Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Candy Kisses

I know it is probably a bit early to start thinking about Valentines Day but i just had to share with you Sandy Gervais' new line of fabric coming out later this month called "Candy Kisses" made especially for the Valentine's Day holiday. See what she has to say about her new collection and the inspiration behind it's creation:

Candy Kisses
As a child Valentine’s Day was always a favorite holiday of mine. Not because I received valentines with a stick of gum inside, but because I loved making the valentines and
“The Box”. This was typically made from an old shoe box. I would first cover it with construction paper. I would then cut out as many construction paper hearts, of all shapes and sizes, as I could possibly fit on the box. Lastly, a slit was made on the top of the box for receiving the Valentines.

Back in my day we did not have “scrapbooking” stores that had endless amounts of papers, doodads, glitters, stamps, markers, punches etc. We were pretty much limited to red, pink and white construction paper a pair of scissors and that awful Elmer’s school paste. Remember this? It came in a jar with a stiff plastic wand, for spreading the pasty white stuff. Remember how you usually ended up just spreading it around with your fingers.

Every year I also made Valentine people. They too were cut from construction paper with their head/body (it was all one) being a big heart and their legs and arms skinny strips of construction paper accordion folded and attached to the head/body with gold brads. Eyes and a big smile where added with crayons. I usually added a big construction paper bow at the “imaginary” neck. Do you suppose kids these days even make these characters? – I’m sure not. Can they even take Valentines to school anymore? – Probably not.

My Valentine’s line of fabric is always a relatively easy line for me to design. The colors and motifs are pretty much predetermined – mostly hearts of reds, pinks, and creams. Although this line has plenty of hearts it also features some great no nothing prints, dots and stripes that can be used any time of the year.

The popularity of Moda’s pre-cuts, aka Jelly Rolls™, Layer Cakes™, Honey Buns™ and Turnovers™ make me think of cakes and cupcakes. Large heart shaped boxes filled with candy are also a big part of Valentine’s Day as well. With these ingredients I had the beginnings of the panel, which is the first part of the fabric line that I paint, followed by the painting of the companion prints and stripes.

I have designed a pattern for the panel and one for each of the pre-cuts. Using the pre-cuts you can whip up all of these projects in very little time. (Almost like using a cake mix.) My favorite is the pattern using the Charm Pack™ called This Takes the Cake. This pattern features a cake with rick rack for the filling. The rick rack is included in the pattern.

I hope you enjoy making the projects using this fabric as much as I enjoyed designing the fabric.

I must go. I suddenly have a craving for cake!


From My Heart,
Sandy Gervais

P.S. Moda will be introducing a new pre-cut this coming spring. They will be called Dessert Rolls™. These will consist of ten 5” X width of fabric strips. Look for these in my Christmas line Crazy Eight due out in May 2009.


Thank you Sandy for sharing with us a little about you and the inspiration behind your creations! You can learn more about Sandy and all the beautiful patterns and fabrics that she has created at her website.


If you would like further information regarding this line of fabric, feel free to email me or visit my website to see the fabrics from this collection that are available at my shop now!

Sincerely,

Carmen

3 comments:

Carrie P. said...

I remember making those Valentine people too.

Anonymous said...

Snow?! I can't even see the street out my front window LOL and more to come (sigh). Spokane-gotta love it! I'm new to the blog world,too. Haven't started my own (yet) but I love all the great ideas and stories on quilter blogs. Your family looks so happy! Merry Christmas

lissa said...

Today is new Years day! Ready to put away the Christmas and start on Valentines projects. I can't wait to make the valentine cake quilt since I am not much of a baker.

modalissa