Creative Play 2023 #1 - Icon/Symbolize
This year, I’ve decided to challenge myself to a bi-monthly (6x a year) creative adventure. I’ll be sharing more details in my newsletter and on my blog, but here’s the gist of my self-imposed constraints for my first personal creativity challenge:
My first prompt will be “icon/symbolize” (noun/verb format for flexibility).


The first prompt is “Icon/Symbolize”, so I pulled a couple symbols from my days in construction engineering. They’re both simple, yet versatile.


I decided on an on-point/diagonal layout for the block. The smaller shapes require it to be foundation paper pieced if I want to keep my sanity.
I’m really enjoying this process! I love the small size and trying to economize all 144 sq. in. of allowable space.






After I finalized the design, I tried out a few color palettes.
First, a dark pink background with pink/orange/yellow. it doesn’t pop as much as I’d like.
Second, a cool color palette. I’m digging it, but I’ll save it for another project.
Third, my go-to black background. Meh. Too normal for me LOL.


Feeling a bit like Goldilocks at this point, I tried a dark grey-blue and decided this color palette that was juuust right.


I make my usual, easy-peasy project color card for handy-dandy reference.
(Cut swatches from your fabrics. Dab a bit of glue stick on the back and paste em to a 4×6, or larger, index card. Sew them down each side and label each swtch. Ta-daaaa!)


I print my foundations on inexpensive (read: very cheap) copy/printer paper.
I use permanent markers to mark where each color is located. Regular markers tend to bleed and I can never find my pencil sharpener to use colored pencils LOL.


I really enjoy the precision and intricacy you can acheive with foundation paper pieceing (FPP) compared to traditional piecing.


I pieced my block and managed to match up 97% of my points. Close enough…done is better than perfect!!


Next up, a quick sandwich & spray baste. I love basting mini projects! This is looking better than I had hoped.








Looking back through pic of some of my older quilts, I found my first pattern…”Amplify” with a simple spiral design…hat would look great!!!




Creative Play 2023 #2 - Icon/Symbolize




Next up is Challenge #2 with the prompt/theme of “Nature/Organic”.
No size limitations, but at least 50% of the front of the piece should be recycled or upcycled materials. Bonus points for the backing, batting, and binding being recycled!!
Follow me on Instagram at #RHCreativePlay2023 for progress pics of my next project. There will be another summary blog post here at the end of April with process pics.