Posted on December 25, 2011 by ovbrantley

Christmas in July by Marva Swanson
Now that the excitement of Christmas is behind us, it is time to get ready to bring in the new year. Marva Swanson’s quilt called Christmas in July in just the thing to get us in a celebratory mood. Although the picture does not do it justice, there are thousands of red crystals making the holly on this quilt sparkle.

Marva Swanson
Make your plans now to bury the old and dull and welcome the new and sparkling things that make you glow like Marva’s quilt.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Filed under: Quilt Features | Tagged: African American quilter, Christmas in July, Christmas quilt, fiber art, Marva Swanson | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 18, 2011 by ovbrantley

All That Glitters is Not Gold by Bessie Barnett

Bessie Barnett
Enjoy this beautiful quilt from Bessie Barnett. It is called All That Glitters is Not Gold.
Choose wisely.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Filed under: Quilt Features | Tagged: African American quilter, All That Glitters is Not Gold, Bessie Barnett, Christmas quilt | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 18, 2011 by ovbrantley

Christmas Ribbons by Nina Moore

Nina Moore
This beautiful quilt is called Christmas Ribbons by Nina Moore. The weather across the country is great, so it’s going to be a great weekend for shopping and wrapping gifts.
Get it done!
Like this:
Like Loading...
Filed under: Quilt Features | Tagged: African American quilter, Christmas quilt, Christmas Ribbons, fiber art, Nina Moore | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 11, 2011 by ovbrantley
Life gets complicated right about now. Family on the way. House not clean. Christmas cards not mailed. Tree not up. Only two weeks left to get everything done!
Don’t panic. Breathe deeply and try to enjoy the journey.

O.V. Brantley
Complicated Christmas Star is a traditional quilt with a twist. The pattern is called labyrinth. The beautiful longarm quilting in a holly leaf pattern with variegated thread was done by Maxine Moore.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Filed under: Quilt Features | Tagged: African American quilter, Christmas quilt, Complicated Christmas Star, longarm quilting, Maxine Moore, O.V. Brantley | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 4, 2011 by ovbrantley

Christmas Joy, by Elisa Woods, 2009. Photo by India Brantley.

Elisa Woods
Hope you are getting into the holiday spirit by now. Here is a little quilt by Elisa Woods to help get you into the season. It is called Christmas Joy.
The best way to have a joyful Christmas is to give to others. Why not add an unexpected person to your gift list this year? If you can’t think of anyone, don’t forget Toys For Tots and the Salvation Army.
You can see Christmas Joy in person at the H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multi-Purpose Facility, 2885 Church Street, East Point, GA. It is part of the Clara Ford Foundation Christmas Tour of Quilts until the end of the year.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Filed under: Quilt Features | Tagged: African American quilter, Christmas Joy, Christmas quilt, Elisa Woods, fiber art, H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multi-purpose Facility | Leave a comment »
Posted on November 27, 2011 by ovbrantley

Merry Christmas aka Christmas Cheater by Laura Sorton

Laura Sorton
We love kicking off the holiday season with Laura Sorton’s quilt called Merry Christmas. Laura calls it a cheater quilt because the center of the quilt is a panel.
Whatever you want to call it, know that there is still time to whip up a quilt for someone special. There are lots of cute panels in the quilt stores. Add borders, quilt as desired, and voilá! You have a quilt.
Get busy!
You can see Laura’s Christmas Cheater in person at the H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multi-Purpose Facility, 2885 Church Street, East Point, GA. It is part of the Clara Ford Foundation Christmas Tour of Quilts until the end of the year.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Filed under: Quilt Features | Tagged: African American quilter, Christmas Cheater, Christmas quilt, fiber art, Laura Sorton, Merry Christmas | Leave a comment »
Posted on September 8, 2011 by ovbrantley

A Few of My Favorite Friends, by Rosalind Newell, 2011. Photo by India Brantley
A Few of My Favorite Friends was part of a group of four friendship quilts featured at the 2011 Atlanta Quilt Festival exhibit held at the South Fulton Arts Center. It was created by Rosalind Newell, who was also the organizer of the group.

Rosalind Newell
Each quilter shared information about herself, and each quilter made two blocks for each of the other quilters in the group. Aleathia Chisolm, Nina Moore and O.V. Brantley were the other quilters featured.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Filed under: Quilt Exhibits, Quilt Features | Tagged: 2011 Atlanta Quilt Festival, A Few of My Favorite Things, Christmas quilt, friendship quilt, India Brantley, quilt exhibit, quilt show, Rosalind Newell, South Fulton Arts Center | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 30, 2010 by ovbrantley

Christmas in July by Marva Swanson
The featured quilt of the week in the December 26, 2010 edition of the Start Your Week With a Quilt newsletter is called Christmas in July. It was created by Marva Swanson.

Marva Swanson
Unfortunately, this is another quilt where the picture does not do it justice. This quilt, made of Christmas holly, has thousands of red crystals that make the holly come alive. Since we will ring in a new year in a few days, this quilt will add lots of sparkly fireworks to your celebration.
Embellishments such as crystals are another step on the quilting journey. I am sure your grandmother never put crystals in her quilt, but modern quilters continue to embrace the quilt as art.
To see Christmas in July in person, visit the H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multi-Purpose Facility in East Point, Georgia. It is part of the Clara Ford Foundation Christmas Tour of Quilts.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Filed under: Quilt Features | Tagged: African American quilter, Christmas in July, Christmas quilt, Marva Swanson, Start Your Week with a Quilt | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 22, 2010 by ovbrantley

All That Glitters is Not Gold by Bessie Barnett
The featured quilt of the week in the December 19, 2010 edition of the Start Your Week With a Quilt newsletter is called All That Glitters is Not Gold. It was created by Bessie Barnett.

Bessie Barnett
This quilt features many symbols of the season including stockings, Christmas trees ornaments and reindeer. What the picture does not show very well is that most of the fabrics have a gold metallic overlay. In person, this quilt glitters!
Bessie often includes proverbs in her quilting that leave us with a piece of wisdom in addition to the beauty of the quilt. All That Glitters is Not Gold is no exception. This well known message is a great reminder that we should not get caught up in the glitz of the season. Instead, appreciate what matters — friends, family and making others happy.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Filed under: Quilt Features | Tagged: African American quilter, All That Glitters is Not Gold, Bessie Barnett, Christmas quilt, fiber art, Start Your Week with a Quilt | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 19, 2010 by ovbrantley

Santa Baby by Rosalind Newell
It may be a little late to change your ways if you haven’t been good all year, but it is worth a try. The young lady in this quilt thinks she can convince Santa she has been good.
This cute Christmas quilt called Santa Baby is by Rosalind Newell.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Filed under: Quilt Features | Tagged: African American quilter, Christmas quilt, fiber art, Rosalind Newell, Santa Baby | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 15, 2010 by ovbrantley

Christmas Presents Tree by Vanessa Brown
The featured quilt of the week in the December 12, 2010 edition of the Start Your Week With a Quilt newsletter is called Christmas Present Tree. It was created by Vanessa Brown.

Vanessa Brown
Are your worried about what is under your Christmas tree. No worries! This clever quilt features Christmas presents stacked to form a Christmas tree. Each present is wrapped in colorful Christmas fabrics. The tree is framed by a poinsettia border.
This quilt along with other quilts part of the Clara Ford Foundation Christmas Tour of Quilts can be seen at the Bowden Senior Multi-Purpose Center in East Point, GA.
Enjoy!
Like this:
Like Loading...
Filed under: Quilt Features | Tagged: African American quilter, Christmas Presents Tree, Christmas quilt, Start Your Week with a Quilt, Vanessa Brown | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 9, 2010 by ovbrantley

Christmas Cheater by Laura Sorton
The featured quilt of the week in the December 5, 2010 edition of the Start Your Week With a Quilt newsletter is technically called Merry Christmas, but I have secretly named it Christmas Cheater. It was created by Laura Sorton.

Laura Sorton
Laura calls this quilt a cheater quilt because it was made from a preprinted panel. These type of quilts are usually not up to Laura’s standards, but when I told her I needed a Christmas quilt from all of my friends to hang in a senior center, she had no choice. (Laura made a quilt that has a pieced back that has over 2000 pieces, so you get my drift).
Personally, to me the quilt is no less beautiful because it started with a pre-printed panel. Most people would not know unless you told them anyway. So even though you know the secret of this quilt, I hope it helps to get you in a happy holiday spirit. And for you quilters out there who wanted to give someone special a quilt but thought you did not have the time, here’s your answer. Cheater quilts are loved as much as blue ribbon quilts!
Like this:
Like Loading...
Filed under: Quilt Features | Tagged: African American quilter, Christmas Cheater, Christmas quilt, Laura Sorton, Start Your Week with a Quilt | 1 Comment »
Posted on December 27, 2009 by ovbrantley

Christmas at Home by Janice Daniel. Photo by India Brantley.
Janice Daniel created a free hand design that resulted in Christmas at Home. The quilt is a pieced and appliqued Christmas tree. Janice included satin stitching and embellishments to add pazazz to this 33 x 36 inch quilt.
Christmas at Home was featured in the 2009 Brown Sugar Stitchers Quilt Show. It is currently on display at the Helene S. Mills Senior Multi-Purpose Center, 515 John Wesley Dobbs, Atlanta as part of the Clara Ford Foundation Christmas Tour of Quilts.

Janice Daniel
Like this:
Like Loading...
Filed under: Quilt Features | Tagged: Afircan American quilter, art quilter, Christmas at Home, Christmas quilt, Christmas Tour of Quilts, fiber art, Helene S. Mills Senior Multi-Purpose Center, Janice Daniel, quilt, wallhanging | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 23, 2009 by ovbrantley

Gifts of the Christmas Spirit by Rosalind Newell
We are all hoping to find that special gift under the Christmas tree, but the featured quilt in the December 20, 2009 edition of the Start Your Week With a Quilt newsletter reminds us of the true spirit of Christmas. Gifts of the Christmas Spirit was created by Rosalind Newell.

Rosalind Newell
This quilt, which measures 43 x 33 inches, consists of nine blocks of beautifully wrapped packages. On each gift, Rosalind has embroidered a word that reminds us of the true spirit of Christmas. Words on the packages include, love, joy, faithfulness and peace. The sashing between the gifts creates a secondary star pattern.
This would be a great quilt to cuddle up under if you do not receive that longed for gift under the tree. Always remember the reason for the season.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Filed under: Quilt Features | Tagged: Afircan American quilter, Christmas quilt, Embroidered quilt, fiber art, Gifts of the Christmas Spirit, Rosalind Newell, Start Your Week with a Quilt | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 20, 2009 by ovbrantley

Woven Christmas Ribbons by Nina Moore
I am sure you are putting the finishing touches on your Christmas gifts. Remember, presentation is everything.

Nina Moore
Shown here is Nina Moore’s version of Woven Christmas Ribbons. It is currently on display at the H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multi-Purpose Center, 2885 Church Street, East Point, GA as part of the Clara Ford Foundation Christmas Tour of Quilts.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Filed under: Quilt Features | Tagged: Afircan American quilter, Christmas quilt, Christmas Ribbons, Christmas Tour of Quilts, fiber art, H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multi-purpose Facility, Nina Moore | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 15, 2009 by ovbrantley

Christmas Joy, by Elisa Woods, 2009. Photo by India Brantley.
Christmas Joy was the featured quilt of the week in the December 13, 2009 edition of the Start Your Week With a Quilt newsletter. It was created by Elisa Woods. This quilt reminds us of the appropriate Christmas spirit by combining Christmas trees with Bible verses.
The quilt consists of four Christmas tree blocks on white or cream backgrounds accented by red sashing. Each tree is made unique by the choice of different fabrics and embellishments.

Elisa Woods
Quotes from the Book of Psalms are pieced into the quilt. The quotes draw you in and force you to examine the quilt closer.
Besides being a pretty quilt, I am sure this quilt brings great comfort to those who have lost loved ones during the year. It is a beautiful reminder to find joy in the midst of sorrow.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Filed under: Quilt Features | Tagged: Afircan American quilter, Christmas Joy, Christmas quilt, Christmas tree quilt, Elisa Woods, India Brantley, Start Your Week with a Quilt | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 14, 2009 by ovbrantley

Christmas in July, by Marva Swanson, 2008.
Crystals have been all the rage for the last few years in the quilting world. It is no surprise that they would end up in Christmas quilts.
Christmas in July, created by Marva Swanson, will appeal to all of those who like a little bling in their quilts. The picture does not do justice to this quilt because there are hundreds of red crystals adorn this quilt. It is quite striking when you see it in person.
This quilt is currently part of the Clara Ford Foundation Christmas Tour of Quilts at the Helene S. Mills Senior Mult-Purpose Center, 515 John Wesley Dobbs Drive, Atlanta.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Filed under: Quilt Features | Tagged: Afircan American quilter, art quilter, Christmas in July, Christmas quilt, crystals, fiber art, Helene S. Mills Senior Multi-Purpose Center, Marva Swanson | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 14, 2009 by ovbrantley

Christmas Wreath by Laura Sorton
If you want to give someone a quilt for Christmas, all is not lost. You can make what quilter Laura Sorton calls a cheater quilt. Her version is shown here.
A cheater quilt is one that is made from a pre-printed panel. There are many panels available this time of year.
Take a trip to your favorite quilt shop. Pick up a panel, sandwich it, quilt it and voila! You have a quilt.
Remember, when you give a gift, it is the though that counts. The recipient is rarely expecting a masterpiece, and will treasure any quilt.

Laura Sorton
Like this:
Like Loading...
Filed under: Quilt Features | Tagged: Afircan American quilter, cheater quilt, Christmas quilt, Laura Sorton, panel quilt | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 11, 2009 by ovbrantley

Dancing Poinsettias, 45 x 45 inches by Rosalind Newell, 2008. Photo by India Brantley
You should have your home decorated for the holidays by now, but if not, here’s a quilt to get you started. It is called Dancing Poinsettias and was created by Rosalind Newell.

Rosalind Newell
Rosalind appliquéd the poinsettias by hand using the needle turn method. The machine quilting was done by Janna Bigelow. It is currently on display at the Bowden Senior Multi-Purpose Center as part of the Clara Ford Foundation Christmas Tour of Quilts. The Bowden Center is located at 2885 Church Street, East Point, GA.
Now run out and buy some poinsettias.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Filed under: Quilt Features | Tagged: applique quilt, Christmas quilt, Christmas Tour of Quilts, Dancing Poinsettias, H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multi-purpose Facility, India Brantley, Janna Bigelow, Rosalind Newell | Leave a comment »
Posted on December 9, 2009 by ovbrantley

Christmas Traditions, 73 x 83 inches, by O.V. Brantley 2007.
The holiday season is a special time at the Clara Ford Foundation. There are many reasons for us to celebrate this time of the year, but as founder of the Clara Ford Foundation, I do it because I just absolutely love Christmas.

O.V. Brantley
There are other reasons to celebrate though. Clara Ford’s birthday is December 12. My birthday is January 1. There is food, friends and music everywhere, and the Clara Ford Foundation Christmas Tour of Quilts is underway at Fulton Senior Centers.
What does this mean for you? I will be showing you lots of holiday quilts this month.
Enjoy!
Like this:
Like Loading...
Filed under: Quilt News | Tagged: Afircan American quilter, art quilter, Christmas quilt, Christmas Traditions, H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multi-purpose Facility, Helene S. Mills Senior Multi-Purpose Center, O.V. Brantley | Leave a comment »