Shell Rummel talks Business, Creative Process & Quilting Fabric with Quilt Addicts Anonymous!

Last week I sat down to chat with Stephanie Soebbing from Quilt Addicts Anonymous about my newest collection of quilting cottons for Free Spirit Fabrics, called Natural Affinity.

I really enjoy Steph and as you’ll see, the conversation flows with a relaxed ease. It’s always interesting when two entrepreneurs chat about the personal challenges their businesses face and this conversation goes there in a real and honest way. I am so grateful for the Quilt Shops ( brick and mortar and online resellers) who bring my quilting collections to the quilting community. Big love to Quilt Addicts Anonymous for being such a strong supporter of my brand for so many years.

Have a watch/listen…hope my words inspire you!

Paper Marbling

I took a Paper Marbling class this past weekend at the Common Room Studio in Alexandria, VA... (super cool little space for creative endeavors owned by Nole Garey, renowned blogger from Oh So Beautiful Paper, so check it out;) Taught by Kelly Laughlin from Baltimore, I have admired Kelly's beautiful hand made papers for years, so I was particularly excited to have an opportunity to learn the basics from her. The space is light filled, casual and cool... a great place to spend a few hours on a Sunday afternoon. 

Kelly Laughlin (@kellylaughlin_) doing several demonstrations of her practice

Marbled papers drying at Common Room Studio

Suminagashi is an ancient Japanese art form of decorating papers with inks which float on water's surface. Whether you want it to or not, like painting with watercolors, the pigment is at the mercy of the current, tends to have a mind of its own and swirls into ever changing patterns. One of the reasons I love watercolors so much is that there is an inherent imperfection to the medium... water tends to flow as it wishes and so part of the process is giving in to a moment, relinquishing total control and letting it take you to a beautiful new place. There's something very meditative about that. Understandable then, why the art of Suminagashi speaks to me as it does.  

I spent more time swirling ink on water than actually dipping paper in... loved the movement.

A few of my works, drying next to my pan of marbled water... my colors;)

Of course, those who are familiar with my art and design will recognize that I have been hand painting designs for years that mimic the natural undulating patterns of the suminagashi technique. I love organic lines and I study them... In my world of design, those lines often become part of patterning which graces many products in my fine art and home decor portfolio, from bedding duvets, to fabrics, to wallpaper, to wedding invitations to wall art... Here are a few of my hand painted versions... see the inspired connection between them? 

Shell Rummel Bedding

Shell Rummel Wallpaper

Shell Rummel Fine Art

I loved the class, met some great people and really enjoyed learning the basics. Now I'd like to dig a bit deeper into this medium and really see what's possible. I am picturing something a bit grander in scale... oh yes, I have a vision... so stay tuned;) 

Process: How Our Rugs are Made...

I am so proud to work with Surya on my wool rugs and silk pillow collections. Not only are the final products absolutely gorgeous but even more than that, this is a company that is giving back to the beautiful people who all give so much of themselves to create our products.

This video of the process of how our rugs are made is fascinating to watch...  I am humbled by the process and grateful to those skilled artisans whose artistry, time and energy goes into the making of my collections. 

Enjoy!