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January 7, 2016 · Leave a Comment

the story behind the quilt – the blog

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Welcome to Aqua Paisley Studio!

"There are stories hidden in the language we use, whether we are conscious of them or not they tell the truth of our heart and minds." - Cheryl Strayed
Aqua Paisley Studio is dedicated to the language of quiltmaking and 'the story behind the quilt'.
My goal is to inspire quilt makers everywhere to follow their bliss and create everyday with intention. Welcome! - Samantha

Let’s Connect

Quilts are so much more than pieces of pretty fabric and thread. They are a tangible part of our life story, and a creative expression of who we are. They can showcase everything from our favourite colours to things we value and our hopes and dreams. Every quilt has its own story.

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My Instagram

aqua_paisley

I’ve had a few questions about the way I’m sto

I’ve had a few questions about the way I’m storing my #miniquilts after some of you caught a glimpse of some of them in a pic a couple of posts back...⠀
⠀
I’m currently ’in-between’ studio spaces so I haven’t bothered to hang any minis on the wall, but I still wanted to be able to enjoy them. ⠀
⠀
These simple wire baskets from @kmartaus were the perfect solution, allowing me to roll each mini quilt and display my collection in a fun and playful way 😍⠀
⠀
Do you have a favourite way to display your quilts? ⠀
⠀
⠀
#quiltsofinstagram #quiltstagram #quiltinglife #quiltingfun #quiltdisplay #quiltinginspiration #australianquilter #quiltmaker #aquapaisleystudio #aussiequilter #miniquilt

It’s been 3 years in the making but I’ve just

It’s been 3 years in the making but I’ve just sewn the final stay stitch around the outside edge, making this #endlesssummerquilt top officially done!⠀
⠀
✅ 😍🎉🤩❤️👍🏻💃🥳⠀
⠀
This year has been slow in the stitching department so I’m pretty excited to have this one wrapped up and ready for quilting.⠀
⠀
I’m also excited about pulling out another WIP project and getting it done - if only I didn’t have so many to choose from 😂 ⠀
⠀
Pattern: Endless Summer by @vchristenson⠀
⠀
#quiltsofinstagram #quiltstagram #quiltinglife #ilovequilting #quiltinginspiration #australianquilter #aussiequilter #quiltmaker #aquapaisleystudio #modafabrics #vchristenson #bellasolids

There’s a lot going on in the world right now th

There’s a lot going on in the world right now that makes my heart ache, and at the same time there’s also a lot going on in my own little world...⠀
Life is sometimes more difficult than we would like and it can be more difficult for others than we can understand, so let’s do our best to be kind to one another and try to make our world more beautiful with our kindness and our creativity 💞⠀
⠀
⠀
#apsillustrations #creativehappylife #createmakeshare #livecreatively #showyourwork #doitfortheprocess #herestothecreatives

The top is coming together...😍😍😍!!⠀ ⠀

The top is coming together...😍😍😍!!⠀
⠀
It feels so good to be making progress on this old project - with some luck I may have a finished quilt top by the end of the week 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 ⠀
⠀
⠀
#quiltsofinstagram #quiltstagram #quiltinglife #quiltingfun #ilovequilting #quiltingismytherapy #quiltinginspiration #australianquilter #quiltmaker #aquapaisleystudio #endlesssummerquilt #modafabrics #bellasolids

Am I the only one who thinks a quilt with this man

Am I the only one who thinks a quilt with this many intersecting points is a real display of commitment and patience ? ⠀
😳😳🙈😳😂😍😂⠀
⠀
Whenever I open a seam and see those points are 99% perfect I can’t help but pat myself on the back and do a little well deserved happy dance 💃💃💃😂😂😂⠀
⠀
#endlesssummerquilt - pattern and fabric by @vchristenson

I’ve been feeling inspired by all the #scrappytr

I’ve been feeling inspired by all the #scrappytriparoundtheworld quilts that have been popping up in my feed lately 😍⠀
⠀
This #tildalemontree version I made when the fabric launched is still one of my very favourite quilts 😍😍😍⠀
⠀
I’ve been slowly making my way through my old WIPs, and among them is a truly scrappy collection of blocks to make another #triparoundtheworldquilt - so I think it’s time to make that project the next priority on my list 😍⠀
⠀
Do you have any old WIPs you are excited to get back to? ⠀
⠀
⠀
#tildafabric #tildafabrics #tildaaustralia #tildausa #ilovetilda #quiltsofinstagram #quiltstagram #quiltinglife #ilovequilting #quiltinginspiration #australianquilter #quiltmaker #aquapaisleystudio

Oh my goodness, you guys are so lovely!!⠀ ⠀ Th

Oh my goodness, you guys are so lovely!!⠀
⠀
Thank you to everyone who commented on my last post and offered words of encouragement and support, and to those of you who bravely shared your own struggles. When I posted the pic yesterday I didn’t imagine the post would reach many people and yet I woke up this morning to what felt like a warm embrace - and that’s a real testament to the positive power of Instagram, and this awesome little community 🥰 ⠀
⠀
Lately I have been quietly trying to reignite my sewjo and I have been focused on finishing some old WIPs and making small projects that can be finished without too much mental energy. I’ve always believed small projects generate the motivation needed for big projects so I’ve been putting that belief into action and I am seeing some positive results 👍🏻⠀
⠀
And as an added bonus I’ve been pattern writing again and I’m actually excited about the thought of creating something new, BUT since I’ve been hiding under a rock for the past few months I have a question for you....⠀
⠀
What is your current ‘must have’ fabric collection?? I would love to know what everyone is loving right now 😍😍😍⠀
⠀
#shinebrightquilt #modafabrics #homespunmagazine #apspatterns #aquapaisleystudio #miniquilt

Thanks @homespunmagazine for making my day 😍⠀

Thanks @homespunmagazine for making my day 😍⠀
⠀
I haven’t shared much lately because truthfully my heart hasn’t been in it! My motivation vanished when someone significant in my life suggested that my presence on Instagram was, according to them, ‘about the numbers’! ⠀
⠀
Even though I never for one minute felt there was any truth to it, the thought that I was being perceived as someone focused on ‘followers’ really made me question myself and the role creativity, quilting and social media plays in my life.⠀
⠀
I designed this #miniquilt to remind myself that even though there is always going to be someone who questions my motives and intent, I know that I make quilts for the joy they bring me at each stage of the process. Sometimes you need a reminder to SHINE BRIGHT and be confident sharing the beautiful things you make with your own hands. ⠀
⠀
I made this #quilt and shipped it off for publication and without the visual reminder of the message I was trying to remind myself of I again found myself in a state of creative anxiety. So, you can possibly imagine my absolute delight when I opened an envelope containing the April/May edition of #homespunmagazine and my quilt was on the cover. 😢🥰🎉⠀
⠀
I’ve suffered with anxiety all my life, but I do my best to keep it in check so I can function in ways society deems acceptable, and yet creative anxiety is not something I had ever really focused on for long until I found myself living it, with no end in sight 😔⠀
⠀
I imagine creative anxiety is real for many people, so if you are struggling right now, please know you are not alone! Perhaps this is the day to remind yourself to shine your light and embrace your talents and be the person that makes your world a little more beautiful with your creations 😍⠀
⠀
Instagram is NOT about the numbers, but it’s most definitely about connection, inspiration and support. If you’re someone who has been considering sharing your first post but the idea makes you so nervous you feel physically ill, I’m here to tell you I know how that feels - but today is a good day to SHINE BRIGHT, believe in yourself and take one small step in the direction you want to go!⠀
⠀
#shinebrightquilt

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Easter weeke

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Easter weekend full of love and hope, (and maybe a chocolate egg or two 😉)⠀
😍👍🏻🐰🥚🌸⠀
⠀
⠀
#apsillustrations #creativehappylife #createmakeshare #livecreatively #showyourwork #doitfortheprocess #herestothecreatives

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot more about the s

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot more about the source of creative motivation and what that means for our creative habits and productivity...⠀
⠀
And the simple answer is JOY!⠀
⠀
When projects are no longer fun, or we have too much going on in our lives to be able to enjoy the process, we tend to lose the spark that leads to motivation.⠀
⠀
I recently lost my spark, and I’m striving to get it back by recognising what creative habits are working for me, and which ones no longer serve me in my latest stage of life, while making the changes necessary for the process to be fun again!⠀
⠀
I’ve shared a few more end of year thoughts on my blog (and a coupon code) as I recapped the main projects that I made in 2019 😍⠀
⠀
As 2020 gets underway I’m excited to start dreaming about what’s next, and igniting that spark of excitement into my next creative chapter!⠀
⠀
So, if like me you’ve been a little stuck lately; don’t let it overwhelm you!! Take the time you need to realign your habits with the life you are living today and begin to focus on changing the behaviours that are not giving you the outcomes you desire.⠀
⠀
What is one simple habit you are trying to cultivate, or that you find works for you to gives you the time you need to be creative?⠀
⠀
My answer: Block out time in my planner and make an appointment with myself 👍🏻⠀
⠀
Let me know what your answer is...⠀
⠀
#createjoymanifesto #aquapaisleystudio #quiltsofinstagram #quiltstagram #quiltinglife #quiltingfun #ilovequilting #quiltingismytherapy #quiltinginspiration #australianquilter #quiltmaker #aussiequilter

Happy New Year!!⠀ ⠀ I’m such a big believer

Happy New Year!!⠀
⠀
I’m such a big believer in setting goals, and yet 2019 threw me a curveball or two, which ultimately shelved my goals and left me a little lost.⠀
⠀
Over the next few days I’m planning to dedicate some quality time with myself to really focus on what I want my creative life to look like this year; reinstate some of the goals that still have meaning to me, and hopefully decide on some new ones that encourage and inspire 😍⠀
⠀
Have you already established some creative goals for the new year? If you would like to share, I’d love to hear what you’re hoping to achieve in 2020 😍😍😍⠀
⠀
I hope this new year is full of joy and creativity for everyone who seeks it!!⠀
⠀
⠀
#apsillustrations #creativehappylife #createmakeshare #livecreatively #showyourwork #doitfortheprocess #herestothecreatives #yearoftherat #2020yearoftherat

Merry Christmas!!⠀ ⠀ I hope you have a wonderf

Merry Christmas!!⠀
⠀
I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your favourite people and/or furry friends this season.⠀
⠀
And if this time of year is difficult for you for any reason, I hope you find a sense of peace and hope for the future!⠀
⠀
⠀
#apsillustrations #creativehappylife #createmakeshare #livecreatively #showyourwork #doitfortheprocess #herestothecreatives #2020yearoftherat

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All the creative images you see featured on this site are the intellectual property of Aqua Paisley Studio unless noted otherwise, and are protected under copyright law. If you want to share my images for the purpose of inspiration please provide the appropriate credit and link back to this website. Please do not share any commercial content such as patterns or tutorials without express permission.

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First Name Last Name E-Mail Address

I’ve had a few questions about the way I’m sto

I’ve had a few questions about the way I’m storing my #miniquilts after some of you caught a glimpse of some of them in a pic a couple of posts back...⠀
⠀
I’m currently ’in-between’ studio spaces so I haven’t bothered to hang any minis on the wall, but I still wanted to be able to enjoy them. ⠀
⠀
These simple wire baskets from @kmartaus were the perfect solution, allowing me to roll each mini quilt and display my collection in a fun and playful way 😍⠀
⠀
Do you have a favourite way to display your quilts? ⠀
⠀
⠀
#quiltsofinstagram #quiltstagram #quiltinglife #quiltingfun #quiltdisplay #quiltinginspiration #australianquilter #quiltmaker #aquapaisleystudio #aussiequilter #miniquilt

It’s been 3 years in the making but I’ve just

It’s been 3 years in the making but I’ve just sewn the final stay stitch around the outside edge, making this #endlesssummerquilt top officially done!⠀
⠀
✅ 😍🎉🤩❤️👍🏻💃🥳⠀
⠀
This year has been slow in the stitching department so I’m pretty excited to have this one wrapped up and ready for quilting.⠀
⠀
I’m also excited about pulling out another WIP project and getting it done - if only I didn’t have so many to choose from 😂 ⠀
⠀
Pattern: Endless Summer by @vchristenson⠀
⠀
#quiltsofinstagram #quiltstagram #quiltinglife #ilovequilting #quiltinginspiration #australianquilter #aussiequilter #quiltmaker #aquapaisleystudio #modafabrics #vchristenson #bellasolids

There’s a lot going on in the world right now th

There’s a lot going on in the world right now that makes my heart ache, and at the same time there’s also a lot going on in my own little world...⠀
Life is sometimes more difficult than we would like and it can be more difficult for others than we can understand, so let’s do our best to be kind to one another and try to make our world more beautiful with our kindness and our creativity 💞⠀
⠀
⠀
#apsillustrations #creativehappylife #createmakeshare #livecreatively #showyourwork #doitfortheprocess #herestothecreatives

The top is coming together...😍😍😍!!⠀ ⠀

The top is coming together...😍😍😍!!⠀
⠀
It feels so good to be making progress on this old project - with some luck I may have a finished quilt top by the end of the week 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 ⠀
⠀
⠀
#quiltsofinstagram #quiltstagram #quiltinglife #quiltingfun #ilovequilting #quiltingismytherapy #quiltinginspiration #australianquilter #quiltmaker #aquapaisleystudio #endlesssummerquilt #modafabrics #bellasolids

Am I the only one who thinks a quilt with this man

Am I the only one who thinks a quilt with this many intersecting points is a real display of commitment and patience ? ⠀
😳😳🙈😳😂😍😂⠀
⠀
Whenever I open a seam and see those points are 99% perfect I can’t help but pat myself on the back and do a little well deserved happy dance 💃💃💃😂😂😂⠀
⠀
#endlesssummerquilt - pattern and fabric by @vchristenson

I’ve been feeling inspired by all the #scrappytr

I’ve been feeling inspired by all the #scrappytriparoundtheworld quilts that have been popping up in my feed lately 😍⠀
⠀
This #tildalemontree version I made when the fabric launched is still one of my very favourite quilts 😍😍😍⠀
⠀
I’ve been slowly making my way through my old WIPs, and among them is a truly scrappy collection of blocks to make another #triparoundtheworldquilt - so I think it’s time to make that project the next priority on my list 😍⠀
⠀
Do you have any old WIPs you are excited to get back to? ⠀
⠀
⠀
#tildafabric #tildafabrics #tildaaustralia #tildausa #ilovetilda #quiltsofinstagram #quiltstagram #quiltinglife #ilovequilting #quiltinginspiration #australianquilter #quiltmaker #aquapaisleystudio

Oh my goodness, you guys are so lovely!!⠀ ⠀ Th

Oh my goodness, you guys are so lovely!!⠀
⠀
Thank you to everyone who commented on my last post and offered words of encouragement and support, and to those of you who bravely shared your own struggles. When I posted the pic yesterday I didn’t imagine the post would reach many people and yet I woke up this morning to what felt like a warm embrace - and that’s a real testament to the positive power of Instagram, and this awesome little community 🥰 ⠀
⠀
Lately I have been quietly trying to reignite my sewjo and I have been focused on finishing some old WIPs and making small projects that can be finished without too much mental energy. I’ve always believed small projects generate the motivation needed for big projects so I’ve been putting that belief into action and I am seeing some positive results 👍🏻⠀
⠀
And as an added bonus I’ve been pattern writing again and I’m actually excited about the thought of creating something new, BUT since I’ve been hiding under a rock for the past few months I have a question for you....⠀
⠀
What is your current ‘must have’ fabric collection?? I would love to know what everyone is loving right now 😍😍😍⠀
⠀
#shinebrightquilt #modafabrics #homespunmagazine #apspatterns #aquapaisleystudio #miniquilt

Thanks @homespunmagazine for making my day 😍⠀

Thanks @homespunmagazine for making my day 😍⠀
⠀
I haven’t shared much lately because truthfully my heart hasn’t been in it! My motivation vanished when someone significant in my life suggested that my presence on Instagram was, according to them, ‘about the numbers’! ⠀
⠀
Even though I never for one minute felt there was any truth to it, the thought that I was being perceived as someone focused on ‘followers’ really made me question myself and the role creativity, quilting and social media plays in my life.⠀
⠀
I designed this #miniquilt to remind myself that even though there is always going to be someone who questions my motives and intent, I know that I make quilts for the joy they bring me at each stage of the process. Sometimes you need a reminder to SHINE BRIGHT and be confident sharing the beautiful things you make with your own hands. ⠀
⠀
I made this #quilt and shipped it off for publication and without the visual reminder of the message I was trying to remind myself of I again found myself in a state of creative anxiety. So, you can possibly imagine my absolute delight when I opened an envelope containing the April/May edition of #homespunmagazine and my quilt was on the cover. 😢🥰🎉⠀
⠀
I’ve suffered with anxiety all my life, but I do my best to keep it in check so I can function in ways society deems acceptable, and yet creative anxiety is not something I had ever really focused on for long until I found myself living it, with no end in sight 😔⠀
⠀
I imagine creative anxiety is real for many people, so if you are struggling right now, please know you are not alone! Perhaps this is the day to remind yourself to shine your light and embrace your talents and be the person that makes your world a little more beautiful with your creations 😍⠀
⠀
Instagram is NOT about the numbers, but it’s most definitely about connection, inspiration and support. If you’re someone who has been considering sharing your first post but the idea makes you so nervous you feel physically ill, I’m here to tell you I know how that feels - but today is a good day to SHINE BRIGHT, believe in yourself and take one small step in the direction you want to go!⠀
⠀
#shinebrightquilt

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Easter weeke

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Easter weekend full of love and hope, (and maybe a chocolate egg or two 😉)⠀
😍👍🏻🐰🥚🌸⠀
⠀
⠀
#apsillustrations #creativehappylife #createmakeshare #livecreatively #showyourwork #doitfortheprocess #herestothecreatives

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