Artists' backstories are as interesting as their work

Strike up a conversation with any crafter or artist at a show, and you’ll usually hear an interesting backstory. Natalie Norman is just one of these people. No doubt you’ve seen her selling her warm, fuzzy mittens at various shows, but it’s the waist bag she was wearing at the recent Salem Covenant Church Art Fair that caught my eye, and thus the questions began.

Norman makes Swedish “kjolvaskas.” She collects vintage Swedish needlework, honed the embroidery designs over the years and incorporates them into new bags. “I would say that the new ones are inspired by the old,” she said. Her passion for this specialized needlework earned her an invitation from the governor to meet with the king and queen of Sweden; and the princess has a special bag (and even one for her doll) created by Natalie. She was also invited to the Swedish Embassy in Washington D.C. to meet dignitaries from the Scandinavian country. Her kjolvaskas are available at the American Swedish Institute and the Gammelgarden Museum in Scandia. Pure Serendipity will be at three shows this holiday season: Saturday, Nov. 21- Christ Presbyterian Church Edina Holiday Boutique. Saturday, Dec. 5- Hudson Holiday Boutique- Saturday, Dec. 12- Womens Art Festival

Three years old- and past the terrible twos

Three years ago this coming weekend Pure Serendipity made its debut at the ‪‎Salem Covenant Church‬ holiday arts and crafts fair (Photo). It's taken a lot of commitment to keep this fledgling business going and I admit it, sometimes, especially during the second year, when the newness began to wear off, I just wanted to give it up. However, what's kept my going are the wonderful, gifted women/artists that I have met through this adventure; the joy of having my creative wheels always moving me forward in new directions; but mostly, that Pure Serendipity has brought me closer to my daughter - a gift of such magnitude that there are no words to express my gratitude I'm excited to be celebrating my third anniversary at Salem Covenant Church this Saturday. Here are the details: Show: Nov. 7 Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Location: 2655 FIFTH STREET NW NEW BRIGHTON, MN 55112 Please stop by and say "Hi."

Friendship woven together with a thread

Look what I received in the mail today. Fourteen, one-yard cuts of batiks from Ghana. These fabrics are from my very dear friend, Suchinta, who purchased them for me while in the African country. Batiks are by far my favorite fabric. I love the flow of color, and the idea that the designs are hand-crafted, with colors and symbols that have regional and ethnic significance. I had told Suchinta to send me some batiks, if she could find the time. But I wasn't expecting this truly wonderful gift that also came with a new connection to a place far away. I am overwhelmed. This box of goodies has given me "quilter's block" (similar to writer's block). I am creatively stuck. What can I make that would best honor the women behind these creations and show off the designs? I'm calling on my friends to help me out with ideas. Below is a "selfie" of Suchinta with Esther, the creative force behind the fabrics.

Suchinta's comments on seeking out the fabrics:

"I have been walking around looking for Esther and her gorgeous batiks for days. She designs and has 4 women create beautiful cotton fabrics combining batik and tie dye. Today I found her on my 3rd attempt, and made a new friend. Our meeting turned out to be more about sharing self-healing stories than about batiks."

Learn more about Esther: http://batiksforlife.com/the-art-of-batik-and-more-feel-goodness/

Changing seasons, changing inventory mix

I have only two more outdoor shows this season: Marine on St. Croix Art Fair this weekend and Golden Valley Art and Music Festival on Sept. 26. Then it is time to quickly shift gears to the indoors, and that means an inventory change-up. Here are the three top category items this past summer:

TRIVETS...Total number sold over the summer:26

HATBRIMS...Total number sold over the summer 23

SMALL LIDDED BOWLS My inventory of small lidded bowls is constantly in need of replenishing. (I'd better get busy for the upcoming sales)...Total number sold over the summer: 23

Duluth - pretty sticky, but I'm glad I stuck around.

Two days tenting on asphalt at Highland Fest in the July heat didn't seem to phase me. But two days at Art on Bayfront Park near the shores of Lake Superior took its toll. Heat exhaustion! Sunday there was no wind; lots of heat, sun and humidity, too much for this out-of-shape body. I drove home sick and had to skip a half day of work. However, it was a great event, with great crowds ..... well, on Saturday. I connected with some people from the days when I lived in the Twin Ports, and I had a chance to dine Friday night with bead artist Cheri Meyer at Lake Avenue Restaurant. Was the food ever good. However, as a sign of things to come, the electricity went out and it got a bit steamy; they treated us to their CEVICHE, as a reward for "sticky"-ing around. I truly loved the festival, but I don't think I'll be back next year. They are running it in conjunction with the Tall Ships that will be visiting, and extending the event to four days. Yikes, that's a pretty big financial and time commitment. I wish the planners well, but I just question whether (even with the tall ships visiting) that Duluth can support a four-day art festival. Well, it's time for me to say goodbye to summer shows and start planning for fall. Check my new website for dates and locations

Building on someone else's idea, who was inspired by someone else's idea

In grade school, copying someone's test and getting caught would surely earn you an "F" and a trip to the principal's office. In the writing world, copying someone else's work (document or story) is considered plagiarism and could get you shunned, fired and possibly put in jail. On the flip side, how many painters have studied and tried to imitate the masters in an attempt to learn their technique? What about recipes? Somebody came up with it, and then we take it and make it our own. I follow the Facebook page, S**t overheard at art festivals and so many posts are laments about people wanting to "steal" the idea or the technique. It happens to me to -people at art fairs pull out their cell phones and start snapping photos of my work, others want a detailed account of how I create my product line. This, makes me happy! I know they want to try making their own. It makes me love my art form even more. We all start our journey somewhere, and generally the inspiration comes from outside ourselves.

Barbara Breier's book, It's a Wrap is every cord wrapper's ultimate guide, and starting point. I took her advice, I was inspired by her work, and then I took and made it my own. This post is anchored at the top with a photo of a neckace that I just purchased from New York fabric artist Tonya Dyce. It's my latest inspiration. Can I possibly make this technique my own? Would it fit into my product mix? I don't know the answers, but I will wear this charmer, knowing that I will get compliments; I will promote her work. I hope the day comes that I can take this techique and make it my own. By the way, I will be at Duluth's Art in Bayfront Park on Saturday and Sunday. Stop by, if you are in the area.

Ideas: You never know when inspiration will hit you

And here's another example of why I call my work Pure Serendipity. Part of my booth decor is a garland of disks (from leftover fabric) that adorns the entrance to my tent. At every show, at least one person wants to buy them. I have been reluctant to sell them, simply because they are very time-consuming to make. At #HighlandFest, a woman asked if I'd custom make a 20-inch string for a small wall area in her new kitchen. I made it, I loved it, and now I'm adding this gem to my inventory mix. It will debut at the upcoming Art in Bayfront Park event in Duluth, Aug. 15-16. Here's a sneak peek.

Besides Molly, there will be some special guests spending time in the booth - my sister and two of my grandchildren. Stop by if you can, and also, please pass this invitation on to others who may be in the area at that time. Share the joy - it's Pure Serendipity.

Art fairs: Do we have too much of a good thing?

Does Minnesota have too much of a good thing? My experience at last weekend's Highland Fest included good conversations with my vendor neighbors about the future of Minnesota's art fair scene. These folks have years of experience participating in art shows, so I was very interested in what they had to say. "John" says that, for vendors, the experience is not like it use to be. .... fewer purchases and lower price points. He thinks that Minnesota just can't support the number of art fair opportunities that are available during our all too short summer season. Maybe he's got a point. Add the number of music festivals and beer and wine tasting events, well, the dollar just can't stretch that far.

I do believe that the proliferation of these events has something to do with the available grant dollars from the Heritage Fund supported by the tax increase we approved a few years ago to support arts and cultural efforts. At least two vendors told me they wouldn't be back next year to Minnesota events, and expressed their frustration at the cost of the events (around $200 for mid-sized shows) with minimal return on their investment. Being a newbie to all of this, well, I'm just taking it all in, learning and still applying for participation in more shows..... looking forward to selling more sun brims.

By-the-way, my next gig is Duluth's Art in Bayfront Park.

Black is the new grey

My long career in journalism gave me an appreciation for black and white. Paper and ink paid many of my bills over the years and the stories I was able to convey to readers stay with me. So, my fabric stash is loaded with black and white and shades of grey just waiting for inspiration. My visit to Ann Brauer's studio recently challenged me into a new direction. This urn is my first attempt at building an extending a color. It stands 6 1/2 inches tall and has a diameter of 7 1/2 inches. This and other new creations will be available this weekend, July 17-19 at Highland Fest 2015.

The artist who inspired Pure Serendipity

I had the honor of visiting my Pure Serendipity inspiration - ‪#‎AnnBrauer‬. Her use of fabrics to create color gradations has helped me so much with my work. I visited with her at her studio in Shelburne Falls, Mass. From a distance, you'd think her work is a painting, but its fabric- prints- not batiks. Here is a close up of a wall hanging that I purchased from her.

She uses the sew-as-you-go method.

Here is a post of a handbag that I made last year drawing inspiration from her work.... my method, of course, is coiling. And here is the handbag Ann created and that I now own.

Every show has its own personality

Every show has its own personality. And Laneboro's Art in the Park event fit me perfectly. Set among the trees of Sylvan Park, no wind, perfect temperatures and a great "older" crowd made for a show that I will remember as one of the best. I loved the slow pace and the walkability factor. We took down the side walls of the tent, and just let the breezes play. Of course, the conversations with the customers were wonderful.

I'm learning that you can't predict what's gonna sell at a show- while my sun brims have been very popular at other shows, at this one, well, not so much. I sold out of bread bowls, and all my so-called "casserole cozyies." Here are a few photos of the day:

This young woman is a exchange student from Japan and was looking for presents to bring back home with her. With Chan's help, she selected two bowls. As a journalist, I remember when I saw my first byline in print. Oh my, what a thrill. Well, that feeling came back to me tenfold when, walking the streets of Lanesboro, I saw the Art in the Park poster and my work was featured "above the fold." I was so proud ... I know I have so much to learn about this new path I am on, but this was a very A+ moment for me.

Hubby and me time - it'll be Pure Serendipity

I am honored that a piece from Pure Serendipity was chosen to be on the ‪Art in the Park promotion card. The ‪Lanesboro‬ show is on Sunday. You can find me at booth 55. Chan and I will be spending the whole weekend at a bed and breakfast. This will be my last show until ‪#HighlandFest‬ in mid-July.

I am my own worst critic

Excelsior Art on the Lake was an amazing show and experience. I got my initial look at some of the artists' works when I came to set up my tent on Friday. I felt my self-esteem slowly fall from the high of being accepted into this show. "How did I get into this show?" I questioned as I evaluated the work and the prices as I walked to my spot. "Oh, maybe I was a sympathy vote," I said to myself. I felt like this when I landed at the College of St. Benedict on PROBATION and my roommate had every scholastic award imaginable. I just told myself that I had a great opportunity and to make the most of the opportunity. The same with my art. I am so new at this, and I realize these shows - more than anything at this point - provide an opportunity for me to learn about marketing, display, pricing and yes, of course, my products. (Once again, my hat brims were a hit, but so were Molly's flowers- the new display helped.) So now it's time to prepare for this weekend's Laneboro Art in the Park. Yeah --- my bowl made it onto their promotional material!

Summer time and creativity flourishes

I was so worried that I wouldn't have enough inventory for the three shows that I scheduled for June, sooo I've been sewing soo much of the time. The Stillwater Rivertown Art Fair was the first, and it was amazing. It was fun to see some of the artists that I met last year..... Lauren and her Hopelark Jewelry was my neighbor at a show last year, and we were side-by-side at this show. For years, I have been an admirer of Cherie Meyers beadwork and I've now gotten to know her, and she is so willing to share her art-show-knowledge to those of us just starting out. It was great to visit her at this show. A new artist-colleague is Chris Swedzinski, whom I've known as "Representative." He displays as Swede Steelworks. Yes, politicians have lives away from the state capitol. I saw his work for the first time. Pressure of a deadline motivates some of my best work, and I am so pleased with this nautical-themed bowl, table topper and trivet that I have made for this weekend's Excelsior Art on the Lake Art Fair. These pieces are the result of a stop to the clearance room of ColorZ quilts in Brainerd..... it's amazing how somebody's scraps turn into somebody else's treasure. The bowl stands 8 inches tall and about 6 inches across the top. The table topper is 16 inches in diameter, and the trivet.... well it's about 7 inches in diameter. Sold as a set or separately. Molly will be with me at the Excelsior show displaying her fabric flowers. Please stop by. If you like art shows, this is one that you don't want to miss. (On June 20, I will be in Lanesboro at the Art in the Park show)

Judges: Love the product- not so much the display

I just received the judges’ comments from my application to Excelsior’s Art on the Lake event – (I’m in- Yeah). But I have some work to do. While they like my creations, my booth, it seems, needs work. So, I’m taking their suggestions to heart, and thanks to my daughter Molly, the ideas are flowing – well from her, anyway. We are going to step up my game. What the judges had to say:.........

Comment: Interesting idea. Making old forms and objects with different materials. The booth will need to be more fresh and exciting. Comment: Nice reinterpretation of traditional craft. Incorporating re-purposed materials is nice touch. The bowl with interwoven beads has an especially Nice aesthetic. Comment: Impressive use of sewing to create sculpture! Please re-do the welcome sign. It looks kitschy next to everything else.

Hey, wait a minute “kitschy?” I love that sign – it stays.

My hat brims were such a hit last year and Molly suggests I really focus on a good display- look at the Styrofoam heads she’s covering with strips of fabric! I think they will help to really increase sales. I would love to see these fun brims on more heads! I’m anxious to see what she comes up with next.

Brimmin' with style and function

It's back! My hat brim design was so popular last year, and will be available again this season. Multi-colored 5 inch brim comes in two circumference sizes, 21 inches and 22 inches. The flowers are actually pinned and can be removed. As with all my creations, these brims are one of a kind. These brims will stretch a little after wear - no problem. hand-wash them; air dry, and they will shrink to fit.

Befriending REJECTION

I'm still a novice at this art show thing. Even with one successful year behind me, sending out show applications is SCAREY! Why? Well, it's because of the possibility of REJECTION. I was/am constantly questioning - "AM I GOOD ENOUGH?" I should start out at flea markets -I thought to myself. Nothing against flea markets, but it seemed a safe bet, a good place to start my new venture. However, I knew if I was to achieve my goal and to be considered an artist- a fabric artist, that would mean art shows, applications and facing the possibility of rejection. You know what? I was rejected by three shows, but I was accepted into five others. Yes, I could so easily focus on the generic rejection letters as failure, but I use them to push me forward. I am so happy with the direction my work is taking me, and it's because of rejection that I'm trying new color combos and embellishments. So here's to sending out application letters and new places to show my wares. Oh, by the way, I just heard today that I am accepted into the Duluth Art in Bayfront Park!

Modern Science- a project complete

It seems that the pattern Science Fair is quite popular. I really enjoyed making this queen-sized quilt, and I love the color way. Thank you to Prairie Point Quilting and Design in Eden Prairie for the great machine quilting design work. I just have the binding to do and then this project is FINISHED!