As you may already know, I love to take pictures of God’s handiwork in hopes a few might possibly inspire a quilt. I’ve collected quite a few of these photos and put them in a folder entitled “Inspiration”.
We have a really gnarly tree in front of our kitchen window, just outside our breezeway door.
As I walked past it recently I noticed a nest.
I wasn’t tall enough to peek in, so I held my phone aloft and hit the button. It may be one of my best photos yet:
What skill!!!
So I searched out my old folder and had fun looking at some photographs from the past. I can’t resist sharing a few 😊. The colors alone get my ideas flowing, but the shapes and textures take it to a new level. These are from my trip to Hawaii in 2019 (can you tell I love green?):
And here’s a photo of a piece of fascinating driftwood I took in North Carolina:
This tree at the end of the road we used to live on is no longer there, but I loved the contrast of raindrops and then the clear windshield.
My travels took me to Sedona a few years ago. What beauty!
Sometimes I’m inspired by the photos of others. My sister-in-law posted some she took while on a Danube River Cruise in May. This one was taken in Vienna.
She and my brother are really into biking and I loved this bike shot from that same trip (thanks Mary Sue):
Back to my folder. I found a few in Autumn colors that grabbed me too:
And some beautiful skies:
I also had some intriguing photos of birds:
There seems to be no end to the inspiration around us. I have actually decided to use a few of these photos in a current ThreadBender’s challenge. You’ll have to wait to see what comes of it.
Oh, as I was putting this post together the eggs hatched, the babies grew,
and they’ve flown away. What a joy to watch the cycle of life and share it with the kids. I call this one “waiting for momma to return with a worm”:
Do you have a favorite photo that might inspire a quilt?
judy raddatz says
Wonderful post as usual especially the sky photographs. Tells us all to take time to enjoy this wonderful world. Keep up the inspiring work.
Jackie Herrick says
This is for Yvonne, The River Bank Fabric and More Retreat Center in Oquawka, IL is very close to the Mississippi river. If she is interested the store number is 309-559-1070.
Good luck
Sandra Robertson says
The second leaf picture has great quilt lines!!
Brenda says
Chris, I really enjoyed seeing your inspirational pictures. I too take pictures of God’s creations. I don’t make quilts of them; but, I certainly am inspired and kept at piece by looking at them; even as I drive down the street.
Mary C Miller says
I recently returned from a pilgrimage to Isreal and Rome, wonderful trip. More spiritual than expected. Anyway, in Rome we visited several bascilicas. Massive buildings with beautiful ceilings, so everyone was looking up at those. Well I also looked down, and much to my quilter’s eyes, what do I see in the marble floors but flying geese, diamond shapes, and several other quilt patterns. It became part of the delights of the trip.
I also love to enjoy God’s natural beauty, but man makes many beautiful things too.
Barbara Abplanalp says
Chris – I enjoyed all your photos. Thanks for sharing. Barbara
Margaret says
To Yvonne: Primitive Gatherings Retreat Center (Fox Valley area) will take any number of quilters & you become part of the group. The facilities are wonderful with the quilt shop right next door. Water? They only have a pond on sight.
Betsy Kanago, 775-721-7900 says
Chris, great pictures and thoughts. Re Cara’s request, I live just outside Carson City and would be happy to help her. There are MANY handy helping hands in this area. Just have her give me a call and we can coordinate. It’s a small world!
Gail Smith says
Loved all your photos.
Marilyn Craig says
Hi Chris,
I am a bit late in responding and hope that Yvonne sees this. There are two cabins that might be what she is looking for. Both are situated on the property of a church camp that is located near Waupaca. Both cabins have a view of Pine Lake and are available year-round. Scotch Pine is newly remodeled and I thought that it would be a perfect get-away when I toured it earlier this year. Len’s Place is the other that would work; although, I did not personally tour this cabin.
The camp itself holds sewing/crafting retreats and also has the Evergreen Retreat Center available for private group rental. I’m sure the managers would be willing to answer any questions. During the summer months there are campers in other buildings.
To find out more information, or to see pictures, go to:
crossways camps.org
Pine Lake
Lodging
Scotch Pine or Len’s Place
You can also contact the camp directors using the information on the website.