photo ©2009 Sandra Leichner

 I can tell you the answer in one word, “Nature”.  It is boundless with ever changing compositions, color and inspiration.

Most of my quilts revolve around nature and my garden is my source of inspiration for so many of my quilt ideas. I designed and built my garden from a suburban new home construction plot of dirt. There was nothing green, just a postage stamp size expanse of brown dusty dirt, rocks and tossed construction garbage.  It was a challenge for a magical transformation into my own personal and private secret Eden.

Of course this was before I started quilting and this also took over my life back then. Most of the nature images you see in my quilts are actual birds, flora and fauna that I have observed in my garden. It is my happy place where I can recharge my batteries, or forget about life’s little disappointments, and find an abundance of ideas and calm.

Directions to my childrens' gardens. Jason has a volcano garden-- LOL

I went out and quickly shot some photos in the garden before it heated up this morning. Not too much has woken up yet so the garden is just beginning to show signs of opening up its eyes and stretching towards the sun.  I do not invite many people into my private escape, so I hope you enjoy this morning’s peek! 

©2009 Sandra Leichner