My friend Gail is not only a kindhearted, smart and fun loving girl. She is also a great walking buddy, day trip companion and the best knitting pupil I ever had the honor to teach the noble art of knitting.
On top of this, she is a gifted quilter…
I am not a quilter at all but I love quilts, old and modern. I love the fabrics, the designs, colors. I find it very inspirational and among the many blogs I read and follow, are several quilt blogs.
Gail looked at this illustration and said: ” That Seahorse would make a nice quilting pattern. Would you mind if I use it?” Why, of course not! I was interested to see what she would create.
Look closely at this breath taking wall hanging!!! Gail went hunting and found the most beautiful fabrics. She used gold thread to create sparkly waves ( the photos just do not do it enough justice!) The different fabrics and color match so beautifully.
It is perfect!
I love the idea of a writer creating a story, an illustrator interpretations and a quilter who sees another work of art in this. Isn’t it lovely how we inspire each other?
But my jaw dropped when I discovered this beautiful work of art was meant for me.
I was speechless. And then she remarked: ” That is the best kind of art, when you do it for someone you care for.” Well…if ever there was a fluttering handkerchief moment…
Dear Gail, thank you so much!
(I would like her to start a quilt and craft blog but she claims she is not talented enough.)
Dit prachtige kunstwerk is gemaakt door mijn vriendin Gail die een quilt patroon zag in een tekening van mij. En t bleek ook nog eens een cadeau voor mij!! Want zo zei ze: ” de mooiste kunst maak je voor iemand waar je om geeft.” Tja…ik moest mijn zakdoekje natuurlijk toen wel even in t rond zwaaien. Het is zo mooi, zo perfect.
Have a great weekend!!!
Love and Liefs, Johanna
Totally agree with you it’s wonderful! Do tell Gail that WP is so easy to use, anyone could manage.
WP is indeed very user friendly! But Gail was pleased to see so many people loving her work. Thanks for stopping by Eleanor!
What a beautiful gift, Johanna! And you have a lovely and talented friend – she really needs to share her arts and crafts with us, I would love to read her blog if she would do one! 🙂
Had to make a post about it, I am so happy with the wall hanging!
It is indeed ultra beautiful … what a lovely exchange of inspiration and art. Often I want to keep my best work but feels so good to give it away (or sell it, lol!).
Your comment made me think…I usually give my knitting away but hardly ever my drawings…and when people buy it, I do have a hard time sending it of, pleased as I am though…
This is a beautiful piece of art!! I am so in awe of people who can bring things alive with fabric and stitching! Our belief that our own creations are ‘not good enough’ seems endemic among the female population unfortunately. Perhaps seeing your readers response may sway her a little…..?
Gail was indeed very pleased to see all the positive comments. And I agree Pauline, we need all encouragements and positive feedback…it sure helps me! xo Johanna
Hi Johanna,
That wall-hanging is a fantastic work by your frined Gail. But so is your drawing. I really like the seahorse. Looking at it makes me happy.
Have a great weekend,
Pit
Thanks Pit, that is a great compliment! Gail was very pleased too! I hope your weekend was a good one.
Yes, Johanna, it was a great weekend.
Take care,
Pit
It is so beautiful, Johanna. A wonderful gift from your friend.
It makes me very happy indeed!
Your seahorse is so beautiful and she took it and translated it in a gorgeous way. Wow! And now you can hang it in your house. You’ll have to show her our comments so she gets out there and realizes how fabulous her work is…
I was really in awe what she made of it, working with fabrics and thread. My dining room is just being repainted and all…you can guess what is going to hang there in full view to be enjoyed every day!
Beautiful, beautiful!
Thanks Laurie, Gail had a smile with all those lovely compliments.
Such a beautiful gift. Gail did such a wonderful job!!!!
I agree Timeka, this gift makes me very happy!
OMGoodness, Johanna! That quilt is SO pretty! The colors and the sea grass detail make the seahorse pop. Talented friend for a talented artist.
I agree, it is so fascinating that Gail could pick fabric and thread and make this art work!! But thank you for the kind compliment for the both of us, xo Johanna
How beautiful! What a lovely surprise gift. I’m not a quilter, but I also love quilts…Have a great weekend. 🙂
Thanks Janette, Gail was very happy with all the kind remarks on her art!
What a wonderful friendship you have! Love the seahorse! Amazing details! WOWZA! 😊
Thanks Jill, Gail was very happy with all the kind remarks on her art! And indeed, she is a great friend!
That was a gift of the heart with two friends uniting their artistic talents. You did the drawing and she interpreted it by painting with fabric and needle. Remarkable! All the artistic details like the plants waving in the water, the bubbles, the red embroidery that moves in size down to a pinpoint. Gail is incredible.
I agree, it is so fascinating that Gail could pick fabric and thread and make this art work!! But thank you for the kind compliment for the both of us, xo Johanna
What a beautiful quilt! Such a special gift. It sounds like you two have a wonderful, mutually inspiring relationship.
Thank you Carina, and indeed we are kindred spirits ;0)
A beautiful gift definitely worthy of a handkerchief fluttering moment or two!
Absolutely Sharon,and Gail was very happy with all the kind remarks on her art!
A very sweet, thoughtful gift! It is truly lovely… so is the friendship!
I agree;0)
What a beautiful gift. Gail is indeed a treasured friend and so talented! I love seeing both of your seahorses, lovely-lovely!
Thanks Cathe, Gail is very happy with all the kind remarks on her work too!
I agree with everyone else – it is a beautiful quilt and Gail is so talented. I wonder how many other artists would be able to use your lovely design and interpret it in their own way. I could see it being carved out of wood or modelled in clay. It would make a really good mobile hanging from the ceiling. Well done both of you!
A mobile…that is a very good idea! And thank you Clare, Gail is a happy girl too with all the compliments on her work!
Wow, what a gift! And what a friend! I can feel the warm fuzzies of that moment she revealed the quilt was for you.
Absolutely..getting me speechless is hard to do but I was silent for at least 5 minuets ;0) I am blessed indeed with her friendship!
Oulik
dit is ‘n pragtige inderdaad! xo Johanna
I too follow a few quilters on WP, and enjoy seeing all of the creativity.
You of course are such a talent. How lovely that she created a wall hanging based on one of your drawings.
It made me very happy indeed and thank you for your kind words, Laurie!
What a cool collaboration between two artists! You must be thrilled about this on so many levels!
It made me very happy indeed!!
Absolutely gorgeous and the best gift that could ever be received (one from the heart)! I love how it all came together with the different art forms. And if your friend think she’s not talented enough for a blog, then I’d better shut mine down now! 😛
Nono, do not shut down Linda, the world is so much better with you and your blog…and indeed I am so happy with my gift from the heart! xo Johanna
Your illustration of the seahorse is lovely, so delicate. Your friend Gail is a special friend. She also did a great job quilting the seahorse. Thank you for sharing such a sweet moment.
Thank you for your kind words!
That’s just gorgeous Johanna. From your artful hand to Gails talented self. Amazing, I love all the fabrics Gail choose too. I’m not a quilter either but can get lost in those shops. Quilters in Edmonton have some really good stores to haunt. I especially fancy the variegated one for the seaweed, that’s just so fantastic. How fun to see your art reincarnated by a dear friend. Bravo Gail and bravo to you both for being so fit and walking together 😀 What a team!
I passed your lovely compliments on to gail and had a big smile! xo Johanna
How gorgeous! So thoughtful that she used one of your beautiful illustrations as her subject – makes it doubly special!
It really is Sheryl, I was really touched!
What a gorgeous quilt! Gail is both a clever quilter and a talented artist. She’s poured so much loving detail into this work of art, and what a tribute to you, your friendship and your own lovely art as well.
I went to a seahorse ‘farm’ on the Big Island of Hawaii a few years ago. They are trying to bring the shrinking population back to its former self. They’ve been over-fished for silly reasons (someone thinks they’re an aphrodisiac). They’re raising the seahorses and providing tours to educate the public. We got to dip our hands in the tank at the end and wait for one to wrap around our finger. Magical.
Your post flooded me with my own wonderful memories. Such a joy to stop by. xoxo, Johanna.
A seahorse farm! I would have loved seeing that!
It was amazing. If you ever go, you must check it out.
What a beautiful gift!!! Love to see how your art became reality. I think is a great way to honor your creativity. Also, the colors are lovely. Many hugs!! xo
Thanks Lucy, happy to see you again!