Quilted Portraits and Postcards with Veronica Mays

Geraldine Wilkins Author

Storytelling Art Quilts

Exploring Portrait Quilts and Quilted Postcards:

Two unique and captivating ways to express yourself through fabric and thread are portrait quilts and quilted postcards. These forms of quilting allow you to merge artistic skills with the storytelling power of quilting. Inspired by the work of Veronica Mays, a portrait quilter and poet, I’ll explore the appeal of these projects, share tips for getting started, and provide supply lists to help you embark on your creative journey.

Veronica Mays

Veronica Mays, the author of Heart Wide Open, is an artist who has merged the worlds of quilting and poetry. Her work draws inspiration from her everyday life, her love of people and places, and her deep connection to cultural heritage. Mays’ portrait quilts, often infused with African-inspired fabrics and rich cultural symbolism, tell powerful stories of identity, resilience, and love. Her work is a reminder that quilting is not just a craft but a profound means of expression and connection.

To dive deeper into Veronica’s creative process and gain inspiration from her journey, you can watch the full Quilt Conversations LIVE!  interview. In this engaging discussion, Veronica shares her insights on how she blends art and storytelling in her quilts and poetry, offering inspiration for quilters of all levels. 

Q & A with Veronica Mays

Q: Veronica, your work merges quilting and poetry in such a unique way. How did you first come to combine these two art forms?

A: It all started with my love for storytelling. Quilts have always been more than just a craft for me—they are a way to capture the essence of the people and places I cherish. Poetry felt like a natural extension of that, allowing me to add another layer of meaning to my work. By blending the visual beauty of quilts with the lyrical flow of poetry, I can tell stories that resonate on multiple levels.

Q: Your trip to Accra, Ghana, had a profound impact on your work. How did that experience influence your quilting and poetry?

A: Ghana was life-changing. The vibrant culture, the rich history, and the resilience of the people I met there deeply moved me. I wanted to capture that spirit in my quilts and poems, to honor their stories and share them with others. My work became more than just personal expression—it became a way to connect with and celebrate cultural heritage.

Q: What advice would you give to quilters who are interested in starting their portrait quilts?

A: Start with a simple design and don’t be afraid to experiment. Portrait quilts can be intimidating because of the level of detail, but they are incredibly rewarding. Use a photograph with strong contrasts, and try using a grid to help with accuracy. And most importantly, let the process be as personal as the final product.

Q: Quilted postcards are another unique form of quilting. How do you see these small projects fitting into the broader world of quilting?

A: Quilted postcards are a fantastic way to share your creativity with others. They’re small, manageable projects that allow you to experiment with new techniques or use up fabric scraps. They also make wonderful gifts or keepsakes. I see them as a way to connect with others—sending a quilted postcard is like sending a piece of your art through the mail.

Q: Finally, how can quilters infuse their work with personal meaning, as you have done with your quilts and poetry?

A: It all starts with being true to yourself and your experiences. Draw from your own life—your memories, your travels, your heritage. Don’t be afraid to tell your story through your work, and remember that every quilt you make is an extension of who you are.

The Art of Portrait Quilts

Portrait quilts are a unique way to capture the likeness of a person or even a beloved pet in fabric form. Unlike traditional quilts that focus on patterns, portrait quilts recreate the nuances of a face or figure, making them both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Why Quilters Love Portrait Quilts

Inspired by artists like Veronica Mays, quilters are drawn to portrait quilts because they allow for a profound level of personal expression. Each quilt becomes a visual narrative, often serving as a tribute to loved ones or a reflection of the quilter's own identity. The process of creating a portrait quilt involves carefully selecting fabrics, experimenting with textures, and using techniques like appliqué and free motion quilting to bring the image to life.

Tips for Getting Started with Portrait Quilts

1. Start Simple: If you're new to portrait quilting, begin with a simple design. Choose a photograph with clear contrasts between light and shadow, as this will make it easier to translate the image into fabric.
2. Use a Grid: One effective technique for creating a portrait quilt is to overlay a grid on both your reference photo and your fabric. This helps in accurately transferring the image, especially when working with facial features 
   
3. Choose the Right Fabrics: Selecting the right fabric is crucial. Cotton is a popular choice due to its versatility and ease of use, but consider experimenting with different textures like linen or even denim to add depth to your portrait 
   
4. Experiment with Appliqué: Appliqué is a great method for adding details to your portrait quilt. Use small, precise pieces of fabric to build up layers and create a more realistic image.
5. Practice Your Free Motion Quilting: To add intricate details and texture to your portrait, practice free motion quilting. This allows you to draw directly onto the fabric with your sewing machine, adding lines and patterns that enhance the overall design.

Portrait Quilts Supplies

• High-quality cotton fabric in various colors
• Lightweight fusible web for appliqué
• A photograph or reference image
• Rotary cutter and cutting mat
• Sewing machine with free motion quilting foot
• Thread in various shades
• Fabric marking tools (e.g., chalk or disappearing ink pen)
• Quilting stencils (optional)
• Batting and backing fabric

The Charm of Quilted Postcards

Quilted postcards are small, fabric-based creations that can be mailed just like a traditional postcard. These mini quilts are not only fun to make but also offer a fantastic way to share your quilting with others. They make great gifts, can be part of swaps with fellow quilters, or serve as unique holiday greetings.

Why Quilters Love Quilted Postcards

Much like Veronica Mays’ work, which often blends fabric and storytelling, quilted postcards offer quilters a way to combine their love for quilting with sending a message. These small projects are perfect for experimenting with new techniques, using up fabric scraps, and connecting with others through the mail.

Tips for Getting Started with Quilted Postcards

1. Use a Firm Base: To ensure your postcard holds its shape during mailing, use a firm stabilizer like Peltex or fast2fuse. This provides structure without adding too much bulk
   
2. Embellish Thoughtfully: While embellishments like beads or buttons can add charm, be mindful of how your postcard will travel through the postal system. Choose flat, secure embellishments to avoid damage.
   
3. Create a Design Theme: Whether it’s a holiday greeting or a simple “thinking of you” note, having a theme can guide your design choices. Consider sketching your design first to visualize the final product.
4. Play with Techniques: Quilted postcards are an excellent canvas for trying out new techniques. Whether it’s appliqué, free motion quilting, or fabric painting, the small size makes it less daunting to experiment.
5. Finish with a Neat Edge: A zigzag or satin stitch around the edges of your postcard will give it a polished look and prevent fraying. 

Supply List for Quilted Postcards

• Peltex Ultra Firm (Pellon 72F) double-sided fusible stabilizer
• Fabric scraps in various colors and textures
• Assorted threads
• Fusible web (e.g., Wonder Under)
• Fabric marking tools
• Rotary cutter and cutting mat
• Sewing machine with zigzag stitch capability
• Permanent fabric markers (for writing on the back)
• Optional: Clear polyester thread for invisible stitching

Conclusion

Veronica Mays has shown us that quilting is more than just a craft—it’s a medium for storytelling, cultural expression, and personal reflection. Whether you’re crafting a portrait quilt that tells a personal story or creating quilted postcards to share with friends, these projects offer endless opportunities for creativity and self-expression. 

Happy quilting!

Connect with Veronica Mays:

Conaky’s Quilt Company www.conakysquilts.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cona...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@veronicamays6263

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConakysQuilts

Categories: : portraits, postcards, quilting, storytelling, veronica mays