The creative and spiritual journey of a (textile) recycler. . .

I have thought about starting a blog for a long time now. I just couldn’t seem to get started. I thought. . what would I say, what would I do and really . . . . . who would care.

Last year I had the great fortune to witness a ‘happening’. As a spouse at a reunion (I know, groan) I was both an observer and participant. This reunion was attended by some of the most creative and talented people on the face of the planet. Really, no exaggeration! But many were holding onto life long insecurities. They didn’t think they were talented enough and embarrassed to perform in front of each other for fear of . . who knows . . . finger pointing, whispers, laughter, ridicule of some sort for sure. Once it was revealed that many shared the same feelings, the healing began. And I was the lucky one. I got to witness it all and benefit as well.

So, the message is that we all think we are not good enough compared to someone else, but we are. Don’t let your fears and insecurities stop you. We can’t measure our own success by someone else’s talents.

This revelation and the kindness / support of strangers has propelled my creative journey to a place I had given up ever getting to. Tho I thought my creative juices were dried up forever, they have merely been reawakened. Many thanks to all involved in my process, including in-part . . Victoria B, Mrs. W., Charles Mc., Claudia H, Mary B, Cindy G, Sandy B, Traci B., Kat C, and my IAA family. So, thank you. I dedicate this blog to all of you!

Friday, May 11, 2012

Happy Mother's Day

By now anyone reading this blog knows that I go thru periods of being too shy to show my work or I can't wait for everyone to see it. It's a true roller coaster ride for me. Sometimes I win the battle, sometimes not. . . just depends. On what? I have no idea. I can't figure it out. So, I don't try. . . . I just keep moving forward.

Well, on a spur-of-the-moment-whim, I entered a contest and put a piece out there for the world to see. It's more about the baby steps to artistic security. So. . .  I did it.

I entered a Mother's Day themed hanging quilt contest. Arrrrgggg. . .  what was I thinking. . . I guess my mom inspired me to do it. No, she didn't berate me or force me into it. She has been gone for a speck over 20 years now. But her spirit, always with me, gave me that nudge I so needed. Thanks mom. You're always in my corner. . .  yep even today and from the here after. . .

The quilt is just 12" x 12". It's a photo of my mom when she was barely out of her teens, sitting on the porch, most likely waiting for her sweety to come by. Oh ya, that sweety was my dad. I hand colored the pink dress.

Recycling some old pieces of her garments, I put it all together and appropriately titled the quilt 'Mom'.
If you would like to see all of the quilts entered, please go to and vote for your favorites, whether mine or not. It's ok. Voting ends on Sunday, May13, 2012.


http://quiltinggallery.com/2012/05/11/vote-now-quilts-for-mom/

Happy Mother's Day everyone!     
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Thursday, May 3, 2012

AAW Felt Doll Class

I've been hanging out at the AAW 3D art class for a few days now. The kids are learning to hand sew by making little felt dolls. The skill builder is to learn to make a pattern from their own designs, cut the fabric, then hand stitch the pieces together adding kooky embellishments at the end.  

The plan is for them to make at least 3 dolls, each one getting progressively more complicated. The two pictured were the first attempts from these two happy sewers.

Normally in this class students learn ceramics, jewelry making, sculpture and now dolls making. 

After the first 20 minutes kids were asking if they could just make dolls till the end of the school year! They really loved it. As a lifelong sewer and crafter, it makes me happy to see kids so interested in a medium that is so far out of their comfort zone.

Here's one finished doll held up by the camera shy artist. I love her color choices. .  electric blue and hot lime green.

The photo above is artist-in-residence Diane Kramer with her first attempt at doll making as well! Diane is a phenomenal artist. Check out her work too. . http://www.dianemariekramer.com

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