I've always loved paper lanterns. Early on, after the "Illumination" theme was announced, I had this idea which had nothing to do with lanterns. I was going to use a photograph I'd taken, and make a quilt about the ongoing process of illumination/awarenesss/education that is parenting.
And then, one day, I stumbled onto a picture of some Chinese lanterns. The desire to translate that into fabric was so immediate and clear that I abandoned the original plan and lept right to this. It was one of those lightening bolts of illumination. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.) There's no cosmic or deep philosophical meaning here ... just gaily colored lanterns illuminating the dark.
These lanterns are made of dupioni silk (I *knew* I'd bought those fat quarters of bright colors for a reason!) The spines and pleats of the lanterns are stitched with heavy-weight Sulky rayon thread. I made the lanterns glow with my favorite Caran D'Ache Neocolor II crayons.
Maybe one of these days I'll get back to that photo and my original idea. But these lanterns made me so happy to work on and I smile every time I see this on my wall... hence, "Happy Lanterns."
14 comments:
Lovely, Diane. What a great use of the dupioni. I love how you added the illumination with the crayons. I like the composition, very much. Good job!!
The illumination in this is wonderful. I "got it" right away! I love how well the bright silk colors express the lanterns and the very graphic shapes. You seem to do best when you stay simple -- my other favorite of yours is your chocolate piece.
Stunning! It is so happy. The light inside the lanterns is just perfect and the stitching really finishes every detail. The black background is perfect too.
I'm interested to hear about the other photograph. I can't imagine making a quilt about the process of parenting. Mine would be pretty abstract and messy (in a good way).
Wow! I can't believe we both did paper lanterns. How amazing with all the possible interpretations of illumination. Yours are wonderful and very festive with a sense of movement and such a warm glow.
Nice! The lanterns semm to be dancing in a light wind. Love the colours. So rich! Great quilt.
Such exuberant colour and voluptuous shapes - I defy anyone not to smile when they see your quilt.
Your lanterns are fabulous Diane. You have portrayed then so perfectly. Love the colors you used. It's funny, as I started reading your post I thought right away to myself that Diane made this...and I hadn't seen your name yet at the bottom of the post.
OMG, this is stunning! I thought it was a photo! You did an amazing job with this piece!
Fabulous! I love the composition, texture, rhythm & the wonderful illusion of illumination.
gorgeous! very realistic...and I love the great glow coming thru the lanterns...
Stunning! The fabric is so beautiful with the lighting. Great job and looks so real...I am Smiling :>))
Well, who's a clever sausage, then??!!! Those lanterns are ROUND and have REAL lights inside them! You have made this so 3D and so glowy. It looks as if there is a light bulb inside each one.
Wonderful. I love the bright colors and how the lanterns glow. You captured them perfectly. Now to enjoy the party that is happening just below the quilt.
Wow! And they really glow
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