by Mary Elizabeth O'Toole | Aug 25, 2017 | Art Quilts, Design, Inspiration
Breaking a Creative Block Last week I was working on a challenge quilt that was giving me trouble because I was way over thinking. I can almost hear some of you saying “Wow, that is not at all like you”. To which I reply, that there is no need for sarcasm. So back...
by Mary Elizabeth O'Toole | Jul 25, 2017 | Tools and Equipment, Woodworking
The 2×4 Challenge This week, I have been finishing a 2×4 Challenge through Taylor Timber Mart in Musquodobit Harbour. If you are a woodworker, you might be familiar with the 2×4 challenge idea, which is popular with guilds and online...
by Mary Elizabeth O'Toole | Jul 12, 2017 | Design, Quilting, Resources, Scrap Quilts, Work In Progress
My Patchwork Story I have mixed feelings towards making patchwork quilts. I enjoy the history and tradition of the art and it does appeal to my perfectionist tendencies. Ironically, these are the same things that can contribute to my more ambivalent feelings toward...
by Mary Elizabeth O'Toole | Jun 29, 2017 | Art Quilts, Design, Work In Progress
This week, I have finished up two projects that were focused on playing with colour. AND I have two more that just require binding but I will tell you about those another time. Colour Garden The first finished project is a small (20”x20”) wall hanging that I completed...
by Mary Elizabeth O'Toole | Jun 13, 2017 | Quilting, Technology in Art, Tools and Equipment
Introducing Songbird Quilter The Eastern Shore has a great new service for quilters. Wendy Pehrsson has opened Songbird Quilter in Lawrencetown. Songbird offers longarm instruction and rental services to help people finish their quilts without the expense of...
by Mary Elizabeth O'Toole | Jun 1, 2017 | Design, Work In Progress
Improvisation and Quilting I don’t know if it is a new trend or just something that I have recently become aware of in magazines and online articles but I have been seeing more discussions describing ‘improv quilting’ as a style. It seems to me that that it is more...
by Mary Elizabeth O'Toole | Apr 23, 2017 | Materials, Repurposing, Resources, Sustainability
I have been thinking a lot about sustainability and responsibility in making art. Since this is Earth Day weekend, it is a perfect time to reflect and write about these issues. Being responsible in material purchase and use is important to both me and Stephen so we...
by Mary Elizabeth O'Toole | Apr 18, 2017 | Technology in Art, Tools and Equipment, Woodworking
This weekend when we were puttering in the shop, Stephen and I chatted about some ongoing projects. It is a rare occasion that we are both in the woodshop at the same time because of the size and layout, combined with the fact that about 1/3 of our area is currently...
by Stephen Parsons | Apr 16, 2017 | Uncategorized
This post is written by Stephen Parsons. In my last post, I described my learning style and I promised to blog my progress as I explore a new technique through a new artistic production. The idea is to reflect on my learning process to see how it evolves and how it...
by Stephen Parsons | Apr 6, 2017 | Uncategorized
This post is written by Stephen Parsons. The Nova Scotia Community College, which currently funds my dream of a post-retirement life as full-time woodworker/ artisan, promotes a pedagogy of portfolio learning. This model places equal emphasis on student reflection on...
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