DAY 3: Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour

Welcome to Day 3 of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour!

And Welcome to SuzGuz Designs by Susan Guzman . . .

If you are just joining the blog tour, here is my block from Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 2:

This week, Quiltmaker Magazine continues to give away lots of great items at: QuiltyPleasures (Quiltmaker's blog) during the entire week of November 8th - 12th.  Some give aways are planned and some have been spontaneous, so you'll want to check back often!  Fabulous prizes include fabric, patterns, books, notions, and of course, copies of 100 Blocks magazine.  In addition, designer blocks will be given away to very lucky recipients!  I will also be giving away something every day this week, so please be sure to check on each day's post this week, as well.  Prizes for each day will not be chosen until after Friday, November 12th.  Everyone who signs up will have a chance to win!

The topic for today is how I go through my process of designing . . .

I have several ways I use to glean inspiration for new designs.  I've always been attentive to my surroundings, so I am constatly looking at that which is around me: the shape of a vase,

 Image from 1 Design Per Day

a pattern in an area rug,

Image from Nebraska's Best Carpet Cleaning

a painting,

Image from Nilsson Studio

or even the frame that surrounds it.

Image from Paul Mitchell Antique Frames

I also like to pay close attention to the details of fashion, with a strong emphasis on colors that are being worn.  I especially like to see what is coming out for the next few seasons, as this gives great hints on what to incorporate into the design process.

I pay attention to television programs I watch with my husband as I'm sketching, and I also like to refer to nature for color and design ideas.  Visiting popular boutique shopping areas will give you ideas for color and design, as well.  And finally, I enjoy paging through books and magazines related to the design industry.  That being said, I try not to look at current quilt magazines, as I like to try to come up with unique designs and not copy what everyone else is doing.  I have a few other secrets up my sleeve that I like to refer to, but what I've shared here is what I mostly rely upon.

For tomorrow's topic, I will be sharing some ideas you may like to use, to set my block into a quilt.  I have a few basic tips that are easy and fun, and they will show off your blocks beautifully!

In the mean time, we have yet another give-away to announce!  Because Quiltmaker is recognizing my blog on the blog tour today, I will be giving away a very special prize of fabric!  I recently received samples of new lines of fabrics coming out for Red Rooster.  When we receive samples, we typically receive a sample of each fabric in the line.  Well, I will be giving away samples of an entire line from Red Rooster.  All you have to do is comment on this post, then "Friend" me on Facebook.  It's that simple!  BONUS:  As mentioned yesterday, I will also be giving away a Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks magazine today, so please be sure to comment and find me on Facebook! (Note added 11.10.10 at 9:30 am, EST: If you do not use Facebook--or even if you do!--I'd love it if you'd add me to your blog read list, instead!  Thanks :)

Thanks again for participating in the blog tour!  We are so happy to have you as a new quilting friend!

Susan

P.S.  Don't forget to check out my previous posts this week for a chance to win the giveaways I'm offering.  And be sure to visit Quiltmaker's blog often for a chance to win their prizes, as well!