Things I've learned lately...

Seamless Nuno Jacket

2012-01-22T13:48:00.000-08:00

Wow, just writing that title makes me have respect for what 6 students and one intrepid teacher accomplished in class last week. Linda Veilleux, an extremely talented seamstress and felter from Vermont taught a week long class at the John Campbell Folk school in North Carolina that I was lucky enough to attend. Linda has developed her own style for teaching this class and let us all design a garment that we wanted to make. No two were alike! (Not to get ahead of myself, but every one of the garments fit and we were all pleased at the end of class.)

So to shorten this and get to the crux of the "how to", we all created a design on paper, made some samples, got measured, had our measurements interpreted by Linda's computer program, then made a giant resist out of bubble wrap to make our garment. We felted around the giant resist, then removed the resist and fulled the garment down really tightly. (Some fulled for a whole day, oh my!)

Here are some photos of the process and the beautiful results:

Latest Work

2011-12-26T10:24:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would post some pictures of one of my latest pieces. There are before and after pictures so you can see how the pieces look when they are just laid out, wet out and when felted. This piece was made using a shawl sized piece of the canyon scarf kit. This one didn't get any other materials added in other than the ones I put in the scarf kits. I think it came out beautifully! It is done in the "hearts entwined" pattern -- just overlapping circles for the most part. Fun and easy!

Felting with Merino Prefelts

2011-11-10T05:16:00.000-08:00

I have been using lightweight prefelts to make all sorts of things since I started this business. They are so versatile and really help the beginning felter learn to felt quickly without spending a lot of time laying out fibers. I love the fact that you can cut and shape the pieces so you have an idea of what your finished piece will look like from the start. The surface of the prefelt is not as lustrous as some regular wool when felted, so I think it is a good idea to add wool roving to the surface as a design element and also add other textures -- silk hankie or cotton cheesecloth are good choices as they are both very easy to felt in. Also the silk and bamboo roving that I dye is beautiful and easy to felt in. The prefelts are also wonderful to needle felt into. I even felt velvet into the pieces and it holds up wonderfully!

I just started making the prefelt scarf kits. I taught a scarf class at the Arboretum of Dallas last weekend using this size prefelt and the participants were delighted! I forgot to take pictures, so sorry. We also added wool yarns and wool locks to our pieces -- the photo above was my sample piece. See how pretty the surface of the finished piece is with the wool roving and some silk added? (I have these in my Etsy shop and provide very detailed instructions if you want to try one!)

Since it is getting cold, look for some shawl sized pieces and ideas coming up soon! I am getting closer on the kits I spoke of in my last blog entry -- fat quarter sized pieces of my fabrics bundled together with some cheesecloth and velvet. Think I will call those "play packs". These will be perfect to use with a piece of prefelt to make a beautiful scarf or shawl.

I use the prefelts in my everything kits -- when I make something with an everything kit I usually make highly detailed small pieces such as cuffs, a small piece of art or a small purse. These kits can also be used to needle felt -- just look at the pieces Jane LaFazio and her students made at the Houston Quilt Festival last weekend!http://janeville.blogspot.com/2011/11/houston-quilt-festival.html

Fun! Create on out there!

Inspiration for Today

2011-10-10T12:42:00.000-07:00

I woke up full of inspiration today. I have been studying a small piece of felt that I made that reminds me of tidepools and another that is sort of landscape like. I always go into my stash and find the materials that inspire me when I create. Both of these pieces were made on prefelts and have lots of texture from fabric, cheesecloth, silk and bamboo roving, silk hankie etc.

I struggle with ways to package these things and get them out into the world so you guys can play too. But today I had some new inspiration! So I got out lots and lots of pieces of fabric, cheesecloth, prefelts etc. A color feast at my house!

This final picture is the result of my play for the day. A kit that has some velvet, silk gauze, silk habotai, silk hankie, cheesecloth and some dupioni which I pull apart and use for threads. You could use a kit like this to make a scarf starting with prefelt and have a gorgeous scarf in no time! Look for more on these soon!

Some New Pieces I've Made

2011-09-28T18:11:00.000-07:00

I did a show of finished pieces last week -- the best part of doing a show like that is 1) I get to meet some new people and get feedback and 2) I try new things!!! Here are some of the photos -- look for some new kits on my website so you can make one yourself or contact me if you would like a finished piece!

Kindness

2011-09-01T16:26:00.000-07:00

Whether giving way to someone in traffic or letting someone go ahead of us in line, donating money or sharing our homes in a crisis, we actively create a universe of kindness and giving with every choice we make. The smallest gesture can bring a smile to light the shadow of an unpleasant situation or remove tension from a difficult task, but it’s effects can echo and extend far beyond the moment. We can be sure that we will receive a kindness in return, but giving is its own reward. Kindness expands the light within us and reaches out to touch the light in others as well, giving us all a glimpse of the glow that has the power to enlighten our world.

Author unknown

Nuno Explorations Class in Asheville

2011-07-23T05:42:00.000-07:00

I taught in Asheville last week at the Friends and Fiberwork's Summer Retreat. I taught felting with the sander on Habotai silk (very popular -- no more rolling!) and I also taught a new class where we made an overblouse or vest. The students did amazing work! Here are the photos. Next I want to develop a pattern, that is a big job!!!

Latest nuno scarf class pictures -- perhaps some inspiration?

2011-05-06T04:19:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of my class last weekend at the Creative Arts Center. I thought there were some really beautiful pieces here! I also thought those of you reading might like to see how we compose on these pieces. We start with a piece of 3.0 mm silk chiffon or gauze (like I sell in my scarf kits). The chiffon is much easier to felt than the habotai and a good choice for beginners. I bring all kinds of other light weight textures to class. There are silk hankies, silk throwster's waste, cheesecloth, silk and bamboo roving, ribbons, wool yarns and some synthetic yarns and ribbons which are very light weight and have holes in them for color. I usually bring Angelina, I forgot it last week.

If any of the textures are heavy or difficult to felt in I try to make sure everyone puts wool under and over those to hold them. The wool on top can be just tiny wisps so it will not cover the things you have put on as decorations.

I sell some of these textured things in my etsy shop -- and you probably have some things like wool yarns and some other really light weight natural fiber things in your stash, right?

It is fun to compose this way! The scarves come out beautifully!

A Wonderful Perspective on Felting

2011-04-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

I received a wonderful email this morning from Ann Pangborn, telling me that she had blogged about using my silk. I was most touched and find that she and I feel very much the same about creativity being healing, and especially felting -- combing all of the fun fibers and colors is so delightful to the senses.

I taught a wonderful group this weekend at the Arboretum -- so sorry I forgot my camera -- but I left feeling so filled up. We all shared the creative process and had such a good time.

Here is the link to Ann's blog -- she has many wonderful posts and some amazing work, so I encourage you to take a minute and read some!

http://woolyblissfeltmaking.wordpress.com/

Teaching Mosaic Style Felting at the Arboretum

2011-04-03T06:34:00.001-07:00

I will be teaching next Saturday, April 9 at the Arboretum in Dallas. Come and play!

Felting using Water Soluble Stabilizer

2011-01-28T03:25:00.000-08:00

As promised, here is some info about using water soluble stabilizer in your work. What is the stuff you might ask? Well it sort of looks like interfacing. Here is a link to one choice at JoAnn's -- there are even some handy instructions here: http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?pageName=search&flag=true&PRODID=prd37977 (and even some new ideas -- I've never heard of dissolving the stuff first the painting it on your piece -- but who knows?) You can usually buy the stabilizer at any quilt store as well.

Anyway, this is how I've used it. I cut out two identical pieces in the shape of the intended final product. The pictures are of a cuff in progress and a finished piece which is a jacket facing or part of a lapel. I love just making these little pieces of wonderful texture to work into a larger collage as well.

I then separate the two pieces of stabilizer and start to cover one of the pieces with different textures. Since you are going to stitch these things in place to form a fabric, you can add anything that your sewing machine needle will go thru. I like to add all kinds of textures -- lots of different silks, some velvet, some metallic fabrics, etc. I love to drizzle a wonderful yarn on top of the piece. I might use the yarn later as a guide for adding beads. I cut my pieces fairly small, but I have seen some beautiful pieces where the fabrics were larger.

If you are going to felt the piece, allow some space between the pieces for the wool to felt in later. Try to keep the overall piece lightweight.

When you are happy with the colors and textures you have added, add the remaining piece of stabilizer on top and pin securely. You don't want to lose anything on the way to the sewing machine! Then sew on top of the piece in all different directions. I usually use a contrasting or metallic thread. Your sewing lines are what bind the fabrics together. (Note -- I tried doing this by hand and it didn't work very well, but I think it was because I didn't add enough lines of stitches. Since the sewing lines are what create the fabric, it is a good idea to add lots of stitching to the piece. The sewn picture above is hand done but needs lots more stitching.) You can also free motion stitch on top of the piece if you are experienced at that.

OK, then you go to the sink and dissolve the stabilizer in hot water. It takes about 1 minute. Allow the fabric to dry and there you are! I later use a piece of prefelt which can also be cut to shape to felt into the piece. You won't get very much shrinkage as the stabilized fabric is pretty heavy, but you get a fun and funky textured piece of fabric.

Feel free to email me with any questions! We will be experimenting with this technique in my class at the John Campbell Center in May of this year. Here is a link to that class: https://www.folkschool.org/index.php?section=class_detail&class_id=4641

Pictures from Asheville

2011-01-24T17:13:00.000-08:00

I am slow to get these posted -- had an incredible trip to Asheville -- if you ever get the chance to go, do it -- it is just the greatest place! I didn't get many pics, but here are a few of the brave felting souls from my classes! (and one of Lisa being silly!) There are many pictures of the retreat on the Friends and Fiberworks site. Lisa and Tracey put on a great event -- there is going to be another one in July 2011!

Asheville next week -- can't wait!

2011-01-08T12:03:00.000-08:00

I didn't rest for long -- this time I am preparing for a trip to Asheville, NC and the Winter Retreat, sponsored by Lisa Mackey and Friends and Fiberworks. http://friendsandfiberworks.com/winter-retreat

I am teaching four classes and it is not too late to sign up! I am dyeing some beautiful fabric for the "Romantic Wraps" class -- we will make a small shawl that you can wrap yourself up in to brace against those winter winds (It is supposed to be 9 degrees when I arrive!).

I am also teaching a cuff class using water soluble stabilizer -- you gets loads of texture with this technique and can felt in things that wouldn't ordinarily felt.

Also teaching the iPhone purse class -- learn to felt in velvets, felt around a resist and make a rope for a handle. We will start by needle felting then wet felt.

And yeah -- I got a scarf made to wear -- did I mention it was going to be 9 degrees?

That's my habotai I call "ocean".

Cheers you guys! Hope to see you there!

Reflections on Taking Risks

2011-01-02T14:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been through some interesting months. The "too much going on" led to some much needed down time, then some reflection on why I do what I do. Seems that I work harder and make less than I used to (by several fold!).

The outcome of the reflection is: I will journey on! I am comforted by so many of you who share the self employment struggle -- (it is harder than working for someone else in case you were wondering!). I am also touched by so many of you who love what I do. Thank you all!

The final clarity came today when I was looking through my beloved books and came upon an old favorite called "The Joy Diet" by Martha Beck. (Find her monthly column in the O Magazine). I opened the book right to the chapter about taking risks. Seems that taking risks is task #5 of 10 tasks she prescribes to live a joyful life.

Martha says "The criterion by which you should decide which dangers to face, and which to avoid, is not your chance of succeeding but the depth of your desire. If you pursue only risks that are interwoven with your heartstrings, your life will be what it should be, no matter what the outcome of a given situation."

Wow, those are powerful words. Seems like I have taken way too many risks the past several years, but I am doing what I love. My heart says continue.

Bless you all for being there! Happy New Year!

So Much Going On!!!

2010-10-12T05:05:00.000-07:00

Wow, I've been to Virginia to see my son at college, taught a shawl class with some wonderful ladies at the Creative Arts Center, did a demo at Northpark Mall with the folks from the Creative Arts Center, made seems like thousands of new pieces of fabric and some new products for my upcoming shows (SAFF next week in Asheville, North Carolina (Yeah, FUN!!!) and the Houston Quilt Festival starting on November 3. I've also made some new scarf samples, finally finished the tea cozy, made a sample for the John Campbell class next May and signed up to do a demo at the Quilting Arts Booth at the Quilt Festival and to teach at the Weaving Conference in College Station next June.

No wonder I've not gotten any blogging done!!

I will post pictures as I get them uploaded!

Hope to see many of you at one of my shows!

Challenges and Blessings

2010-09-10T16:14:00.000-07:00

You'd think I would be more tolerant of the challenges in life, as they so often lead to some new insight or something good in life. I know you know what I mean.

Here is a simple one. I was putting together some of my kits one night and cursing all of the threads that were accumulating as I tore the fabric. Those threads are all over my house -- you should see the roller on my vacuum! I stand up and pull all sorts of things along behind me.

So I get up the next morning and need to get a sample scarf done. I'd been thinking about tide pools -- printed out a cool picture and was thinking about how to get that sea weed kind of texture. Well guess what? I ran and started picking up those threads. All sorts of beautiful colors. Looked amazing.

One day cursing, next day blessing. Go figure!

Here are some pics -- I didn't get a great one of the finished scarf

Nuno Scarf using Power Tools (OK, I used the sander!)

2010-09-01T14:40:00.000-07:00

I made a sample using one of my new copper scarf kits today. I tried to take pictures of all of the steps, but missed some -- I got engrossed in what I was doing. Please email if you need more info. This was a really easy project, but you need the big picture before you start -- let me know if I can fill in any blanks!

Gather your tools -- in this case I have tables which are waist high and 8' long. I've covered them with a blanket and then a plastic drop cloth. That is all you need if you are sanding your piece. I also have my room temperature water with 2 drops of soap, my tulle to wet out with, some scissors and the sander (makes things so easy but see safety precautions at the end of this entry!)

Gather your materials -- in this case I have my fabric, my wool and the silk/ bamboo that I am adding on top.

I laid out the fabric then added the roving in bands (they started at about 1/2 inch wide -- I tugged on the wool to flatten it). I extended the roving past my edges to make the fringes. When I was done with the design, I added the decorative silk on top of the piece, then added wisps of wool on top to hold everything in place. When I was happy with the layout, I covered the design with tulle, and carefully wet out. Next I carefully blotted up the excess water and removed the tulle and covered the piece with plastic to sand.

Here is the final result:

I thought it was cute! There are fringes around the neck which weren't quite dry, so they are hard to see. Didn't take too long!

Sanding precautions:

You need a finishing sander -- with no vacuuming attachment. There is a rubber base on the bottom and no sandpaper attached!

Plug the sander into a GFI outlet, or better yet, use a cordless sander. Stand on a rubber mat, wear rubber soled shoes and wear a rubber glove. I cover my pieces with plastic before sanding to further keep the water out of the sander. Many people have used a sander when felting but it does require that you use common sense and do not take chances!!!! If you are going to sand a lot you need to wear earplugs and a glove that protects you from the vibration such as a motorcycle glove. (I did mention this was a power tool, didn't I?)

New Scarf Kits coming!

2010-08-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

I've been busy working on some new colors -- this time in a light weight gauze with roving and silk/bamboo to felt on top. I am so excited with these colors and the whole look! Look for them on my website soon!

New Nuno -- Habotai Scarf with Self Fringes

2010-08-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

A customer sent me a photo last week of a scarf she had seen and I just had to try it. (Thank you Julia!) It took two tries, but I think I got it! Here is the finished product -- it is a habotai scarf with self fringes. Very cute!

The main trick to this scarf was getting the fringes cut so they didn't look awkward. In my first attempt I cut the fringes in an angular manner at the top. The finished piece was spikey and not attractive. So I tried again, this time curving the top area. That worked! I made sure that the roving covered and extended past the edges of my fringed ends.

I also pushed the roving apart in several areas in the body of the scarf to allow some change in texture on the silk side when finished. You can see that in the second picture.

I wet out and sanded my piece to finish. Does anyone want to learn about using the sander? Leave me a comment here!

Cheers you guys. This was fun! Oh, and this is the canyon fabric with the purple roving. Sometimes I forget these things, sorry!

Tutorial -- Felt Cords

2010-07-18T04:32:00.000-07:00

Sorry to be slow -- I have had lots on my plate these last couple of weeks! Here is the tutorial for the strap for the purse I made (see http://learnedlately.blogspot.com/2010/07/hand-needle-feltingwet-felting-tutorial.html)

Here's how to make the cord:

For a thin cord -- pull strips of roving about 1/2 inch wide X the length of roving you are working with (doesn't matter how long it is). Overlap the pieces to get a cord length of about 30 to 40% longer than the final length you desire. Make sure the wool is as uniform in size down the length of the cord as you can get it. Add extra wool if the wool is thin in places.

I like to needle felt my roving pieces together to start. You can also dry felt the pieces together by rolling them in your hands. I added a bit of silk hankie to mine and needle felted it in. I rolled the piece between my palms up and down the cord.

Begin to wet felt by adding hot soapy water to the wool. Roll the cord with the palm of your hand against the bamboo or bubble wrap you use to wet felt. Roll up and down the length of the piece. When the cord begins to have some form, take it to your hot water source and get it very hot and throw it against a hard surface. Throw about 20 times. The cord will get uneven, but take it back to the mat and roll it again to smooth it out. It will take about 3 passes of throwing and rolling to get the cord firm enough to be a purse strap. Tug on the strap to make sure it is firm before you decide you are finished!

More Everything kit ideas

2010-07-11T07:34:00.001-07:00

Joggles has some wonderful things -- I especially love their on-line classes. Here is a link to some things Barbara has made with felt -- might be some new ideas here! http://www.joggles.com/woolfeltprojects.htm. Check out all of her wonderful classes and things for sale while you are there!

Hand Needle Felting/Wet Felting Tutorial

2010-07-04T12:40:00.000-07:00

I've finally gotten this done for you guys! I am making an iPod sized bag or it could easily be a glasses case if you don't include the strap. Hang in there with me while I go through this and be sure to ask if you have any questions!

Step 1 -- Gather your tools

You will need at least one felting needle (size 38 to 40) and a piece of high density foam -- I like to use the Clover Pen Style needle felting tool with 3 fine needles (see picture--you can get this at almost any craft store) and my foam came from JoAnn's -- it measures 11 X 11". Later on you will need wet felting tools (see step 6 below and the instruction page of my website http://www.suzannemorgan.com/instructions).

Step 2 -- Gather your materials and begin

I created this using one of my everything kits. (Here is a link to my ETSY shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/nunofeltingsupplies or see my website to see all of the colors the kits come in or if you want to gather your own materials -- there is a list of what is in the everything kits on the everything kits page http://www.suzannemorgan.com/everything_kits). I folded the prefelt in half so it would be sturdy enough to be a purse, shingled on another layer of matching roving (pull out and overlap small sections of roving so they look like roof tiles). I lightly needle felted everything together.

Step 3 -- Add surface decoration

I started adding the silk in a diagonal pattern across the bag. You can create whatever design you want! Just know that the process of felting will tend to create organic designs and the silk will bubble up and shrink as you needle felt it in place. I started with small strips of silk (either cut or torn from the larger pieces), laid them down and needle felted them in place. I also used thin strips of roving and placed them between 2 pieces of silk or used them to add to the design. After the pieces of silk were down I started filling in the design with edges cut from the silk hankie and perhaps small pieces of the yarns. I always add small strips of velvet and make sure I use plenty of roving around them and needle felt them in well. The velvet is dense and hard to felt in. To finish, I always add tiny wisps of wool on top of the silk and lightly needle in place.

Step 4 -- Evaluate the design

The piece can be lifted off of the foam slowly. I folded mine in it's intended shape to see how I liked my design. I ended up playing with my focal point -- removing some of the silk I had placed here and creating a flower shape instead. (see pictures in step 5) When you needle felt this way the designs can be moved until you wet felt them.

Note -- I also added a few lines of machine stitching randomly through the design. This is purely optional and will not have a great deal of effect on your final outcome unless you use a highly decorative thread.

Step 5 -- Get ready to wet felt

Since this is going to be a purse or eyeglass case, I needed a resist to put in between the layers. I cut a piece of a large zip lock bag to fit inside the felt allowing about 1/2 inch of the felt to touch on the two long sides and the bottom of the bag. I closed the bag around the resist, allowing it to stick out of the top of the bag and needle felted along the side and bottom to begin to attach the front and back.

Step 6 -- Wet Felt

Get out your wet felting tools, including a small bamboo placemat or bubble wrap, 2 pieces of tulle and a scrunched grocery bag. Go through the 3 steps of wet felting (see the instruction page of my website). The felting goes very fast as the needles have started the process. When you are at the final stage of fulling or shrinking the piece, consider the size you would like the purse to be when finished and stretch the purse into that shape as you go along. The felt should be pretty dense or firm for this piece. My finished piece measures about 4" wide X 6.5" inches tall. I also removed the resist after about one pass of fulling as the wool had started to shrink and the resist was in the way.

Here is a picture after the purse is dry and the handle is attached. The surface is very textural and the felt is very firm. I made some matching felted beads and included a few glass beads. Voila! About a 2 hour project! Looks just perfect for an iPhone or a droid!

Next up: I will teach you how to make the rope to use for a strap. There are many ways to create a strap -- you may have your own!

Fun Summer Class

2010-06-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

Last week I helped teach a teen camp at the Craft Guild of Dallas. The class was called "Bag it Up" -- a week of making exciting new purses. There were 4 very talented young ladies in the class. My classes were on making a felted ipod or phone bag (more on this later -- they were so cute and I want to show you guys how we did it). We also made "fabric paper" purses. This purse idea came from the book "Stitch Alchemy". Basically you create your fabric paper by starting with muslin, then gluing on tissue paper and any other kinds of paper you might like. We also used some of my lightweight silks. Then painted, stamped, journaled on -- whatever! This is a good summer project as it is very freeform and fun.

These are the fabric paper purses before the girls added more embellishments:

Here are the girls with their finished purses:

Great Shibori Class

2010-06-16T08:04:00.001-07:00

I attended a fun class in San Antonio with internationally known shibori artist Doshi and the San Antonio Fiber Arts group. (www.doshifiberart.com) If you haven't encountered her work or shibori in general, it is so amazing. Basically the fabric is tied or clamped to create ornate patterns then bound using fairly fine string, and dyed. The string or clamps and the folds of the fabric form resists and pattern the fabric. The origins of Shibori come from century old textile traditions from Japan and Africa.

Here is one new shibori technique I learned: pleat a light weight piece of silk up around a rope -- the rope should be about 1" in diameter. Wrap a piece of string or thread around the silk to bind it to the rope (you end up with sort of a tube around the rope). Die with either MX dyes or acid dyes.

Here is a picture of a piece of fabric created with this technique:

Can you see the pleat lines?

Also, a great book on the subject is "Shibori" by Karen Britto.

Beautiful Work!

2010-06-10T06:20:00.000-07:00

I've had the privilege of having Jane LaFazio use one of my "everything kits" to create a finished piece. She will be teaching a tutorial on this process next week (June 16) so watch her blog!

Here is the link and a picture of the piece she created:

http://janeville.blogspot.com/2010/06/burgundy-glow.html

Isn't it beautiful?

I will have some new kit colors over the next few weeks as I start carrying the prefelts and rovings as separate items.

What have I learned lately?

2010-05-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I forget to write about things I am learning. I am reflective by nature and always trying to figure things out about the world and the people I am surrounded by. Sometimes I forget to write those things down.

So here are some random thoughts:

I just love nurturing creativity and being around creative people. I really do think allowing ourselves to create is healing at such a deep level. Also allowing our work just to be how it is that day is a great thing. (Sometimes we like what we see and some times we don't -- kind of like life!) Being able to embrace all of those days is wonderful...

Teenagers are supposed to go to college or otherwise be on their own!

You cannot please everyone -- I have tried all of my life to make others happy and the undoing of that is a challenge. But I am learning that life will go on even if it is sometimes unsettled...

Oh, and here are some tree pieces I've been working on. (Remember my leaning tree?) The first one looked OK before felting -- I was doing a demo and didn't have all of my stash to pull from. I didn't like it later. The second one I did after seeing the work of Margo Duke at the Martha Pullen show last week. Margo is inspirational to be sure! Here is a link to Margo's blog so you can see some of the amazing things she creates http://hermajestymargo.blogspot.com. I think the second piece has promise...

So, like the tree, I've learned that we can grow even through the unsettled times when we feel uprooted. Not easy. but can be done!

More Fun at the Creative Arts Center

2010-05-25T16:24:00.000-07:00

Very fun group at the Creative Arts Center!! Nurturing Creativity is strong there-- take a class if you can!

Class at Fancy Fibers

2010-05-02T12:14:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at Mary Berry's Fancy Fiber Farm yesterday. Mary lives in Farmersville which is about 25 miles east of McKinney. She has angora rabbits and goats, alpacas and sheep who provide beautiful fibers which Mary dyes and sells. Her website is www.fancyfibers.com. Good for you Mary for making your dreams come true!

Everyone had fun making their felted creations. Here are the pictures of the class:

Thank you guys for being so much fun!

New Everything Kits

2010-04-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday wasn't a great day -- I've spent a lot of money on my house lately and yesterday I had to replace one of the A/C components. As one friend said, it's only time and money -- no one died. (I try to remember to keep that perspective).

The day got brighter when a package arrived from Gale of Gale's Art. (Here is a link to her ETSY shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/galesart) Gale made some custom hand dyed hankie and roving for me for my new color kits. I'm adding more colors of fabric and some designer wool yarns. Gorgeous things! So here is the first of the kits:

It's amazing how playing with things we love can make us feel better. I know the color just makes me happy! Look for it on my website.

Here's another picture of my new favorite tree:

More work with this soon! Cheers and happy earth day. Let's all join in and try to change just one thing to help the earth.

More on Personal Symbols

2010-04-08T08:02:00.000-07:00

I posted an earlier photo of this group of personal symbols -- here is the final version:

Many many thanks to contributing artists Marjorie Nichols, Kimberly Morris and Rhonda Douglass who helped with the mounting. This piece is hanging at the Creative Arts Center at the moment. All three of these woman can be found on Facebook. Kim and Marjorie are at the Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival this weekend. Booths 352 and 364.

Rhonda helped me create this clever mounting which started with a metal barbecue grill from Home Depot. Each piece was mounted on foam core board and attached with metal tape. The images are interchangeable.

On my walk the other morning I spotted a tree that spoke volumes to me. It was an old tree that had been partially uprooted by the winds. Yet it lives on and is beginning to bloom. That old tree spoke to me about how life can uproot us, but yet we go on. My first pictures did no justice to the tree. I will continue to try to capture the essence of this tree and work with it as a personal symbol. The best picture was of the bare roots -- so torn, yet they continue to support the tree!

Working With Personal Symbols

2010-04-03T04:22:00.000-07:00

I have been working lately with creating personal symbols with the smaller everything kit sized pieces. I've had the pleasure of working with others on this concept. It's been fun and I've seen some beautiful things happen. I am teaching a class at the Creative Arts Center next weekend around this concept. (http://www.creativeartscenter.org/schedules.php?type=Workshop#Fiber Arts) Here are the reflections of one of the participants, Camille DeSalme:

"In early February, I worked—okay, played!—with Suzanne Morgan and a couple other friends in a personal symbols felting class. It was fun!

Suzanne laid out all her gorgeous materials, then showed some finished personal symbol feltings that others had done. I didn’t come up with a symbol that I wanted to use until Suzanne said, ”Something that symbolizes your life.”

Ah ha! I have a mental image of a path thru life. Can’t see the whole thing, don’t know where it’s going in the far future. But I can see enough of it for now. That’s what sprang to mind, and what went into my felting. I laid out my wool and silk and cheesecloth with the idea that the path starts outside the piece from the left, and continues off the piece on the right. When I was doing the felting, I was hit with a strong emotional something; yes, that’s not specific, but neither was the feeling. I had been ready to move further along my path, and hoped the felting was making that happen. The feeling passed. I just kept on felting and hoping.

I love my path piece: the colors are so varied and vibrant. It’s on my living room wall.

A few weeks later, I started working with a friend, training for a new career as a copy editor. Shortly thereafter, I drew a simple picture of me enjoying financial security; I’ve been unemployed for a decent while. The drawing is of me sleeping soundly—I’ve lost a lot of sleep worrying about finances. I taped the drawing to the wall a very little bit to the right of my felted path, imagining that I would move from the path, over the gap between the pieces, to financial security. And it started happening! The training is going well, I’m sleeping more soundly, and thank God, I’m happier.

Yippee!"

—Camille DeSalme

Yeah Camille! I think being able to see a symbol sends a powerful message to our subconscious sometimes. We don't always communicate with words! Cheers and I will post more personal symbols pics soon! Camille's picture is posted on my January 3 post titled "Reflections on Starting a Business" and you can find her on facebook @Camille DeSalme.

What's going on...

2010-03-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

I've been busy getting some things in my life in order. So glad those things are done! Now I can focus on my fibers again! Here are a few things I've missed blogging about:

I taught a fun intermediate scarf class at the Craft Guild. Everyone did great!

We also had a great class at the Creative Arts Center -- I didn't get pictures of all of you guys, sorry! The scarves were beautiful and everyone had a fun day.

Lots of new fabrics are in the works. This one is called earth and sky. I need the weather to warm up a bit -- my dyeing is very dependent on the temperature.

And last but certainly not least, my son has been offered a full academic scholarship! We are excited for him -- what an accomplishment!

More soon. Thanks again for all of your kind words and support!

In Process

2010-02-07T03:56:00.000-08:00

I made some progress on scarf kit colors this week, had a great class at the Craft Guild where we used some of the new scarf colors, and had some friends over to work on personal symbols. Here are the pictures! I will post some pictures of the finished class scarves as I get them. You guys do such amazing work -- it is a joy to see the creative spirit out there at work!

Let's Celebrate Success!

2010-01-31T05:36:00.000-08:00

I have to venture into my life as mom for a brief moment. We got news yesterday that my son has been chosen as a semi-finalist for a 100% scholarship at a great school on the east coast. I am very proud of him and glad that he has been able to achieve all of the honors he has been awarded of late. Here's a picture of him performing at a recent coffee house fund raiser at Church. We will have to celebrate this week!

I also received a new shipment of wool this week from Australia. I took a break on Friday to work on some colors for spring, a much needed break from doing bookkeeping/tax return/FAFSA (the financial aid form required for college). Now I have the materials I need to finish goal #1 from my last post. Let's see if I can get that scarf kit done, a newsletter out and the financials finished by Valentine's day. Lofty goals!

Short Term Goals

2010-01-17T04:29:00.000-08:00

Just read a really inspiring post about goal setting on Renee Phillip's blog (Renee's business is "The Artrepreneur Coach") -- she speaks about setting goals as a way to feel empowered. Defining success for yourself then bringing it into your life is a powerful thing! Here is the blog post: http://reneephillips.blogspot.com/2010/01/why-are-goals-so-important.html. Here is my favorite quote from the article: "It reminds me of a simple concept that a goal is a dream with deadlines. The process of creating goals may be more important than the goals themselves."

So, here are some short term goals I have:

1) To create a new scarf kit modeled after this example

This was a really fun and easy scarf to make!

2) To create a Nuno Newsletter that features the work of another artist in each issue -- we learn so much from each other! Also I want it to have a resource section for classes, exhibits, etc. Please send information if you'd like your work to be included or you know of some wonderful classes in your area.

3) To create shibori pieces for sale.

I have many more goals -- perhaps that is my problem, I just have too many ideas and goals. Well, I guess it's off to work...

Inspirations

2010-01-08T12:05:00.000-08:00

Wow, the country is immersed in a winter chill. Even in Texas it got down to 16 degrees last night. Burr, time to stay inside.

So what am I doing to cheer myself up on these cold winter days? Looking for inspiration. There are so many talented people out there doing great things. Here are a few things I have found:

Here is a nuno shawl that my friend Suzanne Higgs made. Just gorgeous. Check out her blog and look at her hats, purses and arm warmers. Here is the link http://hookedonfelt.blogspot.com. She has finished pieces available in her Etsy shop which is http://www.etsy.com/shop/HookedOnFelt. Good to keep you warm and make you feel special!

Then I found some amazing videos on learning to felt created by Terri Pike. She has put forth an amazing effort in teaching us about her passion. Here is the link to her website: http://www.feltinglessons.com/Home.html. We also did a trade and I was ever so happy when these lovely ponytail holders showed up in the mail!

Aren't they fun? You can find them at her Etsy shop which is http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlindSquirrel -- or ask her to post some.

I got a new book for Christmas which is filled with really wonderful ideas -- it is Lizzie Houghton's "Felting Fashion". Really inspirational! I highly recommend it!

Well, off to try a new inspiration. I recommend you try some of the new techniques out there. It is so much fun to learn and share...

Reflections on Starting a Business and Setting Goals

2010-01-03T10:24:00.000-08:00

Somehow I find myself caught up in all of the normal things that go on at this time of year. I cleaned and organized my studio, set up some new organization systems and am even considering how I might manage to lose 10 pounds. Hmmm...I guess all of the excesses of the Christmas Season make us long for the other side of the pendulum...

I also find myself avidly reading several books about life/running a business including Allison Stanfield's "I'd rather be in the studio". Great book! She breaks out tasks for marketing yourself and describes them in manageable chunks. The first task, which she describes as non negotiable is to define success for yourself and write it down. She has some wonderful free downloads on her website which is www.IdRatherBeintheStudio.com.

Here's what I think about this whole process: after many years of working at creating a business for myself, I think you need to capture the following ingredients 1) Find the passion inside of you -- we all have it but sometimes (most of the time) it has gotten buried. 2) Let yourself believe that you can have this dream (this is KEY!!!). 3) Write down some specific goals about this dream, things like monetary goals, production goals -- I do believe there is magic in writing things down.

4) Do something every day to work towards your goals.

No doubt I have never worked as hard as I have for the last 2 years, but I feel passionate about what I am doing. I love playing with fabrics and ideas and I love seeing smiling faces leave my classrooms. Slowly I am starting to find success. It has not been easy but I am hear to tell you it is possible!

Happy New Year! Write me if you'd like to discuss any of this further!

New Classes at the Craft Guild

2009-12-27T04:20:00.000-08:00

Made it through Christmas -- here is a picture of my sister and I with our two dogs on Christmas Eve. We had fun. Even though this fall was a whirlwind, I love all of the new people that doing this work brings into my life. Thank you all for being there and for your support!

I am busy making samples for the many new classes I will be teaching in the winter/spring session at the Craft Guild of Dallas. There will be needle felting where we will explore types of wool to use, how to make a 3d shape (see the cute round shapes and the nest -- good for making jewelry), and some flat needle felting

techniques; nuno felting scarves both basic and advanced (we will learn to make fringes and ruffles), and also my beloved nuvo felting in which we combine the needles and wet felting and make a small highly embellished piece. I taught both the basic scarves class and the nuvo class in December and they were both so much fun!

I will also be exploring some new territory by co-teaching with David Lawrence. David is a master bookbinder. We will be playing with some new surfaces for bookbinding including silk paper, lutradur, a book with a cloth/tissue paper cover and using felt to make a cover for a small photo album. Very fun altered books and lots of techniques covered in this class!

Later in the spring I will be offering an art quilting class (with some help from my friends of course!)

You can check out the new classes at the Craft Guild on their new website (way to go guys!) at http://www.craftguildofdallas.com/fiber_arts.php There are pictures there and I will try to post pictures here as I get things completed.

Cheers! Let me know if you have questions, I love to help.

Why it's Called Nuno Felting

2009-12-08T04:31:00.000-08:00

I've been so busy this fall. I had a wonderful show (Southeastern Animal and Fiber Fair) in Asheville, NC and survived many mishaps (missed flights, lost keys, lost cell phone) because of all of the wonderful people I met along the way. Many thanks to all of you! I came back to do a show of finished pieces at the Craft Guild of Dallas -- another great show and many thanks everyone who helped and has had patience with me in this very busy time! I was appointed Fiber Arts Chair for the Guild during the show. I can't tell you how much this means to me. It is a life long dream come true! Teaching and coming up with new ideas are the things I have always loved best. I just love the camaraderie that sharing the creative process brings.

So, I have much to do to prepare for classes in the winter/spring term. Class schedules will be mailed soon.

On to today's subject about Nuno. I was searching for information about textile traditions and found an article about a Japanese Company called Nuno. They are known for creating innovative and cutting edge fabrics (Their fabrics are on display currently at the Textile Museum in Washington, DC -- here is the link:http://www.textilemuseum.org/exhibitions/current/Nuno.html . Somehow the name got entwined with the wonderfully innovative technique of combining wool and other fabrics. Hmm, I might need to dig further on that one.

Anyway, thanks to all of you for a wonderful year! Here is a picture of part of a shawl I created this weekend. Fun texture and warm and soft as well.

Oh, and I am running a customer appreciation sale -- 15% off in December for repeat customers (some exclusions apply). Not too late to buy some Christmas Gifts! Or make a shawl and keep someone you love warm this winter.

Cheers!

Nuno Collage Scarf and SAFF

2009-09-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is September -- back to school and I am preparing to go back to do the SAFF show in Asheville in October (Southeastern Animal and Fiber Fair). I am very excited to go back again and see the friends I've made and meet some new people!

I have been asked to teach this year which will be fun. I am really enjoying composing using the hand held needle felters, then finishing by lightly wet felting. I find my students this summer have been enthusiastic as well.

The picture is of one of the products I am working on for the show. I call it a collage scarf because of all of the silk textures I've packaged together to put on top. I am working on about 4 other color combinations, so stay tuned. Lots to do!

Gratitude

2009-08-03T07:22:00.001-07:00

I have lately been reminded of how much I have to be grateful for and how happiness is a decision we all make. Without dwelling on those things, here are some pictures of things I am grateful for.

I am grateful that I have the time to play with making new fabrics -- something I just love to do!

I am grateful for friends who encourage me to try new things and play. I need a picture of the group of fiber artists I am a part of -- coming soon!

I am grateful for others out there experimenting and learning. These beautiful locks are from Margo Duke -- she is selling them on ETSY. Here is the address for her ETSY shop: Her Majesty Margo.etsy.com

And perhaps most of all, I am grateful for those of you who come to class, who love to learn and teach me so much. Thanks so much!

Stillness

2009-07-18T07:43:00.000-07:00

Goodness gracious, it is hot in Texas! When I get bothered by it, I go and look at a vacation picture I took a couple of weeks ago. My son and I went to Alaska. Great fun and a needed break! So here is my favorite glacier picture. Looking at it reminds me that cool weather will return and at a bit deeper level, the picture reminds me to be still when things are unclear. Patience is such a virtue! However, my prettiest fabrics seem to happen on the hottest days, so I try to appreciate the whole of things...

cheers you guys and stay cool!

Rust Dyeing

2009-06-14T12:02:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to write a quick summary of what I learned this week! Rust dyeing! My 84 year old neighbor who gave me the old frying pan I used to make this beautiful fabric said "we always tried to figure out how to get the rust out of our fabric". Well, not today! It's a hot new way to make fabric in an environmentally friendly way.

So here's what you need: something rusty, some vinegar and your fabric. I used my neighbor's old cast iron skillet and scrunched the fabric inside the pan. I poured vinegar over it and let it sit in the sun for the afternoon and voila!

What to do with this?

2009-05-31T04:20:00.000-07:00

I had fun yesterday playing with some beautiful colors. I made what I thought was going to be a book jacket (which you see pictured), but I'm not sure that's the thing to do. It is a rectangular piece that wraps around the book and I put the silk on in a border. It is amazing to me what a difference proportion makes in a piece. Is it a part of a purse, a book, a wall piece? What do you think? I have some more pink dupioni silk, I will ponder what to make. Any ideas? This will eventually become a project kit when I figure out what it is!

It looks like this piece I made a few weeks ago will turn into a purse. Thanks to Lu Peters (http://www.lupeters.com/) for the wonderful charm -- it just makes the piece. It is really wonderful to have these nuno felted fabrics -- they can be cut and shaped as you wish.

Almost Done...

2009-05-12T08:13:00.001-07:00

Well, here I am this morning -- looking at pictures of the color kits. It's not always easy to get good pictures, so I would love some feedback! The first kit above is called "spring" -- the colors are very warm and inviting, kind of high energy...the kits contain 9 colors of silk, some gauze and some habotai. They will be matched with kits containing 3 pieces of prefelt and kits with 5 colors of roving. Fun to make a nuno purse, pillow, or enhance a scarf or shawl or your wall work. These are available in 4 color ways and they will be on my website soon! There will be a 20% discount for the first 25 kits sold, so email me and let me know you are interested!

I am also working on project packs, stay tuned!

Have a great day you guys!

Color Everywhere!

2009-05-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

Another busy week -- this time I am working on my "color kits" -- a new product I am offering. These kits will have 9 colors of silk in a combination of habotai and gauze in a color theme. There is enough silk to make a nuno pillow or purse or embellish a wall piece. Of course I had to try a few. I started out with just habotai (the shiny silk), but found I liked composing with the contrast of the gauze and habotai -- the smooth and shiny look great together! So I am back to dyeing a bit more fabric. Stay tuned!

I am also playing with the journals and color themes. The piece above reminds me of a tide pool, so a journal adorned with this piece might be titled "A Summer to Remember"...

This piece looks sort of oriental -- that is primarily due to the colors. It has all sorts of texture in it.

Cheers! -- I am going to go finish dyeing that gauze so I can get those color kits out the door.

Thank you Sara and Suzanne!

2009-04-26T05:40:00.000-07:00

I've been busy the last 2 weeks. I dyed and packaged a whole bolt of silk! My friend Suzanne Higgs is taking some of my things to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival which is the first weekend in May and I believe the largest sheep and wool show in the country. Doing a show is so much work -- so THANK YOU Suzanne for including me in your booth! If you are going that way, look for Suzanne in Susan's Fiber Shop (Suzanne and Susan are sharing a booth -- you can read her blog post about it here: http://www.hookedonfelt.blogspot.com/).

Also, Sara West, a friend and fabulous nuno felter made two pieces for me for Suzanne to display in the booth. She made a shawl with ruffles on my new fabric I call "spring" and a really cute thin scarf. I wish you could see all of the detail she puts in her work, it is really beautiful! My sister took me to lunch for my birthday and came in wearing pink and denim. The scarf went perfectly with her outfit, so I got her to wear it to lunch so I could admire it before it went on it's way to Maryland.

Many thanks to both of you!

The Big Picture...

2009-04-10T06:52:00.000-07:00

I was perusing an art book while waiting for my turbo tax to update itself. You know, that "I'll just browse for a second and I'll pick this book because it's due back at the library" kind of moment. But something wonderful happened in that moment. I got something that I've danced around for years. It's really simple and I'll share with you!

What I got was the idea behind the "art language" if you will. I used to read things about art principles and elements and just put the books gently back down. But now I get it. So here goes!

Art principles are sort of the big picture guidelines for how to make your art pieces work. Things such as balance, variety and unity. Elements are the tools we use to create with. Line, shape, color, and texture are elements that all go into making up the piece within the big picture guidelines.

Simple, right?

Anyone want to send in pictures of pieces which demonstrate balance? I would love to see them and I'll work on some demonstrations myself.

Cheers!

One Year Later...

2009-03-22T04:13:00.001-07:00

I just finished sewing the beads on this piece yesterday. (Finally!) I've shown it to a few people and they seem to really like it. I'm also getting ready to do a show next weekend so I started pulling out what I have in inventory to sell (it is an art show, so I need finished pieces). I found a journal that I had done about a year ago. Here it is:

There is a paper tag on the journal cover that says "inquire within" and the theme of this book was meant to be contemplation. I did this piece entirely by intuition. When I created the piece this year (The one above left -- I need a name for it, perhaps Contemplation?) I knew that I was creating with primarily horizontal lines and that horizontal lines are restful. I used the colors that Leatrice Eiseman calls "contemplation" in her book "Color: Messages and Meanings". I love the peacefulness that I find in nature, so the scene resembles a landscape. Perhaps the larger beads are houses tucked in by a river on a hillside. However you interpret this piece, I meant to convey peaceful contemplation. Something serene. But this time I knew that I was doing that -- the first time was sort of hit or miss. Yeah! I learned something!

Good Insight...

2009-03-15T03:36:00.000-07:00

Connie made a really insightful comment about art vs. craft (Thanks, Connie -- see Connie's comment on my last post -- also see her wonderful blog at sewforthsewon.blogspot.com) Connie says, in part, that the difference between art and craft is based on intent. To me, this hits the nail on the head. Approaching your work with the intent to convey a message seems to be the most fundamental difference between art and craft. A piece of art speaks to the viewer on some level. The artist's theme, choice of materials, colors, etc. all work toward expressing something they feel some emotion about. Here is a quote that Connie found that says it well:

"Artists who are true to themselves do not make art for the marketplace, but for themselves--to start a dialogue with their viewers, their fans, and the world. They make art because they have something to say that is best said not with words, but through a creative act. They make art because they have to. The marketing stuff can come later. " Alyson Stanfield.

As I see it, the artist has two tasks. First is to find a theme that captivates us. This is pretty much an exercise in being present. Begin to notice what you are drawn to or places/things that hold your interest or if there is something inside you that needs to be expressed. Notice when you feel some emotional reaction to things you see. Keep notes. Take pictures. The second task is to develop a composition around that theme. Learning and applying the art principles and elements will speed the process of developing your piece. You are just tapping into what the brain already knows. I call this the "language of art" -- this is a language any of us can learn.

We will explore both inspiration and composition here. You guys chime in with ways you have found to develop a piece.

OK, I Guess it's Time!

2009-03-08T05:16:00.001-07:00

I don't know about you guys, but I have been skirting the "artist" vs. "crafter" issue for some time. What is the difference? What am I? I've gathered some books, been to a few seminars, but never really applied myself to learning the language of art. I've allowed my intuition to be my guide, but now it's time to focus in a bit.

I am really hoping to get some input from readers here. I have gathered some resources which speak to me, and to the best of my ability I will demonstrate the points -- but I know there is a wealth of visual art out there that could chime in here! Send in pictures that you find that clearly illustrate a point and tell us what you do to learn.

To start, I am going to paraphrase a list I found in the book "Creative Composition and Design" by Pat Dews. I really love this book. Pat is a painter, but her words and methods speak to me.

She says in part: "All the design advice in the world will not help you create better art if you are missing the fundamentals it takes to become a better artist." Vow to live by this list:

1. Read, Study and look at good art. Listen to the pros.

2. Make the time and create the space to work. Work. Make small studies.

3. View your in-progress works from a distance and from every orientation.

4. Learn to take good photos for reference. You need reference material that you have made.

5. Enter shows, sell your work and reward yourself!

That's it for today. Have a creative day!

More Creative Genius

2009-03-04T03:22:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more pictures of people having fun learning in class! Hats off to you guys!

I will be starting a discussion about composition for the next several weeks. I'd love to hear from you guys! Send in pictures of your work if you feel it really demonstrates a design idea.

Have a great week!

Creative Genius

2009-03-01T06:30:00.000-08:00

I taught a nuno felting class yesterday at the White Rock Weaving Center. It just thrills me to see the wonderful things that come from the class participants. The creative process is just thrilling! My favorite part from yesterday was: I asked everyone to lay out their roving in a particular way to save time. (We didn't have much time for the class.) As I walked around the room I was absolutely thrilled to see all of the variations of the pattern I asked them to create. They were still using the creative genius within the confines that they were given. Hats off to you guys!

While I don't have photos of the actual class participants from yesterday, I have pictures from previous classes where the same thing has happened. Thanks to all of you who have come to my classes -- I learn so much from you guys. I also love to see the joy on people's faces as they enjoy learning and creating. Very fun!

Cheers!

A Sneak Preview

2009-02-25T02:20:00.000-08:00

OK, I'll admit it. I've allowed myself some creative downtime. The first 8 months of running this business were pretty rugged, and I needed some rest. So I've allowed myself to accomplish less, but my creativity has soared. I found a book on color which I really love -- it makes me happy just to peruse the pages. It's called "Color: Messages and Meanings" by Leatrice Eiseman. I got it from my local library.

I'll be introducing some new products over the next month. I've been thinking about ways to make my little kits more user friendly. So I've come up with what I hope will work. I'll be packaging the silk and wool separately and putting together larger quantities of each. It should actually take less time to package, so I can still keep the pricing very competitive. It should be easier to choose a color way, because the color messages will be strong. The silk packages will contain many colors in varying size pieces and will be enough to make more than one piece.

The little journal above was made from one of the new kits. It took me about 30 to 45 minutes to put together. It is partly needle felted and partly wet felted. It was so fun to play with all of this color!

Any opinions about the color message here?

Have a wonderful day and try to allow some creative play time -- it is good for the soul!

On Allowing the Creative Process

2009-02-23T04:29:00.000-08:00

I watched a really powerful video clip of Elizabeth Gilbert, author of "Eat, Pray, Love" speaking on the creative process. The clip is about 19 minutes long, and is really wonderful. There is a link at the end of this post. If you don't have time to watch it, I will hit some of the highlights here.

Elizabeth speaks about creativity and all of the negative connotations that have grown up around creative people. She also speaks about the great success of her latest book and about how people are now saying things to her about her career having peaked and she will just go down hill from here. She is "doomed". So her observations about all of this have lead her to the belief that it is the artist's job to "show up" and allow the creative process or creative genius to work in and through them. Creativity is really not about the outcome, it is about allowing the creative process to unfold. (Somehow I think this ties into being present and finding joy!) We don't really know how the work we are doing will affect ourselves or others. Elizabeth certainly didn't expect her book to be the overwhelming success that it has been.

Julia Cameron also has strong beliefs this way. In "The Artist's Way" on page 55, you will find the "Rules of the Road". Julia states, in part, "In order to be an artist, I must 1) Show up at the page. Use the page to rest, to dream, to try."

Julia's list is ten items long and very well worth another read or finding a copy of the book!

So, to those of you who feel the need to create, but discount it's importance to yourself or the rest of us, I encourage you to show up!

Have a creative week out there!

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html

On Joy

2009-02-22T03:47:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of you who gave me feedback on the blog! Hope the color change makes it easier to read. I will continue to fill out the features as I can...

It took me a day or two to work through my thoughts on the second meaning of Presence. Webster's says "5 a: the bearing, carriage, or air of a person ; especially : stately or distinguished bearing b: a noteworthy quality of poise and effectiveness ".

As I started making one of a kind things, I noticed that when people put them on, there was something really special about that experience. They felt -- what is it -- like they had presence?

I think it actually goes a little deeper than that. I think, for some people at least, buying something that makes them feel beautiful or distinguished (you word smiths help me find the right word here) is part of the process of finding joy. It's allowing something wonderful to be part of your life. This does not have to be about buying anything at all -- it's that process of allowing something you love -- that makes you feel energized -- some space in your life. Joy is something we have to begin to notice in our lives. Again, there is such a focus on our busy productive lives, that I don't think we stop to notice -- or allow -- that which brings us joy.

You guys expand this thought!

Next up -- Elizabeth Gilbert on the creative process

On Presence...

2009-02-18T09:29:00.000-08:00

This is an exciting day! I've learned to cut through some limiting thoughts about myself and what I can accomplish in life. I hope you will share stories of your wanderings and days of waking up to some new parts of yourselves as well.

What I would like to share today is a comment about why I named my company Presence. Being present had a double meaning to me -- which I found very succinctly written in Webster's dictionary today. Definition one says: " the fact or condition of being present". Now what does that mean? My teachings tell me that a goal is to be present in our own lives day to day. To the best of our abilities on that day, we are not letting old tapes run us or just hurrying through the day without noticing things that are wondrous right under our noses. Help me name some -- the smell of the coffee, the warmth of your robe or shower, etc. The smiling face of a child, a stranger or a pet...the first shoots of new spring growth...the list goes on and on.

Coincidentally, I noticed that when I was dyeing fabric, I really had to be present. I really loved watching the process unfold, and I began to notice that things often went differently than I had planned. (Sounds like life, huh?) But if I stayed with the process and listened, I would either learn something really valuable from that experiment or figure out how to keep going to get an outcome I wanted.

So, today I challenge you to start to notice what is going on right now. Be present in and enjoy the wonder that is your life.

Next blogs: the other meaning of Presence and "on joy".

You guys chime in!