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!