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!

Sewing complete, packing started

It's now time to cover the sewing machine and price and pack my creations. The fall selling season has begun. Here's a list of the events where I will be a participant: Chickadee Boutique Oct. 2- Dec. 7 Shoreview OCT. 4 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church Craft Show 1509 27th Ave NE Minneapolis, MN 55418 9-4 NOV. 1 Salem Covenant Church Arts and Crafts Fair Salem Covenant Church New Brighton, MN 10:00am NOV. 29 Holiday Classic Boutique Faithful Shepherd Catholic School Eagan DEC. 13 The 22nd Annual Women's Art Festival, Colin Powell Center, 2924 4th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN