Blog Hop and Give-Away – Art Quilt Design, From Photo to Threadwork
Sarah Ann Smith’s new DVD
Always of interest to me is learning about the thought process behind a creative work — the steps between concept to creation. Short of being able to talk directly to an artist, DVDs have become very popular over the recent years because they can often fill in this gap.Thus, when Sarah Ann Smith asked me about being a participant in her blog hop and give-away for her new DVD, I said yes. Not only am I honored that she asked, but I looked forward to the chance to peak over her shoulders to see how she approaches her unique works of fabric and stitch art.
My relationship with Sarah goes back about a decade, and I’ve watched her growth over the year with much admiration not only for the stunning and award-winning artwork she creates, but for her open and hold-nothing-back approach to sharing her knowledge with others. Her book, Threadwork Unraveled, is an excellent reference on selecting and using the right thread for your piecing, quilting and applique needs (among other things). Her new DVD, produced by Interweave, I am very happy to say is among the best I’ve viewed!
Sarah starts with some encouraging words — namely, “learn and be proud of every project that you do.” Her DVD focuses on every step she uses from selecting a photograph right through to creating a finished work.
Sarah discusses how to select a photograph for use in an art quilt …
how to select fabrics …
how to enhance fabrics with pencils or paint, including why you need to exaggerate contrast …
how to fuse and build your quilt top imagery …
how to select thread …
how to quilt/thread paint …
It’s clear that Sarah does a lot of teaching, and she packs a lot of good information in the 77 minute video. She speaks clearly, gives thorough instruction, and enthusiastically explains what she uses in her work and why (she wrote a blog post about some of her favorite products, which you can read here). After I watched her demonstration of why she uses the iron she does, and I immediately made a mental note to purchase one; the way she uses a skewer had me grabbing a couple from the kitchen and putting them my workroom (a better tool than the tooth pick I was using).
In the beginning of the DVD, Sarah states that if you’re not learning, you’re not trying hard enough. Sarah reminds you to keep trying, to do the best you can, and to know that with work and time people will eventually be commenting that your work is amazing. I have no doubt this video will put you on that road to amazing!
Here’s a preview of her DVD:
Leave me a comment, and I’ll randomly select a winner on the evening of October 3rd. Please make sure you leave your correct email so that I can contact you. If you are in the United States, you can choose between a DVD or a download (I like downloads, as you get immediate gratification). If you live outside of the United States, you will get information on how to obtain a download. Good luck! If you are not selected by me, you still have other chances to win. The blog hop continues:
October 3: Diane Perin Hock http://goingtopieces.blogspot.com/
October 5: Sarah Ann Smith http://www.sarahannsmith.com/weblog
Even if you are not selected for a free copy during the blog hop, you will be a winner by purchasing the DVD directly from Sarah here or a downloadable video from Interweave here. I highly recommend it!
October 2nd, 2013 at 2:00 pm
Thank you for the opportunity to win this DVD. I’m always willing to try new things!
October 2nd, 2013 at 2:10 pm
I always learn something when I visit. Thanks for sharing.
October 2nd, 2013 at 2:10 pm
This looks a great DVD – I’d love to win a copy!
October 2nd, 2013 at 2:18 pm
Would love to try some of Sarah Ann’s techniques. It would be fun to win this book.
October 2nd, 2013 at 2:29 pm
I would love to win Sarah’s DVD. It is a style of work that I really would like to get better at. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to win it.
October 2nd, 2013 at 3:01 pm
Yes, I also follow Sarah’s work for several years. She is in inspiration. Thanks for sponsoring this give-a-way Gloria!
LuAnn in Oregon
luannkessi.blogspot.com
October 2nd, 2013 at 3:54 pm
Please do add my name to the drawing – would love to learn from her DVD – I love the preview you posted!! Thanks for the opportunity to win.
October 2nd, 2013 at 4:10 pm
I’m a great admirer of Sarah Ann’s work and instruction; I also enjoy an “online friendship” with her. I have her DVD on my “must have” list. Of course, I have the same sentiments about you, Gloria! Your photographs are amazing, some of the best butterflies I’ve ever seen.
Martha Ginn
October 2nd, 2013 at 4:13 pm
What a great review! I would love to have this DVD – so much of what I am trying to learn seems to be covered in this.
October 2nd, 2013 at 4:54 pm
Great review! I draw so much information from Sarah Ann Smith and from you Gloria. You are both so very helpful to me. I would, of course, love to have this DVD.
October 2nd, 2013 at 4:56 pm
Looks like an interesting cd. Would love to have it.
October 2nd, 2013 at 5:41 pm
Love the photos and the instructional video by Sarah Ann Smith. Both of you never fail to inspire!
October 2nd, 2013 at 6:36 pm
The little video snippet looks like Sarah is a very talented artist/quilter…makes learning look easy! Thanks for the chance to win this amazing learning resource!
October 2nd, 2013 at 7:43 pm
I’d love to win this! Thanks for the opportunity.
Lynn Kunz
October 2nd, 2013 at 8:37 pm
Blog hopping…. Great idea!!!
October 2nd, 2013 at 9:41 pm
Great inspiration.
October 2nd, 2013 at 11:04 pm
Thanks for the opportunity to win this dvd. Sarah is certainly talented and so are you. Love those butterfly and flower photos.
October 3rd, 2013 at 6:58 am
Great preview of the DVD! It looks like a great technique to use. Thanks for the review. You would have yourself agreat library of pictures to choose from if you were to use that technique! I love the butterflies and humming birds pictures.
October 3rd, 2013 at 7:46 am
Sarah is a terrific teacher in person, and I’d love to see her video!
October 3rd, 2013 at 8:06 am
Gloria, what an amazing review. Just as we are thinking we have a handle on our stitch work and design play – here comes Sarah again to inspire and delight us with all new tips and techniques. I would love to add the DVD to our Design Library at St. Lawrence College.THANK you for sharing your take and all of the beautiful inspiration.
Bethany, Kingston ON
October 3rd, 2013 at 10:08 am
I love threadpainting and am always curious to see how others thread paint their work. I admire Sarah’s work and would love to see her process of fusing and threadpainting.
October 3rd, 2013 at 10:40 am
This looks like just the DVD I need to get start with thread painting. And thank you Gloria for posting the review.
October 3rd, 2013 at 12:18 pm
I have followed Sarah’s work for a long time. I’d love to get a copy of her DVD.
October 3rd, 2013 at 12:25 pm
I find this form of quilt art fascinating. . .would love to learn more about it.
October 3rd, 2013 at 12:38 pm
Wow, I have know Sarah for many, many years and own three of her wonderful pieces. It would be pure delight to win her DVD. Thanks for the giveaway offer, Gloria
October 3rd, 2013 at 1:24 pm
I have always wanted to learn how to “thread paint”. This looks like a glorious video. Would love to win the DVD. Sarah is so talented. Good luck to all.
October 3rd, 2013 at 3:40 pm
This looks like a wonderful DVD. Thanks for the giveaway offer!
October 3rd, 2013 at 5:52 pm
this looks like an excellent video…I would love to win this!
October 3rd, 2013 at 5:58 pm
Gloria, I have often needed to refer to your book, because I am a one step at a time doer; with your detailed review of Sarah’s video I think I could use a video for learning, . Thank you for all you do to help the quilting world and for a chance to win!!
October 3rd, 2013 at 6:36 pm
Thank you for introducing me to Sarah’s work! I will check out her website and publications…looking forward to learning and being inspired.
October 3rd, 2013 at 6:49 pm
Sarah is so talented and the video looks great. THanks for the chance.
October 3rd, 2013 at 6:54 pm
Add my name to the list!
Love your photos in the post below!
October 3rd, 2013 at 6:55 pm
Hi Gloria–I have always admired Sarah Ann’s work. I know the DVD is fabulous. Thanks for a chance to win one!
October 3rd, 2013 at 6:57 pm
Gloria, I have used your books as great references on using computers as another tool when creating art quilts. Based on your recommendation, I am putting Sarah’s DVD on my Christmas wish list. Maybe you will pick me and then I will not have to wait until Christmas. :-)
October 3rd, 2013 at 8:01 pm
Thank you for the thorough preview. I’d love a copy of the DVD.
October 6th, 2013 at 11:46 pm
I learned that Gloria Hansen thinks you have a really neat iron, neat enough to where she’s going to get one like it. Since mine is starting to die, I’d like to know more. But more importantly, I’d like to learn about your methods of working with photographs, since I am just starting to work with my own. I know you are a fine teacher, having explored your Thread book.