My New Quilt Catalog

This time I've got a good ticket and a good seat.

Over my years I have often bought tickets to various adventures. Some of those rides were because my best friend went first while others were to see what I see. These were not the kind of rides my Dad took me on at the fairground when I was a little girl. Oh no! These were much more adventurous. Like the time in high school we all decided to drink wine for the first time. All my high school buddies went on that ride with me. I think we were all sick together. I bet my Dad was looking out the window laughing as I was bent over in the back yard throwing up. He knew a good punishment when he saw one.

Oh yeah and the time we went to Stone Mountain. That was our Senior Trip. Over the top ride. The officials at Stone Mountain called our school and banned us from ever coming again. Then there were major life changing rides, like marriage, childbirth, and jobs.

I've rode on many group-building rides and joined other groups when the train stopped between stations. I've met many people on those rides. Some I had to leave on various trains and some others are still in my life. And I am very thankful to those that are still here.

When Kyra Hicks pulled up with this train, I could not resist. She had tickets for seats on her blog--http://www.publishyourquilts.blogspot.com/  and a workbook to accompany it. I got a seat by the window. I was alone in the train car but excited to be there. Soon other people started pouring in. I was writing and collecting pictures of my quilts. This was by far one of the best rides of my life.

The next thing I knew- the train horn was blowing and I had a completed book. Ms. Hicks' blog and book was invaluable. I wrote my quilt catalog- "Gifted: Art Quilts Featuring African American History Makers." It showcases quilts that I have exhibited at the Atrium on Sweet Auburn (Atlanta, GA), The National Black Arts Festival (Atlanta, GA), and the Birmingham Public Library (Birmingham, Alabama). I think I will get another ticket and maybe write another book. Whoo Hoo!

You can get the book on Amazon.com. Check it out.
http://amzn.to/K2MO1v

It is also available at http://www.obaquilts.com/

Self-Publish Your Own Quilt Catalog

I received my copy of Kyra Hick's wonderful book about 2 1/2 weeks ago. I read it in one sitting. Loved it. Such a fast and easy read. I started recommending it right away.  My mind was going so fast about the possibilities it opened up for so many artists. I just happen to be a quilt artist so it immediately spoke to me, but if I were some other kind of artist I would see the application right away. I could see a photographer publishing a catalog of his/her work or a poet publishing his/her work.

Ms. Hicks is also writing a regular blog about publishing your own quilt catalog. www.publishyourquilts.blogspot.com   The beautiful thing about the blog is that it gives one a chance to ask the author questions and make comments.  The book is a wonderful addition to the blog. If you are anything like me, you want to have a chance to read some sections it over and over.

I got to work right away, cataloging a few of my quilts. That is when I realized that I could be at this a long time. Maybe I'll do several books, who knows. The good news is that I will be able to share my book with you soon.

Technology has changed the way of the world. The book publishing industry was not exempt. We all have the ability to publish our own books at our fingertips. No more waiting on someone else to validate you or your work. Validate yourself and here's how-How To Self-Publish Your Own Quilt Catalog.

For now, I can't say enough about the wonders of this new book How To Self-Publish Your Own Quilt Catalog. Ms. Hicks is disclosing ideas that you will not get anywhere else.

Get Your Copy Today at:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=How+to+self-publish+your+own+quilt+catalog

March Madness

March is the time to get ready for the Big Dance. These dancing quilts set the stage for that Big Dance. Now is the time to let some new quilts dance and beautify your home this March. In the sports world, the Big Dance is the NCAA Basketball Tournament. If you've never experienced the Big Dance, also called March Madness, OBA Quilts will help you get prepared with it's 15% Off Sale Site wide. I'm gearing up for this big March Madness.


Lately I have been deep into my work. I am in finishing mode. I love it when I get in this mode, because it feels like I am really pumping out a lot of quilts. In actuality I am finishing several projects that I have been working on for some time. One quilt that I am putting the finishing touches on was a three year project. I always keep one project that I piece by hand. I work on it when I am not near the computer, especially on long car rides when I am not driving. (Although I have been known to make a few stitches at the red light).

I like working on about 5 or 6 projects in my studio at one time. I am not really working on all of them at the same time but I take turns. I put together 4 ladies with big hats lately. I'm letting them hang out for a little while so I can decide how I want to border them. Sometimes I spend months thinking about the next move. Thinking about how to achieve a certain effect on fabric. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. You don't get to see the ones that don't work. I have a couple of wedding gifts in the works. I switch between them and that keeps me from getting bored with one.

I really like having short term projects and long term projects at the same time. Many people have told me that they have to work on one thing at a time but that bores me to death. I like going back and forth, switching around. When I get some quilts to a certain point I spend a lot of time finishing. That is when I get in finishing mode, like I am now.



I have my own March Madness going in my studio as I finish up some more quilts. I am trying for 4 more this week.
Check the website for new stuff and don't hesitate for one moment to tell me what you think.
www.obaquilts.com

200 Quilts!

I started today with the happy dance. Oh yes I am celebrating. Last year I came up with the brilliant idea of posting 365 quilts in 365 days on my facebook page: www.facebook.com/obaquilts I say brilliant because a lot of those days it was the dumbest thing I ever came up with. It was hard to keep up with it everyday. I like to fool myself that I can be perfect and find so many things that remind me that I am not. I missed pretty much the whole months of December and January. By February I finally got back on it.

Today, March 2, 2012 I made it to 200. How great is that? 200 quilts posted in my facebook album. If you have a lot of time go there and look at them. If you have a little time check out a few of them. This is a great way to see my work at a glance. I look at it now and think that I could have organized it better but maybe not. If I had tried to organize it, I might have made it boring. The way it is now, you get some new quilts mixed in with some of my older work.

I also wanted to do something really great to celebrate today. I came up with a day of 20% all bed quilts on my website: http://www.obaquilts.com/ That was the closest thing I could think of that could represent 200 quilts. Today is the day to go for that big bed quilt you have been eyeing.

I also want to invite you all to "Like" my facebook page: www.facebook.com/obaquilts


I need you to help cheer me on through the next 100 entries.

The 2012 Art Quilt Calendar is on sale at a great price. If you haven't gotten on yet, now is the time. A wonderful way to collect my art.



Well I guess I need to get back to work if I am going to come up with 100 more quilts. Wow!

Valentine Keepsake

I have created these wonderful keepsake boxes. I am always thinking that if it is something I would like then there is someone else who would like it as well. This box can have your own lovely picture on the top.

I have enjoyed making these boxes so much. Lately, one day has been turning into the next day so fast that it is hard for me to focus. So when I sit down and do some decoupaging, it is like taking a breather. And believe me between my grandson, quilting and cooking, I can really use a breather.

I can't wait to see what I create for Mother's Day. Start getting your pictures ready.

www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=186

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 10 for 10

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day the 2012 Metamorphosis Calendar is on sale. On January 15, 2012 you can order 10 calendars for $10.00 (a $150.00 value). Yes ONLY $10.00
They make great gifts for family, friends, and customers.

My father had great admiration for Martin Luther King at a time when I was highly influenced by watching him. I had no idea how profound that would be in my life. I also had no idea that Martin Luther King Jr.'s humble but provocative influence would have such far reaching effects on so many lives. We were poor in a rural area of Georgia. I would see my father first worry when a march would happen and then I'd see a proud-ness when it was over that I had never seen in his eyes before. There was something quiet about the way he hung on every word on the news, watching intensely when the water hoses were turned on the marchers. I always got the impression that he wanted to be there, taking a stand, but had too much at stake to take a risk like that. So he was one of the many that kept vigil and prayed for their safety.

My father went to Morehouse and stood in the long line that wrapped itself around several blocks. My Uncle Doc met him there. They processed past a great man and knew it. It was never lost on us (as a people) that a change was happening before our eyes.


We don't take this day for granted. Even though many of us have to work, we still hold the vigil and pray for even more changes.

www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id185

First 30 Customers- One Day Only- Mark your calendars and set your clocks

Happy New Year

Trust me. I really had my sights on the moon but landed somewhere among the stars. I'm talking about posting the entire month of December. 25 out of 31 wasn't too shabby. I had the best intentions. And I know they say the road to hell is paved with good intentions, but I really tried. Hopefully, I haven't helped pave that road.

Around the 25th, I started feeling the energy called the FLU chasing me. It was always a couple of steps behind me but close. I developed a little cough and was moving kind of slow. I could feel the FLU breathing heavily on the back of my neck as I kept trying to stay a few steps ahead of it. I made it without being knocked out and now I am back.

Today I am posting a quilt called "Imani." I called her Imani because she reminded me of the essence of Kwanzaa. The last day of Kwanzaa is January 1 and represented by the principle called Imani. Happy Kwanzaa as well. "Imani" is hand quilted and 20.5"x39"

www.obaquilts.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=36&product_id=77