Visit My New Web Site

Please visit my new studio web site. The address is www.moli.com/ovbrantley. There you can see most of my quilts in one place and read my blog to keep up with what I am doing. Visit today.

Quilts in Centennial Park This Sunday

Quilter Belinda Pedroso has organized a quilt exhibit that can be seen at Centennial Park in Atlanta this Sunday between 12 and 5 p.m. The exhibit is part of the National Black Arts Festival. The exhibit will showcase the quilts made by teachers and parents in the Atlanta Public School System as well as quilts by members of the Brown Sugar Stitchers Quilt Guild. My quilt Black Butterfly will be part of the exhibit.

There will be workshops as well. The schedule is as follows:

12:00pm-1:00pm Quilt History and Block Construction by Belinda Pedroso

1:00pm-2:00pm Fabric Dying by Ray Barreras

2:00pm-3:00pm Hand Quilting Lesson by Lynette Smith

3:00pm-4:00pm Quilt Stories by Aisha Lumumba

4:00pm-5:00pm Total enjoyment of quilting exhibit.

For more information, email Belinda at auntbequilts@bellsouth.net

Spice Tea with Brown Sugar, Please

The Brown Sugar Stitchers gathered for their annual tea Saturday. Of course, there was a challenge. This year's challenge was to make any testile project with a tea theme. Spice Tea with Brown Sugar, Please was my entry. It is machine pieced and quilted and measures 24 x 32 inches.

Now that it has done its showing off at the tea, it is for sale.

"Having it All" sold at GABWA Auction

Having It All was auctioned June 28, 2008 at the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys annual gala. It went for $500.00 to an Atlanta attorney. Proceeds benefit the organization's scholarship fund.

"Panama Paradise #1" Offered for Sale

Panama Paradise #1 is currently offered for sale in the Clara Ford Foundation EBay Store. The center block of this quilt was purchased in Panama.

The quilt measures 41 x 39 inches. It is machine quilted and has a hanging sleeve on the back.

The sales price is $225.00

"Fulton County Attorneys" On Display at Fulton County Attorneys Office

Fulton County Attorneys, 87 x 107 inches, 2001, currently displayed at the Fulton County Attorney's Office, 141 Pryor Street, Suite 4038, Atlanta, GA.

"Friends and Foes are Welcome Here" On Display at Fulton County Attorneys Office

Friends and Foes are Welcome Here, 72 x 80 inches, 2003, currently displayed at the Fulton County Attorney's Office, 141 Pryor Street, Suite 4038, Atlanta, GA.

"Martin's Dream" on display at Fulton County Attorney's Office

Martin's Dream , 74 x 87 inches, 2002, currently on display at the Fulton County Attorney's Office,141 Pryor Street, Suite 4038, Atlanta, GA.

"Life's Twists and Turns" at Fulton County Attorneys Ofice

Life's Twists and Turns, 76 x 99 inches, 2002, currently on display at the Fulton County Attorney's Office,141 Pryor Street, Suite 4038, Atlanta, GA.

Costa Rican Paradise #1 Offered for Sale

Costa Rican Paradise # 1 is currently offered for sale in the Clara Ford Foundation Ebay Store. The center block of this quilt was purchased in Costa Rica. It is hand quilted.

The sales price is $195.00

A Southern Summer Day

I hope you are enjoying some lazy time this summer. A Southern Summer Day is my lazy day reminder quilt.

A Garden of Strength and Beauty Makes Ms. Swartz Smile

When your 10th grader comes home and says her English teacher "needs" a quilt, you have to go with that. India and I chose to allow Ms. Ann Swartz to adopt A Garden of Strength and Beauty because it just seemed to suit her. Ms. Swartz is a gardener, a survivor of breast cancer, and was going through some personal challenges, according to India.

This quilt always made me smile. Hopefully, it will make her smile too.

P.S. It was also a great way to say thank you for making my daughter love English.

Sax Man Goes to its New Home

Sax Man was made to commemorate the reirement of Tom Andrews from Fulton County last December. Tom was the County Manager of Fulton County during my tenure as County Attorney.

Tom played in jazz bands in his younger days. Hopefully retirement will allow him to get that saxophone out of the closet.

Justin's Sweet Home Finds a New Home

Remember Justin's Sweet Home? At the time I made it, it was for no particular purpose. Now it is gone to Milwaukee to live with Ms. Eileen Beard. When Ms. Beard was diagnosed with breast cancer, my nephew Lance Reed who is one of her co-workers, organized the effort to get her a quilt.

My quilts have been known to have healing powers. In fact, all things made with love have healing powers.

Send up a prayer for Ms. Beard.

The Lady is A Lawyer raises $1800 for Women of Color Scholarship Fund

Fifty years ago, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed May 1 Law Day. It is to be a "day of national dedication to the principle of government under law."

In honor of Law Day I share with you a quilt called The Lady is a Lawyer. It was donated to the Women of Color Attorneys for auction to raise money for its scholarship fund. I am happy to report that this quilt sold for $1800! I am thankful that I was able to play a small part in helping a young woman of color attend law school.

This quilt is part of my African Canvas Memory Quilt series and is #75 of the 100 quilts in that series.

Black Butterfly inspired by India

I often say quilting is my therapy. I made Black Butterfly for the express purpose of helping me let go of my teenager. What do you do when all of a sudden your little baby girl is a woman?

My quilt Black Butterfly was inspired by the lyrics of a Denice Williams song called Black Butterfly. Part of the song says,

"Cause now that you're free and the world has come to see,

Just how proud and beautiful you are."

This quilt measures 70 x 87 inches. It has 12 black and white butterfly blocks that were hand appliqued. The butterfly blocks are offset by black and white hearts and set on point.

The quilt was exquisitely quilted by Ina Sanders. It is part of my private collection and India's inheritance.

A Mother's Prayer Offered for Sale

My most recent quilt was completed over spring break. Being on a cruise allowed me the time to finish the hand quilting on A Mother's Prayer. The hand quilting is a combination of stippling and heart motifs. Although this is a simple quilt, its quiet beauty is stunning.

A Mother's Prayer measures 36 x 60 inches. It is signed, dated and has a hanging sleeve on the back for easy display. It is currently for sale in the Clara Ford Foundation EBay Store.

I Survived Spring Break With My Teenager

India and I just returned from an eight-day cruise to the Caribbean. We had ports of call in Cozumel, Costa Rica and Panama. I am always searching for fabric when I travel, but I must admit this trip was not very fruitful. I did find some beautiful embroidered squares that may find their way into a future quilt. I usually try to commemorate our cruises with a quilt.

Notwithstanding striking out on the fabric search, it was a lovely cruise. I always take a quilting project with me to work on while I tan. Quilting poolside always draws a crowd and makes it easy to meet quilters from around the world.

The quilt shown here is from an earlier cruise in 2004 when I did find fabric. It contains fabric from Belize and the Cayman Islands. It is called Inspiration after the Carnival ship we sailed on that year.

#2 Goes to Blanche Nichols

Awesome African Elephants in My Garden #2 was given to Blanche Nichols. Sometimes when you go through a trying experience with someone, you are somehow joined for life. Such is the case with Blanche and me.

Early in my career as a young lawyer in the City of Atlanta Law Department, I represented Blanche in a personnel case filed against her by one of her employees. Blanche was a Major in the Atlanta Police Department at the time. Having risen through the ranks in a tough male environment, Blanch was definitely a person of quiet strength, but being sued for the first time can rattle anyone. We won the case, and I know Blanche was happy about that. However, more importantly for me, this case was my epiphamy that there is something about me that makes strong people place their trust in me during their toughest moments. That was an eye opening lesson for me that defined the rest of my legal career.

#8 Goes to Allegra Lawrence Hardy

Awesome African Elephants in My Garden #8 was given to Allegra Lawrence Hardy. Over the years I watched Allegra grow from a young associate in her law firm to a high powered partner. She did so with joy and grace. Allegra is one of my avid quilt collectors so I always intended to give her a quilt, but when I found out she loves purple, #8 seemed to be the perfect quilt for her.

#4 goes to David Ware

Awesome African Elephants in My Garden #4 was the first quilt in the series given to a person of quiet strength. That person was David Ware, and the quilt was presented on the day of my retirement from Fulton County. David is a person willing to take on the tough challenges and to help others with their tough challenges. David is not only a great lawyer, but a lawyer with great faith.

Awesome African Elephants in My Garden #4 was chosen for David because of its sunny disposition – tall and strong and happy. I hope David is enjoying his quilt.

Gifts For People of Quiet Strength

I originally started the Awesome African Elephants in My Garden series as a way to experiment with coupling traditional patterns with Afro-centric fabric. The quilts were just another step in my growth as a quilter. Each quilt in the series starts with a traditional 12 x 12 inch block. After that I let my imagination go with only one rule. There must be elephants in the quilt. Usually there are also African fabrics. All of the quilts in the 12 quilt series measure approximately 48 x 48 inches and have a herd of elephants on the back.

Why elephants? I guess because if you pledge Delta Sigma Theta Sorority as I did over 30 years ago, you learn to love elephants. Also, because they are truly awesome animals – strong but gentle. It doesn’t hurt that they bring you good luck if they have their trunks up.

About half way through the series, I decided I have too many quilts and needed to give some away. So I came up with my personal awards show – the Person of Quiet Strength Award! Since I plan to keep #1 for myself, there are 11 people out there who will receive my Person Of Quiet Strength Award.

Shown here is #1 in the series.

Justin's Sweet Home

Sometimes I make a quilt for absolutely no reason except for the joy of it. Justin’s Sweet Home is such a quilt. I like leaf quilts because I am drawn to the luscious fall colors. This quilt was named for my dog Justin because I love to see him running around our yard exploring what we call his kingdom. After a twice a day exploration, Justin is quite content to live inside sleeping amongst the sofa pillows.

Justin’s Sweet Home measures 64 x 87 inches. It was quilted in a leaf motif in variegated thread by my friend Maxine Moore.

Do Flowers Dream? in Bulloch Hall Quilt Show

Do Flowers Dream? has been accepted into the Bulloch Hall Quilt Show. This annual quilt show will be held March 8 -16, 2008 at Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Avenue, Roswell, GA.

There are usually around 200 quilts in the show. It is definitely worth the trip.

I Got You Roses. Happy Valentine's Day!

Roses are Red is my tribute to Valentine's Day. Of course being a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, any excuse to make a red and white quilt has to be utilized. In fact, I plan to write a book featuring red and white quilts.

The flowers in the border of Roses are Red are appliqued by hand and embellished with buttons. The quilt measures 74 x 94 inches and is part of my personal collection.

Queen of Nobody waits for Mr. Right.

We all go through down periods where love is concerned. I made Queen of Nobody during such a period. The queen in this quilt is decidedly blue, but a queen nonetheless.

She reminds me not to compromise. Once a queen, always a queen.

Through the Bonds of Delta - My Tribute to My Sorority

I recently attended the annual Delta Sigma Theta Metro Atlanta Founders Day celebration. I can't believe it's been so many years since I became a member of the Lambda Theta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta at the Univeristy of Arkansas in 1974!

Through the Bonds of Delta is my first Delta quilt. The pattern is a double Irish chain, and it plays into the name of the quilt. It was finished in 2001 and remains part of my personal collection. It measures 73 x 88 inches.

Banish the Winter Doldrums with "My Crown Jewels"

Are gray winter skies sucking the life blood out of you? Then My Crown Jewels is for you. You have to really like color to love this quilt.

Those who know my attachment to taupes and other subdued earth tones cannot believe I made this quilt. Hey, we should all step out of our box every now and then!

My Crown Jewels measures 52 x 65 inches. It has a hanging sleeve on the back for easy display, and it is signed and dated. It is listed for sale in the Clara Ford Foundation Ebay Store.

Dreaming of Africa (Part Two) offered for sale

Dreaming of Africa (Part Two) is listed for sale in the Clara Ford Foundation Ebay store. It measures 16 x 41 inches and the price is $125.00.

Dreaming of Africa (Part Two) is #69 of 100 in the African Canvas Memory Quilt series. Each quilt in this series is signed, numbered and dated. There will only be 100 quilts in this series, and they have been acquired by people all over the world.

Dreaming of Africa (Part One) Up For Auction

Dreaming of Africa (Part One) is currently being auctioned on Ebay. The starting price is $72.00.

Dreaming of Africa (Part One) is #68 of 100 in the African Canvas Memory Quilt series. Each quilt in this series is signed, numbered and dated. There will only be 100 quilts in this series, and they have been acquired by people all over the world. It measures 32 x 21 inches.

Snuggling Up Under "Feeling Country"

Although I like to think of most of my quilts as "show quilts", every now and then I make a traditional quilt whose sole purpose is to snuggle up under. Since we got snow in Atlanta this week, I wanted to share Feeling Country.

I won the fabric squares at a quilt guild meeting, so I figured I might as well us them. Feeling Country is a traditional scrap quilt made to go great with a cup of hot chocolate and a roaring fire in the fire place.

Enjoy!

A Garden of Strength and Beauty makes me smile!

Every now and then I make a quilt just for me. The latest "me" quilt is A Garden of Strength and Beauty. This quilt is part of my personal collection.

Gentleman Farmer will find a home in Alabama.

Since I was so busy making Christmas quilts for the Clara Ford Found Christmas Tour of Quilts, I only gave away one quilt as a gift this year. The quilt is called Gentleman Farmer. I generally don't do commissioned quilts. Somehow it takes the joy out of it for me. But when a special friend called and said she was dating someone who had absolutely everything except an "O.V. Brantley quilt", what could I do but help her give the perfect gift?!

Gentleman Farmer is made from 20 different fabrics that reflect the recipient's love of the outdoors. There is a wine print on the back because he also makes his own wine. It measures 64 x 80 inches, has a hanging sleeve on the back, and is signed and dated.

I hope he likes it. But more importantly, I hope he is worthy of my friend and the quilt.

Santa's Secret Weapon

Who needs elves when you can have these smart, sneaky scotties to help make your Christmas special?

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ME TO YOU!

Ivye's Flower Garden Heads to New Home

Ivye's Flower Garden is a housewarming gift for Ivye Allen. Ivye and I serve on the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation Board together. Ivye recently got a new job that caused her to relocate and buy a new home. Hopefully, Ivye's Flower Garden will help her new home feel special.

Ivye's Flower Garden measures 58 x82 inches. The colors in the quilt were chosen basen on paint chips that Ivye shared with me. It will arrive at her house in time for Christmas.

Christmas Traditions part of Clara Ford Foundation Christmas Tour of Quilts

Christmas Traditions is a row by row quilt created by the quilt store Quilts and Fixins in Jonesboro, Georgia. This quilt has a little of everything in it -- stars, trees, candy canes and Santa. The quilt measures 73 x 83 inches.

Christmas Traditions is on display during the month of December at the Helene Mills Multi-purpose Senior Center, 515 John Wesley Dobbs, Atlanta, GA 30315 as part of the Clara Ford Foundation 1st Annual Christmas Tour of Quilts.

Candy Cane Christmas part of Clara Ford Foundation Christmas Tour of Quilts

I love making Christmas quilts. With the Clara Ford Foundation sponsoring its 1st Annual Christmas Tour of Quilts, I had to really get busy this year. Candy Cane Christmas is one of my 2007 Christmas quilts.

Candy Cane Christmas is composed of 13 sampler blocks offset by candy cane blocks. This quilt is large measuring 71 x 78 inches.

The Clara Ford Foundation Christmas Tour of Quilts runs through the month of December. Quilts are exhibited at three of the Fulton County Multi-Purpose Senior Centers.

Beautiful Mother Commemorates Retirement

This wall hanging was created for Sherryl Williams, a very special friend, to commemorate her retirement. Aside from being just an all around great person and hard worker, Sherryl is an exceptional mother to her daughter. I named the quilt Beautiful Mother to honor her.

Do Flowers Dream?

Do Flowers Dream? is a quilt that I worked on over the past year. It is a block of the month quilt sponsored by the Intown Quilt Shop. All of the blocks were appliqued by hand. I enjoy participating in Block of the Month programs because, since someone else chooses the pattern and the fabric, it allows you to work outside your normal box.

Such is the case with this quilt. These are not my normal colors -- bright oranges, lime greens and brilliant yellows are just not me. When I looked at the finished blocks, I thought, "I've never seen any flowers that look like that!"

But they were so sassy, I wondered, "Do flowers dream of being more than they are like people?"

I hope so.

The beautiful custom quilting was done by Janna Bigelow. She perfectly offset my sassy flowers with a swirling wind pattern that makes them look as if they are dancing. This quilt is part of my private collection.

Life is Good on Loan to Mills Senior Center

Life is Good, Be Thankful is currently on loan to the Helene Mills Senior Center. The quilt will be on display until December, 2007.

The Helene Mills Senior Center is located at 515 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue, Atlanta, GA.

Gossip While You Work #4 Completes the Series

I suppose it's time for the gossiping ladies to stop gossiping and focus on their work. Gossip While You Work #4 is the last quilt in this series of quilts. The other quilts in the series have all found new homes. Hopefully this one will too.

Gossip While You Work #4 measures 41 x 49 inches. In this quilt the gossiping ladies are surrounded by turquoise, brown and black borders. The quilt is signed and dated.

Gossip While You Work #4 is offered for sale in the Clara Ford Foundation EBay Store.

Standing Strong and Tall #1 Offered for Sale

I admire strong women, surprise surprise. Standing Strong and Tall #1 is a tribute to strong women everywhere. The women in this quilt are strong and tall and proud of it! Check out their provocative poses. Look at their vibrant dress. They are clearly comfortable with who they are.

Standing Strong and Tall #1 measures 34 x 50 inches. The purple sashing is embellished with buttons and beads. There is a hanging sleeve on the back for easy display. As are all of my quilts, it is signed and dated.

Standing Strong and Tall #1 is currently being auctioned through the Clara Ford Foundation Ebay Store.

Gossip While You Work #3 Finds a New Home

Gossip While You Work #3 was recently sold to one of my most dedicated collectors in Atlanta. This quilt is part of a four-quilt series. Each quilt starts with the African ladies in the center. To me, they appeared to be gossiping as they went about their daily tasks, hence the name.

Gossip While You Work #3 measures 39 x 43 inches. It is signed and dated.

A New Skill: Fabric Purses

The Clara Ford Foundation is participating in the Atlanta YWCA's Open Your Purse fundraiser. The event is being held September 25, 2007 at the Downtown Ritz Carlton. Four hundred (400) agressive women are expected to fight over the right to take home beautiful handbags.

The Foundation was aked to contribute fabric purses that will be auctioned at the event, and that forced me to learn how to make a fabiric handbag. I chose to make what I call Moving Uptown bags. These bags make me think of tea at Tiffany's or breakfast at Tavern on the Green -- with my own ethnic flair, of course. The bag shown here is done in an Aboriginal print.

Hmmm. There may be a line of these in my future. . . .

Fulton County Memories: A Special Quilt Gift

I sort of digressed. Let's get back to the party --The Quiltmaker's Gift Party. After I presented all of my quilts and promised to keep quilting so the unlucky ones could have hope, I was ready to thank everyone for coming. But to my amazement, out walked two pirates (Willie and Joe) with a treasure chest. There were some nice things in the chest, but guess what was at the bottom??? You guessed it -- a quilt!

Now this truly was a surprise that a staff of legal minds could manage to get me a quilt made. The quilt is beautiful and fun. I love the African prints in combination with the red border. I love anything red. But the fun part was that each member of my 40-person staff had included a charm that would remind me of them. They were so creative! India and I spent an hour playing I Spy on the quilt and trying to match the charm with the person. What a thoughtful, imaginative gift.

And people wonder why I cried when I retired. I left behind the greatest, most gifted group of people in the universe.

But as Arnold would say, "I'll be back!" They don't know it yet, but they are all a part of my future. But that's a blog for another day.

Retirement is a Bowl of Cherries: A Gift from the Quilting Sisters

In hindsight, I guess I should have known that my special group of quilting friends would not let the occasion pass without making me a quilt. I guess I also thought they could not keep a secret and when I had not heard anything. . . . . So when we gathered at our first quilting bee after I retired, and they presented me with Retirement is a Bowl of Cherries, I was totally surprised.

It has all of my favorite colors -- browns, taupes and reds. The quilting on it is beautiful. Thank you so much Roz, Marva, Max, Laura, Cathy and Bessie. It has a special place in my home library and in my heart.

Retired!

Charlotte Lindsey, one of my special quilting sisters presented me with one of her magnificent creations. She entitled it Retired!. The lady in the quilt (Me) is thinking about all the wonderful things she will get to do when she is retired -- sleep late, read, take long soaking baths, travel, visit quilt shops, take classes and have fun, fun, fun!

Isn't she beautiful?

Zulu Queen Reigns in the Nash Family

I love memory quilts. One of the things that makes quilts special are the clues to the lives of our ancestors that they contain. I created a series of quilts called the African Canvas Memory Quilt series to give others a fun way to document their lives.

This series will contain 100 quilts when finished, and Zulu Queen is number 65 of the series. It was a gift to Paula Nash for reasons you will have to visit the African Canvas Memory Quilt web site to find out.

Joe Rickman Gets Bold New Beginning

Joe Rickman was going through some life challenges at the time of my retirement. Joe, who is an investigator in the office, often came by the office to talk quilts and every other thing under the sun. Sometmes he would come by as he put it, "just to make me smile."

I hope when Joe feels challenged, that he will wrap himself up in Bold New Beginnings, calm himself and make the right decision.

Rolesia's Italian Adventure

Rolesia's Italian Adventure went home with Rolesia Dancy. I learned by prowling the hallways that Rolesia really wants to visit Italy. This quilt which is a sampler of mosaic blocks seemed perfert for her.

Rolesian's Italian Adventure is a large quilt that measures 82 x 90 inches.

Strength Through Adversity

Strength Through Adversity was given to Eldridge Morris. Eldridge handled all of the County's insurance matters, and worked closely with me on the settlement of lawsuits. At one time, his staff was housed in our suite of offices so he always felt part of the staff.

Strength Through Adversity measures 60 x 70 inches. It is a pineapple foldy quilt embellished with buttons in the center of the blocks.

Living the Good Life Goes Home with Lisa

Living the Good Life was made for Lisa Brooks. Lisa is on of those employees who quietly goes about her work. Hopefully, this quilt will remind her to take some time off and enjoy life from time to time.

Living the Good Life has a wine and cheese motif and measures 63 x 87 inches.

Awesome African Elephants in My Garden #4 Finds New Home

Awesome African Elephants in My Garden # 4 was chosen to go home with David Ware. The daffodil in the center of the quilt stands tall and strong like David but obviously with a happy disposition. The elephants symbolize strength and the red stars remind us that David is truly a star.

Awesome African Elephants in My Garden # 4 measures 50 x 50 inches. It has a herd of elephants on the back and a hanging sleeve on the back. The quilt is signed and dated.

Other quilts in this 12 part series can be purchased in the Clara Ford Foundation Ebay Store .

Elegant Pink Hearts

I believe that my quilts have healing powers. So I often give quilts to people having medical challenges. Elegant Pink Hearts is such a quilt. It went home with Mildred Schmelz.

I think the back of the quilt is as beautiful as the front. The back of the quilt depicts elegant African ladies who remind me of Mildred. It measures 65 x 77 inches.

Alpha Male (In Touch With My Feminine Side)

Alpha Male (In Touch With My Feminine Side) was a gift for Denval Stewart. The colors of the quilt were chosen with Denval in mind. I wanted black and gold because he is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, but he also has roots in Jamaica. So I thought the quilt should have bright Jamaican colors in it. After the quilt w was finished, I worried that it perhaps looked to feminine to give to a man. I even took the quilt to my guild meeting, and the Brown Sugar Stitchers said they thought it looked feminine.

Nonetheless, I decided to give it to Denval anyway and hoped he would understand. The name of the quilt reflects my anguish over this quilt.

Gossip While You Work #1 Finds New Home

One of my newest creations found a new home during my retirement party. It went home with my long time receptionist Dee Dee Hunter.

Gossip While You Work#1 is part of a four-part series based on the center panel of ladies headed to market. This wallhanging measures 26x34 inches. It is signed and has a hanging sleeve on the back.

Dee Dee swore that of all the quilts given away that night, that hers was the prettiest.

Other quilts in this series may be purchased in the Clara Ford Foundation Ebay Store .

Amils' Commitment

Amil's Commitment was actually a belated wedding gift for Amil Johnson. It is blue and white and bold. It measures 61 x79 inches.

I think the quilt depicts a quiet strength that reminds me of Amil.

Win is What We Do

The first order of quilt business was to unveil the 2006 office signature quilt. Over the years, I had made several signature quilts for the office. The staff seemed to get a kick out of coming up with something original and provocative to say in their block and then to see what others came up with. The actual design of the quilt was always a secret until it was finished.

The 2006 quilt was named Win is What We Do. It has 42 signature blocks that include all staff members as well as India and our dog Justin. It is pictured above.

Quilts! Quilts! Quilts! The Beginning and the End

Finally July 24, 2007, my last day at Fulton County, arrived. Coincidentally, it happens to be my Mama's birthday. I knew it would be a special day.

My staff had planned this gathering as a private gathering where I could say goodbye to those closest to me. The guest list had 150 peoople on it! It was held at the lovely State Bar of Georgia building, and the party committee had outdone themselves. Food by Malik was delicious, flowers by Idonia were beautiful, and the wine flowed freely. My friends really know how to throw a party! (June, Judy, Toni and Debbie formed a committee.) My special IT guy Namaar had produced a video of my years in the Fulton County Attorney's Office that showed on wall-to-wall screens that surrounded the room. I still cry every time I watch it.

Again, there was a program. Many friends and former employees spoke. What I remember most is that you never know the impact you are having on other people. I had no idea!

Once the speeches were over, it was time to get to the fun part -- giving away the quilts. At my request, the program was entitled "The Quiltmaker's Gift." My gifts are posted here. Oh yeah, I did say you should see the end from the beginning. Posted here is the first quilt I made for the office. It is called Fulton County Attorneys and hangs in the main conference room. That was the beginning, and now you can see the end.

The Prayer, The Poem and The Receiving Line

My staff decided I must have a public reception to give clients, employees and the public at large an opportunity to say goodbye. So on July 19, 2007, we gathered in the beautiful atrium of the Fulton county Administration Building. In keeping with tradition, there had to be a program.

I received a proclamation from the Atlanta City Council that was delivered by Councilman C.T. Martin. Secretary of State Karen Handel and District Attorney Paul Howard both sent proclamations.

However,what is most memorable to me about this reception is the prayer and the poem. People are still talking about them. I have been a devout Baptist all my life, and I have heard thousands of preachers, deacons, evangelists and even devils pray! But David Ware prayed for me like no other. I actually had him to write it down for me afterwards.

The surprise was the poem. Vernon Comer, aka as the husband of my Office Manager and Santa Claus at the annual office Children's Holiday Party, had not only written a poem for me but he performed it. I had no idea he was a creative genius at Spoken Word! I'll post the poem later. It is call On Your Journey, and I am sure it will inspire a quilt.

After another short speech from me, it was time for the receiving line. I sincerely thank all of you who took time out of your busy day to share my special day. I treasue every hand shake and hug. And don't let me forget the party committee. The food was great, and the decorations were done in my favorite red and white.

At the end of the day, India and I were exhausted, but what a memorable day. How many Moms get to have their teenager share such a special day. I hope it is a memory that propels India to serve others when she makes her life decisions.

O.V. Brantley Day in Fulton County!

The celebrations began on July 18, 2007 with a proclamation by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. I suppose this was the part of the retirement ritual that I dreaded the most, because I knew it would be televised. Even though I have been a public figure all my adult life, I hate being on public display. Go figure.

I knew I would be emotional and worried about getting through my speech. Luckily, I had my two favorite girls with me for moral support and to furnish the tissue. That would be my niece Brittany (pictured in the yellow shirt) and my daughter India (pictured in the blue dress).

The Commissioners all had wonderful things to say about me. I managed to get through my speech, and at the end of it all, Chairman John Eaves declared it O.V. Brantley day in Fulton County, GA!

The good thing about this public display is that I heard from many old acquaintances who watched it on televison or their computers.

Saying Goodbye to Fulton County

July 24, 2007 was my last day as the Fulton County Attorney. They say you should see the end from the beginning, and I had certainly planned for that day. However, nothing prepared me for the out-pouring of love that I received during what turned out to be a three day celebration. More about that later.

I certainly wanted to have a personal keepsake to remind me of my days at Fulton County so I designed Good Things are Happening as a personal quilt memento. The name comes from the slogan that my personal commissioner, Bill Edwards, uses to describe District 7. It measures 47 x 52 inches and depicts the Fulton County logo.

The rest of my planning involved giving away several quilts at my retirement party. Each are featured on this site. However, I could not have known about the love gifts that I would receive. Some of those will be featured here as well.

I guess retirement is right up there with graduation and marriage, so indulge me as I share my big moment.

Brown Sugar Stitchers Hold Annual Tea

The Brown Sugar Stitchers held its annual tea July 21, 2007 at the beautiful Maggianos in Buckhead. The tea affords the ladies to get out of their quilting clothes and make themselves gorgeous. The hats were particularly spectacular this year.

The challenge this year was to make an unusual pin cushion. The creativity was over the top. An extra addition to the program was the presentation of the quilt made by the guild for Pete Williams. Mr. Williams had spent time in prison after being wrongfully convicted. He was recently cleared and released.

Many awards were given and the new officers were introduced and sworn in. Of special note this year was the President's gift to the members. It was an original "corn bag" (aka heating pad) for each of us. I guess she figured the aches and pains are creeping upon all of us.

The Brown Sugar Stitchers honored me by awarding me the "Quilter of Vision" Award for establishing the Clara Ford Foundation and the award for making the most quilts during the year.

Gossip While you Work #2 Sold at Auction

Gossip While You Work #2 was recently sold at the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA) annual gala held at the lovely Ritz Carlton in downtown Atlanta. An auction is held during the gala to raise money for the organization's scholarship fund.

Gossip While You Work #2 measures 42 x 50 inches. It has a hanging sleeve on the back and is labeled and signed. It is part of a four-quilt series.

I am thrilled that I played a small part in a talented African American law student's career. The selling price was $700!

Commemorate Your Summer Trip with a Quilt

My daughter India and I love to travel as often as we can. We always take a spring break cruise, and I try to commemorate each cruise with a quilt. Shown here is Caribbean Rock, our 2006 commemorative quilt.

In 2006, we traveled on an Italian cruise ship called Costa Mediterranea. Our itinerary included stops in Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Ocho Rios. Being a relatively new teenager, at each port-of-call India wanted to find a Hard Rock Cafe to purchase a tee shirt. Aboard ship, India hung out with new found friends and ate lots of ice cream and pizza. I spent time sun bathing, reading and quilting on deck. Most of the time we go our separate ways on cruises, except for formal dinner and shore excursions. However, this cruise we took an Italian class together. It's pretty cool when a teenager is willing to take a class with Mom.

Summer is traditional travel time, and I hope you have something wonderful planned. Consider documenting your trip with a quilt.

Bon Voyage!

Graduates, Follow Your Passion!

Graduations are such happy times. The graduates are looking forward to the future, and the families are beaming with pride. All that hard work has finally paid off.

My prayer for every graduate is that you have the courage to follow your passion and your heart. Do not do something you hate just to please others. If you follow your passion, you will be successful.

I was 45 years old before I found my passion. I hope you find yours sooner.

Shown here is one of my "happy" quilts. It's called Inspiration.

Happy Mother's Day!

Those of you who still have your mothers with you are truly blessed. I hope that you are treasuring every moment.

The rest of us must be content to carry our mothers in our heart and to know that an angel in heaven considers us a special project.

Shown here is Evora's Earth, the quilt that got me through my early stages of grief. I make a point to touch it everyday.

Roses are Red Debuts May 5

Roses are Red will make its public debut in the Brown Sugar Stitchers quilt show May 5, 2007 at the Wesley Chapel Library in Decatur, GA. This is definitely a quilt that needs to be seen up close for it to be properly appreciated.

Roses are Red is large quilt measuring 74 x 94. It showcases a mixture of precise piecing and hand applique. The center of the quilt is comprised of 18 album blocks offset by solid white blocks. The white setting blocks contain the words love, hope and charity, but you must look very closely to see them. The center of the quilt is surrounded by a vine border that is appliqued by hand.

This quilt was made for my personal collection. It is sure to be hit with the Deltas of the world.

Player Player Created for a Future NBA Star

Player Player was made for a special young man at the Carrie Steele Pitts Orphanage in Atlanta, Ga. The quilt has a basketball theme and is designed to fuel his dreams of playing in the NBA. It measures 51 x 63 inches.

Player Player will be exhibited in the Brown Sugar Stitchers quilt show May 5 at the Wesley Chapel Library in Decatur, GA. The quilt will be presented to the young man, along with quilts made by other members of the Brown Sugar Stitchers Quilt Guild, in July.

Awesome African Elephants in My Garden #6 debuts in BSS Quilt Show May 5

Awesome African Elephants in My Garden #6 will make its debut in the Brown Sugar Stitchers quilt show May 5. This quilt begins with two blue butterflies in the middle -- a Mommy and a child. The butterflies have played all day, but now it is near sunset and time to go in for the night. The butterflies are surrounded by a herd of blue elephants and ethnic fabrics in deep reds, blues and golds.

There is also herd of elephants on the back of the quilt, as well as a hanging sleeve for convenient hanging. The quilt is signed and dated and measures 50 x 50 inches.

After the show, this quilt will be listed for sale in the Clara Ford Foundation Ebay Store along with the other quilts in this series. This quilt marks the half way point of the Awesome African Elephants in My Garden series.

Awesome African Elephants in My Garden #5 debuts in BSS Quilt Show May 5

Awesome African Elephants in My Garden #5 will make its debut in the Brown Sugar Stitchers quilt show May 5. This quilt begins with a golden sunflower in the middle that is surrounded by ethnic fabrics and a herd of elephants. It measures 52 x 52 inches.

There is also herd of elephants on the back of the quilt, as well as a hanging sleeve for convenient hanging. The quilt is signed and dated.

After the show, this quilt will be listed for sale in the Clara Ford Foundation Ebay Store along with the other quilts in this series.

African Valentine (Part One) Will Be Auctioned May 5

African Valentine (Part One) is number 59/100 of the African Canvas Memory Quilt© series, a collection of 100 unique quilts. It will be auctioned at the Brown Sugar Stitchers quilt show May 5 at the Wesley Chapel Library in Decatur, GA. Proceeds benefit the good works of the Brown Sugar Stitchers Quilt Guild and the Friends of the Wesley Chapel Library.

The quilt measures 30 inches x 20 inches. On the back is a red print with white valentine words. The front of the quilt is embellished with words of love including valentine appliqué patches, musical notes and ribbon. The binding and the sashing is black. The quilt is signed and dated.

African Valentine (Part One) contains authentic African fabrics, domestic African prints and novelty prints, all 100% cotton. The quilt is further embellished with beads, potpourri, inspirational words, charms, and buttons. The front of the quilt bears the original signature of the quilter. There is a hanging sleeve on the back so that you can easily display the quilt in your home. You can display the quilt as is, or you can add your own embellishments. Suggested embellishments include award ribbons and pins, old go-steady rings, your mother’s watch and pins from your social and professional organizations. Each addition adds to the unique texture of your work of art.

Other quilts in the African Canvas Memory Quilt series can be viewed at http://www.africancanvasquilts.blogspot.com/.

Life's Twists and Turns Visits Mills Senior Center

Life's Twists and Turns will spend the next three months at the Helene Mills Multi-Purpose Senior Center. The center is located near downtown in Atlanta, GA.

The quilt measures 76 x 99 inches and was finished in 2002. It is one of my person favorites, and I hope the ladies at the center enjoy it.

Will Litigate For Food Returns to the Office

After a well received showing in the Bulloch Hall Quilt Show in Roswell, GA, Will Litigate for Food, returned to the office this week. This quilt is the 2005 signature quilt for the Fulton County Attorneys Office. It is a large quilt measuring 96 x 110 inches. Each staff member left a very special message about whatever was on their minds.

There are books on the back of the quilt, coffee beans on the front with script letter briefs sprinkled throughout.

Bon Voyage!

India and I are off to the Eastern Caribbean on our annual spring break cruise. We are sailing on the Carnival Liberty with stops in San Juan, St. Thomas, Tortola and Antigua. Hopefully I will find some unusual fabric at one of these exotic ports-of-call.

Our annual get-away always inspires me, and I try to make a commemorative quilt afterwards. Maybe sailing on the Carnival Liberty will finally give me a reason to make one of those red, white and blue patriotic quilts. Featured here is Enchantment of the Seas, our 2002 cruise quilt.

Atlanta Album (This Ain't Baltimore) Visits Mills Senior Center

Atlanta Album (This Ain't Baltimore) was the guest of honor during Black History Month at the Helene Mills Senior Center in Atlanta. By all accounts, the feedback was positive.

The Center showcased several quilts during the month of February. Awesome African Elephants in My Garden #1 was also part of the exhibit.

Awesome African Elephants in My Garden #1 Part of Senior Center Exhibit

Awesome African Elephants in My Garden #1 was on display at the Helene Mills Senior Center

Loving Red and White Quilts for Valentines Day

Being a Delta who loves Christmas gives me plenty of reasons to make red and white quilts. Valentines Day is just icing on the cake.

Pictured here is one of my early red and white quilts. It is a double Irish chain quilt called Through the Bonds of Delta. It measures 73 x 88 inches. Completed in 2001, it is part of personal collection.

Martin's Dream

Martin's Dream, 74 x 84 inches, 2002. This quilt hangs in the office of the Fulton County Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia.

"Georgia Quilts: Piecing Together A History" is Available on Amazon

The inclusion of two of my quilts in the volume documenting Georgia quilts is an honor I never would have dreamed of when I took my first quilting stitch eight years ago. Georgia Quilts - Piecing Together A History is now available on amazon.com.

What are your quilt dreams? Claim them and they will come true.

Happy New Year and Happy Birthday to Me!

I am a New Year's Baby. That is both a blessing a curse. A curse because there are so many celebrations going on that it is hard to make your personal celebration special. A blessing because it is easy for everyone to remember your birthday. When Dick Clark drops the apple in Time Square, my phone begins to ring, and I hear from friends, old and recent. It is a blessing to be remembered.

The beginning of a new year and your birthday, whenever that may be, are great times to reflect and assess. Am I happy? Have I reached my goals? If not, what will I change in order to reach them? Looking back, are there fences I should mend? Have I made good choices? If not, am I at least not continuing to make the same bad choices?

I thought this would be a good time to share my personal memory quilt. It is Number 1 of the 100 quilt African Canvas Memory Quilt series. It is called From Africa to Atlanta By Way of Arkansas. Like my life, it continues to be a work in progress. I never remove anything from the quilt because what's done is done. But I certainly hope to add many more precious memories to it -- whether they be good or bad.

May your New Year Be Glorious!

Christmas is Here! Time To Decorate!

I love the Christmas season and all of the traditions assoicated with it. Not surprisingly, I have made a few Christmas quilts. Featured above is Merry Christmas, 36x36 inches, 2002.

Welcome to my Christmas Quilt Open House!

Christmas Garden

Christmas Garden, 70 x 70 inches, 2003.

Christmas on Stonebriar

Christmas on Stonebriar, 78 x 90 inces, 2003.

African Christmas

African Christmas, 65 x75 inches, 2004.

A Child's Christmas

A Child's Christmas, 45 x 45 inches, 2004.

Musical Christmas Star

Musical Christmas Star, 77x77 inches, 2002.

The Greatest Gift!

The season is upon us! Shopping, eating, presents, parties and, of course, Santa. What a glorious time of the year. I love everything about the part of the year between Thanksgiving and New Years – the smell of turkey and pound cake in the oven. The Christmas decoration on the homes of my neighbors. The music and the lights of the mall. Leaving Santa cookies and milk. Christmas carols. I love it all, and I eagerly soak it up.

However, I always try to take a quiet moment to reflect on the true reason for the season – the gift of God’s only Son. Could I give up my only daughter? Never!! What magnificent love one must possess to take such an extraordinary action.

Since admittedly, I am nowhere near God-like, I try to emulate in my small insignificant way. I love giving QUILT GIFTS. Sometimes they are expected, but mostly they are unexpected. I love to see the shock and surprise on the face of the unexpected. You can see the realization cross their face as it sinks in that someone just gave them a gift that took months to create; that someone gave them a gift of pure love; and they wonder if they are worthy.

I love giving QUILT GIFTS. Featured below are some I have given in the past. My future QUILT GIFT list remains long. I am methodically working my way through it. My quilts are not the greatest gift, but they are given with the greatest of love that a mere imperfect human can muster.

Merry Christmas!

You Shoulda Been A Delta: A QUILT GIFT

You Shoulda Been a Delta was made for June, one of my best friends. My other best friend is a Delta and a quilter, so June was forced to hang out with two Deltas who happened to both be quilters. She always took it in stride and was a good sport about it. We dragged her to quilt stores all over the country and made her love all things red and white.

You Shoulda been a Delta was a gift for June's 50th birthday. I think she won't mind me saying that since we are the same age. It measures 76 x 80 inches. One special thing about this quilt is that the high heels in the corners of the quilt were created especially for June by renowned quilter Billie Lauder. June loves high heels, so there had to be a special pair in her quilt. This quilt was finished in 2004.

Willie's World: A QUILT GIFT

Willie's World was a wedding gift for a dear friend. It tries to chronicle Willie's life from growing up in Savannah, Georgia to Yale University to Harvard Law. Later he marries Seletha and practices law in Atlanta.

Willie's World measures 88 x 88 and was finished in 2003. It hangs in Willie's home.

Happy Birthday Diane! - A Quilt Gift

Happy Birthday Diane! was a birthday gift for a dear friend. It is part of my African Canvas Memory Quilt series.

African Royalty Sold!

African Royalty is number 41/100 of the African Canvas Memory Quilt series. It measures 16 inches x 42 inches. A purple, gold and black geometric zigzag print is on the back. The binding and the sashing are black.

African Royalty contains authentic African fabrics and is embellished with beads, inspirational words, charms, buttons and music. There is a hanging sleeve on the back so that you can easily display the quilt in your home. You can display the quilt as is, or you can add your own embellishments. Suggested embellishments include award ribbons and pins, old go steady rings, your mother’s watch and pins from your social and professional organizations. Each addition adds to the unique texture of your work of art.

African Royalty is signed and dated. It was sold to a collector in Orange, New Jersey.

Another Time, Another Place Offered for Sale

Another Time, Another Place represents my love of antique quilts. An antique vase of flowers is featured in the center of the quilt and then surrounded by African and Civil War prints. A prairie point border figures prominently in the quilt.

The quilt measures 44 x 44 inches. It has a red and white print on the back A hanging sleeve is attached for easy display. This quilt was hand quilted with love.

Another Time, Another Place is signed and dated. It is offered for sale for $500.00. For more information, contact me at 0vbrant@bellsouth.net or visit the Clara Ford Foundation Ebay Store to purchase.

Awesome African Elephants in My Garden #3 Offered for Sale

Awesome African Elephants in My Garden #3 has a majestic rust colored flower in the center framed by several borders, including a herd of elephants. This quilt measures 55 x 49 inches and is accented by a bright striped binding that contains all the colors in the quilt. There is a herd of elephants on the back of the quilt, as well as, a hanging sleeve for easy display. The quilt is signed and dated.

Awesome African Elephants in My Garden # 3 is offered for sale for $600.00. For more information, contact me at 0vbrant@bellsouth.net or visit the Clara Ford Foundation Ebay store to purchase.

Awesome African Elephants in My Garden #2 Offered for Sale

Awesome African Elephants in My Garden #2 begins with a blue and yellow butterfly in the center. The center block is framed with various borders and concludes with a herd of elephants at the bottom of the quilt. This quilt measures 52 x 52 inches. It is signed and numbered. It sells for $600.00. For more information, contact me at 0vbrant@bellsouth.net or visit the Clara Ford Foundation Ebay store to purchase.

Awesome African Elephants in My Garden #1 Offered for Sale

Awesome African Elephants in My Garden #1 is the inaugural quilt in this series of 12 quilts. It measures 52 x 52 inches. This medallion style quilt features an orange and green flower center block. Borders include a pieced green and orange border and an orange elephant border. The piece is signed and numbered. It sells for $600.00. For more information, contact me at 0vbrant@bellsouth.net or visit the Clara Ford Foundation Ebay Store to purchase.

"Awesome African Elephants In My Garden" Series Reflects My Country African Style

I would describe my style as "Country African." I love traditional patterns reminiscent of the Civil War and the early 1900’s, but I like to give the traditional patterns a distinctive ethnic twist.

My Awesome African Elephants in My Garden series evolved from this philosophy. Each of the 12 quilts in the series begins with a traditional center block that has a garden theme. From there I allow my imagination to go wild. There is only on rule. There must be elephants in the quilt.

Each quilt measures approximately 50 x50 inches. A gray fabric depicting African elephants in their natural habitat adorn the back of each quilt. There is a hanging sleeve on the back of each quilt for easy display in your home or office.

Each of the quilts in this series sells for $750.00.

Flowers and Tea For Me Offered for Sale

Flowers and Tea For Me is a small wallhanging depicting a charming bouquet of flowers. It measures 24 x 30 inches, has a piping inner border and is embellished with butons. The border has charming teacups with flowers sprouting out of them. I was inspired to make this quilt as a reminder to always take time to pamper myself. It was hand appliquéd and hand quilted with love in 2005. The piece is signed and dated.

Flowers and Tea For Me is offered for sale for $400.00. If you have questions, email me at 0vbrant@bellsouth.net or visit the Clara Ford Foundation Ebay store.

Heavenly Melody Finds a New Home

Heavenly Melody has returned home from rave reviews at the Art Station Gallery http://www.artstation.org/ in Stone Mountain. This quilt measures 48x48 inches and is hand appliquéd. It depicts three women engaged in a heavenly chorus. The colors of the quilt are vibrant purples, reds and greens. The quilt is embellished with buttons, charms and decorative stitching. It is signed and dated.

Heavenly Melody has found a new home with a collector in Atlanta, Georgia.

Flowers Hoping to Be Free Offered For Sale

I am a traditional quilter at heart. I love the old traditional patterns, but I like to add my personal touch to them. Flowers Hoping to Be Free is a traditional four block appliqué pattern that those who study quilts will recognize. The quilt is done in the traditional red, green and yellow color palette, but has a Christmas poinsettia border.

The quilt gets its name from the fact that it took me so long to finish it. It is hand appliquéd, and I started the quilt before I was very skilled in hand appliqué. I put it aside for years because it was just too difficult. Later, I took an appliqué class and was able to finish a quilt called Flowers Growing Free. I dug out my unfinished quilt and Flowers Hoping To be Free was born.

Flowers Hoping to Be Free measures 75 x 75 inches. The blocks are offset by red piping and the flowers are embellished with buttons. It is signed and dated. There is a hanging sleeve on the back for easy display.

Flowers Hoping to Be Free is offered for sale for $1200.00 in the Clara Ford Foundation Ebay Store.