Northern Expressions

Selling My Quilt Art and Anything Else I Make

2011-09-09T08:46:00.000-07:00

Hi to all that come by this blog.
On this blog you will find many of my creations, some of which have been sold, some given away as gifts and others given away for fund raisers mostly for orphan children. Still, Since I do have to make a living, most everything has either been sold or is for sale. If you like something, please inquire by leaving a comment or by e-mailing me at: momof4boys2004@hotmail.com . I will be happy to either sell it to you or make you another one that is similar. I do have to say that non of the work turns out exactly the same because each one is an original art and not a print. Please also keep in mind that since everything is made from fabric, the different kinds colors come and go. Keep in mind also that this is an Art form and take many hours and more hours of work between keeping house, homeschooling my children and raising them. The prices will vary but for most will be in the several hundred dollars range. Please contact me when you are inquiring about an item and I will be happy to give you a price. I am always open for some negotiating as well. Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek.

Latest quilts

2011-04-12T07:49:00.000-07:00

This one was a gift for my wonderful neighbors for Christmas

This Swan quilt speaks of God's unfailing love and protection.

The verse I thought of just after I made it was, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."

I have donated this quilt to be a prize in a draw for people who are raising money to help a little boy named Vanya to find a permanent family. He is an orphan in Ukraine who is fast approaching the age where he will have to be moved from the orphanage (he's only eight years old) and because he has no one to be his family, he may end up in a mental institution or some other unhealthy place for him to be. He has HIV but is otherwise healthy and thriving and is a good little student.

(few months later) Update: Vanya has been adopted by an American family who love him. The little boy has a home.

Tombstone national park again :0)

Fireweed in Yukon

More chickadees

How do you make Northern lights out of fabric. Well, this is what I did and it isn't too bad. :0)

This one has been made yet again. It was given away thought for a Christmas party.

And this Yukon midnight one has been made yet again by popular demand. LOL mostly by my husband who loves airplanes.

Nasilele

2010-01-10T18:42:00.000-08:00

Here I have a little African doll. Her name is Nasilele! I called her that because that is one of the most beautiful names I'de heard when I lived in Africa years ago. Anyway, as you can see she loves bright colours, or is that my preferance? Whatever the case, she is indeed a one of a kind Waldorf style doll.

I will have to make one thing clear though. These dolls that I make are indeed made like a Waldorf doll but not with as much natural fibres. They do have some real wool in their heads to give that special firmness but I have used acrylic and polyester stuffing and fabric for some of them. They are however, still durable and lovable and I hope you would like to adopt one. :0)

Noella Joy and Edward James

2009-12-29T13:14:00.000-08:00

Here are two more little ones ready for adoption. They are about 12 inches tall and made by me. They are Waldorf style dolls with some of my own style added. I have been really enjoying making these little people.

Kaitlynn Anne

2009-12-29T13:09:00.000-08:00

Here is the latest doll that I have made. She stands about 12 inches tall. Her legs can rotate and so can her arms. I made her yesterday and she turned out to be a little beauty. I hope you like her.

Tombstone National Park

2009-11-27T12:01:00.000-08:00

This is a quilt that I have worked on all week. It was a comissioned quilt. The people who asked me to make it intend to hand it over a murphy bed in their house. They had some photos of this mountain range that they wanted me to try and copy but they were summer photos with gray and green colours and a very cloudy sky. They asked if I could give the picture a facelift by making a sunset sky, fall colours, and putting some bunches of fireweed in the forground. This valley at Tombstone national Park in Yukon, Canada is actually famous for it absolutely stunningly beautiful patches of yellows and reds that miander up the valley toward the famous Tombstone mountain peek. It has the look of a paradise and is definately a photographer's heaven.

I hope I was able to capture some of that fall beauty in this quilt.

The quilt is 5 feet by 3 feet and sold for $700 although it was probably worth more. The details in the quilting are incredible and give the landscape an awesome texture. It is unfortunate that it can't be seen on the photo.

However, enjoy the colours and the picture.

Cozy Cubs Quilt

2009-10-05T23:18:00.000-07:00

Here is a quilt that I just made for a toddler size bed complete with pillow and case. It is made out of 100% cotten fabric and has bamboo batten. It is so soft and cute and cozy. My own little son has requested one for himself. Maybe for Christmas or his Birthday! It would make a wonderful gift.

Mission Accomplished

2009-09-07T21:49:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I just had to let you know that the mission of selling this quilt to raise money for a motercycle for a missionary evangelist in africa has been accomplished.

I am even more happy to announce that the money for the motorcycle was raised by a group of young kids in Washington, determined to make it their mission. They came up with $2500 for a motorcycle to be bought and shipped to Africa so that God's love could continue to be scattered all over the remote villages in the mountains of Tanzania. So it was with great pleasure that I packed and shipped the quilt to the kids and they have hung it in their church foyer. Later, they have informed me, they will auction it off to raise money for the adoption of two little Ethiopian orphans that have aids. What a blessing this quilt has become!

I'm glad I get to share in that blessing!

King of the Tombstone National Park

2009-07-30T07:39:00.000-07:00

Here is my lastest and greatest Quilt! It took me quite a while to pop this one out! It is 4 1/2 feet by 5 feet and detailed with tons of quilting. It is definately a picture of the Yukon in all its brilliance of fall colours. The tundra shrubs of yellow, red, gold and green along with the ever present patches of shining white snow on the tips of the majestic mountains. And all this beauty is only amplified by the magnifancent wildlife that roam this beautiful territory. It is truely a glimpse of what Heaven might be like.

The Brown pictures at the top of this post are the back of the quilt to show off the details of quilting.

New Teddies

2009-07-09T22:48:00.000-07:00

Here are some New Teddy Bears that I have made. The little Black one sold right away. I'm thinking that people really like the homemade look.

The little Brown Grizzly Bear sold today and it was fun to see how tickle pink the two ladies were who purchased him as a gift were with their special surprise.

The Little Baby Polar Bear is still waiting for a family to adopt him. He is so soft and cute and patient. Each bear has legs that rotate so that the can be in a standing position or sitting. When standing they are about 18 inches high. They have been going for $60.

Sometimes You Just Need a Break

2009-06-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

This little guy is a result of getting tired of sewing seriously! He turned out very cute! I made for him a little mouth that is open so that a little pacifier can be put in and he will be happy since he is just a baby anyway. He also has his own little quilted blankie and a little cloth diaper with snaps so that it can be taken off and changed whenever it is needed you know! All he needs now is a little girl or boy to adopt him and look after him with care. The adoption fees are only $60 Canadian. Hope he finds a good home with someone who will love him.

Grizzley Bear Bag

2009-06-19T18:26:00.000-07:00

This is a large heavy duty bag for groceries or overnight trips or whatever. It was made with men in mind rather then being something dainty or pretty it is artistic in a masculine kind of way I think. (?) I made this bag with the canvas straps reaching all the way down to the bottom seam for extra strength and duribility. I actually really like this style. I've never tried the only black and white look and I'm kind of hooked on it for things like this.

Messing Around Again!

2009-05-29T10:57:00.000-07:00

This isn't exactly quilting but I was having fun with pink. Considering that I have 4 children and they are all boys, I very rarely see pretty pink, ribbons, or frills so Every once in a great while I enjoy making something girly for a change. I make this little apron and put it up for sale. Unfortunately it is a childs apron and everyone who came by my little market booth on Thursday and was interested in it wanted an adult size instead. That's ok, I just took orders and will make what they would like. I'm happy for that!

I'm selling this one for $30

My kids are becoming my postcard makers

2009-05-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

My kids are getting quite good at color coordinating and creating simple sceneries that make beautiful small pictures. So, I have put them to work peicing together postcards that I can sew. They seem to be quite a popular selling item. People love this unique and beautiful little novelty and they can be sure that when they send this postcard to a friend, it probably won't get thown away! :0)

For a Nature Lover

2009-05-29T10:42:00.001-07:00

This purse has gotten quite a few oooh and ahhhs from several people. It went up for sale just yesterday and I'm charging $50 for it. I'm thinking it probably isn't really enough but I'm not sure what it should be. It's a great hand bag and large enough to carry a load of necessities.

It is quilted on a batik print fabric and quilted with lots of free motion quilting.

The Curious Sea Otter

2009-05-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

This quilt is 22 x 27 inches. It is a perfect wall hanging size! I saw a similar picture on my neighbors t-shirt and I thought is was so cute! I drew out my own version of the picture and then added water, sky and mountains. It turned out way cuter then I expected and people seem to be quite drawn to it. Kids especially seem to love it! It would me a great wall hanging for a kids room and even a wonderful theme for a kids decore. I'm selling it for $400. I'm thinking it won't last long. :0)

Wild and Wonkey!

2009-05-15T20:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just feel like being wonkey! I don't know why abstract art is sometimes attractive to me. I don't particularly find paint just thrown at a canvas terribly atractive but I do find deliberate strokes of a painter interesting regardless of what he or she is painting or creating.

I must add to that though, that there are some subjects that I would rather not see in any art form but I do like creativity. I have never been brave enough to get very abstract or weird in my style though until I started making post cards and then I realized that these were small enough that if it looked too bad, I wouldn't be waisting a ton of fabric if I just threw it away.

So this was my feeble attempt at trying something abstract and weird and even though it is strange, I kind of like it!

2009-05-15T20:40:00.000-07:00

This is a quilt that I made for a friend's dining room wall some time back. She Later asked if I could make her some coasters for when she serves hot drinks so I did and I love them. She does too! Aren't they cute?

Quilted Handbag

2009-05-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

So what am I doing now? Making a quilted purse!

Someone suggested that I make some handbags so I decided to try.

I had this wolf all peiced together for ages but it just did not fit nicely on any quilt I tried to make out of it so I finally used it to make a handbag.

Early Misty Morning

2009-05-15T20:22:00.001-07:00

This quilt I had a lot of trouble with because I kept make silly mistakes and forgetting what I was supposed to be doing. Must be getting old!! :0) Anyway, it turned out not bad in the end but it has a little darker effect then I was hoping it would and so the whales can be hard to see but still it gives a peaceful feeling.

It is about 2 1/2 feet by 1 1/2 feet. It is quite small but quite elegant!

Finally Done

2009-05-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

Ok, I finally finished the black bear quilt. Here it is with it's border and all.

In the Process

2009-05-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

This quilt is still in the process of being made.

I've been trying some thread painting on this one. I've been using stitches to get the effects that I want on the fabric. It is a lot of work but has been fun to try. I think it will be a nice quilt when it is all done.

Take a look at the birch trees. All the black lines and notches are sewn in. The fallen leaves on the ground are all sewn it and the bark on the ever green trees and the pine needles.

This quilt will be about 4 feet by 3 feet after the boarder is put on.

Post card

2009-05-08T11:51:00.000-07:00

I decided this morning to see how it would go to make some miniture quilts. This one is 6 " by 4". It is a post card. It was fun and easy and I think I'll have some fun making some more with my kids. These are really cool and can really be mailed through the post. I'm anxious to try that.

Now, who shall I send it too?

"Midnight"

2009-04-30T22:51:00.000-07:00

Midnight is the name of this new quilt. Living in the far North of Canada makes for long summer days when the sun just barely drops below the horizon at around midnight and then pops back up again soon after. The sky turns brilliant pinks and oranges and purples. It is so beautiful and in the woods, nestled amonst the trees and the mountains are the beautiful lakes that reflect the beauty all around them. The wildlife is also prevalent around here and it makes it that much more enticing to be here. I love living here and I love making quilts about the beauty around me.

This quilt is about 2 1/2 feet by 3 feet. It is complete with the hanger to hang it on the wall with.

I found some gorgeous fabric that graduated in colour from yellow to dark purple so I cut the purple off and made mountains and used the yellow end of the fabric for the lake. Then I used a seperate piece of fabric for the silouettes of land and moose. So basically the picture part of this quilt only has two pieces of fabric but the stiching I did on the fabric (can't really see on this photo) is very detailed and turned out very beautiful.

I'm thinking to sell this one at about $600.

I'm quite sure it is worth it.

Made to Match

2009-03-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

This quilt is another Inuit quilt. It is 3 feet by 3 feet. I've called the purple version of it "Ice Fishing" but I've decided to call this one, "Spring is in the Air" Because the arctic sun is finally showing it's beautiful rays and the swans are coming in, which is a sure sign of spring. Although, the lake is still frozen, it is warm enough to remove your hood and enjoy the refreshing wind. There is no better feeling then to feel the hope of Spring after a long, cold, dark winter. It just makes the heart want to sing.
I made this quilt to match the decore of our newly renovated room in our church. It is still for sale to who ever would like to buy it but until it is sold, It will hang safely in the church where people can enjoy it.

Here is a picture of the room that is was made to match. It looks absolutely beautiful hanging there.

2009-02-27T10:55:00.000-08:00

Shhhh! Starving Artist at Work

Art has made history come alive! The art of writing has been only a small realm of recording history but, have you ever noticed that when something visual, tangible and touchable is found that describes the written word it is examined and re-examined, admired, hung in a prominent place, and has a big price tag attached to it. It is protected, financially insured, and often even stolen.
Yet, accept for a few exceptions, the artists were little known in there day. They were more then likely “Starving Artists”. They worked hard and earned little. Yet, their creativity compelled them to continue, drove them to build, sculpt, paint, create or die.
I know the feeling. I was born with that innate desire to pursue the new and unusual, the beautiful whether magnificent in simplicity or in grandeur, in the natural or in abstract. I can’t help it! I’m propelled to create by my aching brain that visualizes faster then my hands can make. I am compelled by sleepless nights of mental architecture and driven by instant brain flashes of what could be!
I feel exhilarated by new ideas of visual expression and equally deflated by other people’s blank expressions, uncomprehending and lethargic.
When I was a child, I spent many hours playing in the woods behind our house. I built cedar rail play houses, tied maple saplings together and wove fern plants to make natural living shelters. I dreamed of building houses in trees or of living underground. I used to lie in our loft and visualize living in a barn or a house of hay. I drew pictures and sewed bits of fabric. I created castles out of pebbles, wonderful towns out of sand and igloos out of snow. I painted, cut and glued!
None of that may seem terribly creative or artistic until a person grows up and the possibilities broaden, the abilities become more refined, and the dreams and visions begin to intensify. Then, life for an artist becomes an unstoppable freight train of ideas that are bursting the dams of the cultural norm.
I want to scream it out! “I want to create! I want to build! I want to be sew! I want to paint and sculpt! I want to be free!”
But like most people considered normal, I must refrain from being too exuberant! I have to remember, Its a fact that most people don’t get what they cannot see thus they will not lend support! I must then create only within my limited means and remember that living in a remote artist’s paradise makes showing and selling near impossible to the world outside of my little space. Like most artists of the past, I too, am a restrained “Starving Artist” loving the unconventional and living in a surreal world of artmanship within my own brain.

If only you could picture what I see!!

Joy To the World the Lord is Come

2008-11-28T13:18:00.000-08:00

Here is a quilt that I finished up this morning while helping my children with their writing assignments. It is another one for our church this Christmas season. I'm thinking it is going to look real beautiful hanging while candles are burning and joy is in the air. I love Christmas!!!

2008-11-27T21:52:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone,

Here is a quilt for the season. This quilt was made for The Seventh Day Adventist Church in Whitehorse. My friends pitched in and help me put it together. It took us quite a while. Then the sewing began and I thought it would never end. I finally finished it last night and I'm happy with it.

Notice the little shepherd mouse in the corner. I got board and decided to have some fun so I stuck him in there. Behind him I sewed a little Christmas button from the dollar store that sings when you touch it. So in this case you touch the little shepherd mouse and he begins to sing a Christmas song. When I hang this in the church I am curious to see how many people point out the little mouse and touch him. I will know they did everytime the little mouse sings. Soooo Fun!!

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

Polar Bear

2008-11-18T12:51:00.000-08:00

I just finished this quilt and I'm actually tired of it but still proud of it.

It, being white, gave me quite a bit of trouble.

I use a tracing kind of pattern paper for drawing my designs for quilting the borders and I, not thinking, used a led pencil to draw my design on my paper. Well, then I laid my paper down and sewed over it, following all my nicely penciled in designs and wouldn't you know it, the led smeared all over my white fabric and thread. I was horrified! It took some real doing (or should I say undoing) but I managed to get all the led out and have nice white fabric in the end. Sigh, but what a lot of extra work!

Lesson learned and I'll use a propper ink pen next time and make sure the ink is completely dry before even bringing it near my fabric. This is the end result and so far people are loving this one. It is not sold yet and is up for sale and I'm happy to say, it is wonderfully beautiful and white just like it was intended to be.

Ice Fishing

2008-11-18T12:12:00.000-08:00

This quilt was difficult because it was the first quilt I've ever done with piano key design around the edges. They stretch and pull out of shape very easily when sewing and so in the end I ended up with a crooked quilt that I could not seem to straighten out. Well, the answer to that was mounting it around a wooden frame and stretching it straight. I wasn't willing to just throw it away. In the end, it sold for a nice price and I was very happy.

I saved the pattern that I made for the little Inuit people on the quilt and can remake it anytime. Next time will be even more beautiful as I definately learned some things from this quilting experience.

People's responses to this quilt have been overwhelmingly positive. They love this one! I do too now, but it took me a while to like it again after it gave me so much trouble.

African Royalty

2008-11-18T12:06:00.000-08:00

These two quilts are smaller wall hangings. They are simple and elegant. They were fun to make, however they don't get a lot of attention from on-lookers. People seem to like the bigger and more complicated quilts better.

Fruit Medley

2008-11-18T11:55:00.000-08:00

Fruit for breakfast!

This quilt makes a beautiful wall hanging for a dining room. It brightens it up and makes for a cheerful place to be. It is also a great conversation peice.

The abstract part of this quilt are the circles within circles and they have been greatly discussed as to what they could be. Some say maybe olives, no, they must be grapes, or actually no, they must be something different. I just smile because they are really just circles - nothing more.

One person told me that it gives them a picture as to what's in my mind (hmmm! now it is my turn to question. Are they thinking, "just a bunch of wholes"? LOL) This one is sold but I saved my idea and could make it again if anyone would like one like it or even with different colors. Just post me a note. :0)

African Savannah

2008-11-18T10:57:00.000-08:00

This quilt was inspired by my love for Africa. It is 5' X 5', 100% cotten, appliqued, and a machine quilted peice of work. It was a lot of fun to make and is for sale if anyone is interested. :0)

It took me about two weeks and long hours to do this quilt and basicall the details you can see in the pictures. The longest part was putting the zebra's together. I sewed on all the stripes before I actually appliqued the zebras to the quilt. It was just a lot easier that way. Then I quilted in black on the black between the white stripes so that they lay flat on the quilt. Have a look and enjoy!