I love art and definitely have my favorite artists.  While I was walking the International Quilt Market in Houston this past October, I spotted a few pieces of art.  But these were not ordinary art prints.  They were art quilts based on a Matisse paper cut “The Sadness of the King”, Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers”, and a Picasso.  They were created by Virginia Robertson of Virginia Robertson Designs for Princess Mirah batik fabrics by Bali Fabrics, Inc. 

As you can see, these quilts are quite detailed and looked exactly like the fabulous paintings they represent. What a great job Virginia did making these! They were beautiful to look at and another example of the treasures you can make with fabric and thread.

I love decorating for Christmas and enjoy putting up 2 trees. I decorate one tree all white and silver. The other tree is decorated traditionally with all my cherished ornaments that I’ve accumulated over the years, including an ornament given to me by my first grade teacher.

In talking with several freinds throughout the holidays, all have mentioned decorating with ornaments that have special meaning, from ornaments hand made by their children, first ornaments as a married couple, to ornaments that have passed down from ancestors.  I have ornaments that hung on my grandmother’s tree when I was a child.

Tradition is such an important part of the holidays and everyone has their own traditions. I want to wish each of you wonderful holidays filled with your own special traditions.

Now that its pretty dreary looking outside with no leaves on the trees, I think back to the beautiful fall we had.  This fall was such a surprise because we are in a severe drought area. I thought, after a summer with no rain, that the leaves would turn brown immediately and bypass the colors. I also thought it would be an early fall, with the leaves dropping quickly. But, it turned out to be completely the opposite.  We had one of the most beautiful falls that I’ve ever seen. And, it was much later than normal. While we were driving out of town for Thanksgiving, I was so in awe of all the beautiful colors, from deep reds, bright yellows and wonderful oranges.  I almost had whiplash from turning my head so much to look at all the gorgeous colors. I had to stop several times to take pictures and wanted to share these with you. 

This last picture is a closeup of Crepe Myrtle leaves that were quite colorful.

Although it is Christmas with all the colors of Christmas everywhere, I still think of the fall colors when I look at the bare trees.

An exhibit of art quilts by Barbara Hendrick Dorn is being held at the Lynne Farris Gallery in Atlanta, GA.  This gallery is owned by Lynne Farris, designer and author, who I wrote about in my last blog. The exhibit, Thread of Thought, Art Quilts 1996-2007, displays the beautiful quilts created by Barbara. Barbara is inspired in creating her quilts by her love of fabric, color and pattern.

Barbara’s exhibit is being held through December 28, 2007. Lynne Farris Gallery is located at 50 Hurt Plaza, 105 Grand Lobby, Atlanta, GA 30303.  Call 404-688-7311 for gallery hours.