My inspiration for my piece "Tree Trunk Bark"

Years ago I made this quilt for my Mom.

It was one of the first quilts that I used free motion quilting on, and even free motioned my name and message. When I was sewing the quilt I would put all the tiny scraps in a jar (for what purpose, I did not know), but I loved the fabric and because it was going to be gifted, I wanted to save all the scraps for "someday". Now that both my parents have passed, and the quilt is back with me displayed on a bed that I see everyday. I have the jar of scraps on my sewing shelf and smile when I bump into it.

So ... the other part of the inspiration for the "Tree Bark" quilt is two things. As I am

working on sorting my buttons, I have been putting the older, browns and blacks in a jar. The jar actually sits next to the jar of tiny scraps from the quilt. For years I've been bumping into these two jars - not knowing what I'd ever do with them.

Recently I fell in love with watching Sarah Eyton's YouTube videos of her Dad, Anthony Eyton and his paintings. I just love the relationship they both have and the way she talks with her "daddy". It made me want to have a better relationship with my own parents, but sadly they are both gone now. One video shows Anthony hugging a tree, and the inspiration that the tree gave him through the years. - for some reason it made me cry.

I watched the video several times - the next day I walked by the quilt i had made for mom and as I entered my sewing room, and the jar of scraps from that quilt caught my eye. I knew that minute what I'd do with it. I was going to create a tree trunk - inspired by the memory of my Mom and the wonderful feelings I got from the relationship that Anthony and Sarah had.

You never know where your source of inspiration will come from, or when you know exactly what to create. -

I Hope you enjoyed learning a bit of insight into one source of inspiration for me.