Book Review: Showcase 500 Rings and Heat Colors, Set & Fire

First, my disclosure....The Publishers at Lark Crafts/Sterling Publishing sent me this book to review on my blog. They do NOT pay me for the review, other than the book(s) that they sent me for review.

Showcase 500 Rings: New Directions in Art Jewelry

Marthe Le Van

Lark Crafts/Sterling Publishing

2012

Paperback 420 pages $27.95

ISBN 978-1-4547-0288-7

Here is another in the long pedigree line of stunning books that serve as a printed gallery! 

Grab a cup of tea, or perhaps an icy mojito since the weather is getting warmer, find a shady, breezy spot and indulge a couple hours or more to browse through this book. 

It is a collection of 500 rings from 341 jewelers from around the world. Some will dazzle you, some will amaze you, others will fill you with wonderment. But all will entertain you with their creativity and innovation as they break the boundaries of what you might consider to be a ring.

You don't need to be a metal smith to enjoy this collection. Even for us beaders, you can use this book for inspiration when you are in a rut to give you new ideas for form and composition.

The photos are as stunning as the work.

Once again, Lark presents a museum at your fingertips as no other publisher does. It's like going to a first rate jewelry museum without the traffic of the city,  the hassle of finding parking and fighting the crowds. Not a bad thing in my (Lark) book!

Heat, Color, Set & Fire: Surface Effects for Metal Jewelry

Mary Hettmansperger

Lark Crafts/Sterling Publishing

2012

Hard Cover 128 pages $27.95

ISBN 978-1-4547-0016-6

If only I had time to dabble in metal jewelry!! Sigh....

This is a fantastic book that shows techniques in adding color and texture to metal. Everything you want to know about etching, patinas, enameling, texturing, and keum boo (and more) will get your creativity going. 

There is a project for each technique, but it is easy to see beyond the offered project and you will have learned enough to get you going on your own. 

This is another classroom in a book. With the clear directions, great photos and exciting projects, you might just find yourself thinking "I can save money by not going to expensive classes so that I can buy materials and tools!" Not a bad thing, since we are all trying to make our dollars go further. If you are a metal jewelry artist, this book is well worth your investment.

Scandal at the Craft Store

I stopped at the craft store today. I was not looking for anything in particular. I was just browsing up and down the aisles.

To the shock of my innocent, unprepared eyes, I spotted this!

"Creative Time" indeed!!  This must be the "Pro" version. These little otters were caught in the act of procreating in the open. This is a family, "G" rated business! Have they no shame?

The tag says "Create a Project". Hmmm....sure....a farm of little otters? The beginnings of a Zoo? Wildlife re-population? Hopefully no one is thinking of Otter coats.

I left. I didn't buy a thing. I didn't dare go down the aisle that that had the dolls and teddy bears. I was afraid of what I might see there!

English Peas From a Food Snob's Perspective

I have blogged about my love of cooking in the past. I love trying new recipes. I find trying ethnic cuisines exciting. I love cooking shows of all sorts. My cookbook and cooking magazine collection is to the point of being crazy. And I won't bore you by talking about the cooking blogs I love. Chef Ramsey and Anthony Bourdain are my heros. You don't know who they are?? Tsk. Tsk.  tsk...you aren't a "foodie".

I also understand that there are many who do not share my excitement of this hobby even if they enjoy eating.

While I am a self declared "foodie", a food snob if you will, I  also understand the need for recipes for all levels of cooks. In fact, there are many very simple recipes I enjoy and use as a base to expand upon.

I came across this simple recipe that I thought I would share with you. But don't be fooled, even the simplest things have complexities that at first glance are not apparent. 

Recipe is from Paula Dean

English peas

Prep Time 5 min

Cook time 5 min

Ingredients

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter

2 cans (14 1/2-ounces) English peas, drained

Directions

Melt the butter in small pot and add the peas. Cook over medium heat until peas are warm.

This appears to be incredibly simple. But it is not. Maybe I am not as good of a home cook as I think I am.

I must be doing something wrong. Or omitting something. FIVE (5) minutes prep time? Getting out a pot, opening two cans of peas and adding ½ stick of butter takes me all of 1 minute.I actually timed it!  It might take 2 minutes if I have trouble finding my can opener (I use a hand held manual one, not an electric one). So I have 4 minutes left to spare. This alarms me.

Should I be doing something to the peas? Sorting them out? Washing them? Inspecting them for uniformity?

Obviously I can’t even handle the preparation needed to cook this simple dish. I need further instruction as to what constitutes the preparation needed for this dish. What do I do during the remaining 4 minutes allotted to prep time?

What brand of  "ENGLISH"peas do I use? Do they need to come from England? If they come from Mexico as a lot of produce does, will this ruin the dish? Should I ask to see a passport or visa? Or at least ask to see if the import tariff taxes have been paid?

Why canned? Will this work with frozen peas? Can I substitute dried peas?

What kind of butter? Salted? Sweet?  Is American ok or should I use Irish butter for a more authentic taste as Ireland is closer to England than the US. I bet the cows in England have better grass than in the US.  If I use Danish butter will this recipe then become Danish peas?

Do I have to have the butter at room temperature before adding it to the pot? Or should it be cold?


Should I add the butter in one piece or cut it up? If I need to cut it up, how big should the pieces be?

Would the peas destruct if I use a butter substitute?

If I add the peas and butter at the same time will that ruin the peas? Or the butter?

Can I add salt? If so what kind? Can I add Himalayan salt? Or will this turn the dish into Nepalese Peas?

"Heat until warm" How warm? Barely warm to the touch? How about hot? Will that ruin the dish?


Do I eat this with a fork? Spoon? Knife? How should I serve and garnish this dish? Or should I eat it out of the pot I cooked it in,


Will it pair well with Chitlins and beer? Or EverClear?

Can I substitute carrots for the peas? Or English Pheasant (if I can find it canned?)


In the interest of warnings that can be found on almost any food product, are there any indications that should be listed? Can old folks prone to odoriferous flatulence eat this safely? (and is it safe for us to be around said old folks after ingestion of the peas and butter?). Since the peas will be well coated with a lubricant (butter), should I be near a "facility" should they find the fast tract out of my digestive system turning me into a human BB gun?

Maybe there are more accomplished chefs than me who could enlighten me on the complexities and questions I have concerning this recipe.

PS if you think I have concerns, visit HERE to see what many others have commented about this recipe! I am certainly not alone with my concerns!

Why I Love Gnomes and Other Garden Ornaments (Hey Cathy Eat Your Heart Out!)

Sigh....all the marigolds and petunias (as well as the cucumbers and basil and other plants I choose to forget about) I planted over the last couple weeks, have been mowed to the ground. Gone are the bright yellow and orange floral smiles I planted for my gnomes. Gone are the deep purple and pink with white joys that I hoped would some how make it THIS year.

It is a yearly tradition. The weather gets better. Each year I try to outwit the snails and slugs that are in my garden. So many of them, a French Connoisseur would salivate if there were any garlic near by. These snails are HUGE.

Yes, ever year, although I know better, I cannot resist. I cheerfully go to the garden store. Buy a flat or 2 of pretty flowers. I don my garden shoes, arm myself with a trowel. I move my sad looking gnomes who have survived another winter, pull the weeds plant the flowers and put the gnomes back in their garden.

The gnomes look happy, and the yard looks pretty. For a week. Two if I am REALLY lucky.

I hate snails.

Oh I have tried snail bait. Those were the years my flowers lived for 2 weeks. Maybe 3. I can't use snail bait because my dog would surely eat her self to death, literally, before the snails got to the poison.

I have tried circles of salt. My garden looked like a witches garden. But salt doesn't last past the watering, and it isn't good for the soil.

I tried moats of beer. Later finding mass suicide of hoards of snails and slugs. All who must have had a happy intoxicated death. I hate dealing with the carnage. And I never seem to have too much beer in the house as I am not a beer drinker generally speaking.

I just cannot keep up with the legions of snails and slugs. My arsenal of weapons never seem to be enough to keep them at bay.

I lose the battle every year, without fail.

So, I decorate my garden with gnomes and other assorted magical lawn creatures. At least they don't die. Sure, after several seasons, they fade. Some suffer an even worse demise, having cracked and fallen apart. But they last longer than the marigolds and petunias.

This year I have had to depart with several of my older gnomes. It is time to replace some of my sturdy garden friends.

Yes, my pink flamingo has seen the last if his days.

I can't look at flamingo without thinking of my dearest friend Cathy Benton. She is the flamingo lady.

Now, I have to tell you this about Cathy. While we were in India last fall, she decided that I was the "bird lady". Sure I love birds, and maybe it is because I oohed and awwed at many a bird while in India, especially the peacocks that I earned this distinction. Or maybe it was because I talked about my parrot, Lucy, that also added my being the "bird lady". Whatever the reason, because of this, I often heard:

"Look! Sig!! A BIRD!!"

OR

"Look!! Sig!! A PEACOCK!!"

I could never say to her "Look!! Cathy!! A Flamingo!!" Even though I would look in vain for the pink bird. (Though, "Look Cathy!! GANESH!" was more the mantra).

So, Cathy, you will love this! And eat your heart out! I found a fabulous PEACOCK for my garden. Have you ever seen anything so beautiful? Flamingos, as wonderful and beautiful as they are, can they match the majesty of this lawn ornament?

Peacock in the Front yard...for the photo only.

I wanted so much to place her in the front yard so that she can greet me when I come home everyday. But with the gnomes that were stolen from the front yard, I could not risk it. Sigh....I placed her in the back yard. I still can enjoy her in the back.

In the back yard

What do you think? Would you have a flamingo or a peacock in your garden (how about gnomes)? Have you ever seen a flamingo as wonderful as this peacock?

Hey Cathy!! Look!! A PEACOCK!!  :)

Bragging Rights: Margaret Ellis

Here is an owl that Margaret asked me to do for her. I think she plans on adding the panel to leather. I hope she shares the finished project with us.

Looks GREAT so far!

Do you want the pattern? Find it HERE

Brazen Idiots

It just never stops does it? Designers are fuming mad and ready to pull hair, teeth, gonads...anything in the simple hope that people stay honest and do the right thing.

Yet there are those out there who think they can do whatever they like. I told you of my Copyright fight back a few months ago with the 3 websites who mass produce beadwork in India. Several of those designs were mine, and there were several other designers who were also infringed upon.

For my part, my fight is nearly done. It took my attorney to clean up the final bit.

Now this...

This person uses "lifted" images to promote her work. She is apparently trying to drum up a lot of business by using images that are not her own. I posted on her FB page to remove my images. Why does it not surprise me that  she has blocked me, and others who have raised a concern with her. I just do not want her using my patterns as a "catalogue" to shop from. At this point, I don't even want her to sell beadwork using my patterns. She should make her own G-D patterns!

After an email, she informed me that she was not in violation. Seems she has a bit to learn. While I still have my attorney on retainer, perhaps a (not-so) friendly note from him is in order unless she takes it down.

Interestingly, she sells a lot of the afore mentioned beadwork from India. Go figure....

Now this is what I do not understand. Maybe someone can help me. What is it that makes someone feel they can do what ever they want with other peoples designs? What is it in someone that when they are told by the designer that they are infringing upon that they are in violation, and to stop, makes them self righteous and basically tell us to fuck off?

If I infringed upon someone, the first thing I would do is apologize. Profusely. Then I would would take down the items that I took. This I would do if there were the mere QUESTION of me being an infringer. Unless I was with out a single doubt that it was mine, I would not argue.

Clearly there are people out there who know full well that they are stealing. Why do they feel so entitled?

It's this sort of thing that makes me just want to stop designing. It is not fun to be ripped off and be disrespected.

But thankfully, there are 100 wonderful people out there for every asshole. So that is what I must focus on.

Thanks for all the heads up that several of you have given me.

If you happen to think I am a mean, nasty, angry so-and-so, put yourself in my shoes. How would you feel if someone came into your house and stole the furniture you have. Or got into your bank account and stole money from you? This is no different.

The Rewards of a Nice Day and a Garden

After a week of nasty weather and some really heavy rain, today is a joy of glorious weather. Warm (but not hot) and the yellow orb is shining brightly.

This inspires the gardener in me. I am admittedly a lousy gardener. Not from lack of trying. I just do not have a green thumb, despite my efforts. Every spring I set out to be better than the year before. I blame much of my failure on the heat of the central valley which hovers around the 100 degree mark for much of the summer.

Not a lot of flowers, but the gnomes are happier than they
were when they had none last week!

OOPS!! Can't a gnome
have a private moment!!??

I do try.



I gifted my gnomes some marigolds a week ago. The rain has beat them to the ground. I do hope they pop back up. That is before the snails get them. I don't dare use snail bait as my dog will assuredly eat it. It has the same shape and size as Lucy's bird food, so it can be confusing, even though I am sure it smells quite different. I also planted some tomatoes, cucumbers, string beans, red peppers, basil (4 varieties), mint, cilantro and parsley. The tomatoes, string beans, peppers, mint and 1/2 of the basil survived the torrential rain. The rest didn't.

Today, I planted replacements for the casualties and some more flowers here and there.

3 varieties of basil, and a pepper plant.
Do I see gnomes dancing??

While at the garden store, I could not resist a hummingbird feeder. We used to have a loquat tree in the back corner that we needed to chop down as it was a sick tree. The hummers used to nest there. I used to see a lot of hummers. So I miss them. I put up a hummer feeder to attract them.

Birds are amazing. One little change, and their little beady eyes spot it right off. It was not 15 minutes later that I had a visitor! I rushed inside to get my camera. The hummer flew off. She perched on top of one of our trees and waited. I sat and waited too. I knew she would come back. Sure enough, she did.

Waiting

Coming in!

Yummy!!

My new friend

So in celebration of spring and my hummingbird friend, I am placing my hummingbird pattern books on sale until 5/1/12. I will Email the files after you order. So be patient! I will email them as quick as I can!

Earrings and bracelets for each species! You will find these Hummers in this book:

Allen's Hummingbird

Anna's Hummingbird

Black Chinned Hummingbird

Calliope Hummingbird

Cinnamon Hummingbird

Costas Hummingbird

Lucifer Hummingbird

Magnificent Hummingbird

Ruby Throated Hummingbird

Violet Crowned Hummingbird

For peyote/brick and delicas. Regular $29.95 SALE $20.00

Volume 1 of a collection of Hummingbirds. Each is around 3 X 4, give or take. Each

is charted for Delicas, in peyote/brick as color coded graphs.

You will find these hummers in this collection:

Allen’s Hummingbird


Buff Tailed Hummingbird


Gould’s Inca Hummingbird


Green Crowned Hummingbird


Ruby Throated Hummingbird in Flight

At $9 each on another site, this collection is already a savings at $29.95. On sale here now for $20.

Vol 2 of the hummingbird collection includes:

Purple Throated Woodstar Hummingbird


Ruby Throated Hummingbird


Violet Bellied Hummingbird


Rufus Hummingbird


Violet Crowned Hummingbird

At $9 each on another site, this collection is already a savings at $29.95. On sale here now for $20.

Email Killed....

I get a lot of questions. I take pride in trying to answer questions quickly, no matter how busy I am, and to answer them as well as I possibly can. After all, isn't it frustrating if you ask someone for advice and they don't answer, especially if it is a basic question? Of course there are some questions that are delve a little too much into my "secrets" or things I don't wish to "give away" but those questions are few and far between.

As much as it may frustrate the person with a question not to get an answer, it frustrates me perhaps even more when my answer is not deliverable. I am sure that person is thinking I don't care enough to answer. Nothing is further from the truth.

If by chance you send me an email and DO NOT get a timely response, something went wrong that is beyond my control.

So to Laurie in Canada, I have tried 9 times to send you an email to answer your question. I am hoping you read my blog. I did try, but each time, my email has bounced back as "undeliverable" because it was rejected by your host.

Sigh...

Maybe there are others of you who might benefit from her question. Here it is:

Hi Sig,

I have purchased a couple of your patterns, and had a great time beading them.  I purchased the red hat bracelet yesterday, and want the earrings later.  I've done lots of peyote and wanted to try brick stitch.  I have practised it before with beads and made samples.  I just don't know how to convert the graph pattern.  I know your going to tell me it is simple, and I'll feel stupid.  I'm going to go ahead and start, while I wait to hear from you, only because it is supposed to be so fast.   Practise makes perfect...........right?.........lol

let me know

laurie

canada

Laurie,

You might hit your head to the table...as it is SOOOO simple!! I think on most of my bracelet patters I have the directions marked with arrows, is that the case with this pattern? On one edge it says peyote, the other brick? All it takes is reading it one direction or the other. If you read (stitch) across the even edge, it is brick. If you read across the staggared edge, it will be peyote. No other conversion needed, it is simply the direction you read (stitch) the graph!!  :)

That is what I love about both sititches. You can switch between them seamlessly. For my shaped patterns, I will do as much as I can in flat even peyote (as it is so much faster) then I will turn the pattern on its side to do all the rest in brick as it is SOOOO much easier to shape/increase/decrease in brick than peyote (at least for me!)

Hope you understand this. Explaining in words often takes much more effort than the direction really is!!  

Sig

Bragging Rights: Jane Adam

Winter Birds

Jane Adam ( http://nonipink.blogspot.com/) beaded Winter Birds for her son's birthday. I think it turned out to be a beauty. I think he is a lucky guy, don't you??


This is from a Japanese  wood block print by Shoson. I love Japanese prints that feature flowers and especially birds.


If you like this pattern, you can find it HERE

Or if you would like a small detail of this pattern, look HERE

Bragging Rights: Bonnie Anthis

Here is Ganesh! I did this pattern after my trip to India, with a lot of prodding from my dear friend Cathy Benton who has this "thing" for Ganesh. She could not get enough of Ganesh while in India....well, perhaps she did get a little Ganeshed-out towards the end. Anyways, Ganesh is a great deiy, representing the removal of obstacles. We could all use help like that, right?

It appears that Bonnie did not have any obstacles in beading and beautifully displaying Ganesh. Congrats Bonnie, on a beautiful job!

You can find the pattern HERE

My Not So Nice Day (May You Never Have One)

Some days are not meant to be repeated. For me this is one of them.

If you know me at all, you know my absolute PANIC when it comes to visiting a Dr. It takes MAJOR effort to go in for those regular check ups. You know the ones, where you are in a very compromising, embarrassing position where you hope to god that you are "daisy fresh" and do not have the after effects of having eaten some gaseous producing foods. But I have kept up with them, more or less.

Or those equally nasty visits where your "Girls" are stretched, pulled and flattened to some unnatural position to be irradiated by a monstrous looking machine where you have to contort into weird positions to get it "right" or do it all over again.

These visits, while helpful are not pleasant when you go through the process with the best of hopes that all is well, not having anything to worry about.

But when you do have something to worry about as I do, it is all the worse. For me, my panic and fear that I have under "normal" circumstances became something for which I have no words for.

So, I went in to see the Dr for my "routine" womanly check-up waiting for the question: "Is anything bothering you?"

For the first time, I had to answer "Yes".

Sparing you the nasty details, my answer caused the need for a biopsy "down there". Not nice. Not comfortable, and now hours later I am still smarting a bit where a needle or something went where it had no right to go.

Then they decided that my blood pressure was high. Well NO SHIT. My panic and fear in visiting a doctor is beyond what the normal person experiences for reasons that my inner child can only explain (again I won't bore you with the details, you only need to know I have my reasons...). So it was no surprise to me. So, off they marched me to another Dr, then to the pharmacy for my package of pills. All the while I am waiting at the Kaiser pharmacy only to see an old gentleman go off into convulsions and be carted away. See? This place is not a good place (says my inner child) people get sick here. and they might need to be carted away... My adult mind argued with the inner child...."but this is also where they make sick people well...."

My adult mind argued feebly with my inner child.

The Boob Squeezer , instrument of torture
from the Middle Ages awaits me

I think the inner child won the argument, despite the adult mind having the better  thought process.

As if my 3 hours thus far was not enough, I was escorted to the room with the big nasty breast squeezer. The technician was lovely. Not like the last time when the technician was probably a man in drag. She was really nice, and although she tried to make it a pleasant experience, it still was not.

Finally, I got to leave. Still alive. Smarting a bit from the first doctor, and worried about what the results of the biopsy might reveal....

I think I will find comfort by burying myself in something pleasant.

Beads, perhaps????

It's The Simple Things

Isn't it true? It's the simple things that really matter? And it's the simple things that give us the most lasting and powerful feelings of happiness?

For me, one of those simple pleasures always has been and always will be spending time with my daughter. I was thrilled to have her come up to visit again this weekend. Part of the reason for her visit was an interview at a private elementary school in Davis. Davis is where she (and I also) graduated from college. Jasmine with her master's degree in education.

We drove up early on Friday morning for her interview ( just how do they think teachers can survive in a high cost of living area on $31,000 annually???). It was so wonderful to visit Davis. So much has changed since Jasmine went to college there. And for me, Davis is not the same sleepy town as when I went to college there. But there is something in the air in Davis. Perhaps it is the youthful optimism that is so alive on any college campus. Or maybe it is the intellect that is oozing in the very air of a University town. Or maybe it is simply the memories of a comparatively carefree life that we experienced during our college days.

Whatever it is, we both inhaled the air as if it were a drug. If only I could bottle that feeling. If only I could conjure up that instantaneous optimism and feeling of well being whenever I wanted!!

Sigh....I am working on it.....

On the road from Davis to Sacramento. The white in
the distance is snow on the Sierra Mountains.

After Jasmine's interview (which went very well, but she would have to take a $12K paycut to accept the job and leave the sand pit of Lindsey so that is not going to happen) we went to Sacramento to go to U Bead It. It has been AGES (a year or longer) since I went to a bead store. In fact, I have hardly even ordered beads on line. I really did not NEED any beads. But I am desperate for inspiration. I have not touched my beads in much longer than I dare to tell you. I was hoping that something there would set me in motion.

U Bead It

Jasmine is helping me find treasures

I am not sure if my visit to U Bead It really provided the inspiration I was hoping for, but I did buy a few things. It is amazing how "a few things" can cost more than "a few dollars". None the less, I bought those "few things" hoping  that the creative muse also hitched a ride and would kick my uninspired ass into creating something again.

My U Bead It Loot

With another day to spend together, on Saturday, Jasmine and I did our "girly thing". Shopping at Marshall's. We always seem to find SOMETHING there at a great price. This time, my finds were 2 bags that I (do not) need. But they were so beautiful and at a great price, do you blame me? One is for everyday use. The other is for taking stuff to classes when I do get around to teaching. I just love them.

Every day bag

Class Bag

So the weekend is over. Jasmine is back home. I already miss her. But I know we will have our girly time together again soon. And that is something to look forward to!

Book Review: Japanese Beadwork and Art Quilt Portfolio:The Natural World

First, my disclosure....The Publishers at Lark Crafts/Sterling Publishing sent me this book to review on my blog. They do NOT pay me for the review, other than the book(s) that they sent me for review.

Japanese Beadwork

Sonoko Nozue

Lark Crafts/Sterling Publishing

2012

Hard Cover 128 pages $27.95

ISBN 978-1-4545-0278-8

To me, anything Japanese brings to mind precision, quality and art. For example, a Japanese garden is the ultimate in artistic gardening. Japanese made cars (including my own) are of high standards and quality. Japanese food is more than just food, it is art on a plate.

And so it is with beads and beadwork. Japanese seed beads are the best that money can buy. Japanese beadwork and the attention to detail is unparalled.  When I saw that Japanese Beadwork was to be published, I was really, really looking forward to seeing this book. I was hoping to find projects and techniques and ideas that I could learn from and that would inspire me.

This book did not disappoint me in the least.

The photographs are beautiful, the jewelry designs (mostly necklaces with a few bracelets and earrings) are exquisite.  They bring to mind the grace and elegance of Hollywood’s Golden Era. There are plenty of illustrations to guide you through the projects.

Lark Crafts does it again, Japanese Beadwork is a keeper for my bead library. I think I will soon need another bookshelf!

Art Quilt Portfolio: The Natural World

Martha Sielman

Lark Crafts/Sterling Publishing

2012

Hard Cover 192 pages $24.95

ISBN 978-1-60059-928-6

I once went to a quilt show at the recommendation of a friend. Never having been to a quilt show (I am not a quilter nor a seamstress), I expected to see a lot of traditional quilts. I did not expect to see the over the top artistry that is in the quilt world.

The Natural World focuses on Quilts with a nature theme. Butterflies, birds, flowers….flora and fauna of all imaginable types.  The artists featured in this book are masters in their craft. Many of the quilts left me wondering : “just how did they do that?”

Nineteen artists are featured in depth with many more represented in the gallery sections. The skill of these quilt artists will really amaze you, and without a doubt inspire you.

Quilts that are more like paintings have evolved far from the practical beginnings of what a quilt once was.  If you enjoy looking at an amazing art form, you will love this book. Perhaps  the artistry in this book will inspire you to take your own art a step further and push the boundaries as these quilters have.

Now if only the quilt on my bed could grow up and become as wonderful as the quilts in this book!