Recent Posts

Quilled Snake Plant

Quilled Snake Plant

Hello, lovely readers! Today, I’m excited to share a recent creative journey that took me into the heart of nature—well, my interpretation of it, at least. Allow me to introduce you to my quilled snake plant, a piece of art that brought the beauty of…

Quilled Northern Cardinal with Holly

Quilled Northern Cardinal with Holly

Greetings, fellow art enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to unveil a recent addition to my paper quilling repertoire—a delicate portrayal of a Northern Cardinal. In the world of intricate designs and elaborate techniques, this piece is a testament to the beauty that can be found in…

Paper Quilled Chopped Leeks

Paper Quilled Chopped Leeks

Amidst the canvas of quilled paper, there’s a unique magic that unfolds with strip of paper. Recently, I embarked on a journey to translate this humble vegetable—the star ingredient of my beloved potato and leek soup—into an intricate piece of paper quilled chopped leeks artwork. This creation, born out of culinary inspiration and artistic passion, holds a special place in my heart as a testament to the beauty that can emerge when the worlds of art and cooking collide.

In the Beginning: A Culinary Discovery

The journey that led me to create this quilled leek artwork began in the kitchen. There, I discovered the subtle charm and unique flavor of leeks, a versatile ingredient that adds depth to dishes with its delicate onion-like taste. It was during this time that my culinary creativity flourished, and I perfected a potato and leek soup that quickly became a favorite in our household.

The Birth of an Idea: From Kitchen to Quilling

As I celebrated the joy of cooking with leeks, a spark of inspiration ignited within me. Why not translate this culinary gem into the realm of quilled artistry? With paper as my medium and quilling as my technique, I set out to capture the essence of the leek—a vegetable that symbolized comfort and warmth, just like the soup it helped create.

Quilled Leeks: A Unique Artistic Endeavor

Crafting the quilled leeks was a labor of love that allowed me to explore the nuances of paper quilling in a new light. Instead of simply replicating the leek’s appearance, I aimed to capture its layers, texture, and the intricate play of light and shadow. The tight coils and closed coils, carefully shaped and layered, mimicked the organic beauty of sliced leeks.

The Story Behind the Slices: A Personal Connection

The slices of quilled leeks weren’t just a visual representation; they carried a story—the story of my journey with cooking and the sentimental attachment to the potato and leek soup. Each tight coil and closed coil represented a layer of flavor, a moment of discovery, and a memory of warmth shared with loved ones around the dining table.

Conclusion

As I reflect on the journey of crafting the quilled leeks, I’m reminded of the power of inspiration and the joy of creative expression. This artwork stands as a bridge between two worlds—culinary delights and artistic endeavors. Through every coil and every slice, I aimed to encapsulate the essence of the leek—the comfort, the flavors, and the memories it holds.

In the quilled leeks, I found a way to blend my passions, to celebrate the everyday ingredients that bring joy to our lives, and to channel that joy into an artistic creation. This artwork is a tribute to the connection between cooking and artistry—a connection that speaks to the heart of creativity and the boundless possibilities that emerge when we let inspiration guide our hands. Just as a well-made soup warms the soul, so too does the sight of quilled leeks remind me of the joy that resides in both the culinary and artistic realms.


The Recipe

  • Six to Eight Large Leeks
  • Six to Eight Large Potatoes
  • One Pint of Heavy Cream
  • 32oz of Vegetable or Chicken Stock

Slice leeks into medallions, roughly 1/8″ in width. Cook them down slowly in a frying pan on medium heat with a lot of extra virgin olive oil. Add more olive oil as needed until they are soft. Add a few tablespoons of butter and continue to cook until they have begun to caramelize. You may have to turn the heat to medium-high to get them to brown up a bit.

While leeks are cooking down, peel potatoes, slice, and boil in large pot. Take them off the heat and drain when you can slip a fork into them easily. Place potatoes into a separate bowl.

Transfer leeks into the pot you just took the potatoes out of. Add cream and chicken stock.

Take half the potatoes and either mash them separately, or add them to the leeks, cream, and stock mixture, and mash them. This should produce a fairly thick chowder-like consistency.

I like mine extremely thick, so sometimes will lightly mash all the potatoes, leaving them chunky. If you like a thinner broth, mash fewer of them.

Turn heat on low and bring to a pleasing temperature.

Add lots of salt, it’ll bring out the flavor, but be sure to add it in increments and stir before tasting. Build to desired level of richness.

Serve in bowls, or, if you feel like gaining five pounds, it’s even better when served in bread bowls.

Pink & Yellow Quilled Mandala

Pink & Yellow Quilled Mandala

In the world of quilling, where coils and curves come together to form intricate works of art, there’s a special fascination with the mesmerizing beauty of mandalas. Recently, I embarked on a journey to capture the allure of mandalas through delicate paper quilling, giving life…

Quilled Black & White Maine: Capturing Home

Quilled Black & White Maine: Capturing Home

Living in Maine has been a blessing, as I’ve always been surrounded by the state’s natural beauty. From the serene lakes to the majestic ocean, and the lush forests that stretch far and wide, Maine is a place that holds a special place in my…

My Quilled Mermaid’s Tale

My Quilled Mermaid’s Tale

Hello, fellow art enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to dive into the depths of my recent creative journey—a quilled masterpiece that captures the allure of the sea and the magic of mermaids. Join me as I share the enchanting evolution of my quilled mermaid, a piece that builds upon the original and weaves new layers of beauty into its aquatic tapestry.

An Ode to the Ocean

Mermaids have always fascinated me. These mythical beings, with their graceful forms and mysterious allure, embody the spirit of the ocean itself. My journey into quilling a mermaid began as a desire to capture the magic of these creatures on paper—a way to bring the ocean’s whispers to life through delicate coils of paper.

Building Upon the Original

Creating my first quilled mermaid was a voyage of its own. It was an adventure filled with experimentation, learning, and the joy of seeing an idea take shape. Yet, even as I gazed at the finished piece, I knew that it was merely the beginning of a larger creative story. And so, the idea to refine and build upon the original was born.

The Art of Refinement

The process of refining the quilled mermaid was akin to a dance—a delicate interplay between preserving the essence of the original and introducing new layers of detail. As an artist, I often find myself drawn to the idea of continuous improvement, of embracing the evolution of my craft. With this mermaid, I sought to maintain the charm of the first while elevating it to new heights.

Layers of Beauty

One of the aspects that set this refined mermaid apart was the depth and texture I aimed to achieve. With quilling, every coil, loop, and curve is an opportunity to infuse the artwork with personality. I found myself experimenting with new techniques, coaxing the paper into intricate shapes that conveyed the mermaid’s flowing hair, intricate scales, and ethereal tail.

The Power of Color

Color, as always, played a pivotal role in bringing the mermaid to life. Each hue I chose was carefully selected to evoke the shades of the sea—the turquoise depths, the shimmering reflections, and the soft glow of underwater light. The interplay of colors lent depth and dimension to the mermaid’s form, infusing it with a sense of realism that mirrored the ocean’s splendor.

A Tale in Every Detail

Refining the quilled mermaid allowed me to delve into the finer details that give a piece its soul. I dedicated time to crafting the mermaid’s delicate facial features—the curve of her lips, the sparkle in her eyes, and the gentle arch of her brows. Each detail was a brushstroke in a larger narrative, a story of beauty, mystery, and the allure of the sea.

A Journey of Patience

As I navigated the journey of refinement, I realized that it was a lesson in patience and dedication. Quilling is not a rushed process—it demands time, precision, and a willingness to revise and perfect. It’s a journey that mirrors life itself, where growth and improvement come through gradual, purposeful steps.

A Harmonious Symphony

When I finally gazed upon the refined quilled mermaid, I felt a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. The layers of beauty I had added were not merely about aesthetics; they were about capturing the harmony of the sea and the enchantment of mermaids in a way that felt true to my artistic vision.

A Tribute to Progress

This quilled mermaid stands not only as a testament to the allure of the ocean and the magic of mermaids, but also as a tribute to the power of progress. It’s a reminder that every creative endeavor is an opportunity to learn, grow, and refine one’s skills. Just as the ocean’s currents shape the shore, each creative journey shapes the artist.

In Conclusion

Creating the refined quilled mermaid was a journey that intertwined my love for art with my fascination for the mysteries of the sea. It’s a reminder that art is a journey of evolution—a continuous exploration of new techniques, new perspectives, and new depths of beauty. As I look upon this piece, I’m filled with a sense of pride and anticipation for the creative horizons that lie ahead.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of artistic refinement and evolution. Until next time, may your creative endeavors be as boundless and enchanting as the ocean’s depths.

Stacy

My Quilled Mermaid's Tale
My Quilled Mermaid’s Tale
My Quilled Mermaid's Tale
My Quilled Mermaid’s Tale
The Second Quilled Phoenix: A Fiery Masterpiece

The Second Quilled Phoenix: A Fiery Masterpiece

Hello, fellow art lovers! I’m thrilled to share with you a recent addition to my quilled art collection—a magnificent quilled flaming phoenix. This remarkable piece holds a special place in my heart as it marks my second attempt at capturing the awe-inspiring spirit of the…

Quilled Silverware Art

Quilled Silverware Art

Recently, I embarked on a journey that celebrated the harmony between the two—a journey that led me to create a set of quilled silverware art that exuded both realism and elegance. This piece, a testament to the beauty that can emerge from paper, holds a…

Quilling Ulta Beauty’s Logo: From Dreams to Reality

Quilling Ulta Beauty’s Logo: From Dreams to Reality

In the world of art, there are moments that transcend the canvas, moments that etch themselves into the tapestry of one’s journey, forever altering its course. Recently, I embarked on a journey that seemed almost surreal—an artistic endeavor that transformed a 4′ x 8′ canvas into a larger-than-life representation of Ulta Beauty’s iconic logo. This project, quilling Ulta Beauty’s Logo for their 2017 Winter Campaign launch, marked a chapter in my artistic journey that I could never have anticipated. It’s a story of unexpected opportunities, transformative experiences, and the power of art to bridge the gap between dreams and reality.

From Small Beginnings to Grand Ambitions

When I began my journey with quilling, I never imagined that it would lead me to a place where my art would grace the halls of a retail giant like Ulta Beauty. My passion for quilling had grown from a personal hobby to a medium through which I could express my creativity. Little did I know that this humble craft, which began with coils of paper, would ultimately lead me to create an emblem that would stand 4 feet tall and stretch 8 feet wide.

A Commission Beyond Imagination

The call from Ulta Beauty to create an artwork for their Winter Campaign launch was a moment that left me speechless. The idea that a company of such magnitude would seek out my quilled artistry was beyond my wildest dreams. As I learned more about the project, the scale and significance of the commission sank in. It wasn’t just a piece of art; it was a representation of a brand, a collaboration that would be seen by countless individuals, and an opportunity to merge my passion with the world of beauty and fashion.

A Journey of Discovery and Challenge

The journey to quill the Ulta Beauty logo was not without its challenges. The scale of the canvas demanded a level of precision and technique that pushed the boundaries of my craft. Yet, with each challenge came an opportunity to grow as an artist, to explore new methods, and to overcome obstacles that once seemed insurmountable. The process itself became a journey of discovery—one where I learned to trust my instincts, adapt to the demands of the project, and embrace the exhilarating journey of creation.

Beyond Artistry: A Transformative Experience

As the Ulta Beauty logo took shape under my fingertips, I realized that this project was more than just a commission; it was a transformative experience that would forever shape my perspective on art and its possibilities. The process of working on a canvas of this scale, of collaborating with a renowned brand, and of seeing my creation come to life in such a monumental way left an indelible mark on my artistic journey.

The Power of Art to Transcend Boundaries

The completion of the Ulta Beauty logo artwork was a moment of pride, fulfillment, and awe. As I stood before the massive canvas, I realized that art has the power to transcend boundaries, to bridge the gap between individual expression and global recognition. What had once been coils of paper had evolved into a symbol that resonated with a brand and its audience, a symbol that communicated a message of beauty, empowerment, and the magic of self-care.

A Legacy of Unexpected Opportunities

As I reflect on the journey of creating the Ulta Beauty logo artwork, I’m reminded that life’s most remarkable moments often arrive unannounced. The opportunities that have come my way, from quilling to beauty and beyond, have been a reminder that the path of creativity is often filled with twists and turns that lead to places we could never have imagined. Through this experience, I’ve come to appreciate the unpredictable nature of artistic growth and the incredible potential that lies within each coil of paper.

Conclusion

The journey of creating the Ulta Beauty logo artwork was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that transformed my artistic path and left an indelible mark on my journey. This project, from the initial call to the final stroke of the quilled coil, stands as a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and the unexpected opportunities that can enrich our lives. As I continue to explore the world of quilling and artistry, I carry with me the lesson that dreams have a way of becoming reality, that creativity knows no bounds, and that the journey itself is as significant as the destination. The Ulta Beauty logo artwork remains a reminder that art has the power to connect us, to uplift us, and to serve as a bridge between the extraordinary and the everyday.

A Whimsical Quilled Bacon and Eggs Delight: Happy Breakfast

A Whimsical Quilled Bacon and Eggs Delight: Happy Breakfast

Greetings, fellow art enthusiasts! Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to introduce you to a recent quilled creation that brings a hearty dose of joy to the table—a whimsical Quilled Bacon and Eggs that I call “Happy Breakfast.” A Taste of Creativity The idea for “Happy Breakfast”…