An inspirational article by my guest blogger – Ellen Lindner
If you enjoyed Ellen’s article, please leave a comment and let her know!
Ah, Now I Feel Better
Not that I felt bad before. But, I had been sitting at the computer for a while, and I wanted a diversion. So, I grabbed my camera and headed for my yard. My goal was to look at things in a new way.
I stepped into a cloudy day, as I started photographing my surroundings, taking my time, and slowly strolling around. Zooming in revealed many wonderful details in my viewfinder. Soon, I had discovered many little treasures in the vegetation I normally just walk past. I was beginning to get that creative buzz in the back of my head, my adrenalin was starting to flow, and I felt like my artistic eyes were slowly reopening.
What a kick!
Here are a couple of photos from my little adventure.
Since I often make quilts inspired by nature, there’s a chance that some of these may, one day, be represented in fabric. But that WASN’T the point of taking these photos. Instead, it was purely meant to be a brief creative activity. And it was. I highly recommend it!
About Ellen
Ellen works in a freeform collage style, while borrowing heavily from traditional quilt making techniques. For her, the process of making art is even more rewarding than the finished product. She recognizes the value of experimentation and play, and considers time spent in these activities, to be time well spent. Entirely self-taught, Ellen has worked most of her adult life as a flight instructor. Now utilizing her teaching expertise at a lower altitude, she offers lectures and workshops in a variety of quilting areas – both in person and via her website Adventure Quilter.
I'm Linda Matthews and welcome to my website. As a textile artist I love to experiment with all sorts of different textile and art quilting techniques; and as I teacher I love to share. I hope you enjoy my website. 
Thanks so much for sharing Ellen. I love your idea and can’t wait to head outside to try this in my own backyard!!!
Ellen, You have great plants there in Florida. I love to take pictures, too. What a great idea when I’m feeling blocked and wondering what to do! Thank you! Franchi
Very impressive Ellen. The color and patterns are pleasing to the eye.
I love those closeups of leaves! Maybe after it quits raining I’ll be able to visit my own backyard. Right now it’s pretty much a swamp!
Ah, to have such talent in the family. Very proud of you!
I have long been an “Ellen Admirer.” Thanks for sharing her photos. I like her attention to the tiny beautiful things about us.
Martha Ginn
I’m smiling as I usually do when I get your newsletters. Loved your close up pictures. You have inspired me. I have recently taken pictures of flowers etc at a botanical garden and made notecards from them. Now, my next quilt……..hmmm. Can’t wait to get started.
Peggy
Your creativity is truly humbling to those of us not worthy!
Lynn
Thanks for sharing this, Ellen. I find too that photography can get the otherwise not flowing juices moving again. These are excellent pics, beautiful closeups.
Dear Ellen,
What interesting lines and patterns in both photos. They could easily be the starting points for a quilt, or a series of quilts!
Keep up the good work,
Linda Laird