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

The devil is in the detail

Kathy Michaelson is a longtime friend and companion quilter. She continually inspires me with her ability to arrange and rearrange her color palette. She'll use colors that, on their own, you'd never think would work, but when put together make for a very eye-appealing quilt or wall hanging. But it's her attention to detail that I want to talk about. We have an annual get-together- about seven of us, and this year, Kathy was one of the planners. She fashioned these "women" to represent each one of us who would be in attendance. She dressed the dolls in colors that each of us would wear, and accessorized them with things representing our individual interests. How clever. It's her attention to detail that brings her creations to another level. I'm not a "do-dad" person- plain Jane- that's me. But I see how a little extra time and thought can turn a great work of art into a fabulous piece; how a few extra touches can turn a wonderful weekend into a memorable experience. She challenged me to start using more beads on my bowls and think creatively about embellishment. OK- I'll take up that challenge.

The colors of the season

My new fall collection definitely celebrates the season: "Falling Leaves." The colors of fall are reflected in these molded-leaf shaped bowls constructed by piecing batik fabrics together. Next to your bed stand it'a perfect "collector." How about to hold wrapped candy? I use mine as a place to deposit my ear rings at the end of the day. My daughter wants several to make a collage on her dining room wall. Now that's an interesting idea. Yes, you can spot clean these bowls and even re-form them by using a hot iron. These items will debut at The Chickadee Boutique sale, and later at the Gustavus Adolphus Arts and Crafts sale. You can visit my store (see right column) to learn more). I'll keep you posted as more items are ready.

Trading post

I have met so many wonderful women artists this summer. That can be dangerous to the pocketbook, if you happen to also like their work. I was fortunate enough to do a trade with two of these inspiring woman, and their work graces our front entry area. April Tuckey Sepich of http://www.veryveryvintagebyapril.com works wonders with vintage architectural accents and Binky of www.creativedesignpottery.com uses the slab method and stamping to create wonderful yard art.

Good art makes me think, feel and question

I'm learning that you never know what you'll learn from participating in a sale. Yesterday was my first-ever trunk show, where a group of artisans were invited to display their work at gallery. First off- I'm not comfortable calling myself an artist - I'm far from my definition of an artist. What's that, you ask? It's hard to define in words, but I know what good art does to me - it makes me feel; it makes me think; it makes me question. I do know some fabric artists whose work DOES deserve to be called art.I don't think my work is yet to that caliber; however it is something I strive toward. On Saturday, I will be a participant in another show "Fight Like a Mother." More on that later this week. So- what did I learn yesterday?

Commitment to the process and having the faith in karma that creativity will take you where you need to go.

I'm having a great time,and I thank Jessica at Regla De Oro gallery for giving me the opportunity to grow. Also thank you to Nina from 4 Angels Creations. Her journey as an artist is as inspiring as her work.

Not your mother's hat brim, but pretty darn close

When I found this photo of my mom from the 1905s wearing this stunning hat, I just had to copy it - well sort of. Hats of all shapes and sizes are now available to help you really capture your personality or mood of the day. My hat brims are made from 100 percent cotton. The embellishments are removable. My collection will be available at the Regla De Oro trunk show this weekend. Hope to see you there. (UPDATE)These were a big hit at the summer festivals. For now, they are only available through my store site http://pureserendipity.tictail.com/

Why it is I do what I do

I think it's time that I develop an artist's statement - why it is that I do what I do. Here it is:

It’s during the quiet times seated at my sewing machine that I reflect. The continual whir and the rhythm of winding the fabric, frees my mind to wander wherever it needs to go. Round and round I coil the cord, round and round till I cut the cord.

It's time to decide: Consignment store or gallery/gift shop?

It has been a very productive weekend in the Pure Serendipity studio. It's not so much about the products, (although 12 bowls in 12 different color schemes is pretty impressive) it's the personal growth and understanding of where I want my "business" and art to go. I have struggled with whether to put my work in a store on consignment. I was about ready to work with Touch of Home in Burnsville, when I took some time to think about where I want to go with this venture. Don't get me wrong, this is a great store with mostly antiques and collectibles. "Is this who I am," I asked myself. Those who know me well understand my struggle with confidence in myself, my writing, my decision-making. Too often I step back because I fear failure. If I am to move forward, I have to face failure head-on. As scary as it is for me, I want work toward having my work in a gallery exhibit. I thank Tammy at The Colorwheel in Minneapolis. She is helping me realize that my fiber work is an expression of my spirit, my creativity. I gently and humbly hope that it is an artform. Thanks Tammy for your encouragement and the artistic challenge you present to me. BUT, thinking through the consignment process led me to the realization that I need a "bread and butter" item that may be a perfect gift choice - a work that can retail for around $15. So, here it is THE BOWL. It takes me about an hour to crank out one, while the size and shape will be the same, my creative challenge is to work with small remnants of fabric from my stash.