak and Joseph's is barely recognizable. I'm working on it. I had a hard time manipulating the paper just how I wanted it. If I make this design again, I might not make noses on Mary and Joseph. Don't you just love

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-35621060340558610242008-10-11T13:12:00.005-04:002008-11-20T23:09:31.550-05:00

This is one that I actually created on my own. My first design. Aahh, I can bask in my own self-induced limelight for about 15 seconds and then I need to move on. But I digress...I love this one because it fits perfectly in the oval opening of the mat. It's also great because it only took me about 3 hours to complete. And, yes, Janet is right (see comment), there isn't any stopping me now.

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-33107366082601342712008-10-11T13:07:00.004-04:002008-10-11T13:24:09.512-04:00

I made this about three years ago, but had forgotten that I had a picture of it. I thought all the pics from my old digital camera were lost forever. I just received a new camera for my anniversary (thanks Mike) and let the kids mess with the old one, which I thought was broken. My son Jaren, who's name will always be blessed (is that blasphemous?), was able to retrieve the old pictures and

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-32173454957152315362008-10-11T13:01:00.006-04:002008-10-11T13:25:01.187-04:00

I'm making nativities as Christmas gifts for the family and as belated wedding gifts (they will be first Christmas reminders instead of wedding presents since I missed the receptions).This is one of several. If you happen to be family and are checking this out before Christmas, shield your eyes! I'm not sure which ones I'm giving to whom so it'll still be a surprise, right?

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-34560301946103773642008-09-29T21:26:00.003-04:002008-10-11T13:18:26.242-04:00

This is made from quilled roses. I think it's cute - I made it a couple of years ago, but have had a hard time wanting to give it away because it's too pretty to use. LOL.

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-29628737768203719272008-09-29T21:17:00.010-04:002011-11-03T13:29:32.976-04:00

This is for a friend who is about to have her second girl (Alia). She already has one daughter (Clara). So, for a baby shower gift, I am giving her a princess collage with a castle, a tiara, and a glass slipper. She will also get her girls' names - their not mounted yet - still on the cork board - to flank the collage. I think she'll like it.

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-11511609944920232872008-09-29T21:00:00.008-04:002008-10-11T13:19:33.621-04:00

Since I was asked to show a larger dragon, I thought, hmmm, maybe I should show larger everything and get rid of the little pictures at the bottom. So, here goes - wedding borders:This one was made for Mike's boss who recently got married, but had everything. Or she thought. She brought this around to all the office to show off. I was very honored. One of the other employees there even

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-1386626465793747152008-09-29T20:48:00.005-04:002008-10-11T13:19:58.546-04:00

I've received requests for a larger image of my dragon, so here it is. Sorry that it's a bit blurry. I am not good with computers and gave you the best I've got. Hope you can see it well enough.Also, please know that although I did quill this dragon, the original design is not my own. It is a Jillian Sawyer stained glass design from her book, "Of Dragon Wings and Faerie Things."http://

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-20247871404634875492008-09-29T11:09:00.004-04:002008-11-20T23:07:41.844-05:00

I think it would be easier to view my quilled work if I pasted the photos into posts. So, this is the new format. If you happen to be one of those (and I know there are a lot of you out there as this blog isn't widely known about yet being so freshly created), ignore my new formatting words.Here are the Christmas Quilled Cards. I'm teaching how to make these for Super Saturday.This design was

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-28026324236231372112008-09-29T11:07:00.002-04:002008-09-29T11:09:03.390-04:00

I realize this is being redundant, but I'm telling you I can't help myself. So, just in case you didn't get it from my other posts, I created a second blog just for ramblings and the like (I'll put family photos there, too, but ramblings take priority).This blog is now dedicated completely to my art.It's www.hotfudgebrownlee.blogspot.comHave fun!

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-74453177368515604272008-09-29T10:30:00.003-04:002008-09-29T10:33:25.568-04:00

Since I've got so many quilled pictures - and we've only seen the tip of the iceberg here - I have decided that I need a second blogspot just for my ramblings and this will be dedicated to my quilling. So, I will be in the process of creating a second blogspot soon - as soon as Dallin goes down for his afternoon nap. There just isn't enough room on the sides to share all my quilling. I might

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-18935565436995527732008-09-27T12:54:00.001-04:002008-09-29T11:05:51.904-04:00

See this post on my new blog (yeah, it only took me two days to create a second blog - LOL):www.hotfudgebrownlee.blogspot.com

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647109952691989402.post-32160618408802179032008-09-27T07:15:00.002-04:002008-09-29T11:06:49.892-04:00

See this post -altered to perfection - on my new blog:www.hotfudgebrownlee.blogspot.com

If Looks Could Quillnoreply@blogger.com3