March! I’m positively thrilled you are here. Winter might end after all! I’m spending this week catching up on old projects that are more creative in nature… little less predictable and more creative adventuring. Bit of whimsy here and a bit of “I wonder how this will turn out” there.
I’m a true believer that inspiration and creativity require play. I was pondering this while planning gifts for two quilter friends, two people who are especially supportive of my creative exploration. I came across these positively stunning blocks for babies from babee and me, which featured half-square triangles. I knew right away that blocks like that would be perfect for quilters who are always playing around with half-square triangles! I got myself some blocks and made these wooden quilt blocks…toys for grown-ups who quilt!
I had so much fun making these! Each block has six sides (duh!) and I made five of the sides in half-square triangles and one in a solid color. I also applied Mod Podge over origami paper for one side, to mimic a fabric print. I tried to think of my friends and the colors they love as I picked the colorways. I also threw in a little gold and silver because, I mean, it’s gold and silver and that is just awesome.
Here is the first set:
They actually take a surprisingly long time to paint these, considering that each half needs to dry before the other half is painted. But, it was so fun to paint instead of sew for once. Painting has this element of mixing colors, which is both fun and frustrating. Really hard to create the exact color in real life compared to what was in my head!
A bit about how to make them. 1. Collect smooth same-sized blocks from the craft store. 2. Place a strip of washi tape (it works better than blue painter’s tape surprisingly. Is there anything that washi tape isn’t good for?!) across the diagonal corners. 3. Paint your choice of color, let it dry, and remove the tape. 4. Place washi tape diagonally and paint the other side. Let that dry and remove the tape and you are done! Now, do that on each side. I also covered each side of the block in Glossy Mod Podge to protect it from nicks and give it a shine.
I painted a wooden box white to keep them in. Grown up toys require organization, you know. I’m hoping these blocks find a place sitting on a studio desk, available whenever inspiration strikes! Happy quilting, friends!
Daniela D says
I LOVE my quilty blocks! I play with them every day for inspiration, for fun, just because. The kids try to steal them from time to time but I tell them that they are mine, mine, MINE! ; ) Every quilter should have a set of these in their studio/sewing room/sewing space! You are the best MQ. Thank you so much for my beautiful quilty blocks. xo
Melissa Q. says
Yay! I love hearing this my adorable quilty inspiration friend!!
Daniela D says
xoxo!
Beth says
With my crazy life, I never had a moment to say a true heartfelt thanks for my quilty blocks. I love them!!! And I received them at a moment that was so perfect in the middle of the madness. Thank you, crafty girl. You have my heart in so many ways. You will never know. xoxoxoxo
Melissa Q. says
Oh yes! And, I forgot to ask, I’m so glad this caught your eye. So happy you like them. Keep rocking Beth!
erin says
what a great idea! looks like so much fun!
Melissa Q. says
Aw, thank you! Back when you asked what I was painting? This is it!
Kelsey says
I really love these and will have to make a set someday. They’re so simple, but so perfect! And I love the little Moshe podged prints. They add a really cute dimension. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Melissa Q. says
Oh, I would LOVE to see them if you make them. I love you color choices so much. You are a fantastic inspiration!
kristin says
ohhhhh these look so fun to play with! and maybe a good quilt design tool too, haha. what a good quilty friend you are. 🙂
Melissa Q. says
Thanks so much. They were definitely fun to make and I know I had fun playing with them! Ha!!
melintheattic says
I love my quilt blocks too! The peach and navy and gold are just perfection. Never mind the origami paper. You’re right– the best ideas come from moments of play. Thank you so much.
Melissa Q. says
Yay!