ashlett

The criteria is a 12 inch block, the theme is the Oak tree. I can`t get inspired, please can you help?

QuiltnNan

perhaps applique oak leaves and acorns?

Tartan

How about doing something with the "Tie A Yellow Ribbon" song. It is a very popular idea for over here for missing loved ones. Maybe a little acorn under the shadow of an oak tree? How about something from Winnie the Pooh? Doesn't one of the character's live in a tree? Maybe something simple like a fractured oak leaf? Maybe several oak leaves from several species? There are some lovelyneedle point historical pieces with oak leaves and acorns that could be adapted to applique. (look through Coats of Arms?) Hopefully one of these suggestions will spark an idea.

catmcclure

Might check out this website for paper pieced trees. Her pattern is for small blocks, but could be enlarged. Trees are down toward the bottom: http://chasenbach.tripod.com/shop/indexeng.html

Sew N Tune

I saw this somewhere, can't remember where, but I was inspired. It was the trunk of a tree appliqued onto the square. You could sew the ground together with some sky material. Then the leaves were all in fall tones - these were not really leaves, but more oval shaped pieces. They were just put on all over to create the tree top effect.

lizzyq

This looks something like what Sew N Tune was describing. It might give your imagination a nudge.

http://weefolkart.com/content/fallin...s-wall-hanging (Must copy and paste - sorry.)

quilt addict

How about a Sunbonnet Sue on a tree swing. Just make the tree look like an oak. Or she could be raking up leaves that have fallen with lots of fall colors. Those are more applique ideas.

Here's some patterns from Quilter's Cache:

http://www.quilterscache.com/O/OakLeavesBlock.html
http://www.quilterscache.com/T/TreeE...tingBlock.html

http://www.quilterscache.com/T/Treeo...tionBlock.html
http://www.quilterscache.com/T/TreeofParadiseBlock.html

http://www.quilterscache.com/T/TreeofLifeBlock.html
http://www.quilterscache.com/T/TreesintheParkBlock.html

Or it can be whatever thinking of an oak tree reminds you of. I think of squirrels gathering the fallen acorns for winter. Or a summer picnic in the shade of a large oak tree at my Grandma's farm.

Good luck. I have the same problem with my guild challenge this year for a block on "freedom".