Some places hold a special place in our hearts—each corner, every creak of the floor, and every cherished memory becomes etched in our souls. This is the story behind a quilled home portrait that I created, a tribute to my maternal grandparents’ home in Bristol,…
In the world of paper quilling, where coils and creativity collide, there’s a special place for artwork that transcends paper and glue. I embarked on a journey that brought forth a majestic paper quilled lion—an artwork that holds not only the essence of my birth…
A house is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a repository of memories, a vessel of stories that have shaped our lives. In the realm of art, capturing the essence of a cherished childhood home is a journey that transcends time and generations. Today, I’m excited to share the heartfelt story of how I transformed the venerable abode where I grew up—a house over two centuries old—into a mesmerizing paper portrait. Join me as I take you through the creative process that brought this historical haven to life on paper.
Nestled within the annals of my memory is a house that holds the echoes of my childhood—a place where laughter, tears, and countless moments of joy and growth unfolded. The house itself is a relic of history, over 200 years old and exuding a unique character that only time can bestow. It boasts an intriguing hand-dug basement, a marvel cleared down to the sturdy granite bedrock—an element that has always fascinated me.
One of the most captivating features of my childhood home was its remarkable brick oven. Imagine a floor-to-ceiling dome, encompassing a quarter of the kitchen, fashioned from bricks and crowned by a chimney. This old-fashioned brick oven was a captivating centerpiece, though it remained inactive throughout my youth. Instead, an iconic Ol Kineo stove, linked to the flue, graced the kitchen, warming the space and serving as a symbol of comfort and times past.
As an artist, I felt an urge to immortalize my childhood home through my craft. Capturing the essence of the house on paper posed both a challenge and an opportunity to relive cherished memories. I approached the project with a mix of nostalgia and dedication, determined to preserve not just the physical structure but also the emotions and sentiments attached to it.
The portrait-making process involved meticulous attention to detail. While I took a few liberties with the landscaping, I ensured that the essence of the place remained intact—a nod to the two clumps of peonies and the flowering bush that defined the house’s front.
The paper portrait of my childhood home stands as a testament to the power of art in preserving memories. Through every delicate quill and intricate detail, I breathed life into the house that nurtured my formative years. It’s a visual memoir, a tribute to the history that lives within its walls, and a reflection of the love that has filled its spaces.
As I look at the finished piece, I’m reminded of the interconnectedness of creativity and nostalgia. Art has the power to transcend time, capturing moments and emotions that might otherwise fade away. The paper portrait of my childhood home isn’t just a work of art—it’s a representation of my roots, a tangible connection to a place that will forever hold a piece of my heart.
Every artist’s journey begins with a step into the unknown, a leap of faith into uncharted waters. For me, that leap took the form of a Bunker Hill Church quilled portrait — a project that laid the foundation for my subsequent architectural masterpieces. Join me…
Greetings, quilling enthusiasts! I’m excited to share a recent piece, a pod of three quilled contour line whales. This artwork was inspired by my fascination with contour line drawings. The Obsession with Contour Line Drawings At the time of creating this piece, I was captivated…
This particular piece is a quilled whale ocean scene featuring a unique concept: a Humpback that transforms into an island. This creative piece was inspired by an illustration I saw that I was determined to bring to life using the art of paper quilling.
My journey started when I stumbled upon an illustration that deeply resonated with me. It depicted a colossal whale so immense that it functioned as a living island for various ocean creatures. The concept was whimsical and fantastical, and I instantly knew I wanted to recreate it using paper as my artistic medium.
This endeavor was more than just rolling paper; it was about crafting an entire aquatic ecosystem. I created sea plants and corals, all set inside a circular “bubble” that itself was framed with blue bubbles. I added in a simple sky with shafts of light streaming through the clouds.
While most of the artwork is composed of quilled elements, I introduced a unique twist by using pens to add intricate details. Fish and jellyfish came to life with my pen strokes. This blend of quilling and hand-drawn artistry infused depth and whimsy into the scene.
At the heart of this quilled ocean scene was the whale that seamlessly transformed into an island. Its body consisted of cardstock glued on its edge to form contour lines. Once the piece was done, it was clear that the concept of the whale carrying the island on its back wasn’t relayed effectively, but the piece as a whole worked as an ocean scene in and of itself.
Shortly after completing this piece, I embarked on another project: a pod of humpback whales. Using a contour line technique, I aimed to capture the elegance and beauty of these magnificent marine creatures.
Stacy
When it comes to quilling, the possibilities are endless. As an artist, I’m always looking for new ways to push my creative boundaries and explore different techniques. My recent quilled white floral Maine state piece was a departure from my earlier works, taking inspiration from…
There’s something enchanting about translating our passions into art, and for me, that meant bringing the world of Game of Thrones to life through quilled fan art. Recently, I embarked on a project that holds a special place in my heart – the Targaryen sigil,…
Maine – a state that I’m fortunate to call home. Its natural beauty, from the tranquil lakes to the breathtaking ocean views, has always held a special place in my heart. Living in a rural setting surrounded by forests and nature’s wonders has been a constant source of inspiration for my art. As I reflect on my creative journey over the years, I’m reminded of the very first quilled state of Maine I created, a piece that was a labor of love and a tribute to the place I cherish.
The urge to express my deep connection to Maine through my art led to the creation of my very first quilled depiction of the state. This piece holds a special significance as it marked the beginning of my artistic exploration, a time when I was experimenting with techniques while honoring my love for my home state.
The color palette I chose for this piece was intentional – various shades of green dominated the landscape, representing the lush forests that are synonymous with Maine’s charm. As someone who has always been captivated by the beauty of nature, these greens were a homage to the towering trees, the sweeping hills, and the serene woodlands that define Maine’s identity.
The rivers and lakes that meander through Maine’s expanse were depicted in bright blue, offering a striking contrast to the verdant green surroundings. These waterways hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the calm and tranquility that water bodies bring to this scenic state.
What makes this piece even more special is that I managed to document the work-in-progress photos that chronicle the evolution of my creative process. From the initial stages where I outlined the state’s shape, to the gradual addition of shades of green that brought the landscape to life, each photo captures a step in my journey of transforming paper into art.
Hello, dear readers! Today, I’m thrilled to dive into the world of paper quilling and share the story of a colorful quilled tropical fish that now graces my Aunt Jacky’s bathroom. But the journey doesn’t stop there; it’s a tale of creativity that has led…
