ArtFire

"Iris on the Rocks" Bead embellished Art Quilt 17"x22".
This art quilt began with the central panel of fabric painted in earthy, rock and mud colors on cotton. I stitched many tucks into it and added various yarns and fibers for the rock-like texture. The green leaf sections are acrylic paints on canvas fabric. The dark batik fabric beside the rocky section reminds me of tree bark. The Iris flower photo is printed on silk.



Freemotion quilting and hand stitching with various threads adds more texture and defines rocks and leaves. To add even more interest, I embellished the rocky areas with various glass and gemstone chip beads. The fibers and beads remind me of the crumbling rocks and mossy growths in the rocky outcroppings along many roadsides. There are a couple gold tone butterflies and a silver tone ladybug hiding in the rocks, also.

The piece has a sleeve on the back for hanging, and is signed by the artist.

This original work of art was created for the "Journal Quilts- Elements" special exhibit shown at the International Quilt Festivals in Houston, Chicago, and Long Beach, CA. The piece was one of 50 chosen from 148 entries to be displayed. It has just returned from it's travels during the past year.

This is the first of my "On the Rocks" series of Art Quilts.

cotton fabric, paint, thread, batting, yarns, fibers, beads

See more Art Quilts and other items at my website- http://www.andrusgardensquilts.com/, or see works in progress and inspirations on my blog- http://andrusgardensquilts.com/blog