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12/31/2017

A Beary Quilt

Hello- and welcome. Gosh, not many more hours left in 2017. This year has literally just flown by, hasn't it? I hope you are looking forward to the end of 2017, as much as we are in our family.  Praying that 2018 will be a better one for us, and all of you as well. Several of my blog buddies are having Life issues just at the moment, so sending prayers up for them, that all will be well.

We have 2 birthdays coming in January. Was hoping to get a head start on making some cards and not always be rushing at the last minute. Got some quilt dies from Gina Marie, and tucking the pieces in place while watching a tv show, is a good multi-task effort. I use coffee filters when I'm cutting dies like this, to separate the colors & not lose the little pieces. On this die, I learned the importance of checking the sizes of the little bits. Put one in where it doesn't _quite_ fit, and you're gonna not have a well-made quilt (just like in fabric piecing). Used a black mat to frame each quilt after using a white backing, but since I have a dark background for taking photos, the black doesn't show well. Here goes:


 

The first quilt is for the one SIL that I have left, and she's a quilter (in fabric, hand sewing only). The green pieces are sort of chartreuse green that brightened up the purple and blue snowflake fabric. Also the sentiment is gold foil, but shows up black in the photo. The little bear was colored before the paper colors were chosen, hence the chartreuse used. If you look at the triangles under the bear, you'll see what I mean about checking carefully that each tiny piece fits perfectly  - from the get go. Obviously I didn't on this one. Lesson Learned!
 
Unless using double sided paper, to make this quilt you use multiple colors, so the next quilt was made at the same time. Placing the colors in different formations changes up the design of the quilt. For some reason, the purple in this one looks faded, but the papers were the same in both quilts.
 
 
 
Same elements used here, and this quilt was pieced a bit better. Had fun coloring these bears and was pleased that the matching die cut out the image pretty well. Sometimes I have a problem with that, even though I may have used washi to tape the die in place. It can still shift a little as it goes through the Big Shot.
 
There were enough pieces left from this effort (I used 3 colors, so 3 quilts!) but #3 has more fitting errors than these 2 did. Both the folks who are getting these cards will be forgiving of my boo-boos (I think -[hope]!) The DP came from a 6x6 paper pad, VOS. Used a laser printer to generate the sentiment, then Minc to put gold foil over it.
 
Wishing each of you a Happy New Year, and if you celebrate away from your own home, safe travels back to home. Generally we stay put, might have a glass of wine to clink together, and usually DH will just go to bed before midnight. I'm a night owl, so I'll see 2018 in.
 
Blessings and Hugs. And prayers to those who need to be uplifted. Ya'll come back when you can.



22 comments:

  1. Hi Mary, your quilt cards are just wonderful! The cute bears match so well the quilt design, such great idea you have had!
    Thanks for the tips on the correct place of the diecut pieces! :) Love that shape, but in Italy (and in Europe) there isn't, and buying from USA is very expensive because of taxes! So I ordered a die (unbranded) that looks as this one by a Chinese seller. :)
    I wish you a Healthy, Happy and Crafty New Year! :)
    Hugs

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  2. Two fabulous cards using these quilt dies Mary, I love the design and pretty patterns.
    Thank you for your Christmas e-card and wishing you and yours a very Happy and Healthy New Year!
    Lorraine

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  3. Fabulous cards Mary, such sweet images and beautiful quilt backgrounds.
    Wishing you a Happy New Year.
    Pauline - Crafting with Cotnob
    x

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  4. I just love these quilts with a wintry scene! It's the reason for those quilts in the first place - to keep warm, right? Like you, I learned to be careful with matching the bits the hard way, but once you figure out it, you're going to get it right the next time. Love the bright cheerful colors and we are our own worst critics with our cards, because no one else barely notices the boo-boos unless they make cards too! Nice job on both! Do have a great New Year's eve and a peaceful first day of 2018. See you next year! *knee slapper, nyuk nyuk*

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  5. Pretty card!! Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year!

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  6. Both cards are great and the colours seem to come up well. I like the quilted look and it makes me want to get to my craft room but it’s 1:30 am here so..tomorrow but I do plan to make many more cards this year and tags

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  7. What beautiful quilted cards Mary - I am sure what you see as boo boo's really add character to the cards.
    I did not see 2018 in, but was woken by the local pyromaniacs letting off fireworks!!:-).
    Praying that 2018 brings you a more peaceful and joyous year
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  8. Two beautiful cards, love your colour choices and that 'quilt' is so effective. Love the little characters too. Great tip about the piecing! Happy New Year Mary! Hugs, Anne xx

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  9. Happy New Year to you and Joe. I saw the New Year in by watching the fireworks in London.

    Hope your 2018 brings you all you dream of.

    Fab card. Sue

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  10. Wow! What patience to fit all the little pieces in and changing quilt designs! Love these adorable winter bears! Happy New Year and I hope 2018 is a better year for you.

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  11. I love the quilt dies by GMD. I have one of them too. I use up a lot of scraps that way. But the pieces can be difficult to fit in. Adorable little bear image! Praying that 2018 will be a great year for you and your hubby. I did manage to make it until midnight but was fast asleep probably by 12:05am. LOL. Have a wonderful week!

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  12. Love that little bear. The quilt pattern works really well as a background.

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  13. Love your quilt card and the fun colors you chose! Even better that you included an image with your gorgeous coloring. This is such a fun, winter card Mary!

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  14. Love your quilt card, Mary and what fun colors you used, a combination I'd have never thought to do. I like the idea of an image on it too! What a fun winter card!

    Note: If you see two comments, it's because Internet Explorer will not longer allow the posts on blogs so I have to remember to use Chrome.

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  15. Two fabulous cards Mary, brilliantly designed.
    Wishing you a Happy New Year and I hope it's filled with Health, Happiness and Kindness, Kate x

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  16. Happy New year Mary, and I hope it is a better one. I love these quilt inspired cards, the colojrs are gorgeous and the bear is just adorable xx

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  17. Wonderful quilted backgrounds for your cute bear images. Have a wonderful 2018 too.

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  18. OH! Mary, what wonderful cards, I LOVE the quilt effect and the colours are FABULOUS, an error in placing? who would care with such wonderful work and cards which will definitely cheer anyone up.
    Hope your New Year crept in gracefully for you.
    Hugs
    Faith
    x

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  19. These are so creative. Love how you coordinated the colors of the bears to the quilt. They certainly are fun little images! Wishing you and very happy and healthy 2018!

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  20. Two wonderful background quilts with the cute skiing bears over the top Mary and the position of each of the colours does make each one look so different. Hope the new year is a better one for you and DH. x

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  21. This is so cool. and wish you a fabulous New year
    Cheers
    Dr Sonia

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  22. That little bear looks darling atop the quilt pattern. This is a sweet card.

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