Who doesn’t love a burst of color?   Someone who definitely shows her passion for color and design is our QT Fabrics designer, Debi Payne.

We were fortunate enough to interview Debi to share some insight into her world of color and we hope you enjoy!

The Carnivale collection has been a huge hit!  We know why – because our quilting and sewing friends enjoy a little color and WOW does Carnivale deliver!

Check out the entire collection here.

Onto the interview – enjoy getting to know our friend Debi!

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Tell us a little about you and your work…

I am an artist and designer that creates whimsical art with bright, bold colors.  Even as a very little girl I always wanted to be an artist.  At age twelve I painted a large sunflower oil painting that was hung on display in the local public library.  As I stood in that library with its massively tall walls and saw my artwork hanging on the wall I knew in that moment, at that very young age, that my art was meant to be shared with others in as many was as possible.

How did you get started?

Once I decided that I wanted to license my art I first started reading anything and everything that I could find that talked about art licensing.  Today, there are so many classes and resources available today on the internet that I wish was available when I first started.

What inspires you most?

I am inspired by so many different things is so many different ways, however if I had to choose just one, I think it would have to be other artists because it is through them that I can see what is possible. Because, to me, once I really believe that something is possible, then I know that I am able to actually achieve it.

Are you more motivated by color or print?

Definitely color!  I love color and I love finding ways to shape color and have it make sense.

What’s one of your favorite projects? Why?

I have to admit that the Carnival collection has truly been one of my most favorite projects for two reasons, First, seeing the amazing response that everyone has had for the collection and second is seeing what people are creating from the collection. 

What advice would you give to a newbie to design?

1. Don’t second guess yourself or your work. Go with your gut!
2. Read and learn everything that you can about the business.
3. Be patient because nothing happens over night and most things take years.
4. I recently saw a documentary about Bob Hope. In it they said that Bob Hope woke up every morning asking himself, “how can I  promote Bob Hope today?”  I think that is a very good philosophy for all professional artists to adopt. 

Finish this statement: To me, success is…

 …other people finding joy in my art.

Three words that best describe you…

1. Positive
2. Imaginative
3. Happy

Biggest challenge in your business

Just simply keeping up with everything that needs to done on a daily basis.  I have said many times that I could probably hire three full-time people and I would have plenty of work to keep them busy.

Rapid fire questions………………………………………………………………………………………………

Favorite color:   That’s like asking a mother which of her children is her favorite – they are all her favorite!  But if I have to choose just one, it would be red. 

Favorite food:   Mexican food/tacos

Favorite movie:  “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”

Most interesting place you’ve ever been:   Las Vegas.  My husband Tim and I lived there for 8 years and I loved it.  It was always changing and I was so inspired by the                     imagination and creativity of Vegas.

Favorite book:  “The Velveteen Rabbit”

Best gift you ever received:  Other than my children and my husband, the best physical    object gift I ever received was my wedding ring.

You have a whole day to yourself with no worries or obligations – what would you most want to do?   I would probably find a new art class that I could take where I            could learn something new and hang out with other artists.

Fun fact about you:  I can play the piano and I know how to ride a horse (but not at            the same time.)

You’re in a time machine – what year do you visit & why?  I know I wouldn’t go back in time because I have been there,  done that!  I think I would like to go to the year 2118.  I would like to see how long my art lasted and how well it stood up to time.  I might also see what I should be doing now to make that happen.

Favorite genre of music:  When I am in my studio working I listen to a mix of oldies and    jazz.

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Here are some fabulous projects created with Carnivale!

Here is a creation from our lovely shop customer 35th Ave Sew & Vac in Phoenix, AZ  They created kits of this beautiful quilt – it features the fabrics so well and the black sashing really helps the color POP!

A QT Facebook friend created this gorgeous quilt and explained the process.  Becky explains…

Sending you some photos of our Stack and Whack (8 layer) that was made by me and my husband. He picked the fabrics, did the cutting and designing and I assembled. I’m sending these because the quilt is made with Carnival Floral Geometric JX. In fact, when we walked into J&B Fabrics in Sunset, LA, Belinda had just received her bolt. That Day (my husband) and another customer split the bolt! So, I fully understand how popular this fabric is! We really enjoyed making this quilt and will be hopefully be submitting it for competition soon. We’ve named her Champagne Carnival, because of all the bubbles! Did a Mardi Gras mask motif in center and fleurdelis on the borders.

It’s great to learn more about our designer friends, we love how Debi’s passion for color and design has inspired so many other people.  What will you make???

Enter to win a fat quarter bundle of the complete Carnivale Collection by commenting here on this blog post or Facebook post with your favorite fabric from Carnivale!

We’ll announce the winners next week on 2/22 at 3pm!