Pieces of Friendship

Videos now available

2011-09-20T13:39:00.000-07:00

Look to the left and you will see the two part video I made for those wanting to make a crazy quilted puzzle. From start to finish, I share my process of constructing my pieces. I hope you will enjoy using whatever art you prefer to make and swap your puzzle pieces. I have also added a page which has a printable sheet of four puzzle patterns. Enjoy!

How I construct a puzzle piece

2010-07-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of new interest in the Pieces of Friendship puzzle swap but many are not quite sure how to go about creating a puzzle so I am sharing my directions for a crazy quilted piece here. This can be adapted for any type of art you make, not just fiber/crazy quilting.

I trace the puzzle pattern onto a scrap of muslin.

Using a small fabric image I add pieces of coordinating fabric in the crazy quilt method. Notice the small blue flower on her dress? That is where I take my color choices from.

After covering all areas of traced pattern trim 1/4" outside traced line and trim away excess fabric. I roughly cut out inside curves.

Gather embellishments...

Embellish while making note of where the puzzle pattern ends on back. Take embellishments all the way to edge of traced line.

Choose a backing fabric and iron on wonder under.

Trace the puzzle pattern onto a stiff product such as Peltex. I use the fusible Peltex. Cut out on the line.

Press puzzle piece with Art from back side then place Peltex on wrong side and press using a Teflon pressing cloth. Turn over and trim away fabric overhanging Peltex.

Peel wonder under from backing fabric and press on Peltex to sandwich it between Art piece and backing fabric. Trim any fabrics or threads. Sew all around piece using Buttonhole stitch.

Sign back with Pigma pen or iron on label with name and state or country and any other preferred info.

Press flat and post in your album on the yahoo group to swap.

New group for endless swapping

2009-11-14T16:02:00.000-08:00

I have take the suggestion of several friends and created a Pieces of Friendship Yahoo Group. This group is open to anyone who cares to create puzzle shaped art and swap them out with another.
With my family life needing more attention lately, I decided the puzzle swap would be a perfect candidate for a Yahoo group. Much like the chain of hearts Yahoo group.
You just click on the button to the right and join. Fill out your info in the database and you will find the pattern for the sheet of puzzle pieces to print out in the files.
When you finish a puzzle to swap, you post it..you make a photo album..I will help if you need me. Only post a piece and choose another if you are ready to mail it out within a day or two. I will post more soon.
Please take a browse and let me know your opinions.

Puzzle swaps growing

2009-09-22T16:05:00.000-07:00

My friend Lisa had a puzzle swap for her group Art4mail. Check it out. Very neat Lisa!

Mailed last puzzle pieces ......whew!

2009-09-11T08:26:00.000-07:00

Finally....Darlene D, Gina B, Laurie W, Orinda S, Mary S, and Terisa H...your puzzle pieces are on their way. Whew! I am sorry about the terrible packaging but I wanted these in the mail today so I rushed. I have no idea who got what, I just placed them in envelopes and addressed each one. These are the last ones....I think. If I missed someone who exchanged with me this time around, please let me know and I will check my records again.

Again, so sorry for the terrible wait you had. I love all of my pieces and look forward to swapping more. Let me breath first, LOL.

Mailed off five!

2009-08-19T17:02:00.001-07:00

I am getting there slowly but surely. Summer has been hopping and I have been doing the best I can in working on everything. These five were mailed out and hopefully arriving to their destinations. I have a few more to make...sorry ladies. I am getting there. I just heard Liz received hers today!! Yes!

Working on puzzles..................

2009-08-12T16:21:00.000-07:00

I really am close to mailing off the final puzzle pieces I owe. This is not typical of me, and I do apologize. I bit off more than I could chew, being summer and all. (Gotta blame it on something)
Proof that I have been working on them.....just a peek of two.

Browse blogs.........

2009-07-03T04:32:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. All the pieces that I have sent should have arrived by now. Please browse the blogs on the sidebar to see where your pieces ended up if you like.
I will be working on the IOU pieces the next couple of weeks and ship them off upon completion instead of waiting for all to be finished. Please let me know when they arrive. Thank you for your patience :-)

Happy and safe 4th to ladies in US!

Another puzzle piece..

2009-06-10T14:18:00.000-07:00

I finished another puzzle piece today. My Cottonwood allergy has left me with a raw throat and feeling lethargic. Although I feel like I could sleep for days I decided it would be best to keep moving forward so I grabbed a stitching project, bottle of water, turned on the fountain and planted myself in the garden for a few hours. I made progress on a birthday project, and completed another puzzle piece. I need to finish the edges and off it goes.

Another puzzle piece

2009-06-09T16:49:00.000-07:00

Hi ladies. Sorry if I sounded like I was complaining in the last post. Sometimes I capture the moment in words, but no way was I complaining, and yes, I do want to do this again :-)

After I cleared my mind, which wasn't too hard, LOL, it all went smoothly.
I finished another piece with two more in the embellishing stage.This just needs the blanket stitching. I love this image of the little girls.
Tomorrow I must work on a birthday gift for a surprise party next week, then back to making puzzles and the big gift shop order. Little bit at a time.......
Just like I tell mom when she looks forlorn at the dune we are about to climb, look down at your feet and take small steps...little bit at a time and before you know it..you are at the top with energy to spare!
Anyway, forgive my rantings, I enjoyed this swap and look forward to more. However I will be better prepared to swap next time. :-)
Have a great evening.

Mailing tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

Whoever is standing in line behind me tomorrow at the post office is going to be one unhappy camper. I swapped out the puzzle pieces and have them labeled,packed,and in a bag ready to head off in the morning.
Some of you will have an IOU for a puzzle piece from me. I have started working on them today and will ship them off as I finish. I hope that is ok. I didn't want to hold up your other pieces, so I will just ship mine separately.

I found a way to swap out the pieces fairly. First I set aside the swappers who definitely wanted to swap with me. I then swapped one of mine with theirs until I was out. Next I made piles of pieces according to names and turned them upside down. Then I chose 4 pieces from random piles until all were gone. I checked to make sure the pieces tagged for certain people were swapped correctly. Finally, the not so fun part, addressing envelopes and filling out custom forms. I am really sick of writing my name by now, but so happy I am finished.

These will ALL be mailed in the morning. Thanks for your patience, your kind gifts, and for playing along in the Pieces of Friendship swap #1.
I will post info in the Fall for the next round for those interested.

puzzles

2009-06-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

A view of all puzzle pieces.........
These aren't assembled properly, but it gives you an idea of how many were sent. Wow!

Whoa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Swapping them out

2009-06-04T06:56:00.000-07:00

Alright,I think I left my organization skills in PA, or somewhere along the trip.
I sat in the floor with DH last night to swap out the pieces.....first suggestion....do it yourself. It became such a mess that I have put everything on hold until after class on Saturday. I will not be mailing these out until next week. I just wanted to let you know so you won't be expecting them sooner.
I know I wouldn't have been overwhelmed if I didn't have class prep on my mind, or if I had all of my own pieces made to swap out. I only have 8 done. These are the last four I finished.
I am so pleased with the turnout from this swap. Everyone did such a beautiful job and I can't wait until everyone receives their pieces.
I want to thank each of you for participating and hope you will want to continue as the swap continues in the Fall.
I also want to thank you for the thoughtful and generous "gifts & bribes" you sent. I love everything and can't wait to play with my new items.
Hang in there , I will get these sent out very soon :-)

Terisa Brooks-Huddleston

2009-06-02T16:07:00.000-07:00

Terisa sent her pieces as well.Beautiful vintage fabrics used for crazy patch pieces and embellished with embroidery,beading,and sequins.Great job Terisa!

Jody Shields

2009-06-02T16:05:00.000-07:00

Jody Shields also sent pieces to exchange. Fun pieces with beautiful buttons. Great job Jody.

Wendy Shu 9 pieces

2009-06-02T15:55:00.000-07:00

Also 9 pieces from Wendy Shu of Singapore arrived. Quite an amazing selection of embroidered and beaded pieces. Wendy included a tatted charm for each recipient, and your piece will be tucked away in an organza bag.
I have included pictures of each one because the group picture was too blurry. Sorry, but I'm sure you don't mind pretty eye candy!
Thank you for the gorgeous goodies Wendy. WOW! You really shouldn't have. Great job!

Kathy Vorenberg

2009-06-02T15:53:00.001-07:00

Pieces arrived from Kathy Vorenberg. Beautiful fabrics with amazing beaded embellishments. Great job Kathy!

Pieces from Freda Butler

2009-06-02T15:51:00.001-07:00

Freda Butler's pieces arrived also.Beautiful felted pieces with embellishing. Wonderful job Freda. Thank you for the amazing variety of goodies. So much, I couldn't believe my eyes.

Orinda Spence

2009-06-02T15:49:00.000-07:00

Pieces from Orinda Spence. Crazy patched, heavily embellished pastels. Great job Orinda, I'm happy you joined us :-)

Janine Franc

2009-06-02T15:47:00.001-07:00

Pieces arrived from Janine Franc. Crazy patched, beading, heavy embellishing. Wonderful Janine!

Pieces from Jennifer Wilson-Parkes

2009-06-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

Pieces arrived from Jennifer of Canada. Nature related crazy patched with embroidery. Great job Jen.

Names of those whose Puzzle Pieces I have received.

2009-06-02T14:56:00.000-07:00

I have received puzzle pieces from the following participants:

1-Alice Topp of Wisconsin
2-Arlene White of the UK
3-Amber Rutz of Ohio
4-Annette Jeavons of the UK
5-Cathy Kizerian of Utah
6-Cindy Berghuis of Minnesoata
7-Darlene Doerscher of Michigan
8-Elizabeth Woodford of Virginia
10-Freda Butler of Illinois
11-Gina Brummett of Indiana
12-Grace Danel of Indiana
13-Ira Rosenshtein of Israel
14-Janine Franc of Pennsylvania
15-Jennifer Wilson-Parkes of Canada
16-Jody Shields of New Mexico
17-Judy Shaw of Washington
18-Karrin Hurd of California
19-Kathy Vorenberg of New Mexico
20-Kerry Leslie of Canada
21-Laurie Walton of Maine
22-Liz Waechter of Kansas
23-Lynn Sletta of Minnesota
24-Maggie Robinson of Canada
25-Marjorie Holme of Illinois
26-Mary Schuber of California
27-Melusine Gray of England
28-Micki Butler of Ireland
29-Orinda Spence of Colorado
30-Pat Winter of Indiana
31-Robin Robboy of Georgia
33-Sharon Chapman of Washington
34-Terisa Brooks-Huddleson of California
35-Terri Takacs of Connecticut
36-Wendy Shu of Singapore

Haven't received as of June 1st

Deborah of Georgia
Jaffy
Joy Brooks
Kathy (&Dan
Lana Richey
Lisa Alff of NC*
Margaret
Patti Edmon
Ronel Webb of S. Africa
Sara
Tina Johnson
Veleta of OR
(Please email to let me know if they are on their way. I will wait for them if so.Thank you.)

*Thank you all for participating in the first Pieces of Friendship puzzle swap. I will be swapping these out as soon as I know all have arrived that are coming, with the help of DH so I don't select all of the purple pieces for myself ;-)
I think everyone will be pleased with their swaps.

Deadline approaching...............

2009-05-28T15:10:00.000-07:00

Just a gentle reminder to let you know the puzzle pieces are due on Monday, June 1st. So, if you can get them mailed this week, that would be great. The pieces that have arrived are amazing and everyone will be happy with their return pieces I'm sure. Thank you all for playing, and let me know who is interested in another round. There are no plans at this time, and with Summer and gardening keeping most of us busy, it will probably be in the Autumn.

Liz Waechter

2009-05-28T15:07:00.000-07:00

Pieces arrived from Liz Waechter today. The little faces are adorable, and there are 8 to swap! Cool. Wonderful work.

Robin Robboy

2009-05-28T15:06:00.001-07:00

Robin Robboy sent her pieces also.The varied stitching is striking against the background.Great job!

Arlene White's puzzles

2009-05-28T15:02:00.000-07:00

Arlene White of the UK
Arlene used the crazy patch method as well and did a beautiful job. Great job Arlene!

Puzzle pieces from Gina Brummett

2009-05-28T14:59:00.000-07:00

Several more puzzle pieces arrived this afternoon. First we have Gina Brummett's pieces.Gina used tatting on her pieces. Beautiful work Gina.

Pieces from Melusine of England

2009-05-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

Arriving today was pieces by Melusine of England. She used three different techniques which she describes on the back of each puzzle piece.
~~~ The one on the left is wet-method felt, with red satin buttonhole stitched in red silk to create a poppy, which is finished off with black silk French knots and pistil stitches. The felt was attached to the stiffener fabric with black glass beads.

~~~The middle one is a piece of candlewicking and is worked in candlewicking thread on calico (US: muslin). The central heart is stem stitched padded satin stitch surrounded by a heart outline done in twilling stitch. The flowers are lazy daisy stitch with a French knot centre - two of which have stem stitch stems with fish bone stitch leaves.

Very nice Melusine. Thank you for the pretty fabric piece.

Pieces from Maggie Robinson of Canada

2009-05-27T17:42:00.000-07:00

Last but not least, pieces from Maggie Robinson arrived from Canada yesterday. Beautiful Maggie.
Thank you for the goodies Maggie, you sent WAY too much young lady :-)

I am excited to see so many crazy quilted pieces. With so many varied applications, everyone should have quite a nice selection of beautiful art.

Pieces from Laurie Walton of Maine

2009-05-27T17:38:00.000-07:00

Also, pieces from Laurie Walton of Maine arrived yesterday. Laurie incorporated a very interesting lace circle effect on each piece. Hmmmm, how did she do that????
Great job Laurie.

Alice Topp pieces

2009-05-27T17:36:00.000-07:00

Puzzle pieces from Alice Topp of WI arrived as well. Don't these look fun? Wonderful faces Alice, and CQ to boot! Great job.

Cindy Berghuis puzzles

2009-05-27T17:33:00.000-07:00

Cindy Berghuis of MN also made crazy pieced puzzles. Lovely. Great job Cindy.

Pieces from Mary Schuberg of CA

2009-05-27T17:29:00.000-07:00

Mary's pieces also arrived yesterday. There are interesting metal star shapes on these crazy pieced puzzles although the pic doesn't show them off very well. Interesting technique. Well done Mary.

puzzle pieces from Lynn Sletta of MN

2009-05-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

Lynn's puzzle pieces arrived yesterday along with several others. Very elegant looking! Great job Lynn!!!

Puzzle pieces from Micki Butler of Ireland

2009-05-25T03:50:00.001-07:00

Micki Butler of Ireland sent her pretty red work puzzle pieces. They are very well done however the size is a bit large. I am not sure what to do about this. Any suggestions? Micki, the work is beautiful.

I am putting an example up so if anyone else thinks their pieces are larger than 4 inches by 4 inches, total measurement , please check.

Darlene Doerscher's puzzle pieces arived

2009-05-19T17:28:00.000-07:00

Darlene's pieces have arrived!! One reads,"Little boats should keep near shore" with a summer sea theme, how cute. She embroidered a vintage water pump in a garden and one represents breast Cancer awareness. A nice variety. Thanks Darlene, great job!

Kerry Leslie's puzzle pieces arrived today!

2009-05-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

Along with Grace Danel's pieces, Kerry of Canada also sent hers.Two sea themed pieces, cool! Very nice job Kerry!

Puzzle pieces from Grace Danel arrived!!!

2009-05-15T14:32:00.000-07:00

Grace Danel, a magnificent beader, and Hoosier :-) sent her pieces. Special beaded elements "grace" her puzzle pieces. Great job Grace!!!

Just arrived Pieces from Ira Rosenshtein

2009-05-13T12:45:00.000-07:00

Ira's puzzle pieces just arrived! Ira used the crazy patch method and did a fabulous job. So much too see on each piece. Thank you Ira for the goodies to cover shipping.The pieces are pouring in now as we approach the deadline of June 1st.
Remember, you do not have to crazy quilt...all media is welcome.

Puzzle pieces from Annette Jeavons

2009-05-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

I also received these fun pieces from Annette Jeavons . Mixed media including paper,paints and metal were used in her art puzzles.I really like this method. Very nice Annette.

puzzle pieces from Sharon Chapman

2009-05-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

Sharon sent her beautiful embroidered pieces for the swap. Delicate detailed bouquets. Wonderful Sharon.

Puzzle pieces from Elizabeth

2009-05-10T04:13:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Woodford sent these wonderful pieces. She used paper collage and metallic fibers embellished with flower sequins and a sweet charm on each, I love the words peeking through. Great job Elizabeth!

Grace's Pieces

2009-05-08T16:17:00.001-07:00

Grace finished her pieces too!!! I wonder how I knew there would be beads involved??? :-)
Beautiful Grace.

Kerry Leslie's puzzle pieces

2009-05-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

Kerry Leslie informed me a while back that she had completed her pieces. Somehow I thought I had posted them, so sorry Kerry!!!
One was posted twice, but Kerry did make 4. I will photograph them and post when they arrive. They are so pretty Kerry! Nice job!!!!!!

Ira finished her pieces

2009-05-04T09:59:00.000-07:00

Ira is putting these pretties in the mail soon. All of the puzzle pieces I am receiving are absolutely fantastic. You are all really doing such a great job. Wow! Here I was worried I requested a difficult task, but you took that pattern and created some of the pretties works of art!!!!! When I receive them all, I'll just announce my dog ate them and hoard them for myself,LOL. Unfortunately, most of you know I only have a chihuahua and there is no way she could eat them all :-(.........I'll have to come up with some other excuse I guess.

6 Puzzle pieces from Marjorie Holme of IL

2009-05-04T09:33:00.000-07:00

Marjorie delivered her puzzle pieces on Saturday. The gals taking my CQ class loved them. Marjorie incorporated felting in her pieces and each are beautiful designs. Thanks for the little visit Marjorie!! Your pieces are gorgeous.
Here are all the pieces quickly placed together received so far.I have pieces from Terri Takacs, Amber Rutz, Judy Shaw,Kathleen Ward, Cathy Kizerian, Marjorie Holme, and my self. You have until June 1st to send your pieces, one month away.:-)

Puzzle pieces from Judy of WA

2009-05-01T05:44:00.000-07:00

These pretty puzzle pieces arrived from Judy yesterday. The colors are so much more vibrant and pretty in person. Beautiful silk fabrics and such detail. The tiny bees are so adorable. Wonderful job Judy! Isn't this a cute card? Thanks for the card, thread,shark tooth and sea glass!!! :-) This is my first shark tooth!!!!!

When you are ready to mail your pieces to me.......

2009-04-30T11:49:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder
email for address please. Include a self addressed stamped envelope. The same size envelope you sent them to me in so I can be sure the return pieces will fit and postage will be covered. If you cannot do this, you can bribe me with some small bit of CQ stash. I do not need stash, but an addiction is an addiction! :-) That being said, please, NO hostess gifts. I know you appreciate playing, but gifts are very unnecessary.

June first is deadline

2009-04-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

I was speaking to Marjorie today and learned that she along with a few others thought the puzzle pieces were due on May first. I am so sorry, that was the first due date but I moved it to June first to accommodate more swappers. I posted it on this blog, but never changed it on my Gatherings blog. I apologize and hope you do not rush to your mail box. You have one more month.

JUNE FIRST IS DEADLINE for puzzle pieces

Noel's puzzle pieces

2009-04-29T16:03:00.000-07:00

I found these pretty puzzle pieces on Noel's blog and grabbed them to share. They are too cute!I love those faces!!!!! Way to go Noel!

6 puzzle pieces from Marjorie Holme of IL

2009-04-29T13:50:00.000-07:00

My friend Marjorie Holme of IL is dropping these beautiful puzzle pieces off at the Art Center on Saturday during her visit to Chesterton. Marjorie is a very talented needlewoman and works a lot with counted thread projects which shows in her detailed pieces. I can't wait to see them in person. What a wonderful variety. Naturally my eye landed the green and purple flower filled piece. :-) Great job Marjorie!! Love em'

Examples of puzzle from Patti Edmond

2009-04-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

I was delighted when Patti Edmond offered to share her puzzle pieces on this blog. Although she is not "playing", I thank her so much for allowing me to share her examples of puzzle pieces made without fabrics so everyone knows you do not have to make a crazy quilt puzzle piece to play. We want all media.
So, here are some of Patti's pieces. (Thanks Patti!!!!)

Puzzle piece from Judy of WA

2009-04-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share this piece from Judy. Another beautiful puzzle piece. I just want them all!!!!! Beautiful job Judy!

Puzzle piece from Kathy of MN

2009-04-23T04:51:00.000-07:00

I spotted this lovely puzzle piece from Kathy of MN this morning.....It's PURPLE too!!!!!!! Beautiful job Kathy!!!!

Puzzle pieces from Amber Rutz

2009-04-08T16:29:00.000-07:00

Amber's puzzles arrived this afternoon. They are so much more detailed than her photo shows. Amber, the bullion stitched trees are so adorable. Goodness, what a lot of stitching and beading. Great job!
Thank you for the little felted pin cushions and the little knitted needle case. That was sweet of you and I will use them that's for certain!

Puzzle pieces from Cathy Kizerian

2009-04-06T16:51:00.001-07:00

Cathy's puzzle pieces arrived on Saturday. Cathy, they are just beautiful. Here are the pieces from me, Terri T, and Cathy K placed together.............
friendships are growing!!!!
~Cathy, thank you for the beautiful vintage laces :-) I placed the purple piece in my purple purse stash jar.....my collection for a large purple purse made from purple gifties from friends and special finds.

Amber from Ohio.....puzzle pieces

2009-04-01T03:43:00.000-07:00

Amber has finished her puzzle pieces and they are beaded!!!!
Spring tree................
A cheerful heart and paisley....cute Dfly!
Look at the trees...the far right in back has a bee hive! Cute!
Can't wait to see these in person. Great job Amber!

Cathy K finished her fourth puzzle piece

2009-03-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

Cathy K has finished her fourth puzzle piece. Feast your eyes on this....then, go drool over her latest lace shopping excursion...oh my goodness! If I get to Utah, I am looking her up for a day of shopping!

Pieces from Sharon Chapman

2009-03-27T05:08:00.000-07:00

Sharon Chapman completed these three beautiful pieces. Someone asked about piecing and how a puzzle can be nice without several fabrics.....here you go! A Spring bouquet in the center is beautiful, and no piecing! Lovely Sharon!

Puzzle piece from Karrin Hurd.

2009-03-27T05:05:00.000-07:00

Karrin has shared another puzzle piece with us. The little image is so sweet. Great job Karrin!

Pieces from Cathy K

2009-03-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

I only have time for one activity on the computer, and I chose to update this blog and add Cathy K's three puzzle pieces. They are wonderful, and I know Cathy is a perfectionist (saying that in a friendly voice) so she is not pleased 100% with these. I have no idea why. I think they are perfect just as they are. I know I would be thrilled to receive any of them.

I also wanted to add a new "player", Elizabeth Woodford. She is a Jack(Jacquelyn) of all trades, and I am thrilled she is joining us.
Anyone can join as long as you know you will be able to complete four pieces and mail them to me by June 1st. Any medium welcome. These do not have to be crazy quilted.

Puzzle pieces arrive from Terri Takacs!!!

2009-03-22T07:11:00.000-07:00

Don't be alarmed, you have 2+ months to send in your pieces. I just wanted to share Terri's pieces with you to show how they will go together when yours arrive. You may collect as many as you wish and assemble however you wish. This is just an example, and I know Terri won't mind me sharing her work. Please remember to let me know if your puzzle pieces can be posted on our blog here. Thanks :-)

Thank you Terri! They are lovely!!!

Puzzle piece from Cindy

2009-03-12T14:57:00.000-07:00

Cindy started on her puzzle pieces too. Here is her first one.Just beautiful!..........and purple!!!!!!

Puzzle pieces from Terri Takacs

2009-03-12T14:27:00.000-07:00

I had time to browse a bit and found that Terri has been working (playing) hard on her puzzle pieces. Feast your eyes on these..................
First...
Second...
Third....
Fourth (in progress)
Beautiful Terri!

Found another piece from Karrin

2009-03-05T07:28:00.000-08:00

Well, I just found this beautiful puzzle piece from Karrin H. Lovely!

More puzzle pieces from a swapper :-)

2009-03-05T07:18:00.000-08:00

I wanted to keep you inspired and share Cathy K's puzzle pieces. Yum! Look what she has done to these in a more recent post! Great job Cathy.

Please be patient with me :-)

2009-03-04T11:11:00.000-08:00

I wanted to let you know that I am trying to get all of the swappers added to the side bar linked to their blog...this is why you will see an asterisk by your name. This is just my sign that I have that person linked. If you don't see your name on the sidebar and want to lend me a hand,please email your blog link. That would make it much easier :-)

I don't have much computer time this week...painting for MIL rentals. I should have things in order sometime next week. Thank you for your patience.

4th puzzle piece

2009-03-03T06:31:00.000-08:00

***First I wanted to let everyone know that all info for the swap is on this new blog if you scroll all the way down to the first post.

I am getting a late start this morning so I thought I would take advantage of my "lateness" and post my fourth piece. I will be clipping all edges and applying Fray check because I used an assortment of fabrics such as silk dupioni and baby does that run wild! Thank you Diane for the suggestion. I have two tubes and never use it. Duh!

I have received many questions and I will answer them as they arrive on new posts here,on this blog. I will not mention names, just answer questions so everyone can possibly benefit.

Now,let me pick apart my puzzle so those of you who think they must be perfect can relax.

#1~As you can see, I used a blanket stitch (buttonhole) on my pieces. I did not measure or mark my stitches because for one, that's not my style, and this is supposed to be a fun item to swap with new and old friends, not to be judged or on display at a museum. So, lighten up, take a deep breath, and enjoy these small projects. You know if your work is something you would like to receive or not. If it takes you five minutes to make a piece, it probably isn't something you want to swap out right? You have three months left to make four pieces. Trust me, you have time to play. If you want to send more, I will swap out the first four and whatever is left will be swapped. If there aren't enough to swap, they go in the "Puzzle bank" for when new pieces arrive. (Sorry, no interest will be given) ;-)

2.~I placed my four pieces together as an example to show how the outer tabs look larger than the inner tab spaces. This is why they will not interlock like a real puzzle.That is fine, we are crafty and we can tack our pieces together and no gaps will be seen. It doesn't matter because that is negative space and since there is nothing there, we aren't covering any of the embellished design up.

The gaps you see in my photo will be snugged closed.

The fun part of this for me is going to be "working" my puzzle. Trying to place random art pieces together for a wall hanging.Since everyone will be making their own Art using various methods, this will be a very interesting Art piece and each of us will have a one of a kind.

Please remember to let me know if you want to swap with me so I can be ready for swapping. I will continue to make pieces to put into the puzzle bank.

All pieces will be mailed to me by June first.Please email for address.

Gotta run...have a great day!

Player list

2009-02-28T18:19:00.000-08:00

Red has confirmed Black has not. June 1st deadline...still open for players.

0. Alice Topp
1. Amber Rutz * rcvd
2. Annette J *
3. Cathy K * rcvd
4. Cindy *
5. Freda Butler *
6. Gina of IN *
7. Grace *
8. Ira from Israel *
9. Jaffy *
10. Janine Franc
11.Jennifer of Canada
12.Joy Brooks
13. Judy Shaw * rcvd
14. Karrin Hurd *rcvd
15. Kathy (&Dan
16. Kerry of Canada *
17. KV in New Mexico *
18. Lana Richey
19. Laurie Walton *
20.Liz of Kansas *
21.Lynn in MN
22. Maggie R *
23. Marjorie Holme *rcvd
24.Mary (RK)
25. Melusine
26. Micki Butler
27. Pat Winter~ Hostess and participant*
28. Patti Edmon *
29. Robin Robboy *
30.Ronel Webb of S. Africa *
31.Sara *
32. Sharon Chapman *
33.Terisa *
34.Tina Johnson *
35.Wendy Shu *
36.Terri Takacs * rcvd
37. Orinda Spence *
38. Margaret *
39. Veleta of OR *
40. Deborah of Georgia *
41. Elizabeth Woodford* rcvd
42. Lisa Alff of NC*
43. Darlene Doerscher Jastrzebski of MI

My first three puzzle pieces

2009-02-28T18:15:00.000-08:00

I am ready to stitch up number four, but for now, here are the first three pieces~
#1

#2

#3

Jaffy's piece of puzzle

2009-02-28T18:10:00.000-08:00

Jaffy of Rabbittat posted one of her puzzle pieces. Lovely CQ Jaffy!

Puzzle pieces from Laurie in Maine

2009-02-28T18:05:00.000-08:00

Laurie has been creating puzzle pieces. Please take a peek at her beautiful work below. Great job Laurie!

Welcome to Pieces of Friendship puzzle swap blog. Rules at bottom.

2009-02-28T17:56:00.000-08:00

Welcome everyone. I hope this blog is helpful to keep track of the wonderfully creative mixed media puzzle pieces we swap.

Everyone is invited to join in the fun. Meeting new creative souls and viewing their work is exciting for all. This swap in the name of friendship was created for just those reasons. Have fun, Play nice, and share whatever you feel comfortable with.
We will use the 4 inch puzzle piece below.

Anything smaller would be too fussy to deal with, and I want you to have fun with it, and not stress out. The piece above will be our template, so print it out and work with it to make it 4" by 4" so you will be ready to play.If you click on the image, it should open in a separate window for you to print out or save on your computer. It should print four pieces on a reg size sheet of paper.
This is the only pattern you will be using for each person you choose to swap with. I want to be sure we all work with the same size so our "puzzles" can be assembled correctly. If anyone can't print out a 4" piece, let me know and I will send you a paper template if you send me a self addressed stamped envelope.
The idea is to use the pattern to embellish however you wish and finish it off with a backing, no raw edges showing. You can crazy quilt, paint, collage, tat, etc, as long as the piece does not have anything hanging over the edges and would prevent it from fitting into a "puzzle" when complete.
If you work with fabric,use a heavy interfacing or something between front and backing to give it some stiffness. I will most likely be making crazy quilt pieces, so I will embellish the top with tiny beads, embroidery, and a tiny charm, then fuse a stiff interfacing to it and add the backing fabric by using a blanket stitch to sew together to seal raw edges.

Basic requirements to keep in mind:
4 inch puzzle piece pattern for each piece made
Finish off with backing
Nothing dangling over edges
Any artwork you enjoy doing
Tasteful images...some are offended by nudes, even if tasteful :-)
Test your piece to make sure it is the same size as your other pieces. The puzzle tabs will not actually interlock into each other like a regular puzzle. However they can be placed on another piece and tacked to look like they fit as in photo below. Don't get worried and please don't alter the puzzle pattern or there will be a gap in the tab area. I know this doesn't make much sense, but trust me, using the original 4" pattern will be fine.

Be creative! Use paint,charms,threads, inspiring words,fabrics,glass,metal,mica,rubber stamping,etc

If you have any questions, please ask....I am here. Lets have fun!