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

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.