Monday, February 29, 2016

Raven's Nest Art Quilt "Hungry"

One of my quilting friends has suggested for quite some time that I should make nests that are seen up in the rock ledges and cliffs.  I finally think she's right!  So, this quilt is my first foray into a raven's nest that would be built high up in a rock wall.  I had the idea and then as serendipity works, this idea was cemented during a show on Public Broadcasting about our National Parks.  They showed ravens in one of the segments.  As I watched it, I paused the TV and took photos with my phone camera, then printed a couple of them for my sketch book.  I also looked for other pictures on the internet to help me see the details.  My photo cropping tool helped to select a initial layout and then I sketched the design full scale.  Here are some of the pictures I used as my inspiration.





The full scale sketch

The background fabric produced by Northcott Fabrics that is called "Stonehenge" was perfect for the background.  I bought it in 4 colors, and decided on the darker yellow-beige for the background for this quilt.  Then I painted some details with Derwent Inktense pencils and fabric medium.  Here is the background after it was painted.  Since most of the bottom will be covered up with the nest and the birds, I didn't bother painting in that area.  So far, so good.

The painted background fabric
Next, I moved onto the birds.  Here are a couple of photos showing them in progress and fused to the background.  I did the coloring before I trimmed the edges.  




The pile of fibers that I thought might work includes raffia, yarn, felted wool, goat hair, bias binding and thread.  All of these fibers are re-purposed.  We have this great exchange at our quilt guild, called the "Free Table", where many of these items were donated.  Portland, Oregon is home to "Scrap", which is a great low cost exchange place for artists.  And last by not least, one of my friends graciously donated packages of goat hair.  I'm always on the lookout for fiber that I can use for these nest art quilts.  Got any you care to part with?




The nest was added after the quilting and edge treatment were complete.  Invisible thread and a hopping motion made it stay tactile.

"Hungry" by Joanne Adams Roth

I hope you like it!

2 comments:

  1. Joanne, you sure captured the photo! I love the open mouths and this nest is way cool!--Terry

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