Quilt Love: Jane Schiemer of Sykesville, MA Confined Dispersion

Jane Schiemer of Sykesville, MA Quit: Confined Dispersion

talk about a quilt that could inspire a stained glass artist. Quilt love indeed.

a few nights in the studio with Vijay Iyer going solo

Vijay Iyer Solo CD cover with a jazz doodled bookmark for a friend's daughter

It was 2014 when Margaret and I walked into the Hatch Center in Rochester. It had become one of our favorite venues in no time at all. Solo jazz piano in a state of the art (acoustically magical) setting. Vijay Iyer was the local boy that evening and his family and friends were there in good number. We squeezed in and found two seats.

Vijay Iyer inspired design, funky view to get violet shine. Design, Craft, and Photo by Wayne Stratz

We had learned of his music in 2010 when Solo hit many a best of the year list. So we sat and waited. Joy.

I drew a few cards to hand out at one night while listening to Solo. As I drew I thought of a friend at work. I know her voice well, especially the sound of it at 3:00 when students are called to buses. But the voice is not there this summer, so I asked for her address

Vijay Iyer inspired design, view with Dogwood. Design, Craft, and Photo by Wayne Stratz

The next night, I played Solo and I took pencil (and lots of erasure) to paper. I wanted a new design. I started over on a new sheet and went on and on as the music flowed. Solo. And before the music ended I stopped. Pencil and erasure were dropped. 

Glass was chosen and all was set before I hit play. Then it became together through solder. But my time in the studio was not over. When chatting with my friend, a thought came upon me. Why not draw a bookmark for her daughter. So once again Vijay Iyer filled my studio.

Vijay Iyer inspired design, funky view with Blue Sky and Dogwood Tree. Design, Craft, and Photo by Wayne Stratz

Deb Veshinfsky "Tropical Flight" ... A splendid quilt

Deb Veshinfsky Tropical Flight photo by Wayne Strat

 

I love the symmetry and rainbow of colors going on

in this quilt by Deb Veshinfsky.

 

 

R is for Rainbow ~ the A to Z of One Word Messages

Collaboration between Margaret Almon and Wayne Stratz

Rainbow is another word that does not need letters, but it does take some time to pick out colors.  We have made some rainbows here at Nutmeg Designs. Hope you are ready to experience some color. 

Rainbow mandala
by Margaret Almon

Rainbow Wernersville Cross II
by Wayne Stratz

Rainbow Dr Ed Mandala
by Wayne Stratz

Rainbow Spiral Mandala
by Margaret Almon

Rainbow Celtic Cross
by Margaret Almon

Rainbow starflowers
by Wayne Stratz

J is for Joy and Jazz ~ two one word messages

Joy Mandala
Design, lettering, big pieces by Wayne Stratz
dark to light background by Margaret Almon

Jazz shimmers
letters by Wayne Stratz
shimmering background by Margaret Almon

Joy

• The most important moment in my teaching career was when I decided the number one thing that mattered in my classroom was the presence of joy.  Not that I have anything against peace, love, and understanding (and Hope!)
• Besides hope, no other word has emerged as many times from our studio.
• I have a splendid friend named Joy, who I miss and who I hope to see this June.
• Joy is a full immersion one word message.  It resonates from your heart and fills your entire body.

Jazz

• My 21st rule on my classroom wall ~ feel free to enjoy the jazz.
• My musical tastes have changed my entire life.  Who knows what the future holds, but for a decade plus jazz has ruled the day.
• Jazz concerts are joyful.  The musicians are truly playing with each other.
• The one word message.  Jazz unfolds with my life. It is in my classroom, my commutes these days (today I sat in a long line of traffic stopped by a train and enjoyed listening to Miles Davis), it is in my studio, and it randomly flows from six CD's when we have friends over for pizza. 

What brings you joy?

What word represents a presence in your life, like jazz is present in mine?

Rainbow by Margaret Almon
classic black by Wayne Stratz

background by Margaret Almon
peachy keen jazz by Wayne Stratz

one of our best
background by Margaret Almon
Youghiogheny Jazz by Wayne Stratz

small blue pieces by Margaret Almon
lettering and big blue by Wayne Stratz

another 2013 studio goal ~ Dr Ed Mandalas

Rainbow Dr Ed 2
by Wayne Stratz

During 2013, I would like to raise more than 150.00 for pancreatic cancer research in the name of my friend Dr Ed, who bought the first mandala I made using this design. 

 While making the rainbow Epiphany Stars I decided  to make a rainbow Dr Ed Mandala.  My friend, who was visiting from Georgia, bought it to give as a Valentines present. 

 Ever since my friend bought that first mandala, I have given 30% of all sales to find a cure.  The only way to reach my goal is to make more of these mandalas.  I have finished two more featuring the rainbow.  

Rainbow Dr Ed 3
by Wayne Stratz

Seven On Saturday... Rainbows

My 7 pointed starflower...


on sale here

why rainbows are rare...

The reason that rainbows are somewhat rare is that you will only see them when there is rain in front of you and somewhat in the distance, and the sun is behind you and fairly low on the horizon. from here

We saw more rainbows in three years in western Oregon than I may see in the rest of my life.


200 degree double rainbow found on flickr ...



the way to the antisolar point ...



Sassy rainbow jazz...





The rainbow design I drew for Mosaic Woman back when we celebrated our 10th...





rainbows as hope...

The Bible tells us that the rainbow is a reminder from God that there will be no Godly attempts to destroy the planet. The other night at 2:30 am I was not very hopeful. I live in a flat town famous for our wet basements. And as I lied in bed listening to an amazing seemingly unending deluge I knew the water was flowing down below me. But I also knew there were those who lived close to flowing water who had much greater concerns.

Today we woke to not a rainbow but a crisp sunny October day. Maybe God sends those too.