Simple Splendor

If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly our whole life would change. This famous quote helps explain the appeal of the quilts we're showing today. The effect, achieved by painting and machine quilting, is stunning.

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Simple Splendor by Sharon Baunagel (Colorado).  

This stunning flower was hand painted on fabric and machine quilted.  It is based on a photo by Giovanni Eduardo Nogaro (from Pixaby, no copyright).  As Sharon Braunagel says, "It is enough to reflect upon the beauty of a single flower." 

Iris Beauty by Teresa Schlabach (Arkansas)  

Iris Beauty is hand painted on silk and machine quilted. Teresa Schlabach says, "This flower grows in my garden and was given to me by a very special friend. I wanted to always look at this beautiful flower, so I painted it to hang in my home. This iris represents not only beauty, but also the strength to make it through hard times and bloom again." Thread painting was used to emphasize the yellow stamen, shown below.

Bugs, Butterfles & Blossoms, Texas Antelope Horn Milkweed by Christine Holden (Florida). 

In this original design, a single Texas milkwood flower has a cluster of florets, depicted with hand painting, machine piecing, embellishment, and quilting. Christine Holden says, "I always wanted to experience the Texas spring wildflower bloom in person.  It was amazing to see and photograph some of the thousands of wildflowers in bloom.  The Texas Antelope Horn Milkweed was new to me, and I was astonished by its colors, size, and the number and assortment of insects attracted to it.  Although it took me years to complete the quilt, I feel it captures the beauty and magic of my experience."

 Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2025 Houston International Quilt Festival.