The Quilting Arts Idea Book: Inspiration & Techniques for Art Quilting

I ordered this book based on the presence of some fine artists: Natalya Aikens, Jane Davila, etc. And at first glance the book is packed with artists and visuals of their creations. But after further study, I was disappointed. In order to include so many artists, the editors have played some "tricks" with the visual content, scaling down the size of instruction/construction visuals. Not all creations are shown full sized, but extensive focusing/enlargement of small sections are featured. The result seems to feature stunning visuals above all else. Like so many "all you can eat" buffets, volume seems to be the goal here. I find the 2011 "Cloth Paper Scissors Book" to be a finer example of this type of book.

The book presents many ideas from which to choose. Then, of course, looking through the beautiful pictures triggers many of your own ideas. Many pages were familiar, though.

Excellent book of ideas with just enough instruction for you to feel like you can do it too. I would recommend this book to anybody from beginners to experienced art quilt enthusiasts.

The projects are really fun. The descriptions are well done. The photos of the projects are really good.

I love this simple, easy to follow instructional book.

The Quilting Arts Idea Book: Inspiration & Techniques for Art Quilting by Editor Vivika Hansen DeNegre is a delightful and colorful book with instructions and examples of many forms of small art quilting projects. The beautiful techniques include fabric dye, paints, stitch embellishments, and transfers.The instructions give complete instructions for marbling with stencils, stamps, and spray using a mixture of paints and alum or glue. There are examples of ancient Shibori, tie-dye, and free form flat dyeing using sun reactive paints. I liked the ideas with using the tea for fabrics and the little Tea Bag Tales. I love the Mixed Media Birthday Book and the Fabric Fragment Book. The use of metal leaf, foils, and metallic paints is also explained. Many of the projects are embellished with hand stitching, threads, and ribbons. As you are inspired by your sketchbook, you can be creative in making an art quilt project. The 3-D fabric village houses are so cute! The Little Bird Treasures are a sweet project to use in making ornaments. The book also encourages collaborations with friends and for group painting parties. If you make a mistake, embrace it and make it work for a different or extra project. Have fun and enjoy!

Having been a follower of the Quilting Art magazines for years, I was really happy to see this book. It combines and expands on all those wonderful techniques and articles published with a revisit to some project to make from these skills. It also has ideas on how to meld into an art group, both for learning and friendship.As the magazine, this book is filled with excellent instructions, on how to achieve those wonderful effects on fabric for art quilts, or whatever takes your fancy.There is the use of dyes and stitching to enhance pattern, design and creativity. But finally there is so much more to gain in friendship and confidence of ones shelf through this book.

The first part of this book shows you how to create patters and colorful prints on fabric in all sorts of ways. Most of the techniques don't require special tools, often simply recycled items. The second part of the book shows you all sorts of projects you can make on your own or in groups. The unique textiles are featured in pretty ways and look awesome combined. A really great collection of eye-candy and education.