Part of my vision for my business is to be recognized widely as a pet portrait and pet memorial fabric artist, to the degree that a magazine or other media asks to interview me. Since no one is knocking on my door yet, I thought I’d practice here this month.
What is it that you do?
I collage with fabric. That is, I audition and cut up pieces of fabric to create a picture that comes either from my imagination or from a photo.
Fabric cut into pieces
The start of Olivia
When and why did you start The Quilted Jardin, LLC?
There were two reasons:
- I wanted to have something to do when I retired that would bring me joy and provide additional income.
- I had run out of people to whom I could give my quilts, fabric pictures, and other sewn crafts as gifts.
So it just made sense to start a part-time business back in 2006 prior to my retirement.
What is your most favorite tool?
My Bernina sewing machine! Bought second hand, it’s been going strong for almost 17 years now.
If you are thinking of a handheld tool, it then has to be my surgical seam ripper. This has the smoothest way of slicing through threads. I can even use it to undo the layered thread painting of an eye sparkle (and that’s A LOT of thread) without slicing the fabric underneath.
Who are other fabric artists whom you admire?
Susan Carlson, Bisa Butler, Danny Amazonas, and Nancy Prince
What is the most satisfying part of your work?
Helping people along the grieving process through the experience of working with me in the creation of a pet memorial and/or receiving one as a gift.
What is your artistic style?
Whimsical, colorful, and playful
Carrots and “More Hay, Please”… Bella with a flake of yarn hay
What has been a challenge you’ve faced?
A significant challenge was the cancellation of many art shows due to COVID-19. With one of my grandchildren having respiratory issues, I made the choice not to do any shows both in 2020 and 2021.
However, I was able to work ON my business and now have a shop and a blog.
What are your next artistic projects?
I have several large WIPS (works in progress) that I am determined to finish and some new ideas.
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- “What About Me?” is my almost completed polar bear in the Arctic night.
- “Flowers ‘Round the Seasons” incorporates flowers from each season into one work. It needs more embellishment on the flowers.
- “Blue Owl and a Blue Moon” is at the beginning stages. This will depict Olivia’s cousin.
Interested in purchasing any of these including Olivia? Just email me for more specifics.
Where are you?
I currently live in North Bennington, Vermont. I am less than 10 minutes away from my daughter and her family and 70 minutes away from my son and his family.
What do you like to do for fun?
Play LEGO (Pirates, Soldiers, and Wizards) with my oldest grandson, read, “do art,” and go for walks with my younger two farm grandkids, be silly with all three of them, keep up with my ever-expanding perennial garden, and garden for others (even though I get paid for that).
What do you wish your customers knew about your work?
Two things: First, the photo you send me is critical to the process. When I get a reference photo that isn’t the right color of the animal, it’s difficult to proceed. Sometimes an additional photo or two can set the record straight and I can find the correct fabrics. Other times it takes multiple reference photos and even more progress photographs of the changes back and forth before it’s on the right path.
Second, a number of my customers who had a portrait done when their pet was alive have told me later that they were so happy they commissioned one when they did. Their beloved pet had since died and the portrait I did helped them get through the grieving experience.
Shiloh died about a year after his fabric portrait was completed. He hangs in his owner’s bedroom.
I just love your work. How can I keep up with all that is going on with the Quilted Jardin?
I send out a monthly newsletter that shares what’s happening in my studio, highlights various topics like pet rescue, pets as family, etc. and shows some of my works. You also are entered in a monthly drawing for either 3 fabric note cards or a 8×10 inch matted picture. Just sign up here!
FYI – it is a DOUBLE OPT-IN, so if you don’t see it within 12 hours of signing up, then look for the confirmation email in your junk folder.