Friday, January 08, 2010

Challenge 40 Pause by Madalene Murphy








This is the first challenge that I am entering, and I almost didn't make this one, but I found the use of product packaging colors intriguing, and after looking around my kitchen, chose one fairly quickly--a box of one of my favorite teas.  These were much        quieter colors than I usually work with but I loved the rich red brown of the edging, a brown I had actually tried for in my dyeing this summer for another project.  I also cheated a bit and chose to add the teal from the teacup on the top of the box.  So I went through my hand-dyes to see if I could come close with the colors.



My quilts also tend to be more abstract so the still life/plant requirement slowed me down a bit until I decided on abstract simple shapes with the leaves as contrast.  I played with the composition a bit  and came up with what to me is a very restful piece--like sitting down for a cup of tea.

This was great challenge.  Made me realize even packaging can be source of inspiration and made me take a whole new path to creating a quilt.  Thanks, Rhoda!

Please comment.

11 comments:

  1. so restful, indeed,Madalene. I absolutely enjoy its' serenity. The colors are rich, and I like the balance with the white rocks or ovoid shapes you have there. Your design is perfect for tea!
    Chris Predd

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  2. Very definitely calming and restful. Not only through the use of colors, but the simple arrangement of your shapes, too. Lovely piece!

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  3. This is a nice composition, with wonderful colors. You echoed the package colors beautifully, and made a piece that is very serene and calming to look at.

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  4. Madalene, I think your composition is peaceful, elegant and very Zen-like. The simple shapes give balance and stability, and reflect the feeling of the inspiration tea box very well. Glad you were able to participate this time.

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  5. Zen, total Zen. That's a good thing.... fabulous piece for a tough challenge!

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  6. Very soothing piece that reflects the packaging colors quite well. Your version entices me to try that tea!! I like the simplistic but elegant tone of the quilt.

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  7. Beautiful still life. I really like what you've done this with a bit of 'abstract' ! Great job. Good job of use of colors from the packaging.
    As Wendy said totally Zen.

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  8. Hi Madalene - I love this piece and the way it feels so much that I may do my own version and hang it where it will bring me moments of quiet peace. There is not one thing I would want to change. I'm so glad you were able to make time to participate in this challenge and will look for more in the future.

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  9. Love the oriental simplicity. Perfect as it is.

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  10. What a lovely piece! So tranquil and peaceful. I like the composition and just the bits of muted color.

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