Artists' backstories are as interesting as their work

Strike up a conversation with any crafter or artist at a show, and you’ll usually hear an interesting backstory. Natalie Norman is just one of these people. No doubt you’ve seen her selling her warm, fuzzy mittens at various shows, but it’s the waist bag she was wearing at the recent Salem Covenant Church Art Fair that caught my eye, and thus the questions began.

Norman makes Swedish “kjolvaskas.” She collects vintage Swedish needlework, honed the embroidery designs over the years and incorporates them into new bags. “I would say that the new ones are inspired by the old,” she said. Her passion for this specialized needlework earned her an invitation from the governor to meet with the king and queen of Sweden; and the princess has a special bag (and even one for her doll) created by Natalie. She was also invited to the Swedish Embassy in Washington D.C. to meet dignitaries from the Scandinavian country. Her kjolvaskas are available at the American Swedish Institute and the Gammelgarden Museum in Scandia. Pure Serendipity will be at three shows this holiday season: Saturday, Nov. 21- Christ Presbyterian Church Edina Holiday Boutique. Saturday, Dec. 5- Hudson Holiday Boutique- Saturday, Dec. 12- Womens Art Festival

Three years old- and past the terrible twos

Three years ago this coming weekend Pure Serendipity made its debut at the ‪‎Salem Covenant Church‬ holiday arts and crafts fair (Photo). It's taken a lot of commitment to keep this fledgling business going and I admit it, sometimes, especially during the second year, when the newness began to wear off, I just wanted to give it up. However, what's kept my going are the wonderful, gifted women/artists that I have met through this adventure; the joy of having my creative wheels always moving me forward in new directions; but mostly, that Pure Serendipity has brought me closer to my daughter - a gift of such magnitude that there are no words to express my gratitude I'm excited to be celebrating my third anniversary at Salem Covenant Church this Saturday. Here are the details: Show: Nov. 7 Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Location: 2655 FIFTH STREET NW NEW BRIGHTON, MN 55112 Please stop by and say "Hi."

Friendship woven together with a thread

Look what I received in the mail today. Fourteen, one-yard cuts of batiks from Ghana. These fabrics are from my very dear friend, Suchinta, who purchased them for me while in the African country. Batiks are by far my favorite fabric. I love the flow of color, and the idea that the designs are hand-crafted, with colors and symbols that have regional and ethnic significance. I had told Suchinta to send me some batiks, if she could find the time. But I wasn't expecting this truly wonderful gift that also came with a new connection to a place far away. I am overwhelmed. This box of goodies has given me "quilter's block" (similar to writer's block). I am creatively stuck. What can I make that would best honor the women behind these creations and show off the designs? I'm calling on my friends to help me out with ideas. Below is a "selfie" of Suchinta with Esther, the creative force behind the fabrics.

Suchinta's comments on seeking out the fabrics:

"I have been walking around looking for Esther and her gorgeous batiks for days. She designs and has 4 women create beautiful cotton fabrics combining batik and tie dye. Today I found her on my 3rd attempt, and made a new friend. Our meeting turned out to be more about sharing self-healing stories than about batiks."

Learn more about Esther: http://batiksforlife.com/the-art-of-batik-and-more-feel-goodness/

Changing seasons, changing inventory mix

I have only two more outdoor shows this season: Marine on St. Croix Art Fair this weekend and Golden Valley Art and Music Festival on Sept. 26. Then it is time to quickly shift gears to the indoors, and that means an inventory change-up. Here are the three top category items this past summer:

TRIVETS...Total number sold over the summer:26

HATBRIMS...Total number sold over the summer 23

SMALL LIDDED BOWLS My inventory of small lidded bowls is constantly in need of replenishing. (I'd better get busy for the upcoming sales)...Total number sold over the summer: 23

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.