Color Theory Fun
Today I thought I’d share some color theory fun I experienced while working on the last challenge for The Endeavourers. We are a group of quilters who participate in quarterly challenges to make a small art quilt. The theme this quarter was color theory.
My first task was to decide how to interpret this theme, and how to put that interpretation into a quilt. I found a bundle of four Cherrywood fabrics in my stash, and they happened to be analogous on the color wheel. I tend to play intuitively with colors when quilting, choosing fabrics I think will go together, rather than thinking about the color wheel, etc. So this bundle made it easy, since the four colors play together so nicely.
Of course, I had to do a little improv play with them, so I got busy. I got so wrapped up in the constructing, that the only in-progress photo I have is this one, not even staged. So please excuse the crazy floral background of my pressing table.
Once the blocks were done, then the fun began. One of my favorite books is Intuitive Color & Design by Jean Wells (I have the 2009 edition). In that book, she shares a different way to display quilt blocks, one using stretched canvas.
After piecing and quilting three improv designs to a specific size (mine were 9-1/2″), borders are added (mine were 3″). Then they are stretched over the canvas.
The final step is tacking them to the back.
Here are all three finished and ready to be hung.
Here they are, hanging in my quilt room above my patio door. I had a difficult time with the photo, but I hope you get the idea.
This was definitely color theory fun for me. It was something a little different and quickly done. The Cherrywood fabric is so saturated in color and so satisfying to work with.
Sadly, I have not been able to find any more stretched canvas in this size, but other sizes with depth would work, too – I think – I haven’t tried it yet, but I hope to. This project would be the perfect gift, and can easily be placed on a wall or nestled in a bookshelf.
Wendy
Santa Fe Trail Sew Along Blocks
25 Comments
nanamickie
Wow Wendy! They are great! What an excellent project!
Katy Sweigart
I love these! The mounting on canvas frames adds so much, Brilliant!
Cindy Pieters
I love them! They look fantastic on the canvas, what a good idea.
karenfae
that is interesting I never thought to mount a block on canvas
Vicki in MN
I have been going to do some blocks over thick foam board for years and never got around to it. So I will just live vicariously through you! You did a fantastic job and I love the new decorations added to your quilt room.
laura bruno lilly
Wowzer! This canvas mounting technique is so effective, a real game changer.
Your finished triptych is fabulous.
Brenda @ Songbird Designs
These are so cute, Wendy! I love how you mounted them over the canvas! Great idea!
Liz Wilson
I love them! The colors are fantastic, and they look great mounted!
Diann@ Little Penguin Quilts
That’s a fun idea, and you have the perfect place to display them, too! I do like those colors together, and the variety of blocks you put together. I might need to try that technique one of these days!
rl2b2017
Hi Wendy! These are not colors I would choose to put together but they clearly go well together. And mounting on a canvas stretching board – I would never in a million years think to do that. WOW – they look fabulous (plus we get a little peak of Wilbs keeping an eye on things)! Great job. ~smile~ Roseanne
Laura M
What lovely wall art. Glad I got to see them.
Needle and Foot
Yikes, this is a great idea! Each one is so different in design and they look perfect together. Well done Wendy!!!
Diane Harris
This is so fun!!!
Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl
I think that’s a really beautiful way to display quilted art. They look nicely balanced above your patio door!
ROCHELLE SUMMERS
This triptych is beautiful. I love the colors together and the design is uniquely yours. I’ve never mounted something to canvas like that. Once I painted the canvas background and mounted a smaller piece to the canvas. But that was nothing compared to this. Nicely done.
Frédérique
Wow, wonderful! Your color combo is stunning, and I love your creative way to display them!
quiltinggail
What a great idea! I can almost “see” you making several different groupings and changing them as the seasons change! Hopefully, you can find more canvas! 🙂
kathleen McCormick
What fun! I love the blocks and the stretched canvas…perfect. They are perfect over that door too. Love seeing Wilbur!
marissthequilter
Wow times three. You continue to surprise me with the works you produce
Quilting is in my Blood
These bright, improv pieces are delightful! I have some 10 inch square canvases that I have stretched some paper pieced cranes over, but I love the depth of yours.
Louise Hornor
So cool! I love the idea of these thick boxes of quilty goodness!
scottishmichelle
They are beautiful Wendy. I have the same book and have only just started dipping my toe into it. Will have to go and have another look now 🙂
Preeti Harris
Absolutely LOVELY!!! These are fantastic finishes and three of them 🙂 Looks like we have been on the same page lately :-p
Cheree Hull
That is a super-great idea!!
Carol Andrews
Oh My Gosh! I’m in love with this project Wendy. It’s just beautiful