Tuesday, November 9, 2010

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,



a painting,
Image from Nilsson Studio

or even the frame that surrounds it.


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!

112 comments:

Ella said...

Hi quilting friend! Thanks for the chance to win!!!! I love red rooster!

Kim West said...

oohhh pretty!!!

Gill said...

I love your block though I'm not very good at applique(must practise more!)
Gill

Laurie in Maine said...

Love this applique block ;) Enjoyed the blog tour stop at your site.

Ned's Place said...

congratulations,i quite like your block and i love polka dot backgrounds .

Sparky said...

love your inspiration..you are inspiration to me....congrats my dear

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Your block is amazing - that detailed is not my ability yet with applique, but love it! Sorry I can't Facebook - closed my account due to identity theft attempt - I will not Facebook, tweet, or share .

Peach Rainbow said...

Congratulations on your block being featured!
Thanks for the chance.
Oh, I sent a friend request on FB too.

Stacey said...

love your block!!! i am so itching to win a copy of this magazine!!! thanks

stacey
luv2knitnsew@gmail.com

The Village Queen said...

Being tuned into the world is what makes art and life interesting. Love your intricate block, is one I want to try. Thanks for sharing your creating process, so much more goes into it than most people think. Love your fabrics too!

Martina said...

Thanks again for the interesting topic of inspiration! Loved to read it. And would love to win...!

Lee said...

I wanted to tell you how I love your design. I do not do facebook but thanks for sharing the blog tour. I cant wait to get the magazine.
butler83ataoldotcom

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Beautiful block! Please enter me in your giveaway.

Quilted Rainbow said...

thanks for sharing your quilt designing tips. also, would love to win the fabric...

Donna Joy said...

Love how you used polka dots for the background of your very lovely block.

Laura said...

Sorry, can't access Facebook, but wanted to say 'Cool block!' anyway. Can't wait for the magazine's release!

♥Duff said...

Your quilt block is stunning, especially to someone who dreads appliqué! thank you for commenting on the design process and your inspirations--I'm desperately trying to get out of the box!

Maureen said...

Good morning Susan,I'm not a "facebooker" but I did write a blurb about all this on our C&PLG blog (http://cplgblog.blogspot.com/). I enjoyed reading about where you find your inspiration. Gosh it is all around us if we just take time to be aware.

baukje said...

I am not on Facebook so I cannot do that. But love your design ....

Quilter Kathy said...

I don't have facebook, but wanted to say congratulations on having your block in the magazine!

~*~Leanne~*~ said...

Hi Susan, I loved hearing about what inspires you and your design process. I so enjoy reading your blog. I'll be checking back for your quilting tips. Have a happy day, Leanne

Petit Design Co. said...

that green vase is very awesome!

Marianne said...

Thanks for taking part and having all the goodies to give away.

Carrie P. said...

Isn't it fun to see where we can get inspiration. Your block is so pretty.

suz said...

This block is fascinating. I'm new to your designs and looking forward to finding out more about them.

robin said...

Congratulations on your inclusion in 100 Blocks. I'm not brave yet enough for applique blocks. I like you on Facebook. Thanks for the giveaway chance. :o)

Lisa said...

Congratulations on being a part of the Blog Tour - it's so much fun reading all of these creative and inspiring blogs!!!

Vicki @ DottyJane said...

Very interesting to read about your inspiration sources. I've enjoyed browsing through your blog:0

Brita said...

Well, I'd love to have a sampling of fabrics! And a 100 Blocks magazine. Bonanza!
Going to Facebook now...

Kd Brown said...

Hi Susan! Your block is beautiful. I'm excited about all of your fabulous giveaways this week. Thank you. Kathleen

Puddles of Grace said...

Red Rooster?!!!! Awesome giveaway!!!! Found you on FB too!
Charlene

Esther said...

Nice block!!! Congratulation in your inclusion in 100 Blocks! and thanks for the chance!

arlette said...

Hello Susan, I just "liked" you on facebook!!!!, your block's really pretty, love the colors you used for it <3

Kim Q said...

I knew I could count on your for a terrific block and you didn't disappoint! I love the colors and prints you chose, it's great!

Monica said...

Love your block and "like" you on Facebook! Thank you for the chance to win.

grendelskin said...

I could see this block going places, for sure! Small world: that sunflower painting (and the artist) is in my town! I don't FB but am adding you to my reader/follower list.

Anonymous said...

Love the applique block

Cecilia said...

I love your block. I will also "like" you on Facebook. Thanks for the giveaways. I love to win fabric. :)

Karen said...

Your block has interesting shapes. I like it.

Lee Ann L. said...

That block is interesting! I am an RSS feed follower now. :-)

Karen said...

I'm following your blog on my Google reader

Kritta22 said...

Wow!! I love your inspirations! you are too cute!

BeachQuilter said...

I love applique and I'm looking forward seeing this magazine! I don't do facebook but I do have you on my reader.

Kelsey said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kelsey said...

Congratulations!

I sent a friend request on FB too.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Thanks for the giveaway! and how you do your creating.

Bille

dorothy said...

Would love to win the fabric or magazine, I love your patterns.

WoolenSails said...

I love red rooster fabrics and enjoyed hearing about how you get your inspiration for designs.

Debbie

dorothy said...

How do I find you on Facebook

LfsAlot said...

Congrats on being in the book! I sent a friend request on facebook. Thanks so much for the opportunity to win! Love your designs!

Kelsey said...

Friend request sent on facebook and added your blog to my read list.

Anonymous said...

Love your block - Thanks for the giveaway too!!

Pat S. said...

Hi Susan, I just requested you to be my FB friend. You made such a cute block....I can't wait to make it myself! I just love Red Rooster fabrics and would be thrilled to win a line of their fabrics (hint, hint!!). Thanks so much for the opportunity to win!

Anonymous said...

love your blocks and I will indeed friend you on facebook

Sherri said...

Love your block! Thanks so much for the fun giveaway!

Kathy Schwartz said...

I approach my quilting designs the sameway...by looking all around me for inspiration.

Nichole said...

I like that you use your environment as one way to get inspiration for your blocks! Off to find you on Facebook . . .

Kay said...

I really like your block & all of the detail in it. Congratulations on having it published. Thanks for the chance to win.

GrandmaDe said...

Love your block - Congratulations!

Jocelyn said...

What a sweet block! I do not have facebook, but I am heading to sign up to follow:-)

Anonymous said...

LOVE your block...can't wait till the magazine is available - this time I'm not missing it!
Congrats on your new fabric line!

Bunny said...

Red Rooster fabric. Sigh!

Julie S said...

Thanks for sharing your design process inspiration. I am inspired and challenged by quilt blogs; the creative energy of quilters is unending!

Sara said...

Love the block - and it is always inspiring to read about someone elses creative journey...thanks!

nhsarab at yahoo dot com

Joanna said...

First of all, I love the Jack and Jill header on your blog; it's charming. I also like your block, although I will have to check out your way of doing it. I did add your blog link to my list of Blogs I Follow. I would love to win the fabric. It looks so pretty.

Kathy H said...

I think your block is very nice and I enjoyed reading about where you find inspiration. I am learning applique so like to see new patterns to try. I found you on facebook, there were a lot of susans!

Annmarie said...

Found your page on Facebook but can't figure out how to do a Friend request - would love to be your friend. I already have your blog bookmarked & read it every day. Red Rooster fabrics are great. thanks.

jackiero said...

Wow, Red Rooster Fabrics, a huge congratulations on your new fabric line and for being selected into the #2 edition.
Please enter me into your wonderful giveaway, thanks.

Jeanne in Ohio said...

Cute block. I'd love to win your fabrics.

michyrose said...

What a lovely block. Nice to see how you get your inspiration

SewLindaAnn said...

I heart Red Rooster fabric and would love to win the samples!I am now subscribed in Google Reader and am off to request friendship on Facebook. I love your block, the polka dotted background is such a pretty surprise. Can't wait to see what else you have to inspire me.

kwiltnkats said...

I'm always excited about what new fabric designs Red Rooster puts on our Quilt Shop Shelves! Love the opportunity to win today's prize. You must have been inspired by the flowers in the green vases for the Quiltmaker block design. I can somewhat visualize the heart being the center of the flower with the cute dot design on top being the petals...well maybe... Now to find you on FB!

Teaquilts said...

Congrats on being in the issue. All the blocks are so gorgeous that I just can't pick a favorite. After seeing yours, I give up as I've come to realize they just can't compete with each other. I'll be first in line to get this issue.

Becky said...

Love your block! It's so unique. Thanks for participating in this blog hop! I am a follower of your blog.

WYO Di said...

Luv the block, does it have a name and I missed it in your blog? Congrats and thank you, will be back as I want to see those setting ideas!

VickiT said...

I really love reading all the info from those like you that have been chosen to have a block in this magazine. It's interesting to read where you get your ideas from when creating new quilt blocks. I'm excited that the date of release is coming soon to get my hands on one of these magazines; of course should I win one first I'd be thrilled as I have seen some are sending them out early.

Congratulations on being chosen to have your block included in this issue. Yours is very pretty so I can certainly see why it was chosen.

marilyn said...

Thanks for the chance to win. I can't 'friend' you at school...they block facebook here, but will once I get home!

Anna said...

thanks for a chance to win

Renegade Quilter said...

Wow - very nice block!!!!

Melissa said...

Thanks for the chance to win this generous giveaway.

grandmarockton said...

follow on FB and blog would love to WIN!

Nancy said...

Thanks for the giveaway - and I'm adding you to my list of blogs!

DutchQuilter said...

I love reading about your process of designing. Thanks.

Deb said...

This blog tour has been wonderful. It's good to find new blogs, too. I'd love to be entered to win.

Anonymous said...

Love your block. It was interesting to hear what inspires you in your designing. Will be checking back to your blog often.

Jeanne
shookje@yahoo.com

Marcia W. said...

This is a wonderful giveaway. I'm not on facebook and don't have a blog -- SO I now follow your blog. Please enter me into the drawing for QM 100 magazine as well as the samples of a red rooster line (great fabrics - and they have a really nice new web site - I visit it often). Congratulations on you selection for QM 100 Blocks -- with your talent, it is obvious as to the reason! Thanks.

scottylover said...

Love hearing where you find inspiration.

And I shared your blog on Facebook & added you as a friend,

Thanks!
Sandy A

SheilaC said...

Thank you for the chance to win!

SheilaC

Linda (Petey) said...

Please enter me cuz as you know, a girl can never have enough fabric! Your blog is a fun place. Thanks.

Michelle MMMM4 said...

I'm glad there are so many blocks with applique. Yours is lovely. Thanks for a chance to win a great prize.

Sewbig said...

Nice block! I've been a facebook friend for a while.

sandilee said...

want to add to my fabric stash - trying to be the winner of who has the most fabric when they go to quilting heaven

sandi812@bellsouth.net

Bec Clarke said...

That is so pretty, I love the way it flows.

Laura said...

Lovely block - Congratulations! The color choice is excellent. Thank you.

sophie said...

I love hearts as design elements for quilts. Your block is charming. Congratulations on being included in 100 Blocks.

I don't do Facebook, but I am a follower of your blog.

Jill said...

Your block is very unique. I like the precision of your applique.

Anonymous said...

I love your block. I have several of your patterns. They are great.
Jaylene
jaylene@beyondbb.com

debbie said...

thanks for the opportunity to win. I'm going to facebook to friend you
debbie

Patty said...

Very pretty block. I love applique.

Anonymous said...

Lovely design, and the colors are awesome.

Rabid Quilter from California said...

It's so generous of you to tell us about your design process and where you get inspiration. Interesting! Thank you!

Diane Steele

Ariane said...

Love you block! I find inspiration in many things as well. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway!!

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous block! Congrats, too! I just love Red Rooster fabs and would love to win your samples giveaway. Thanks for the chance!

Julie w said...

Thank you so much for the chance to win.

MoeWest said...

Congrats on being selected for the magazine. I like your block.

Kerry said...

Love your block! And it was also interesting reading your blog and getting to know you. Congratulations on being for selected for this book.

The Quilting Cat Lady. said...

Love this applique block. Congratulations on having your block in the magazine.
Alda, Fl

Limbania said...

Thank you for sharing your designing process. I'm working towards becoming a designer and learning as much as I can.

quiltmom anna said...

Hi Suz,
I added you to my blog list -
You can find it here
http://quiltmomsjourney.blogspot.com/

What nice prizes and what a nice block.
Thanks for the opportunity to win such a nice prize.
Regards from a Western Canadian quilter,
Anna

~Laurie~ said...

Hi there!
I like your design name - it's catchy! After reading about how you design, you must be constantly thinking of ideas!! There is such inspiration in this beautiful world that we live in - mountains, rivers, canyons - even in the flat land of West Texas you can find beauty!! It's nice to meet you - I'm off to FB :)

~Kris~ said...

What a cute block. I love applique.

Nancy said...

What a neat block. Thanks for a chance to win.