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.

Pure Serendipity Collection

Thanks for your encouragement.

Last night's Winter Market and Solstice Festival of Lights in Richfield was a wonderful way to cap off my new business adventure. Kudos to the community organizers for this amazing event. It was so much fun, and for Pure Serendipity, it was a very successful sale. I nearly cleared my inventory. I hope this short video captures some of the atmosphere. I will be taking a break now, to regroup and think about the lessons I've learned in my short time being a vendor. I have met so many wonderful people at the three shows where I participated. It's time to restock my inventory with products that were well-received, gather some new ideas and plan out next year's strategy. I hope, within the next couple of week to meet up with some shop owners who have expressed interest in showcasing my product line - the Colorwheel Gallery and Regla De Oro - Art Gallery & Fair Trade Gifts. Here's a link to photos of my creations. Oh, of course, there's my full-time job! The legislative session starts Feb. 25, and once again, I will be covering the tax committee and hopefully civil law where I'm sure they will be talking about online security breaches. Here's a plug for our work, if you care to follow what's happening at the Legislature. http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hinfo/sdaily.aspx

Celebrate the Winter Solstice with me.

Winter Solstice Market and Festival of Lights

Please join me in celebration of my first year doing business as Pure Serendipity. I will be a vendor at this event from 4-7 p.m. It promises to be a fun family time at 6400 Lyndale Ave So., Richfield, Minn. "Like" the Pure Serendipity Facebook page and when you come to the event, you will receive one of my hand-crafted holiday ornaments free.