I was just on another thread about couching and bobbin work and mentioned thread painting. That got me to wondering--what have you added to a quilt as a surface addition that was odd? Why?

I have two answers. Mahjongg tiles--wooden tiles used to play a Chinese game that I happen to enjoy. I've also added old, (sometimes) rusty, small pieces of metal with odd shapes or colors that I found in my dad's shop--when I saw the discarded metal pieces, I just saw them on an art quilt. Of course I had to see how that would work!

I guess I have not put anything odd just silk flowers and pearls. I guess it could be odd to someone.

I've never done anything like that. I'm a pretty traditional girl.

maybe someone will read your post tonight or early in the morning and you will find more who do that. Never tried to put anything on a quilt other than tie it.

Hey I'm still learning the ropes with traditional quilting!! I haven't even thought of embellishments of any kind - odd or not.. Sorry I'm no help .. Lol.

I've never put anything on my quilts. Sorry.

Me neither ... but I have learned never to say never .... time usually makes me eat those words .... so ... maybe somdeday ....:)

Me either but new to quilting

Nothing unusual. I have done copper conches and beads on a SW crazy quilt wall hanging, but that's not out of the ordinary. Many, many beads on the living room curtains, but they aren't quilted, so they don't count.

Sorry, I have never added anything to my quilts either.

Have put Bottons, nap size, was concerned with someone waking up with an imprint of the button on a cheek.
Would be concerned with washing on anything with sharp edges, cutting into the fabric. JMO :)

Only embellishments I have put on a quilt are beads, yoyos, fabric flowers and applique.....mainly because I didn't want bits sticking into people when using them. I think if I start doing some art quilts/wallhangings I may branch out, though I've got this "thing" about everything being washable.

I love to embellish quilts: jingle bells on sleigh quilt, costume jewelry on cowgirl hat quilt, fabric feather, beads galore (mostly for eyes). I make polymer buttons specifically for a project - like golfball buttons for a sweatshirt jacket, fish buttons for a tropical shirt, "coal" for the snowmen. My fleece jackets have buttons that match the fabric, just blend the clay colors you need. And, yes, they wash just fine.

Nope, just a traditional quilter. If there is stuff on the quilt, wouldn't it come off in a wash?

On a quilt that is to be used as a wall hanging, I could see using anything that completes the story.
For a traditional quilt that is used on a bed, I don't even use buttons. I like to see the patchwork and the quilting, and I don't want to lie on buttons or beads.

I have embellished (or tried to) some wallhangings with beads, buttons and ribbons, but never put anything on my quilts that would be used on a bed. I am pretty traditional like others have said. Artsy just does not appeal to me.

Same here.....the most I've added is a button or two on applique

Ink and bleach. I use ink to show shadow and painted bleach to show light.

I have a bunch of 'stuff' that I've collected, ribbons, yarns, etc. - but have not done any of that yet.

I also want to incorporate the aluminum shavings that my husband makes when he mills aluminum. Not sure how I would do that though as they're swirlly bits of really sharp metal that would catch on everything. I'll figure something out someday when I have a design in my head that screams for bright shiny swirlly things I guess.

Hot fix crystals, organza overlay, couching thread (or cool yarn instead...if needed), sequins, beads, pearls, and sometimes painting with thread. But in terms of comfort I minimize what I use. Painting with thread can get really uncomfortable with the heaviness of it. But I'll put the yarn or couching thread around my applique with no hesitation. :)

I have couched threads, added buttons, crystals but I love your ideas!

I love adding embellishments! I don't worry about a button imprint on my face or any of that. I think my quilts are for decoration as much as comfort and I love adding personal touches. Kills me that I cant fussy up the baby quilts (safety reasons).

Everything Imake is for use, so if it can't be washed I don't add it. But I really enjoy looking at quilts that are so creative.

Guess I should have noted that the few quilts I have put oddities on were art quilts--wall hangings, table toppers, etc. Generally I prefer to make pretty bed quilts, especially queen size quilts, but I have been known to get creative on occasion. Thanks for your answers. I enjoy asking questions and reading what you write. It's my way of picking your brains for inspiration and getting to know the folks on the board.
Mary

This is absolutely for a decorative wall hanging: Teeth or fangs buttons, beads, antique earrings from grandma's earring box, fimo clay designs, dried and silk flowers, Mardi Gras Beads, old necklace chains, playing cards................your imagination is your only limit. :-)