Three Creative Studios

Sue Bleiweiss
I first learned to sew as a child but my exploration of fiber arts really began in 2002 when I decided to make it my full time pursuit. Over the years I've explored a wide range of mixed media and fiber art techniques ranging from ways to manipulate fabric with paints and dyes to working with non-traditional materials such as tissue paper, foil and tea bag wrappers.

For the last several years I have worked primarily in 3D and creating sculptural objects, such as boxes or vases, or functional ones like journals and sketchbooks. Recently I have begun exploring quilted wall art and I’m very excited about this new direction my work is moving in and the challenges that it presents.

When I'm not working in the studio, I like to spend my time cooking in the kitchen or when the weather here in New England where I live, is favorable, you'll find me outside playing with my dogs or relaxing with a book on the deck.

You can see more of my work on my website at www.suebleiweiss.com as well as my blog at http://suebleiweiss.com/blog/

Terri Stegmiller
My quilting journey started around 1993 with traditional quilts, although I've done some type of crafting for as long as I can remember. I soon discovered that "traditional" was not for me, even though I really love looking at traditional quilts. Mixed media has really captured my attention.

I am concentrating most of my efforts these days on creating art quilts with a multitude of techniques and surface design. Texture and color play a big role in my art. I find that I'm drawn to creating female faces and flowers. I also enjoy cats and love to portray them in my work as well.

I love flower gardening and also enjoy reading. I have no formal art education. My education is through my experience. I love the challenge of learning a new technique or process and making it work for my needs.

Visit my website and blog to see more of my work: www.terristegmiller.com and http://stegart.blogspot.com.

Vicki Welsh
I have been making things as long as I can remember. I started sewing when I was six and focused on garment sewing and then tailoring in the mid 1990’s. I said I would never quilt, but then I made my first quilt as a gift. That led me to where I am today with an APQS Millennium in my basement. Then my best friend took fabric dyeing classes and I said I would never dye my own fabric. She set up to do some dyeing at our annual Craft Week. Now I have a fabric dyeing business.

Creativity is a journey and I am enjoying every step along the path. I enjoy everything from traditional quilting to mixed media to dyeing and even soap making. The central theme of all of my fiber arts is color.

Most of my work today is focused on exploring fabric dyeing techniques and developing creative ways to use my fabrics. Who knows where I will head next, but I have certainly learned to never say “never”.

Outside of my creative life I work as a Project Manager in the insurance industry. My husband does the cooking and gardening so my free time is all my creative time and I enjoy having audio books to keep me company.

Visit my blog to see more of my work: www.vickiwelsh.com