The Magic Camera and I went on a little adventure this weekend. We went to the 2012 Coastal Prairie Quilt Show sponsored by the Coastal Prairie Quilt Guild.

I took several photos from this wonderful show, so if you’d like to see them, just click on the photo above or click here. Enjoy!

Sorry I haven’t been posting much. It’s been a challenging month in more ways than I care to go into. Some challenges were good and others, not so much, but I have made it through in one piece and have something to share.

I don’t usually take part in challenges any more, but one of my stores, The Fabric Shop in Ruston LA is having a block challenge to celebrate Pfaff’s 150th Anniversary. I thought the challenge sounded interesting, so I decided to participate. The challenge seems simple on the surface. 

All you need to do is take their celebration logo (above) and create a quilt block for the challenge. Sounds pretty simple? I thought so too, until I started working with the logo.

I didn’t want my design to simply be the logo centered on the quilt block. I fall asleep just thinking about how boring that would be. I wanted something more interesting. I wanted something that would challenge me creatively and push the boundaries of the logo.

It took me a few days to come up with a design that I liked, but I think it met all my criteria.

I can definitely say it was a challenge.

The design repeats itself eight times. For it to fit together smoothly as it needs to, the pieces have to be exact. This was a real challenge, because the pieces are so small.

Once all the pieces were made, the applique process could begin. For those of you interested, this is all turned-edge applique.

After the applique was finished, I sat back and thought . . . “It looks nice, but it’s still missing something.”

My first thought was to embellish the block with beads and sequins, but you can’t do that in a challenge like this. I had to find another way to embellish the block.

Since I love embroidery, I thought a few decorative stitches here and there would enhance the design, so I added a few simple stitches.

I think it turned out well. It’s not my typical style of work, but if you look at the details, I’m all over it.

I had a lot of fun working on this block. The challenge was interesting and challenging on multiple levels. It was fun to play around with new elements and techniques. Stretching your creative muscle is always fun, so I consider this a win-win. The best part of taking on a challenge like this is the wonderful surprise at the end.

Well, that’s all I have to share with you today. Please let me know what you think about my little block. I always love hearing from you.

Have a FABULOUS day!

Recently I received a package from my dear friend Margo, in Tennessee.

Over the past few weeks, Margo has been helping her mother-in-law clear out some of her old jewelry. As she was helping go through it, she thought I might enjoy having some of the pieces, so she decided to box them up and send them my way.

I have put off opening the box until I could photograph it, so you could enjoy my surprise at the same time I did.

Well today’s our lucky day, so let’s get started . . .

Mmmmm . . . these are my favorite kind of peanuts. Every time I see them I get all tingly inside, because I know something special is hiding underneath these little pillows of protection.

When I say something special was hiding beneath, I wasn’t kidding. Just look at all the loveliness I found in the small box.

These red pieces are luscious and glamourous. They remind me of May West. Simply gorgeous and completely over-the-top.

Along with stunning red jewelry, I received a variety of richly colored purple pieces.

The luminous teals and greens are to-die-for, but the textures make me weep.

The black pieces are big, luscious and exotic.

The details in these earrings leave me weak. Just look at the patterns on the metal. Simply scrumptious. 

The gold pieces are vintage loveliness. Some are chic and trendy, others like the fish earring are oh, so funky and fresh. Sorry, I’m having Solid Gold Dancer flashbacks. 

The silver pieces harken to old Hollywood and Deco chic. Yum-my.

This little box was filled with tiny treasures. Yep, they are treasures from Tennessee and I am thrilled to have them become part of my ever-expanding embellishment stash.

Thank you Margo (and your mother-in-law) for this glorious gift. I will treasure it as much as I do our friendship.

Hey Kids!

Today is SO EXCITING!! I finally get to show you my Cruise workshop projects. I have worked feverishly on these projects for the past couple of months and I am finally ready to share them with you. YEA!

I could ramble on and on about how much fun I’ve had working on them, but I’ll save that for later. Now, it’s just time to share.

This first project is Secondhand Rose. Using string and foundation-piecing techniques, I will show you how easy it is to create amazing one-of-a-kind roses and use up all those leftover scraps at the same time.

The technique is fun, easy and addictive.

You’ll learn how subtle value shifts can transform ordinary scraps into extraordinary roses.

Beyond creating stunning roses, I’ll show you how to use the tiniest of leftovers to create a spectacular background for your roses.

I’ve been thinking about this project for a long time and had a blast working on it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

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Secondhand Rose is a technique class. In this class I will show you how to make all the components from the elaborate roses to the impressionistic backgrounds. You will also receive a pattern that shows you how to create the wallhanging above. The wallhanging measures 12×36-in.

These photos are from my second workshop Sparkle Plenty. In this workshop you will learn easy-to-master techniques for adding bead and button embellishments to your quilts.

You’ll learn how to combine beads and other embellishments to create elaborate looks.

You’ll see how easy it is to transform any quilted item into an embellished masterpiece.

You’ll learn the ins and outs of transforming ordinary buttons into one-of-a-kind creations.

Through repeated practice you will gain the confidence you need to tackle any embellishment idea you can dream up.

If you enjoy embellishments and have been curious about how to apply them, then this is the class for you.

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Sparkle Plenty is not a demo class. It is six hours of hands-on beading and embellishing. By the time you complete this workshop, you will understand what it takes to bead and embellish like a pro.

The last workshop I have to share with you, is my wool applique project.

In this workshop you will learn a simple technique for transforming ordinary blue jeans into a one-of-a-kind background for the applique.

You’ll learn how easy it is to create fine details and achieve perfect placement of your applique pieces.

You’ll see how extraordinarily easy it is to work with wool.

I’ll teach you my techniques for couching yarn and adding embroidered details.

This is a great project for anyone interested in wool applique. Before the class is over, we will create the background, cut out and attach all the applique and depending on how fast you embroider, you could be well on your way to completing the top.

This is actually a technique class.(In spite of what it looks like.) You will learn each of the techniques used in creating this fun project and receive a pattern and placement guide.

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Well, that’s it kids. This has been my SPECIAL BFF PREVIEW of projects for the Quilter’s Emporium Cruise. If you’d like to find out more about the cruise, then click on any of the photos or click here.

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In the opener, I said I had and unapologetic plea for help.

Well, here it is . . . 

I need your help in naming this wool applique project. I have considered potential names for the last few days and I haven’t come up with anything that I am overjoyed with. So . . . I thought I would be fun if you helped me name it.

Please post here or email any suggestions you have for naming this project. I will review all the suggestions and pick a winner some time next week.

It goes without say, that the winner will have my undying gratitude and the honor of knowing they named my newest workshop and pattern—but better than that—the winner will receive a copy of the as-yet-unnamed pattern for their very own. Along with the new pattern, the winner will also receive a copy of all my patterns. How fun is that?

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I know what you’re thinking. . . .“What patterns?”

Then you started thinking . . . “Tom . . . do you have patterns?”

Because I am psychic and can read your minds occasionally, I’d have to say . . . “Yes, I have patterns.”

I have only sold a few and in very controlled situations. Now I’m about ready to change all of that, so stay tuned for more.

Because we are BFFs and I love you a lot, you will always be the first to know what I’m up to and when.

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Now that the preview is over, I look forward to hearing what you think about my new workshops.

So . . . . tell me what you think!

Sorry I have been so long in responding, but I have been on the road a lot lately. All this traveling makes it a little hard to keep up with the blog. Since I am home for a few days, I am going to start catching up.

Prior to the airing of my Quilt Show episode—and especially after it—I’ve gotten many requests about my program and teaching schedule. I answered most of the requests directly, but haven’t gotten to them all. I’m sorry. I suck!!!!

I had planned on making this a separate page on my blog, but I haven’t been able to make it happen, so I’m going to do a continuing series of posts as my schedule changes. I have tried to figure this out many times and all I get for my efforts is a big knot on my forehead from banging it on my desk.

Eventually, I will figure this out and in the mean time, my forehead will appreciate the time to heal.

Here is my schedule for 2012 (so far) and parts of 2013:

Aug 7, 2012 • Happy Hearts Guild, Giddings, TX
Martin Luther Lutheran Church Education Building, at 573 North Main Street (Hwy.77) in Giddings, Texas.

Sept 28-29, 2012 • The Fabric Shop, Ruston, LA
I will be doing a lecture and embellishment demonstration. Space is limited, so if you are interested in attending, you need to call and reserve a space. 318-251-2400.

Nov 5, 2012 • Baytown Area Quilter’s Guild, Baytown, TX
St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 3811 N. Main Street, Baytown, Texas

Nov 8-10, 2012 • Rim Country Quilt Roundup, Payson, AZ
I will be teaching Sharon Schamber’s Piece-lique and machine quilting classes. I use all her techniques in my work, so I am thrilled with this opportunity. Since I am not teaching my usual classes, I will have some of my quilts to show while I am there. I hope you’ll consider coming to the Roundup, because I’d love to see you.

Nov 19, 2012 • Lakeview Quilter’s Guild, Nassau Bay, TX. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 18220 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay, Texas

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Feb 14-15, 2013 • Quilter’s Guild of East Texas, Tyler, TX
I will be doing a lecture Thursday and Scrapbag Bouquet workshop on Friday.

Feb 17-24, 2013 • Quilter’s Emporium 7-Day Quilt Cruise
I am one of the featured teachers on this fabulous cruise, which leaves out of Galveston. I will be teaching three separate full-day classes, as well as a lecture one of the evenings we are at sea.

Because I love to tease you, here are a few photos of my projects. The first few photos are from my embellishment classes.

Here’s are a close up from my wool applique project.

and here’s a glimpse at my string piecing project.

I will be sharing more photos in another post, so stay tuned for that.

Apr 4-5, 2013 • Palmer Divide Quiltmakers Guild, Monument, CO
I will be giving a lecture on Thursday, Apr 4th at 7:00p and a full-day workshop on Friday. As soon as a workshop decision is made, I’ll let you know.

Apr 18, 2013 • The Island Quilter’s Guild, Galveston, TX
Moody Memorial Methodist Church, 2803 53rd Street, Galveston, TX

Jun 20-21, 2013 • Trinity Valley Quilters’ Guild, Fort Worth, TX
Central Christian Church, 3205 Hamilton Ave., Ft. Worth, TX. I will be teaching my Scrapbag Bouquet workshop,Thursday, June 20th and giving a program on Friday during the guild meeting, which starts at 9:00a.

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If you would like to contact me about workshops or lectures, here’s all you have to do. Email me at tomrussellquilts@gmail.com. How freaking easy is that? I just love technology.

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Now that I have covered this issue, I have more to tell you, so I need to get started on the next post.

Before I go, I want to tell you how much I have appreciated your sticking with me during my absence. I have had many wonderful adventures while on the road and I plan to share those with you in the future.

I am slowing learning that I can’t cram everything I want to do into one day, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to give up trying.

Now, I’m going to let you go. I need to get started on my post about the cruise projects and the sooner I start, the more time I’ll have for writing another post. I think you are going to enjoy seeing what I have been up to.

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You are the BEST BFFs EVAH and I have missed chatting with you!

These amazingly small and stunning chairs arrived at my door last week along with some wonderful lace for embellishing. It appears that I have received another Notta Present from Jim.

Check out the one-of-a-kind petit point cushions Jim made for the chairs. Yes kids, I said it . . . one-of-a-kind petit point cushions. I know. This is crazy cool. 

I hardly know what to say and thank you barely begins to express how truly blessed I feel to have friend like Jim.

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I also received another surprise from my friends Marilyn and Debbie from Austin. I am blown away by their kindness. As soon as I have a minute, I’ll share my new surprise with you. Thank you Debbie and Marilyn. Your generosity has moved me beyond words.

As most of you know I love adventures. In fact, I love them so much, I can turn practically any mundane situation into one. I find that my life is more interesting when it’s filled with adventure.

Adventures are a lot like roller coaster rides. There are many ups and downs, along with a few dramatic twists and many unexpected turns. These experiences make your heart race and take your emotions to the edge. They also have the ability to make you laugh and cry at the same time. Truly great adventures force you to expand, to grow and to learn something new about yourself.

Sometimes the lessons an adventure gives are easy to take, like that feeling of satisfaction from eating half of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake in one setting. Other times, the lessons we need to learn aren’t as easy to swallow.

In the past few years I have been on many wondrous and magical adventures. Each one of them have allowed me to experience things I couldn’t have imagined as I was growing up in Morrilton, Arkansas. Some adventures have been small and thrilling, like helping my friend Judy Murrah start her blogging adventure and realizing halfway through the process that I was helping the legendary Judy Murrah of Jacket Jazz fame. Wow, that was an adventure I will never forget!

Some adventures have been a little grander in scale, like taking a trip with my Peeps to The Texas Quilt Museum to see my quilt hanging there. I can hardly believe it. I had a quilt hanging in a museum. Is this a crazy marvelous world or what? 

Other adventures have amazed me and been cooler than I could have dreamed of, like the recent airing of my Quilt Show episode. I am still having a hard time believing that one. 

Lastly, some adventures have been life altering and made me wonder where I fit in the world and how could this have happened, like my mother’s cancer diagnosis and the loss of my beloved Bill in September.

Navigating through this last adventure has been much harder than eating a cheesecake, because everything I had known for almost 20 years changed over night. My life was exactly the same, except now I had a big hole in it. I couldn’t imagine what life was going to be like or how I was supposed to go on.

That’s where my dear friends Gene and Sharon Schamber came in.

Gene, Sharon and I at the AQS show in Paducah, KY.

This amazing couple invited me to stay with them for a while after Bill’s passing. I agreed to go at first, then talked myself out of it multiple times. I realized that I needed to get away from me and all that was going on in my head, so off to Payson, AZ, I went.

Sharon and Gene were generous and gracious hosts. They treated me so well during my visit, that it was hard to come home and face my reality. They’d let me ramble on endlessly about nothing and offer a shoulder to cry on when I needed it. They did everything they could think of to set me on a path to heal from the pain of my loss.

Sharon and I spent endless hours talking, sharing tears and laughter. She patiently listened as I worked through the grief. While we stayed busy, Gene would be in and out of the studio checking to see if we needed anything and letting us know what he’d planned for our culinary extravaganza.

Dozens of hummingbirds feed at the back of Gene and Sharon’s house throughout the day.

Gene is a fabulous cook and his apple pies are legendary. Along with his amazing culinary skills, he is also a wonderful gardener, naturalist and storyteller. He is a Renaissance man to his core and the best tour guide EVER!

The Wizard of AZ, otherwise known as Gene Schamber, at the extraordinary and awe-inspiring Meteor Crater State Park.

I had mentioned to Gene that I had never been to Arizona, so he planned a fabulous day trip to show me the all the amazing natural and historic sights in the area.

The Strawberry Schoolhouse is the oldest standing schoolhouse is Arizona.

Gene knows I enjoy sharing photos with you, so he organized an expedition that would give me as many chances to take photos as possible. We went everywhere he could think of and had many fun-filled hours of conversation.

The terrain changes dramatically as you travel from one part of Arizona to another.

Gene has a natural gift for storytelling and he made this adventure one that I will never forget.

An enormous and photogenic Agave plant.

I’d point out a plant and he could tell me the name and something about it.

The amazing plant is an Ocotillo cactus. Thanks for the plant name Ruth!

I’d see an amazing cactus and we’d stop to take pictures of it.

This photo has not been altered. It’s a real purple cactus. Sweet!

I was amazed by what he knew. I couldn’t get over the fact that he knew something about everything.

This is Crater Lake in Coconino County, AZ.

His knowledge of cactus types was only equalled to his understanding of wildlife habitats.

Meteor Crater National Park is beyond description.

As our adventure continued, we went from one amazing place to another.

Montezuma Castle is one of the preserved cliff dwelling in North America.

The historic sights were awe-inspiring and the natural beauty of the state left me breathless.

This gorgeous lavender bush is called a Texas Sage. Thanks for the plant name Ken!

As we traveled from one area of the state to the next, the terrain would change dramatically.

This beautiful mystery cactus was outside the Chapel of the Holy Cross.

In some cases it felt like we had moved to another planet. We would go from 60-ft. tall trees and lots of scrub brush, to no trees and dirt, all in a 40-mile span.

Another look at the extraordinary mountains surrounding Sedona.

One of the stops on our journey was Sedona. It is a truly magical and mystical place.

Red mountains outside the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona.

The color in the rock is so intense and different from what I’m used to seeing, that it made me think something was wrong with my eyes.

This beautiful structure is the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona.

As we rode around, I could barely grasp all the beauty that lay before me and I will remain forever grateful to Gene and Sharon for taking me on such a magical adventure.

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I hope you’ve enjoyed my trip to Arizona as much as I have sharing it with you. It was fabulous to relive the magic of the experience, even though it brings a bit of sadness along with it.

As I said, adventures change us. They help us grow and learn something new about ourselves. My time with Gene and Sharon did those things and more.

I realized while I was there that I had many more adventures ahead of me and that I needed to learn to embrace each and every one, which brings me to what happens next. Now that I have completed this post and you’ve seen some of the beauty that awaits in Arizona, I am ready to tell you about another adventure I am going on. Because I am a tease and I enjoy your company, you’ll have to come back to find out about it.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you. xxxooo

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If you would like to see more photos from this healing adventure, then click here.

Happy July Everybody

Whew . . . Can you beelieve that another month has come and gone? I hardly can. Things have been super buzzy and fun for me lately, which is the reason my freebeez pattern is beehind schedule. I apologize for that, but I think you will be excited to hear what I have been up to.

In fact, I know you will be excited to hear my news, so I need to get this posted and get on to the next one.

So, without further ado . . . let’s get buzzy. 

Here’s the new freebeez pattern to add to your beeautiful collection—my absolutely wonderful and oh so talented BFFs.

As always, please feel free to use this and the other Tom’s freebeez pdf patterns for applique, redwork, embroidery, needlepoint, henna or permanent tattoos or for anything else your heart’s desire. It’s yours, so find a way to enjoy it.

The same usage rules apply. The pattern is YOURS to use for personal projects. No strings attached. Well, that’s not completely true. There is one string. I would like for you to give me credit for the original design and not use it for manufacturing purposes—beyond that—Enjoy!

Click on the link to download the freebeez pdf pattern.
TomsFreebeez_Robbee_download pattern_BW

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Beeg News Update A couple of weeks ago I received some NEW big news that I just have to tell you about. Several other other big news items have gotten put on the back burner, because of this BIG NEWS. This news is time sensitive I need to get buzzy and start typing.

I think you are gonna love what I have to share with you, or at least I hope you will. Stay tuned for more . . . 

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