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.