Stephanie Forsyth: Journey of a Fiber Artist

Lost

2011-11-21T05:52:00.000-08:00

It's 7:30 am Monday morning. I'm in the studio. I'm not creating. In fact, the idea of creating both terrifies me and agitates me. I have have two failed sales, and a grant rejection. In one week. I'm seriously starting to doubt myself and my work. Starting to feel paranoid, like I am delusional.

I've been in this sort of position before, but usually with not so many negatives piled on on top another. I will likely end up cleaning and organizing in the studio instead of trying to create. Honestly though, I would like to crawl back into bed under my fluffy comforter and sleep all day.

I feel lost. Unguided. Unsure. Where do I go from here? Do I need to change my style all together? Choose a different medium? Give up entirely? I hate feeling negative, but I feel beaten down!

As an artist, you aren't guaranteed paychecks. You aren't always told you're doing well or badly. You don't get reviews every year. There's no definite criteria on "how your'e doing". There's also not necessarily a checklist of things you can do to improve.

This is definitely a day of self pity for me. I don't know what to do anymore. I'm so sick of creating art that no one sees, buys, or cares about. At my sale at Coldwater Creek last week, not as single person stopped at my area to look at my work. Not. One.

As a fiber artist, I generally feel a lack of respect from most "viewers". They see fabric and quilting and automatically seem to discount me entirely. And honestly, I am kinda pissed off about it. I feel like the kid on the playground that everyone picks on.

Today I question my strength to keep going in this chosen medium. I feel so alone and lost in this situation. Can't the universe throw me a bone????

A Little Different

2011-10-31T09:11:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting in my studio at my desk, a steaming hot cup of black tea next to me. It is my first day of "real" scheduled studio time. Monday morning are now being allocated to writing, for here at Journey of a Fiber artist, but also for The Fiber Nation, and for a new digital magazine that will be available starting early next year. I've also done another first this morning. I have spend some time taking, and altering photos for use with this post. Something I want to do a little more of for future posts.

The hot tea is so very necessary this morning, it's only 34 degrees out right now. Which means my lower level studio is a bit chilly, such is the case with any home in the midwest that is on a cement foundation level!

There are still some leaves on the trees outside, some haven't turned yet, but most have turned - in fact most have fallen off and began blowing around the neighborhood. It's amazing how the seasons can affect what you're producing.

Despite the beauty outside, I am already starting to look forward to the snows. I have a wall of windows in my studio overlooking a wetland preserve, and honestly the most beautiful views out of them occur during the winter months. The trees are bare then, and the underbrush is dead and beaten down. Snow starts to blanket the forest floor, the wetland freezes into a solid surface. The view clears out and I start to notice more squirrels, deer and birds. Most mornings I will be able to see the fox scurrying across the frozen water in search of morning morsels (mice). Nearer to dusk and sometimes very early (near dark) in the morning I can catch a glimpse of a coyote!

There is a silence that comes with a snow, that brings a calm over me like nothing else can. I relish those days, and I look forward to them. My only wish is that the harsh months (particularly January and February) were a bit less harsh or much shorter!

But then, we always want things a little different than they are, don't we?

Organizing the next series..

2011-08-23T14:04:00.000-07:00

I'm busy today working on laying out all of the discharge fabrics I've been working on and group them for putting together pieces. So far so good!


Completed Piece

Completed (?) piece

Purging

2011-08-17T15:35:00.000-07:00

I have been working on purging in my studio, reducing my fabrics and trying to clear things out a bit. It was through this process that I finally came up with my focus for my new series to debut at my open studio art crawl this fall. I took the purging action to my black fabrics and started discharging!

I'm not sure how I want to put them together, or how I will quilt them. I'm very excited about this series. It is a challenge to work with the colors that the discharging creates in the black fabrics.

I will likely discharge some more fabrics throughout the next week or so before I move forward to the piecing phase.

Practice, practice, practice!

2011-08-13T22:05:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I've spent much time doing traditional piecing. I have an exhibition I'm taking part in next year though, and it requires several pieces that are all traditional pieced! So, I've been making a lot of blocks lately.

It feels good to be doing it again, and I'm glad for the opportunity to work on my skills again! Hello quarter inch seams, trimmed and perfect half square triangles and *gasp* PINNING!

Traditional piecing will continue this weekend and next week for a bit at least! :)

Taking the Plunge - Teaching

2011-07-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

I am happy to announce the first class planned for my studio! Freemotion Threadpainting!

Stop by www.stephanieforsyth.com and find out about this class coming in August!

Thread Lottery

2011-06-08T06:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you have a dream so awesome, that it's sad to wake up. Last night was one of those nights for me.

I dreamed that I had won the Thread Lottery. I received cone after cone after cone of threads! There were cones from every brand: Superior, Signature, Sulky, Fil-tec, Aurifil, you name it and it was there.

Boxes after boxes were being carried in! I began ripping open boxes and just pouring cones out. Then, I did what they do in all the lottery/Vegas scenes - I began to roll in them! (Apparently dream thread cones do not hurt to roll on, but I imagine in real life I'd need a back adjustment afterwards!)

Needless to say, this is a dream I would LOVE to come true! I suspect the dream seed was sowed yesterday when I was with my Mom and friends at a local wholesale place. I was getting some threads, and commented that if I were to ever win a big lottery I would buy a couple of each color from every brand of thread.

It was a nice dream, one I wouldn't mind having again. I wouldn't mind it coming true either...I think I may need to enter the A&E challenge...isn't the prize a thread package???

A Busy (and small) World for Me!

2011-05-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

The trees outside the studio finally have leaves!

It has been an insanely busy spring for me this year! I spent almost a week in Mexico, came home then three days later left for a week in Kansas at the IMQA show!

My grant money was put to great use, taking ten classes in five days! I was fortunate to have classes with some of the top quilters: Gina Perkes, Dawn Cavanaugh, Claudia Pfeil, Myrna Ficken, Cathy Wiggins, Kim Stotsenberg and Renae Haddadin!

I also spent the week in classes sick with a nasty cold (people give you a LOT of space when you're hacking and wheezing) combined with some wicked allergies. So when I got home last week, I spent a good deal of down time not really going anywhere. I did work in the studio Monday through Wednesday and started playing with a new thread and a new technique for me.

It's a good thing I took it easy, because this past weekend marked the start of busyness! Saturday I went to Art-A-Whirl, which is an art crawl of open studios that is hosted in Northeast Minneapolis (it was nice to be an attendee again after being an open studio there for a few years!) Saw some great art, though sadly didn't find an fiber artist. I'm sure there were some, I just never happened upon them.

A view from one of the studio windows at the art crawl.

Sunday was a day of babysitting my nephew Alex with hubby. Exciting day of playing with bead necklaces, playing chef, and waking him up early from his nap due to tornadoes in the neighborhood! Luckily we were spared.


Me and Alex

There was a double rainbow acrossthe sky Sunday night after the storms.

Monday, I hosted the first meeting of a small fiber art group (most of which are SAQA members.) This meeting proved again how small the quilting world really is! One of the ladies brought a friend who is visiting from the Netherlands. She introduced herself as Wil, and after seeing some of her work at show and tell I was bewildered. I KNEW this person. But how could I know someone from the Netherlands when I've never been there? Finally it dawned on me! Some time ago I had a giveaway on The Fiber Nation - Wil was one of the winners! And I recognized her style because I follow her blog!

Monday night was the Minnesota Contemporary Quilter's meeting, which was great! I hadn't been in quite awhile so it was nice to see everyone (and to see so many new members!) Lots of goodies to see at show and tell too!

Tonight I go to the SAQA meeting - I can't wait! I often wish we met once a month rather than every other month. The show and tells there are always so amazing too!

Tomorrow I can begin my down time a bit again. I also need to schedule a visit with a good friend. Other than that, it's studio time for me again! Yippee!

My latest piece; birds are thread painted, leaves and branches paintsticked.

Fiber Art Commission Anxiety

2011-03-14T06:34:00.001-07:00

The commission piece is done, and I'm in the process of setting up an exchange to get it to it's rightful owner. I have discovered that this is the most excruciating time! I am fretting over whether they will like it or not! I was given a lot of free reign on the concept, etc. so now I just have to pray they like what I ended up doing with it. That's S-C-A-R-Y to me!

I love that I had so much freedom - versus other commissions I've heard about where every step has to be approved. However, it does add some stress in its own way.

I look forward to studio time today, even if I do spend a lot of it cleaning up and getting it ready for visitors this weekend! I also have a project I need to "get crackin" on that I've been procrastinating about.

It is a beautiful day here in Minnesota - chilly but very sunny so far. I'm looking forward to later this week when we are supposed to see a high of fifty degrees - fifty! Spring is most definitely on its way in, and I couldn't be more ready for it. Oh to have my windows open again for fresh air!

Hubby heads to New York tomorrow for work, lucky! One of these days I need to get there so I can see some museums. I've never been to NY before. I need to find out the best places for a fiber artist to go when in NY, so when I do go I make the most of it!

Now it's off to write a bit more, work on my bio and then get going on the studio cleaning!

Japan and Creativity

2011-03-13T10:39:00.001-07:00

I feel glued to the news. The uncertainty about the power plants in Japan, as they are still searching for survivors and bodies is so heavy. I will make myself go into my studio today and work on a project I need to do. I will probably play Who Does She Think She Is while I work. Some how that documentary always brings me a sense of hope and happiness.

It seems weird, but I have almost felt a sense guilt. For example, Friday I spent many hours in line waiting to buy an iPad 2. Many times it entered my thoughts how it felt wrong to wait in line for it, with what was happening in Japan. I have to admit, it made the idea of "what if I don't get one" pathetic.

A lot of creatives becomes more creative when something like this happens. Letting out their feelings, working through it via their art. I generally am less likely to make my way into my studio. It's hard for me to let go of the negative feelings that are waving through me and create something.

It wasn't until recently that I started dealing with anything negative through my art work. Before that, all my of worries and angers, etc. I let out in my personal journal books. Lately however, with the aid of my new Airpen, I have been putting those journal entries directly onto my pieces. So far I have done pieces dealing with my personal frustrations about politics, and social issues. I have even done a piece on my own infertility, which was actually a pretty uncomfortable piece for me to write on.

The day of the earthquake (just hours before it), I had just finished the coloring of the piece I did about friendship and family. It was actually a happy piece, about a night spend with friends and family. I loved working on it, it felt good. So, now I am trying to make myself return to the studio to work on one of the current pieces. I don't think I can handle doing a piece about this yet. I am so sad and worried for the people of Japan. I can't (and honestly don't want to) imagine what it is like to be them at this moment.

I will do a bit more writing, get my shower and then head to the studio. It's definitely a deep and heavy thought Sunday.

On the lighter side, my iPad 2 has a weird quirkiness to it, whenever I try to type my name in for programs it wants to change it:

Scared of Artist Bio

2011-03-12T13:47:00.001-08:00

I received the email this week from Quilting Arts with the article guidelines and photo requirements. So, I will be tackling that this week, as I will actually be in Mexico when it is due! I'm really excited about this adventure, and crazy nervous at the same time. I worry I will get something wrong or that they will get my article and think they made a mistake in accepting me! These are irrational fears I hope, especially since Pokey appears to be one of the sweetest ladies ever. I'm just going to assume that this is a common reaction for someone new to this.

The trickiest thing so far, is the writing of the small bio. I'm not sure what to say about myself. Should I talk about my art? Or should I talk about my industry blog, The Fiber Nation? This part has me so freaked out I want to bury my head in the ground and hide! I can't though, I don't want to miss out on the opportunity to get myself "out there".

My most amazing husband stood in line with me for HOURS Friday, waiting for the iPad 2. I'm happy to report I am typing in it right now! I consider it to be another addition to my creative arsenal (not to mention way cool!) I am still getting used to the keyboard, so I am a bit slower than I am used to. I look forward to more easily being able to write and blog while I am out and about.

I also treated my feet to a new pair of funky shoes! These should look cute with capris and skirts this summer:

Now I am off to stare at a new blank Paige waiting for 40-60 words to come to me about myself - wish me luck!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Learning to Write

2011-03-07T04:54:00.001-08:00

I finally had the courage this weekend to try my airpen that I've had for nearly two months!

It's the same pen the Susan Shie uses. Here is my progress from over the weekend:

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Growing Pains: Growing as an Artist

2011-03-01T07:53:00.000-08:00

Where Am I Going?

Lately, I have been struggling with the question of "Where Am I Going?" By lately, I mean for the last ten years or so! There are times, like now, that I feel I don't fit in anywhere. I learned long ago, that I don't fit into the business/corporate world. I've also learned that by my chosen medium, fabric, I don't fit into the art world (yet?), but with my contemporary style I also don't fit into the quilt world.

I started The Fiber Nation as a way to try and form a bridge between the traditional quilt and the art quilt world. Though I'm not sure that it qualifies as a "career" as I make no money, and am not sure how far it can go or how to take it there.

It's times like now, that I am thankful for this blog, where I can work through these thoughts. While I may not always take the advice given to me through comments - there is something cathartic for me in just "putting it out there."

I mentioned in the last post that I have started a new series, that is political and humanitarian based. This is a scary thing for me to try - despite my putting personal reflections onto my website, I still censor myself quite a bit. But to try and make a piece of art, that reflects me but censors the "total" is not a possibility it seems. In my art, it's all or nothing when it comes to expressing myself.

Up until now, my pieces have just been "pretty" or "cute". Sometimes there are elements in it that are expressing something I am dealing with or needing to "get out" but for the most part no one would ever be able to discern what meaning might be hidden withing an image of a wetland!

I find this a good experience right now. I am learning that aspect of art, that is so prevalent to artists, that of discomfort. Art can be entwined with discomfort, from the physical to the emotional to the mental aspects. I believe this is a huge part of my growing into my "grownup artist" within me. I've always been an extremely independent thinker, and rarely have troubles expressing myself when I see something unjust and unfair. Why would I think silencing that part of myself in my art would push me further along?

While I love my family and friends, there comes a time when self has to be the priority. I'm coming in to that now. My artwork needs to grow - it's struggling to break out of its infancy and assert itself as independent! My inner voice is violently calling me to let it out.

There is a reason that I have followed Susan Shie for so long - she expresses her world views and opinions so openly and honestly - but avoids being garish and confrontational. Her works are politically charged - yet you never hear of controversy surrounding her works at quilt shows.

Part of me wonders if it's simply that Susan is working through her own feelings on the matters/topics - rather than trying to change someone else's mind about the issue. Perhaps I will try to approach my pieces in the same way. Approach them as a therapeutic way, rather than a protest way.

Thanks for listening to my rambles! No matter how old you are, sometimes there are growing pains!

New Series - Also a First for Me

2011-02-25T13:44:00.000-08:00

I have started a new series the series will be called "38th Parallel: Exposing the Hermit".

For those that do not know, the 38th parallel is the line that created by the United Nations after Japan's defeat in WWII. North Korea has closed itself off from the rest of the world: internet, phone, tv, radio, aid (until recently when things have gotten so bad that they lifted their ban against accepting aid - though the US now refuses to send aid as most of it goes to the "Great Leader" and his army - not the people who have been starving.)

Because North Korea is so closed off, there is not a lot of information/news that comes out of it. There are many concentration/prison camps within it's border - but human rights groups are not allowed into them to verify the treatment of the prisoners. Very few prisoners ever get out, so there are few people who have made it out of the prisons then out of North Korea to tell the tales of what goes on there.

There are also the rumors - it's hard to confirm when you can't even get into the country. Rumors of glass walled gas chambers - to study the effect of different chemicals, etc on human beings. Stealing food (because you are starving) is punished with execution. People are now so bad off, they are sneaking to the woods to eat grass and tea bark to try and stop the hunger.

I have long been fascinated/appalled with the tales of Germany's WWII concentration camps. It's hard to imagine that such things happen. To know that there are similar "prisons" today, and that we are essentially doing nothing to help the people is a crushing blow.

I have begun a series dealing with my emotions over these concentration camps in North Korea. This is the first time I have ever dealt with anything political/humanitarian with my artwork. My only goals are to try and work through my feelings, and to bring the knowledge of some of these atrocities to the public.

I'm not sure where this will take me, or exactly how I will be approaching this yet, but I feel an intense need to work through the feelings of sadness, grief and frustration for the people trapped in the Hermit Kingdom.

Studio Day: 17" Snow

2011-02-21T17:51:00.000-08:00

Yup, we got 17" of snow over night - and it's snowed all day today too. No idea what the totals are - too much? This was what I faced to go get my serger threads:

Worth it though, because I was able to finish the edges of these placemats:

I also started on a commission piece:

As well as begin cutting out the squares for the next project I'm doing - I hope to offer a pattern for sale!

Studio Time: The Great Thaw

2011-02-14T09:28:00.000-08:00

The horrible cold snap broke this weekend, and this morning is it currently 36 degrees! It's a veritable heat wave, really.

Things are thawing out in the studio also. I'm starting to feel creative again. Ironically, I am trying to stave that off a bit, in order to finish the studio. I deal with hip issues (which combined with procrastination), so it's taken me longer than I'd hope.

It truly is down to the dregs now! I have a few containers that I've thrown odds and ends into, that now need a home found for them. The truly disturbing factor, is how many "to finish" things I have piled up. I had no idea I had so many started/planned/ideas going! I think I'm going to have to factor in some scheduling for finishing pieces in between starting new ones, or I may be buried!

I also plan on picking a day for March to teach a class on paint sticking here at the studio! Email thefibernation@gmail.com if you would like to be emailed more information! Just put "Class Info" in the subject!

When Winter Saps Creativity

2011-02-10T07:21:00.000-08:00

It's almost 9 am, and it is still only -9 degrees outside. I'm back in bed with the laptop to write, under a big fluffy comforter. I'm dreading going out for my personal training session at eleven. I haven't been to the gym in over a week, I've haven't been hardly anywhere in over a week. It's the middle of February and my patience with winter and inhuman temperatures is getting to me.

This is the absolute worst time of the year for me. I don't think it's just me either - you can feel it when you go out. There's a humming vibe of cranky energy at the stores - kids are cranky because they've been cooped up too long - parents are cranky for the same reason! People are tired of the cold stealing their breath as they get out of their cars to walk twenty feet to a doorway! These are definitely the days when my heart aches for Hawaii.

I'm trying very hard to be patient for thaw I know is just around the corner. Part of the reason I still live in this part of the US. Spring, summer and fall seem nearly magical after such a harsh time. Soon the snow will start to melt, and the trees and shrubs will get tiny green buds on them. Smells will begin to return as the snow melts and temperatures rise - the smell of earth, water, flowers, rain!

It's hard to be patient when my creativity is so blocked! How could it not get blocked eventually in these circumstances? Everything that feeds my creativity is being assaulted in the winter:

No smells - really the only smell I usually notice in the throes of deep winter is exhaust from cars warming up
Extreme cold - whenever I go outside my body literally tenses up against the cold
Lack of time in nature - I despise bundling up and going outside in such cold temps - it brings me no joy
Stir crazy - when we have weeks at a time of negative temps, I avoid going out all together. I don't even want to leave the house to shop! (If you know me, this is an amazing factoid!)
Less nature - even the amount of animals that I usually see outside my studio window drops to almost nothing. Save the poor squirrels - those guys are troopers but only because they are in constant search of more leaves/bedding to try and stay warm in THEIR homes!

It's times like now, when my heart starts to race when I think about spring. The idea of a fresh rain, or just walking to my mailbox in sandals and no jacket makes me ache! My vacation for this year is not scheduled until the end of April. I am already going to start planning for my trip for next year, and despite the higher cost I plan to go somewhere in February! am going to pick somewhere warm, and hopefully sandy.

For now however, I am going to force myself to my training session this morning. Then I will come home, shower, and likely crawl back into bed with my laptop and focus on writing for the afternoon. My apologies for the negativity - I just had to get it out!

I hope you're somewhere warm, toasty and sunny! (Do you have an extra room??)

Stuck, cont'd...

2011-02-05T21:07:00.000-08:00

Made it to "the store" tonight, to get some stuff for the studio. I needed more tubs, some cork boards and a year calender pad. This is the use of the latter:

The tubs are because I know that I still have surfaces covered in random things that will need to be sorted. My last line of defense, is to now go through the room, and put all of the "leftovers" into one big tub. Tomorrow morning, I will begin to sort through it, putting items into appropriately labeled storage tubs.

This feels so good to finally be doing! I am okay with how long it took me to get to this point. I needed time to "bond" with my studio, to let it be "just mine" before I open it to others. That is what I am looking to do now, teach classes and hopefully host more retreats. (Interested? Send me a message! Or stop by the Journey's facebook page and leave a comment there: Journey of a Fiber Artist Facebook.)

It is simply not an easy task to arrange a studio so that it is convenient for both the full time creator, AND for students/guests. I think I'm almost there! (There is still a HUGE item on my wishlist, but I've no clue when that will be a feasible. I desperate want the larger Tracy's tables, I want the Quilter's Workstation one!)

Now it's time to sit down and read the lecture that Jane Dunnewold posted that she gave at the Carnegie Center for Art! Ahhh..where's my tea?

Stuck In the Studio

2011-02-05T11:45:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning with every intention of working on some articles. However, the moment I walked into the studio, and saw it's messy state, those intentions faded. Now I am sitting in the midst of a tornado strewn studio. How does this happen?

You've been there, right? You start to "clean" only to realize that complete furniture rearrangement and organization is needed. All those books should be over there. The art supplies should have been put over here to begin with... It feels like you're making really good progress. Then, your back/hip/whatever starts to get tired and you sit down to take a break. (That's where I am in the process now.)

You sit down, you look around and say, "Holy crap, what happened?"

There are random piles of mismatched stuff on pretty much every surface. There are piles on the floor. You have found multiple UFOs that you stacked on a table, because you'd forgotten about them and now you hear in your head, "Oooh, I should finish these..."

You've seen Twister, right? Well, this is the time period of cleaning that I like to refer to as "The Suck Zone". 1. You're starting to feel that this whole idea of cleaning "SUCKS!" and 2. It looks like your studio was dead center in the suck zone...AND the drop zone!

Now it's time to breath, take a look around and figure out the plan for the second half of the battle.

Truth be told, I'm getting a little cranky. I received my air pen this week, but I told myself I am not allowed to actually try it until my calendar for The Fiber Nation articles was done, and my studio was clean and organized. I'm hosting another retreat in two weeks and need to be ready for that, as well as having it in working order to begin teaching classes!

So the last thing I did before I sat down for my break? I hung some more LED lights. I suppose there are more important things in the studio I could have been putting away, but I'd put of hanging them for so long...it seemed a good idea.

Break time is just about over. So after this, I will grab my notebook, look around and make a list of what needs to be done. Please universe, let me get this done today - I don't want to drag it out! Too bad there aren't maids that specialize in reading my mind and cleaning art/sewing studios!

Just For Susie - Fiber Layering

2011-01-21T17:36:00.000-08:00

2011 is starting off as a pretty good year in the studio! I have completed three pieces so far, and two more are nearly done, with another started on the design table.

The larger piece was made for a friend to celebrate her new teaching job! The smaller one I made for her daughter - just cuz! :)

There won't be a lot of studio time for me this weekend. The agenda includes: gym, fitness class, cleaning the house top to bottom, and if I am very fortunate seeing Dessa Sunday night if we can get there early enough to snag tickets at the door. Hopefully I might find some time to work on some stuff for The Fiber Nation!

Enjoy the pictures!

Taste of India Goes On

2011-01-19T09:04:00.000-08:00

Spent some time this morning finishing (?) up the painting on the new piece. I've learned I want to find a better gold paint if I want to do outlines again. This one got awful goopy - though it may be the age of the paint!

She's a little in the rough, but I think she is going to turn out pretty! I see beads, and jewelry in her future possibly!

In between working on some pieces I am doing a couple of things.

Trying to get the studio cleaned up for an upcoming retreat
Working on some classes - projects/etc.
Jotting down article ideas as they come to me

I could definitely use more hours int eh day. I don't envy those that have a full time job and are trying to appease their creative appetite at the same time! How do you do it?

New Piece: A Little Taste of India

2011-01-18T18:23:00.000-08:00

I started on a new piece today! Can't wait to get back to it tomorrow!

Meditation Quilting Piece

2011-01-06T10:07:00.000-08:00

Meditation Quilting Piece: First try

One of my "try" items this year, is trying to relax while I am quilting. So I came up with the idea of some meditative pieces to do, that will help me relax my shoulders when I quilt. I tend to hunch them up to my ears, which does NOT feel good!

I started with my own hand dyed fabrics, pieced two fat quarters together:

Then I began what I am calling my meditative quilting:

Here's the piece with the quilting and edges done:

Then I started adding in the beadwork:

When bead work was done, I started the process of couching an eyelash yarn to add emphasis to the lines/sections on the piece:

Here is the completed piece hanging on my black felt design wall:

Here are some detail shots of the piece:

Below, you can see the edging treatment I have the top and bottom edges. It's four strands of a fun yarn twisted, then hand sewn to the edge. I then went back and added a little beading on top of that:

Word of the Year: Setting An Artistic Goal

2011-01-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

I've heard a lot of people out in blogland, talking about setting a word of intention rather than resolutions. I've determined that I think that's the way for me to go! So I spend a good week or so, thinking about "my word" and finally after going back to the same word over and over again, decided on "TRY". It's a bit of a continuation from last year for me - I had many first tries (and successes) last year, and think It would be good to keep the ball rolling.

Things I want to TRY:

New techniques
Submit an article idea to The Fiber Arts
Submit an article to the SAQA Journal
Learning my longarm better (This is already started, as I registered for classes in May!)
Teaching a class in my studio
Possibly try a collaboration
Enter a fine arts competition

There are others that will come up or pop into my head I'm sure, but that's the start of my creative list. Of course there are more personal things like; lose more weight, eat better, etc. Using "TRY" as my word, takes a bit of pressure off, all I have to do is try to achieve my goals, and I've already "won". I think this alleviates some of the "what if I fail" fears, because technically it doesn't matter as long as I tired!

Do you have a word of intention this year?

I stumbled a bit on my sketching yesterday - spent the day getting my passport then vegging out with a movie, then the gym. But I did manage to do a tiny, and I mean tiny sketch before bed last night. It's a little sad, but it's all I had!

Sketchbook Challenge: Feeling Inspired

2011-01-02T16:19:00.000-08:00

It's only day two of the sketchbook challenge, and I just haven't had enough sketching/doodling/coloring yet! So, while we have been spending the day in movie madness (we're on our third movie right now) I have been surrounded with my papers, watercolors and pencils.

I also started on the 3x6 bookmark sized pieces too!

Tomorrow is the start of the first "work week" of 2011, and I plan to work out a good deal of studio time!

The Sketchbook Challenge: Month 1

2011-01-01T19:16:00.000-08:00

This months The Sketchbook Challenge theme is: Highly Prized

So I got started today, and got a few pages done! I have decided to do 6"x6" watercolor pages. I have added colored pencil and markers to some some of them.

I look forward to revisiting this theme as the month goes by. I already love how having the theme encourages mindfulness! I also know this challenge should help me through the times when I'm not feeling creative or inspired.

New Years Eve 2010: Quilting, Art, Resolutions

2010-12-31T14:50:00.000-08:00

I am so happy with the way 2010 went (did it have to go quite so fast though?) An acceptance into Road to California, Quilting Arts Submission accepted for next year, and won a IMQA grant! Not to mention a new studio at home this year that fits my dream studio idea, and a bunch of other goodies!

So, I am really looking forward to 2011! I anticipate an continuation of good things hopefully!

And, I'm really looking forward to doing the Sketchbook Challenge! I have already started! I couldn't decide on a journal to use, so I decided it was fate when a neighbor dropped off some items for me, some of which were in a cool cigar box!

I decided to cut some watercolor paper to use as journal pages:

And there were 3" x 12" strips leftover, that I cut in half lengthwise an widthwise, leaving 1.5" x 6" strips to make bookmarks with as I go along! How cool will this be?

And today I started by doing color washes, etc. for background, so I don't face the scary "white blank page"!

I sure can't wait to get started!! Just need that prompt tomorrow! Check out The Sketchbook Challenge, maybe you wanna try it too!

I was also VERY happy to be treated to a special guest for our guild, Lori Brainerd. We normally do not have a meeting in December, but Laurie was in the general area (rather than down in Texas) and managed to get to the cities for a talk! It was very inspirationa and educational and good to see her again! She used to be in our guild until a job changed moved her away to Texas!

Oh, and these are the shoes of one Sharon Englund who arranged the whole ordeal for us - bless her heart! LOVE the shoes!

Christmas

2010-12-27T06:07:00.000-08:00

Well, we still have one more Christmas to do today, my family in Wisconsin. We tried to make it there on Christmas Eve, but this is how things looked that morning:

So, we will just meet with my parents today since hubby has the day off. A little visiting, a little gift exchanging then back home again and maybe I'll nap! I've been going, going, going since .... November??

I got loads of awesome gifts already! Fiber/Art books, two scarves, new yoga pants, an awesome flowing shirt/dress with butterflies, Smurfette Lunchbox, gift cards, Xbox and Kinect (this is an amazing technology! WOW!), movies (including the Life series and bluray Goonies!), Calvin Klein's Euphoria perfume (Mmmm!), Lovely perfume stick, and loads more wonderful things!

I did manage to make some gifts this year. Here's a painting I did:

And a pencil holder:

And a scarf:

It's a beautiful morning:

So, I'm going to finish my coffee, go to my fitness class, then get ready to run to Wisconsin for a little bit this morning/afternoon! Hopefully I will find time to be in my studio today, to start on "The Great Cleanup", as it looks like I will be part of a mini studio tour for a guest speaker at my guild! I'm looking forward to this!

Embellishment Grab Bag Giveaway!

2010-12-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Head over to The Fiber Nation and leave a comment for a chance to win an embellishment grab bag!

Hand Dyed Scarves!

2010-12-19T09:19:00.001-08:00

Just listed my hand dyed scarves! 10% your order with coupon code!

Etsy Sale!

2010-11-28T16:49:00.000-08:00

Just want to let you all know that I have everything in my Etsy store at 40% off for those of you looking for some hand made Christmas presents!

Please stop by and check it out!

Road to California!

2010-11-19T09:28:00.000-08:00

It finally happened, a piece I entered was finally accepted in to Road to California! I received the email yesterday, that my "Honu" piece made it in! I am so excited, because I didn't think I'd ever get into that show. Someone must like turtles around there!

Here is the piece:

I'm encouraged to work again. I've been focusing a lot on losing weight, which I'm pleased to say that I am now down two pant sizes since March, and down two (almost three) shirt sizes! The working out itself does not take up a lot of time, but I often find myself sore and tired - too much so to want to quilt. It's seems to be evening out now, I'm not quite as tire or sore after a good kick ass work out now. I am more challenged now, as I have dropped from having a personal trainer three times a week, to just one. So now it's the real test, of getting MYSELF to get into the gym and work my own butt off (literally!)

Winter is definitely upon us here in Eden Prairie, MN. This was the snow storm we had last weekend (first of the season)

Today I am watching a friend little boy, Monkey! We're having great fun coloring, playing with his Leapster (how cool are those things?) and dancing!

Fun weekend of playing with nephew, going to casino with the girls, and then hopefully wine and Wii tonight! :) Craftiness tomorrow, as well as Ikea and Christmas shopping! Yay, awesome weekend, straight ahead!

Gearing up - Bauhaus, Paintsticks and Teaching!

2010-11-10T08:24:00.000-08:00

I'm currently working on a series of articles for The Fiber Nation, based on library books I got on art/artists the other day. Today's goal, is to create the pieces based from the Bauhaus book I grabbed. I have hopes that this will be a nice kick start to my creativity for the rest of this fall and start of winter. Playing with multiple styles and techniques, makes me very aware that I am likely not an artist that will have a definitive "style". For the moment, I am okay with that and am accepting it!

I still have a lot of waiting to do. I have two grant proposals out, and an article proposal. All of which have a notification time coming up within the next 30 days. I also have pieces that may still make it into a new art quilt book coming out, no definitive deadline for notice there - just sometime in early 2011.

Other than working on pieces, it's my goal to start gearing myself up to teach. I've been saying this for years, but I really need to get myself to do it. I've been blocked from doing this for years, as I have a hard time trying to organize what I want to teach, as well as believing I have any authority to teach it!

Part of my problem may be that I very much want to teach design principles that are used in quilting and fiber arts. This are big topics and can be daunting. Perhaps I need to just start with a small project, and determine what principles are heavily used in it, then use that as the basis for that class?

The other huge fear for me comes from trying to find students. I intend to teach in my home studio, rather than a quilt store. I do have a publication or two that I can place an ad into, as well as mention the classes to local quilt guilds. The root of the fear is, what if no one signs up? (Again..I've tried teaching a few classes that no one signed up for, though I dearly hope it was only because of the location at the time!)

Do you teach classes from your home studio? How do you get students? Are you very active in the quilting/fiber art community?

Off to keep creating and plotting, I mean, planning a class!

Resting

2010-11-02T06:16:00.000-07:00

I'm currently in a non-creative phase, but I'd rather call it a "resting" phase. I am still quilting the place mats, six more to quilt. Then I need to bind them.
After being sick with a cold for a couple of weeks, my personal training is jus tnow getting back to normal intensity. While good for me, it also means I am extremely tired a lot right now, as my body adjusts to working out so much again. Who knew weight training was SO tiring? Hopefully I will even out over the next week. (Hopefully I start going to bed earlier too, but....)

But....tomorrow marks the start of another retreat! So, getting to bed early probably isn't in the cards in the next couple nights! Fortunately, it looks like this weekend is pretty much a "free weekend" for me. I can't remember my last free weekend, so I'm excited!

I'm currently waiting to hear about two grant proposals I sent in, as well as an entry to Road To California, and a submission to Quilting Arts Magazine. I suspect that may be affecting my creativity to some degree. As though I have investments out, and am waiting to see the return of them.

There is also an internal conversation going on for me currently. I found myself starting to slip into the "what can I create that people will buy" mentality, and was reminded by two close friends, as well as a magazine, that I need to create art for myself not others. This sounds easy, but is it really?

Is that what I am missing? I have been trying to evaluate how often I have created pieces solely to make myself happy. I've been going through my pieces trying to determine which ones were done without a care for what others would think. Many of them, were done to experiement witha new technique; using wool, needle felting, couching yarns, fiber layering. These are what I came up with:

Is there a difference to those pieces versus any of my others? I will be honest, I have only sold a few pieces this year, and all but one were small "affordable art" pieces in frames 8"x8" or smaller. The one larger piece wasn't even listed for sale, I was contacted by someone who saw it on a blog post.

I know a lot of people think it must be easy, and all fun to be a full time artist. I'm not complaining about being one either, I feel very fortunate to be able to devote myself full time to my art. I'm merely working through fears right now.

It's a little scary to devote yourself to something that in the end maybe you and your family will be the only ones to appreciate you've done. (Sometimes maybe only yourself!) I'm investing a lot of time in these things, and there is a chance I will never be able to make a living at it.

What does this mean? This means I am trying to find the courage to start teaching classes from my home. I'm working through the fear of trying to find people to take classes, of deciding what to teach, of no one wanting to take classes with me!

All of this though, has brought about the realization and acceptance that pretty much 99% of fear as an artist, is of not being good enough. Right now, I keep reminding myself that I am a trained graphic designer, and that in itself gives me the skills to teach the classes I want to teach. Now I need to just jump in the water, plan a class, and then try to find people to take it!

What about you? Have you had self doubts? Are you a teacher now, but started out afraid? Do you create art for just yourself, or do you find your thoughts polluted with "Will anyone like this"??

Looking Forward to Tonight

2010-10-23T15:58:00.000-07:00

In just awhile I will be leaving for the theatre, to see the Gee's Bend play. I can't wait!

But, I promised photos yesterday, but didn't get the place mats done in time. So here is one that is pieced AND quilted! Only 11 more to go now, and then the bindings!

I think they turned out pretty good given I used no pattern and did it all by try and trim method! They are going to look really good on the dining room table - whenever I get them all done (or at least 8 of them) I will set up the table and take a nice picture of that to share!

For now I'm off to the theatre - hopefully to report back a wonderful time was had!

Domesticity

2010-10-22T05:52:00.000-07:00

This week, I have actually been taking some time to make some for our home. We have a pretty contemporary home, with funky furnishings and bright colored walls. We need placemats for our dining room table, eight of them. The holiday season is coming up, and I wanted something a bit nicer than the cork board Ikea mats I have (despite my nephews love to chew on them!)

I rarely take time to make things for around the house, so this is a nice treat for me!

So I began to piece them, in true Steph style. No pattern. I am generally not a follower of rules, so I generally do not work from pattern. I did start with a simple line drawn sketch. This has been an interesting project so far, as I have never pieced in this fashion before. I have found that this method creates quite a bit of scraps left over, which goes into my "class bucket".

The "class bucket" is what I am starting to keep, to offer students access to doing classes. That is, once I get brave enough to teach a class out of my home, and can find people to take said classes.

I do like this impromptu form of piecing, although I have learned a lesson or two. The first is that I need to lay out the segments and REALLY look it over before deciding the best way to trim them. The second, is to start a good deal larger than the finished size I need, to accommodate for the "squaring off" of each section.

I hope to have the piecing part finished today, I will update with pictures once that happens! I am hoping to eek out the size and not need a border at all. We'll see!

I will also post what this is about:

Lovely Sunday...

2010-10-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

I finished up the pdf file for the free pattern I will be posting on The Fiber Nation this week. Now I am working on the binding while watching football and making chicken noodle soup with home made noodles.

Here's a teaser of the pattern quilt...

I'm trying to decide if I can get used to pattern writing for traditional quilts. I was originally attempting to design it in Google documents, I don't recommend this. The thing was 30 or more pages that way. Then I discovered I had Adobe InDesign on my Mac laptop which I didn't realize. That was a BREEZE! So now maybe there's a chance I'll do more! We'll see!

A special thanks to Anilee and to Teri Harris Lucas for editing, opinions and suggestions!

Off to finish binding and cooking!

Etsy Update

2010-10-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

I have finally gotten around to updating and adding things back onto Etsy! Stop in and check it out when you have time!

I've also been spending quite a bit of time on The Fiber Nation lately, so be sure and look on there for tutorials and the Block of the Month pattern !

Autumn Brings...

2010-10-08T05:31:00.000-07:00

It's still early, and I've been up for quite awhile already with a cold. Bah!

Yesterday was productive. I got a new blog post up at The Fiber Nation. Then I set about working on a pattern that will be available on TFN soon. I got all the blocks done, and today I can sew them together and the proceed to the quilting! It's a traditional pattern, can you believe it?

Fall is well into it's glory here in Minnesota. I've already begun listening to Christmas music - a fall tradition for me. From here on out, the staple of the music in my studio will be Christmas albums!

Today's goals:

Keep up with the Advil so as to NOT feel the awful headache and sinus pressure accompanying this head cold (by the way...why DO we say head cold? I've not gotten a cold in my foot or knee that I can recall..)
Put free pattern blocks together
Write the pattern up in PDF format
Begin quilting the piece

This morning, I am missing raking and burning leaves with my Grandma when I was little. It's even hard to remember the smell of the burning leaves these day - I live in the city so burning leaves really isn't an activity around here.

That's Show Business!

2010-10-06T14:13:00.001-07:00

Well, I was supposed to be on Creative Mojo with Mark Lipinski to discuss the Guild/No Guild topic. However, the segment ran long, and I didn't get to be on. Word has it I got a shout out from Mark, and an apology and will be getting a goodie in the mail. C'est la vie! Maybe I'll be on the show someday!

Cookiemonster, if you're out there - you and Viking made the wait hilarious!

Back to the studio life as I finished listening to the rest of the show!

Creative Mojo with Mark Lipinski!

2010-10-04T20:17:00.000-07:00

I just got word this afternoon that I will be on Creative Mojo with Mark Lipinski this Wednesday! The show starts at 3pm EST, so pop in to TOGINET Radio to hear the live show with Mark! Just click "Live On Air Click to Listen" to hear the show at 3pm EST (2-4 CST, 1-3 MST, 12-2 PST)!

I am SO incredibly excited to be able to experience this and hope you'll listen and support Mark's radio show - he sure does a lot for our community! I admit I am nervous to be on the show, and I am not sure what to expect. Given that it's Mark though, it's sure to be fun, sassy and great!

Also, be sure and click the BOM on the top menu bar here to get the third part of the BOM Mystery set! I plan on starting mine soon and I'll share it as soon as I do.

Stephanie Forsyth

Today

2010-10-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

Had a lovely retreat this past week/weekend. I am very excited to be working on my first series of quilt patterns that will be for sale! I am currently designing, making the quilts, and will soon be writing them up.

There are the pieces I will be quilted soon - the first is from experimenting with discharging fabrics, the second is from flower pounding using leaves and pine needles.

Of course I did some shopping during the retreat. I needed some green batiks - and look how well they would work doing a fall landscape piece:

I have been wanting to try quilting on dupioni silks, and was lucky to find them at 50% off - then I realized that the colors I chose really reflect the views in my neck of the woods right now.

Now I am off to work on the patterns some more - I can't wait to make these available!

Flower Pounding

2010-09-28T07:47:00.000-07:00

Well, technically not flower, but leaves rather! Last year I got together with my small group The Rosies, and we did an entired afternoon/evening of flower pounding! I found that I got better results with leaves than I did the flowers, so I just did a lot of "leaf spreads". Well, I went to the studio yesterday, and wasn't sure what to work on, so I grabbed one of them and decided to just go for it, and use it.

This is what they look like before:

A pounded leaf on plain white muslin.

And this is after some of the quilting:

First round of pebbles is on, and have started on the secondary color on the outside

Continuing to fill in with the darker thread color, this should have a nice effect of making the center "POP!" (I hope!)

I hope to get this one finished up today, and get the binding on too.

I have so many pieces of fabric from things I've tried: flower pounding, dye painting, soy wax batik, discharging, etc. I think I need to set of goal of using "X" amount of them a week or a month. I have six or eight hangers right now, with a multitude of quarter to one yard pieces of experiments! Need to put them to good use.

Looking to the Future

2010-09-27T08:28:00.000-07:00

This summer has been the busiest that I can ever remember! I can't recall the last weekend where I did not have to be somewhere, or do something! The rest of the time was spent creating, and preparing for the art crawl I took part in just this weekend. I had a good time, and gained valuable experience learning to talk about my art with strangers.

I even met some other fiber artists that are interested in starting to get together as a group for inspiration/critiques. I'm excited about this! It will certainly be nice this winter, to have another group giving me reason to get out and meet!

I also get to spend the winter biting my nails over whether or not I make it through the final round of decisions on a book submission! The book is Art Quilt Portfolio: The Natural World – An Inspiring Collection of Art Quilts By Martha Sielman. One or more of my three submissions have made it into the second round of judging. I would LOVE to make it into this book, as pretty much any pieces I do are usually nature based. So, a better fit could not happen!

Right now, I am entering a planning and assessing phase. I need to decide on some goals to set, and things to try. Magazine submissions? More book submissions? Try my hand at teaching? (How to get people to sign up for classes or retreats at my studio?) I have some ideas, but am not sure how to proceed with some of them yet.

Has anyone had experience with teaching classes from their home studio? How do you find students? I'm a full time artist, and my connections are probably somewhat limited as a result. Any venues I'm unaware of to reach potential students?

For now, enjoy some images from the art crawl, some are from the preparation station and some are from the actually crawl.


Eden Prairie: Wetlands and Trees 1

Cradled

Pear Onesie

Before the crawl: This is my newest and first complete series of work! Eden Prairie: Wetlands and Trees 1-9

Segmented Birch, Birches, and Shadow Branches

Close up detail of Eden Prairie: Wetlands and Trees 9

Used a sideboard table for my small framed pieces

During the crawl: You can see the Dolly Llama in the far side there

Scarved: I hand dyed and embellished some scarves

Hand dyed and stamped onesies - currently have them up on my Etsy site now

I did not sell a ton or anything. Just a few things. But I gained a lot of confidence practicing talking about my art. This also meant, practicing speaking with strangers - while staving off panic attacks! I can only imagine this will help me move closer to teaching!

So, I have spent some time already thinking about my next goals.

Help form the local fiber artist group in my neighborhood (there are at least four or five of us in this neighborhood alone!)
Try to start teaching! (I will need to decide WHAT to teach, and figure out how to find people to teach!)
Start submitting to some of the call for entries on the SAQA site and the local Textile Center's call for entries
Try to submit to at least one magazine! (I'm a bit further on this one, as I have a piece almost done that I want to try and submit!)
Continue to organize studio more
Start planning the logistics of hosting retreats in our home - what to do, how to find "retreaters", consider "special guest" teachers for the retreats
Keep creating!

I have a tendency to slip into dormancy after a sale or crawl that isn't as successful as I would have liked. I tend to stop creating afterwards...once this lasted something like six months and was awful - and awful for those that live with me! This time, I am determined to avoid this hibernation/licking my wounds time. Afterall, I did sell some things. But, I gained something even more valuable - experience and confidence!

What are YOUR goals these days?

Summer Activities

2010-08-10T04:58:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy busy summer for us! Bought one house, sold another. Entered a quilt show, got juried in but did not win (oh well!)

I've dyed fabrics. Some of which I am giving away on thefibernation.blogspot.com.

I've also been making quilted books. They are fairly quick to do, and I suspect I will be making some gift books soon!

My next goal, is to finish the binding on a couple pieces, and then submit them to a book call for quilts. Wish me luck!

All in all, it has been an amazing summer!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

2010-06-17T08:18:00.000-07:00

More Hours in a Day

This summer seems to be flying past me at a break neck speed! Things feel even fast since I started The Fiber Nation, and I currently feel as though I have to run to keep up with my to do list! I'm sure it doesn't help that summer is always jam packed with activities here in the North. We have to get our socializing in within May-September time frame, before we head back into hibernation mode again!

I love summer dearly, I really do. However, there are times during the summer, that I crave the cold snowy days. I generally get a lot done on those days, because I am cooped up at home! I'm also looking forward to seeing fall for the first time in our new home. I want to see what this view turns into come September:

For now though, I will try and remind myself whenever I am feeling overwhelmed with my to do list, errands that need running, and social activities that beckon, that these beautiful, warm, sunny days are numbered! I will also remember when I feel nostalgic for winter, what I usually feel like come the end of January!

I finished a quilt yesterday, that is a gift for a friend. I apologize for the blurriness, I had to do a quick snapshot with my iphone camera, and apparently I didn't stand still enough!

I used the pattern that was from the cover of Quilts and More in their last issue. If you go to their site, you can see the cover pictures on the front page. If I make this again (and I probably will), I would do one thing different however. I would probably use some fusible in the layers, to make it less likely that it puckers when putting the blocks together. This was only an issue on the pieces where the center circle it white, because the outside edges are double layered. So I will probably put fusible on the back of the color squares with the circle cut out. (Hard to explain!)

Anyways, I am off to accomplish more from my to do list: vacuum couch, put clothes away, write article for The Fiber Nation. We have company heading in for the next 11 days, and I can't wait to see them! So I need to get the house in order before their arrival! Check The Fiber Nation later today for a new post - I'll give you a hint, "Tattoos".

2010-06-12T22:15:00.000-07:00

Art Inventory Sale!

I need to make room in my studio, so I'm marking down some of my pieces on Etsy! Most items marked down 20%-50%

Multiple items ship free, as do any pieces over $100! Pillow sets just $22.50, some artwork only $12.00 - check it out!

2010-05-30T08:10:00.000-07:00

Busy, busy, busy!

I have been crazy busy the last few weeks. After Art-A-Whirl, I began working on a new project: The Fiber Nation The Fiber Nation. This on top of being sick for an entire week with a horrible sore throat/headache combo, has kept me busy!

The new blog, will also have a website that will accompany it eventually, but it is still in the design stages. I really hope you will check it out, become a follower and come along with me as I attempt to create a community and information hub for the fiber arts! (Also, if you have a blog, I'd love to exchange links with you!)

The current article is about the International Quilt Market that was here in Minneapolis the other weekend. I'm currently working on the next article, which is an overview on the new Superior Threads I picked up at Market!

I did take some time to "stop and smell the roses", as things begin to really grow and bloom here in Minnesota.

I also took some time this past Friday, and went to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts to see the "Foot in the Door" exhibit, to see my piece there one more time!

I was lucky enough to get there, just as this little girl walked up to my piece and exclaimed, "Mom! Look at THIS, this is SO cool!" Awesome!

I was amused to find that even when there are signs reading "Do Not Touch The Art" that apparently fiber art is simply irresistible to touch! Hopefully it shows up some in these photos, look at the very edges of the blue areas, do you notice the fraying that is occurring??

Well, it was not fraying like that when I dropped it off! I can easily tell that people have been touching it! While I know they shouldn't, I do still find it amusing to be one of the few art mediums that people just can not keep themselves from manhandling!

If you live in the area, you should definitely try and sneak in a visit to this exhibit before it closes June 13! We have some talented people here in Minnesota!

I'm still trying to find a balance between what I am posting here, and what goes on The Fiber Nation...I think this site will generally have my personal projects I am working on, while I will keep Fiber Nation more informational, project and industry based! I hope you'll keep visiting here, and will find time to visit The Fiber Nation as well! I have big plans for the blog there, as well as the web site to come!

2010-05-27T07:40:00.000-07:00

A New Adventure!

I have started a more non-personal quilting/fiber art blog. Please take a moment to visit The Fiber Nation!

2010-05-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

Licking My Wounds

I want to share the outcome of this weekend's art crawl. We had quite a few people each day - 200 plus. (Which I suppose is good for the building that I am in.) However, I only sold two small pieces. Which means that I and my family "worked" for 18 hours over the weekend, and I made $56. I admit, it is embarrassing to share this. However, I figure there are those of you out there that have found or will find yourselves in the same position. I want you to know, you are not alone!

There was an "offer" on one of my pieces, that occurred while I was off running to grab some lunch on Saturday. I'm actually thankful I wasn't there. I find myself offended that art is something that people thing they can "offer" on anyways. I wrote to Jane Davila asking her what her thoughts were on the situation, and I feel so much better that it happened the way it did!

I still ran in to the issue of hearing some comments that the pieces on my walls weren't "art", they were "quilts", despite a good portion of my pieces being framed. Ironically, while I was there I read an article in my latest SAQA publication (of which I am a member) and was disappointed to see one of the authors in it, make a distinction between "fine art" and "fiber arts", clearly stating that fiber art was NOT a part of the fine arts "level".

I have, since birth, been one of those people continuously swimming upstream against the herd. I suppose it's only fitting that I would choose fiber as my medium. Last year, I let Art-A-Whirl put me in such a depressive state I didn't create for at least six month (possibly longer). I literally did not create a single thing. I didn't even try.

I'm struggling to find my way through the folds and threads of this "business". I am trying to explore more ways to promote my works - now that I won't have the NE Minneapolis studio, I will have to work more towards making Etsy sales. I do think I may need to give it a timeline however, as I will begin to approach the point where I am getting close to paying as much in renewals for pieces, as the pieces cost themselves. (I can't believe I am the ONLY person that finds themselves in this position on Etsy.)

For anyone who thinks being a full time artist is easy - you couldn't be further from reality. It certainly isn't all about being wrapped up in the excitement of creation. It's also rejection letters, pieces that you can't seem to sell, people wanting 40% discounts of something you worked on for days and weeks, swallowing your pride to try and promote yourself, dealing with taxes, and business licenses, trying to figure out price points, best methods of hanging/display. It's also dealing with feelings of insecurity, criticism (outward and internal).

That being said, I can't see giving up this career, because I can't envision myself enjoying any other career. The creation of the pieces, and the random opportunity to hear someone you don't know, tell you that your work is "stunning", is too addictive. I've had tiny tastes, and I'm hooked, I want more. The struggle now, is to balance the "icky" work, with the "fun" work in this business.

I will get there some day. I have grown already, as this time, I won't let one weekend cause me to not work again for half a year. I will try different things on Etsy to try and promote and sell my art work. I will keep working on my confidence as an artist. I will educate myself, and also share with others. I will keep going. I have to, being an artist is who I am. You know what? You should too!

2010-05-14T10:09:00.000-07:00

Art-A-Whirl Time!

Hope to see some of you at Art-A-Whirl this weekend! If you have any questions at all, send me a message and I will get back to you! Or give me a call at the number listed!

2010-04-28T08:48:00.000-07:00

I've been very busy in the studio the past couple weeks! After getting time to play with Norma's embellishing machine, I have started using some of the centers I created with it. The last piece has copper sewing into it with the quilting, and yes, I stitched it with my sewing machine!

I am currently extremely busy getting ready for Art-A-Whirl! If you live around the Twin Cities area, please stop in! Also, if you live near by, feel free to print this poster out and share it with your friends/guild/sewing group/local quilt shop!

I am very excited to be working on a new project that I will be sharing with you shortly! Still in the planning stages - but I hope to "go live" with it within a week or two!

For now, enjoy some pictures of what I have been working on the past couple weeks!

2010-04-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

Not Quite Traditional

Quite some time ago, I was still making traditional quilts. I made (and have yet to finish the border and quilt it) a king size top that was make of 3" blocks of alternation 9 Patch and Hourglass. Somehow - as usual - I was mistaken on how many 9 patches I needed, and probably have enough extra for a crib to twin size quilt!

So I took two of the 9 patches and put them with some nice lime fabric, then had fun quilting. It was a bit blah, so I added some color to it! Now I'm off to do a bit more organizing and putting away of things in the studio. (I'll get done some day, right? Right???)

Enjoy!

2010-04-14T16:59:00.000-07:00

Spring Is Here!

I got all of my commercial yardages ironed and folded for the bookshelves:

And then I began to create! I have Art-A-Whirl coming up in May, and I am busting my booty trying to get fresh stuff ready for the sale. Here is some of what I've been doing:

During a bike ride, I was able to get some nice shots of spring coming to Minnesota

I even managed to capture a Great Blue Heron getting a fish then flying off with it:

My friend Norma Riehm came by for a couple days, and let me use her Janome needle felting machine. I want one! This is the lovely pile of pieces I experimented with on it:

I took one of the pieces, made a quilted background then added it to the front:

And here is another one:

Off to bed now, to do my "homework" for the Jane Davila class I am in, then get some much needed sleep!

2010-04-06T16:12:00.000-07:00

Stash Buster Sale!

I am reducing my personal inventory of my hand dyed fabrics. I have them bundled up into fat quarter, half yard, or yard bundles! The average cost is $5.00/yd when you break it down, which is pretty darn good for hand dyed fabrics I think! Please check out my Etsy site - there's a limited quantity of these bundles so make sure you get yours today!

Etsy
Buy Handmade
stephanieforsyth

2010-04-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

What's Goin' On!

I'm probably 50% moved into my new studio at home. It's enough that I've completed one piece, except for the binding, so far. I have to say, while I loved my metro studio, having my studio space at home, seems to be the perfect setting for me. I worked from home before, but part of my stuff was in one room, I would sew in the kitchenette off the main kitchen area - which made the kitchen look awful of course, and my longarm was down in the basement where it just was not pleasant to work.

The metro studio in Minneapolis, gave me my first taste of having spacing that was all mine, and completely devoted to my inventory. But it wasn't without its issues either - from the loud train track, to the filthy dust from the unpaved parking lots (that turned to mud when you'd try to wipe it off anything), to the smell of the machine shop next door and the exhaust from their forklift in the hallway!

Neither place really inspired me as far as the setting went. And the studio down town, eventually became too loud and too dusty to work in (not to mention the expense!)

In my studio at home now, I finally feel comfortable enough to MAKE IT MINE! I can put nails in the wall where I need them. I have four built in bookshelves, which are perfect for fabrics (and adjustable to accomodate bolts of fabric), a wall long enough for the longarm, my new free standing/rolling kitchen island for work areas, and plenty of room for a future futon and TV.

I have begun labeling where things are going to find a home (to make the initial set up easier, as well as clean up as time goes by.) I use push pins to hang up small pieces of fabric I've painted, dyed or manipulated that I want to view for awhile before deciding the next steps.

The vast majority of my time the last two weeks, has been spend ironing and refolding the fabrics to fit properly on the shelves. But I am so thankful I am taking the time now to do it. (I will post pictures soon!)

The time spend ironing has been nice in a way, because I am able to jot down ideas I have while I'm ironing yard after yard of fabric. Ideas come when you're mind goes blank doing repetitive work I think. It can be nice - even if your arms and shoulders do get tired.

This afternoon I will be moving as much as I can in one van load from the old studio to home - hopefully I can cram a lot in! Of course all of my pieces will stay there for now - until after the art sale in May - then I can move them home too.

I'm extremely excited to be starting an online class tomorrow from Jane Davila - Jump Start Your Art Career! I believe you can still sign up today if you want to take it too!

Now I'm off to move stuff!

2010-04-02T06:02:00.000-07:00

Spring Sale!

Check out the bright spring pillows on my Etsy shop! Price just reduced - comes with pillow form, is removable and washable, and free shipping! Stop by!

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
stephanieforsyth.etsy.com

2010-03-11T12:18:00.001-08:00

Change Can Be Hard

I have never been good with change, and moving is definitely a big change! It seems silly, because it's not as if I have moved across country - I haven't even moved across state! I moved to the other side of the Twin Cities, from Roseville to Eden Prairie - believe it or not, this is actually a huge difference!

The entire atmosphere on this side is completely different to me. It certainly lacks that "metro" feeling that Roseville somehow still seemed to have. I grew up as a "country girl" that always wanted to live in a big city - so maybe she is throwing a bit of a tantrum at moving to a more rural type setting? Realistically I know it's silly - but it seems huge to me right now, that a trip to Target that used to take me 3 minutes, now takes 10-15!

The other part, is the attachment I have to our old house - that is in the process of being painted and "shined up" before being listed. It's hard to let go, when we still have errands to run over, and access to it. I can only hope this will ease off after the initial shock of it just being "gone" when it sells, and that I'll move on from that easily. I do know the longer I'm away from it, the easier it starts to feel. It just zings when I go back and see all the freshly painted rooms, and how pretty it is again, all fresh and new! I hope the next owners love her as much as I do!

There are linings on the west side...and today showed me one of them. After a morning of listening to the first thunderstorm of the year (scary in a new house...the rain and hail sounds much louder in an open contemporary!) But the rains have ebbed a bit, and movement outside caught my eye. A pack of dear - 5-7? were slowly making their way through the newly melted wetlands outside my living room window. They must be ready for spring, they are looking thin and were eating the lower branches hanging over the water.

The rains melted a lot of the snow today. This is the first time I've seen the wetlands here be, well, wet! We're excited to see what our property and yard looks like without snow all over the place.

The front has melted enough to reveal a rock garden!

Saw the side deck for the first time too!

And the other side:

Despite my initial discomfort from change, I know that I will start to grow more attached to this home, and this side of the cities. With spring coming, and the beauty that always brings, it should be easier. And I can tell I certainly won't be at a loss for inspiration in my art!

Have a great day!

2010-03-08T15:15:00.000-08:00

Getting Started

We officially have all of our stuff at the new house, minus what is going to be used to stage our other home. I have only started a little bit, getting my studio set up. (I'm afraid if I set it up first, nothing else will get unpacked at all!)

I ordered these kitchen islands that roll to use as storage and workstations in the studio. I spend ALL day yesterday putting them together - I still have 8 drawers to go!

They are perfect cutting board height! Hopefully I will be able to get people to sign up for classes and workshops here, and they can serve as workstation for students as well!

I can't wait to get the rest of the house unpacked and set up - does it always take this long? - and really start getting my studio set up!

2010-02-23T08:55:00.000-08:00

Networking!

Okay, so this isn't fiber related, but it is important to me! My sis-in-law and her hubby are selling their home to move closer to her job. If you're interested in a home in the Twin Cities, or know someone who is, check it out! They've taken great care of the home, and have made many improvements, the hardwood floors have recently been redone too!

http://www.edinarealty.com/MN/St-Paul/55106/homes-for-sale/1163-Maryland-Avenue-E-46475433

2010-02-18T18:08:00.000-08:00

A Little Break for Creative Sanity!

I've been packing, packing, packing! Doing pretty good, got a lot done already. Also, have scheduled the movers for moving day, woohoo!

Tonight, while I had the house to myself, I decided to take a little break to do something creative. I still have my inks handy, and made sure to leave myself a tub of goodies. So I pulled out some of the white fabrics I kept on hand, and decided to play with the inks. I'm hoping to use one or more of the pieces for a spiritual art show, if I can get it done in time!

This is what I started with, after I applied the Ink Potion no. 9 (love that stuff so far!)

Then I started filling in a bit:

Then I took another piece of fabric and did a transfer from the main one that was still wet:

And these will be the surprise, I stuffed some fabrics down in the cups I had the diluted inks in, can't wait to see what they turn out like!

And now it's back to packing a bit more tonight. I'd like to get the living room more finished, as well as my area of the office. I am getting so excited, I can hardly wait!

2010-02-15T10:38:00.001-08:00

Moving!

Well, we sign on our new house on February 26th! So I have been busy packing, sorting, getting rid of stuff and cleaning! Not a lot of time for creating, but I'm not too worried about it right now. I am so excited, we have found a home with a space in it for my studio to move home! Yes!!! I can be near my cats again while I work! Also, rather than surrounded by a train and a parking lot, my view will be off trees, wetland and birds!

This is the only picture I have of the outside of the home right now (hence the lack of snow!)

The next images are of my studio area! Note the built in book shelves! Top Picture: The middle two shelves slide out and there is a murphy bed behind there. (Design wall will be installed on the bottom side of the bed thanks to a tip in Studios magazine!)

More built in book shelves on either side of the fireplace:

We also purchased some of the previous owner's furniture, the next few pictures contain pieces of furniture staying with the home.

A view from the informal dining room to the formal:

The solarium, not heated but will be awesome come spring again, until then, still an awesome view for morning coffee!

It's amazing how much you amass in a home in 10 years! :)

Have a great day!

2010-01-14T08:39:00.001-08:00

Been a Long Time, and Big News!

It's been quite awhile since I posted. I have done some fiber art since, but it's been minimal. The reason for lack of creation, is due to the fact that we have decided to sell our home and buy a new one closer to my husband's work. He currently has a one hour plus commute to work.

The plus side is, we will finally be able to have a studio space more than big enough for me in the home! While I love my current studio, it would be so nice to be at home, and not right in the inner city - especially considering all of my pieces tend to be based on nature and trees.

There is a home we are currently considering, and researching before we put an offer on the table! To keep me busy and try to stave off insanity from waiting, I will be reducing and packing up our stuff. It will also help up begin to clear out some furniture (which we can conveniently store at my studio), and begin to stage our home.

Now I'm off to work on our basement! :) Have an awesome day!

2009-12-14T19:21:00.000-08:00

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

Well, it was another snow day for me - no running around that is. So I spent the day working on pieces I plan to pitch to a local cafe for display. Here's what I came up with. The first five are going to be small pieces, 5"x5", and the last three are larger ones 12" x 12". Then next step is quilting, then framing!

I'm also excited because I ordered my set of Tsukineko inks, AND the photographer's pop up box to help me take better pictures of my work for Etsy and my online gallery. Woohoo!

2009-12-14T09:19:00.000-08:00

Another Snowy Day

This Saturday I was happy to attend my small group (Rosie Quilters) in a Christmas celebration going to the Museum of Russian Art and to eat at Moscow on the Hill. I found this beautiful brooch in the gift shop, it has four pieces of baltic amber. (Yummo!)

I am working on a series today that I hope to pitch to a local cafe looking for artist's to feature. It would be my first time displaying my pieces in public at a venue other than my own studio!

As promised, I have posted some more items to my Etsy site, check it out when you have time. Just a reminder, there will be a free gift with each item purchased! Time is running out to Christmas!

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
stephanieforsyth.etsy.com

2009-12-10T07:02:00.000-08:00

December Special!

Happy Holidays! During the rest of December, when you order from my Etsy shop, you will receive free shipping AND a free gift!

Here is just a sample of what I have to offer on Etsy, and I will be adding new items as the month goes by:

2009-12-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

Simplify

As you can see, I have simplified the look of the blog. I realized that the busy backgrounds and banners were unnerving me with the distraction from the images of my pieces that I post. Sometimes you have to remember that when you're working on your blog, you are looking at a completely different screen than what it actually publishes to.

Most of my work is very simple. I try to use minimal lines, and my pieces are far from cluttered (unlike my "nest" that is nearly always by my side of the couch and bed!) I believe this is a throwback to my graphic design education: minimal lines/maximum impact! (To prove my design geekness: I am currently watching a documentary called "Helvetica" which is all about the most popular/common font in existence currently.)

Last week I didn't post at all, as I was in Wisconsin on a quilt retreat (above a quilt shop!) with Anilee, Norma Riehm and our friend Carol! It's called Lamb's Inn by Pin's and Needles quilt shop in St. Croix Falls, WI.

I also worked on finishing the quilting on this one:

I finished adding the green quilting part, and now I will be working on the hand stitched binding part in the evenings.

I also realized that perhaps the previous pictures of my mini's that are on my Etsy store may not properly show the scale of the size. So here is a picture of one next to a nickel!

I mentioned before I was working on getting the house cleaned up once and for all. Here is a picture of the reduction/organization in progress and the latter two are of the after!

My business cards weren't quite suited to my fiber arts before, so I took the time today to redo them before the holiday parties and openings start, so I have a new spiffy one to hand out if asked. Keep in mind they look even better on the glossy cards I printed them on!

And last but not least, just a picture of my by the new Christmas Tree we got this year! We opted for a small 4 and a half foot this year, as the big one usually dwarfs and cramps the living space!

2009-11-25T22:10:00.000-08:00

Quilting!

I managed to get a bunch of the 8"x10" pieces quilted today in between cleaning the house up for the Thanksgiving celebration tomorrow!

I hope to find reasonably affordable frames for these pieces. I'll have to keep an eye out!

This year, I am thankful for my little baby nephew Alex! He's such a perfect little guy. I'll be spending tomorrow with him. I heard he just got his first taste of "people" food - banana. I also heard he was displeased with the flavor! Maybe he needs sweet potato?

Here are the pieces I quilted today, enjoy!

And...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2009-11-23T20:47:00.000-08:00

Oh What a Night!

Tonight I was extremely excited to be able to have Tim Harding as a speaker at my guild! This was not only an eye candy treat night, but it was so inspirational and encouraging. It was such an experience to see the "working artist" side of fiber art. That is to say, to hear from and speak with someone working in the fine art side of the community doing fiber art.

Here is an example of the wearable art. Sorry that I don't have more pictures of them, but I didn't feel comfortable photographing the guild members trying them on and showing them off.

We were lucky too, that he brought a couple of his newer pieces to see. The amount of time that must go into these pieces is astonishing! There are so many layers!

This was a night that I really needed. The slide show was done so well, showing some pictures of images/objects that have inspired pieces. I was pleased to learn that I am NOT the only person who takes extremely close up pictures of things like mud cracks and leaves!

I also appreciated the "business" talk, about how to get your work out there. As well as the honesty that he spends a good deal of his time doing self marketing. This is information that many speakers seem reluctant to share.

I managed to get my nerve up, and ask to have my picture taken with him! I'm generally too shy and embarrassed to ask, but I did find starting out with "Hey, I'm a dork, but could I get a picture with you?" really seems to help. It sort of cancels out the fact that I indeed do feel like a dork for asking!

I'm so pleased that I actually remembered to bring my camera this meeting. I usually forget!

You should really check out his website - both the wearables and the wall art!

2009-11-19T19:35:00.001-08:00

ThanksGIVING Is Coming

No art today. I worked a full day, grabbed some dinner then hit Target and Rainbow to buy food for the local food shelf. I'm not telling you this to "toot my own horn". I'm telling you, because it would be nice if you have a little extra at all, it would be awesome if you would either drop some cash off to your local shelf, or stop by your favorite grocer and get a few 10/$10 veggies or beans.

Also, make sure to mention to encourage your employer to host a company food drive! That's what got me going on this - our work goal is 2,000 pounds of food. The first thing I did was go through my own shelves and pull out the things I tend to stock up on anyways, like veggie and chicken broth, soups and canned tomatoes. You'd be surprised how much you may already have that you can donate!

1 in 8 Americans does not have access to enough food
36% of those seeking help with food are from homes with at least one working adult
According to the USDA, more than 12 million children are living in food-insecure households
The lack of adequate nutrition affects the cognitive and behavioral development of children

Ok, climbing off my soapbox now (speaking of, did you know that soaps, hand soap, laundry detergent and shampoos are also needed at local shelves?) If you have a little extra, it can help a family a lot!

Have a great night!

2009-11-18T21:30:00.000-08:00

Today's Art: Playing With Photography

I received my new camera today, a new Canon Powershot SD780 IS. First thing I did, was try out the macro:

This is a macro shot of the back of my hand/knuckles. I need lotion!

Then of course I had to try some shots of my pieces:

This macro picture blew my mind when I saw it on the computer screen full size. It's around .50" x .75" of the piece, so you can tell how detailed the macro is on this baby!

Then I needed some portrait shots, and Mitzie begrudgingly let me use her as a model - wonder where her sister Molly hid to avoid pictures...

I love this camera! Woohoo!

2009-11-18T08:58:00.003-08:00

A Tree of a Different Medium!

I am so excited, I just ordered this AWESOME item from Etsy:

The artist has several options/trees available on her site:

These would be AWESOME Christmas presents, and she even offers stunning ornament, that are a glass bulb with one of the trees INSIDE! Oooh..and if you getting married soon, or having a big anniversary cake, there are to die for cake toppers listed as well! I can't wait for the ones I ordered to arrive! *squeal*

Please check out Apryl's Etsy shop! :) I don't personally know Apryl, but I know how important word of mouth and referrals can be to an artist! So visit Etsy today, and support some artists - you can get some one of a kind holiday gifts, and brighten an artist's day!

And as always, my Etsy shop for Fiber Arts Studio is open!

2009-11-17T20:22:00.000-08:00

Catching Up

Missed a day yesterday, but figure I can be forgiven as I've done more than one piece on other days! After working all day, I did manage to get home tonight and quilt a several of my small pieces.

Tomorrow I have another contractor coming to do an estimate, but other than that I am free to create and relax tomorrow! I'll also have time to put together some ideas I have been kicking around.

Whew! I only have one more day this week at work, so I'm looking forward to that!

What have YOU been up to?

2009-11-15T21:38:00.000-08:00

Oofda!

Here's the art from today - also helped sis in law make a scarf and decorate baby onesies, and played with baby Alex.

2009-11-14T23:26:00.000-08:00

Just a tad late..

I'm just a bit late for posting this for Saturday, but rest assured they are here now! Thank you Art Every Day Month, if it weren't for you, I would have let my rejection funk get the best of me.

I spent a good portion of my midday arguing with a carpet/vinyl person on having to put 50% down - seems excessive for me...so we'll see after Monday night's meeting with hubby there if we end up going with them or not.

Then the rest of the day was spent Christmas shopping - I bought many things, but only four of them presents. /sigh But, the rest was more necessity stuff like soap and shampoo! But I got a lovely Snoopy that dances and plays "We Wish You a Merry Christmas", then watch blu-ray "It's A Wonderful Life" - all is right with the world!

2009-11-13T21:21:00.000-08:00

The Sting of Rejection

I won't post much, it's late and I'm bummed. Checked the mail when I got home, and found my rejection letter from Road to California. So here is the piece I submitted - Fortuneteller. (She should have looked ahead and told me not to enter...)

Was going to quilt some more when I got home tonight, and now, I'm just not feeling it. I see a blanket, a cup of tea, then sleep in my future on this foggy/drizzly night.

2009-11-13T14:54:00.000-08:00

Busy Day

It was a busy day, but I did get some things done. Here are pictures of the art I did today - quilting!

These are available for sale on my Etsy store. Free shipping, framed, and in a sweet handmade origami box!

Now I am off - received last minute tickets to the theatre! Woohoo!

2009-11-12T20:46:00.000-08:00

Tiny Treats!

I quilted one of my small pieces tonight, and I'm exciting to offer it up on Etsy for sale! This adorable litte tree measures 2.5" x 3.5", and comes in a handmade origami gift box. Keep checking back, I'll be getting more of these little guys ready for sale - just in time for the holidays!

Also, there is still plenty of time to complete the Anilee Mystery Quilt Treasure Hunt to receive the free pattern I designed just for the hunt!

I'm quite excited too, because I received my Ricky Tims Christmas cd, Christmas in a Small Town! Awesome! I highly recommend it - makes for great music while quilting with a nice glass of pinot noir!

Tomorrow, I plan to get some quilting done between companies coming to give carpet/vinyl estimates! Woohoo! Been waiting all week for some machine time! Watch for more of the miniatures to go up on Etsy in the next few days. As always, free shipping!

2009-11-11T20:53:00.000-08:00

From One Fiber To Another...

Awhile back, I was doing some sketch drawings on paper with gouache. So, after a long day of floor vinyl samples, carpet samples, calls to contractor's, etc. (who knew that having vinyl laid in a kitchen, cost so much? Eeesh! And don't get me started on carpet!), I found myself running short on time and energy for creative work. I decided to recreate one of my small sketch paintings into a fiber piece. I think it's fairly similar!

Here is the original small painting:

And here is the fabric version of it - the yellow is actually much more bright in person. The camera seems to pick up paint color differently than it does marker color. Strange!

Back to work tomorrow, happily I still have Friday off. Of course a good portion of it will be spend with contractors and people coming in to take measurements for more accurate estimates of pricing. Only three days next week though - and then I'm free, free, free for quite awhile!

I'm still waiting to hear whether or not my piece made it into Road to California (December 1, really?? Ugh!), as well as to hear back about a grant I applied for. Getting antsy about both - some hope ofr one of them, not so much for another!

Off to sleep soon!

2009-11-10T21:44:00.000-08:00

A Small Break

I have tomorrow off work - so a small break for me. I managed to do a marker on fabric piece tonight - hopefully this weekend I will have time to get caught up quilting all the pieces I've been drawing!

Here is a small doodle/abstract piece I colored in while watching tv tonight. I can't wait to put some quilting on it - I think that will really set the piece off!

2009-11-09T22:03:00.001-08:00

It's Late...

Just got home from the concert - it's 12am, and I work in the morning. I did not manage to get an art piece done today, however, I did get to see Art Brut!

Also got to hear Surfer Blood for the first time, and really liked them! They are punk/rock with this strange reggae sound to them!

So I guess my art for the day, was experiencing someone else's art? Be sure and check out their music on the links provided! :) Art Brut did a wickedly funny song about DC Comics! (Woot woot!)

Now I'm off to bed, for what will likely be a long and cranky day for me tomorrow!

2009-11-09T22:03:00.000-08:00

It's Late...

2009-11-08T19:38:00.000-08:00

It's In the Details

Today I managed to eek out some time to work on the piece I shared on Friday, this one:

I took it to Joann's this weekend, and auditioned several yarns with it, until I found the perfect one, that ended up being a black one. (I really thought it was going to be green or turquoise, but I can't argue when the piece tells me what it wants.) The lighting in the image is a little strange, but I think you can see how the trim detail really altered the piece, and made the block pop!

I did the quilting in the block areas on my domestic this weekend, and then realized that the large stipple in the background area was not enough really, so I have started adding some more detailed quilting. I wanted to stick with an organic look, so I chose repetitive random circle pattern. I think it's looking pretty spiffy.

This is the first time I have added more quilting over previous quilting. I believe the first layer of stippling helped to stabilize the piece for the intense circle quilting.

On top of working on the quilt, I also went on a purging rampage! I have 16 paper grocery bags, and a laundry hamper full of clothes and other items to be taken to Goodwill ASAP! It feels so good, and I have more than half a closet back!

Tomorrow I am back to work - but fortunately it's not a full work week for me! Only three days this week, so I will have two days for art with some cleaning in between. It will be tricky to squeak out an art piece tomorrow though, as I work then have a concert to go to tomorrow night - but I will do my best to figure something out!

2009-11-07T07:46:00.000-08:00

Fiber Art Goes Digital

Between cleaning and holding onto my sanity despite a cat meowing at me since 7am, I managed to get the living room looking good. While going through my emails and checking out blogs this morning, it occurred to me I haven't played in Photoshop in awhile. So I decided to see what sort of tree I could do in it. These are what I came up with. I notice several of them look the same in the small thumbnail, but if you look at the larges images, different filters and such have been applied to the same image.

Great fun! If I managed to do some actual fiber art today..it'll be posted. But unless someone wants to come and finish cleaning my house - it doesn't look promising!

2009-11-06T21:22:00.000-08:00

A Needed Day

I had the day off from work today, and I enjoyed it! I was able to throw a piece on the long arm and did the stabilizing stitching, and the large stipple in teh brown area. Tomorrow morning I will sit down at the Bernina to do the detail quilting in the individual blocks.

Before I came home today, I stopped by a friend's studio for a little quilter encouragement/support time. (Also much needed!) There was talk of goals, plans, ideas, and what is means to be an artist, are we artists? (Heck yeah!)

And then while watching TV tonight, I did a few more mini sketches..hopefully I will have time to quilt them tomorrow too!

Now I'm off to bed, I'm still fighting the cold thing. It's been a weird one, that seems to crop up, then feel better then hit again. Seems to have done this with the whole household, very strange! I'm still buzzing and reeling from my first Etsy sale too! Woohoo!

2009-11-05T22:23:00.000-08:00

Tiny!

These are all 3" x 4" pieces that I doodled tonight while sneezing and nursing a cold headache. Just thankful it's just a cold!

I had a really good day despite the cold, as I made my first sale on Etsy tonight! Woooohoooo! What an exciting thing!

Oh, and the actual pieces are not blurry like they appear, but the iphone camera is not so great at really up close pics, especially in my darkly lit living room. (It' s a 1925 home, what can ya do?)

Luckily I have tomorrow off work, so I can head to the studio for a few hours in the morning. I have been working at home, because of working. It will be nice to be there again!

2009-11-04T20:20:00.001-08:00

I Think I Can, I Think I Can....

Well, despite fighting a cold (again!) and working all day, I did manage to do a few more fabric drawings done. Though, I have to admit, these little guys really don't "POP" until I get the quilting and binding done! I work again tomorrow - so I probably won't be able to get to the quilting until Friday possibly.

I have to say I love this challenge!

Part of the reason I love trees so much, probably has a lot to do with living here in Minnesota. (And growing up in Wisconsin.) I get the pleasure of seeing trees transform each season as the year goes by. Even though the boughs are bare in spring and fall, it's still completely different because even the sunlight has a warmth in the spring, that it lacks in the fall. There is a special place in my heart for the trees in winter, baring their "bones" for all to see. They can't hide their blemishes, bulges or other imperfections after the leave drop and leave them for the world to see.

Mmm, love those trees!

2009-11-03T20:48:00.001-08:00

Rolling Hills Tree

Didn't have a lot of time tonight, but I did manage to get the next piece drawn and colored in on the fabric. I'll have to quilt it tomorrow, before starting on the next piece! This will be a much easier challenge in 8 days when my temp stint is done for a bit! Woohoo!

2009-11-02T21:19:00.001-08:00

Long Day...

This will be a short post, it's been a long day and I am tired! But I got two small pieces done tonight! And, I'm down to only 9 more days of work this month now, and then the art a day won't be quite so demanding on my time!

I am sticking with trees so far..not sure how many more I will do, but they are all so unique that it's hard to give up on them yet!

Enjoy!

2009-11-02T21:19:00.000-08:00

Long Day...

2009-11-01T17:42:00.000-08:00

Art Every Day Month Challenge!

Leah Piken Kolidas at Creative Every Day hosts a challenge each November to create a piece of art, everyday through the month. Here's a clip from her website:

About:

I started this project seven years ago as a challenge to myself to create some art every day for one month and post it on my blog. I was inspired by Nanowrimo and wanted to do something similar with art, and thus Art Every Day Month (AEDM) was born. Posting art on my blog every day helped to keep me accountable and it was fun to share my creations. The following year, I invited people to join in and each year since I've had great groups of creative people committing themselves to more creativity for the month of November with me. I've met some fantabulous people through AEDM and I'm thrilled to have anyone who is interested join in! In 2009, I've added an optional Survival Guide to help any one who wants some extra support through the process.

So, in an effort to make sure I got my butt in gear and really do this, I did a little drawing on some scratch paper last night! I absolutely LOVE trees, and a lot of my pieces are either of trees, or at least have a tree in them.

So today, I began my Art Every Day Month activities! They are both whole cloth with fabric marker drawings. This is the first one I did:

It's inspired by the trees outside my kitchen bay window, that are losing the last of their leaves right now. It's around 8"x10". It is available for sale on my etsy site, free shipping! It's not as dark as it appears, it was already dark outside when I took the picture. (I'll try to get a brighter day light image put up soon.)

I was so excited to have some time to work on my art, that I couldn't stop there, so I did this one:

I really like that I minimized how much quilting went into the birch tree, and focused on filling in the background fairly heavily. Also 8x10" (And I'm excited to report that this piece is already sold!)

Of course today was Sunday, so it was easy to get something done for AEDM. The realy challenge will be to keep this up on weekdays when I am working full time. I do look forward to a few weeks from now, when I will have my weekdays back again for awhile to create, create, create!

Have a wonderful night, and hopefully I will be posting a new piece of art tomorrow! (Even if it ends up being a doodle on a post-it note!)

2009-10-30T23:49:00.000-07:00

Treasure Hunt!

Starting November 1st, I will be taking part in an online Treasure Hunt through Anilee Creations. Be sure and check out the Fiber Arts Studio page, as new things have been added, and there is a button there to sign up to participate in the shop hunt! New this fall: I am offering quilter's sketchbooks for sale with free shipping during the hunt. So be sure to visit the store on Etsy!

Also, check out the Fiber Arts Studio site, as I have added a new gallery site on there with a slideshow! Here's a screen shot preview - don't worry, there's more!

2009-10-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

Workin' Hard For the Money...

I've not been posting, only because I haven't had much time for doing any fiber at all! I've been temping pretty much full time, in order to put away a little money for Christmas, and to save up for retreats, etc. for the upcoming year.

I did however get this little guy done, and I really like it!

And now I have to get ready, because I am off to babysit my nephew Alex!

I know, he's great isn't he?

2009-09-25T20:50:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures...

While on the way to and from Perrot State Park, I took some shots of barns and houses along the way. (I love barns and farmhouses!) Here's a few!

And here are a couple small pieces I did on my Bernina and got the binding finished on!

And I am off to bed, I'm exhausted!

2009-09-23T12:08:00.000-07:00

Perrot State Park

I spent the last weekend of summer (officially) camping at Perrot State Park! It was awesome, and the weather was great! It did get a bit chilly, and the second night, we actually did use a small space heater in the tent. (Thanks to the Humphrey's RV electric connection!)

I finished the binding on my piece for Road to California. As soon as I find out whether or not it has been accepted, I will post pictures! (I think that's not until November..)

For now, enjoy some lovely fall pictures taken at Perrot State Park!

2009-09-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

Best Birthday Weekend Ever!

Yesterday was my birthday, but the celebrations began Friday night, when we went out to a nearby state part to visit some "RV Friends"! The RV was appropriately decorated (thanks Bruce and Eve!), and we enjoyed some food, wine and then I had the opportunity to sing around the campfire with Bruce on the guitar. Bruce even ended up with some groupies visiting the site to listen in.

Yesterday, on my birthday, we headed out to the Alexis Bailly Vineyard in Hastings, MN.

Even baby Alex was able to stop by and say happy birthday to me, and his Mommy and Daddy brought me lovely gifts, and from scratch cupcakes with strawberry icing! Yummy!

We enjoyed wine tasting, two bottles, and a huge amount of food: asian pears, pear, apple, brie's, gouda, cheddar, salami, prosciutto, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, turkey, ham and various crackers. Here's the crew, as much as I could get them...you can JUST barely see hubby's head on the bottom right area!

Here are some shots of the lovely arbor. Notice the bright blue sky? They had predicted storms for my birthday - thanks for the gift mother nature!

They had yellow jacket traps EVERYWHERE, though they didn't seem to help much. We started our picnic outside, and were ran inside by the nasty things. (Birthday girls is allergic, and chose not to spend her 33rd birthday in anaphylactic shock!)

Here's what will probably be one of the last flowers I will see until next summer (outside at least!)

After the vineyard, we were off for some mini-golf! (Yes, I am a dork, and I am proud!)

We headed to pick up our friends puppy, to go back to our house for a fire and grilling. Here storms are looming over Minneapolis. It was pretty, but threatening...however mother nature continued to gift me, and it sprinkled for about 1/10th of a second!

Here's Riley, he was sure happy to hop up into the van to visit our house! Isn't he great?

Just a few of my gifts:

Now I am off to enjoy the last of the Viking's game (go Favre? It still feels weird to root for him! l after his being on the Packers our biggest nemesis!) I'll probably find some time for playing with my Bernina more (Oh yeah, I got it back on Friday night! AND because of all that happend, my 30 day warranty, became a 6 month warranty! WOOHOO!)

Hope everyone had an awesome weekend!

2009-09-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

A New Addition

I am so excited! Yesterday, I went to my local machine dealer, to start my search for my birthday present - a new sewing machine. I've been sewing on a machine I picked up at Sam's Club - read into that what you will! I have had trouble with the think since they day I bought it - it seized up after about an hour of quilting. I had to take the sucker apart and oil it to get it to move again. So since I've had it, I have had to open it up for a good oiling every other day or so of high usage. Yuck!

It's been getting worse, and I was really starting to notice that the motor was not acting right. Sometimes I'd hit the foot pedal and nothing would happen. When it would sew, I would notice it would speed up then slow down, then speed up again. I could also never get it to sew at top speed anymore.

So I told hubby, that since my birthday is coming up in a week, that I suuuuure would like a new machine! He was receptive, and I let him know my price range (more on that later!) He agreed to that. Then he headed off to the State Fair again, and I promptly got into my car and headed to the nearest dealer. (Judy at Creative Sewing Center you are so nice!)

She was showing me a very nice Janome in my price range (actually, a good amount out of it, if you included the extending quilting plate I would have to order separately.) I asked if there were any used Bernina's - she said yes, but that she was sorry to say it was out of my price range. She said that's what she was going to show me first, until I told her my price range! So I asked if I could see it anyways.

So we had the Bernina and the Janome there in front of me, and I had her set them both up for free motion quilting for me. I tried the Bernina first, and it felt so good! Then I tried the Janome, and while it was pretty nice, it just didn't feel as right to me as the Bernina had! I looked at her and out of my mouth came, "I will take this one!"

I immediately started adding up how many hours of temp work I will need to do to pay the above and beyond the gifting amount - but in the end I still came home with this baby girl:

It's the Bernina 1260! Yes, I know, she's not the brand-new-this-year-model. But she also isn't computerized, which frankly weird me out anyways! She's also sturdy and hefty - I will most definitely need a case with wheels for retreats! And she sewing beautifully! :)

I didn't realize until I got home, that not only can she embroider an entire alphabet - and program in the letters to make words, but there is an extra plate that pops on, that does cursive letters, and a number set. To top it off, there is a period, and an apostrophe! Sweet, I can now add little poems and words to my quilting! AWESOME!

It was getting late, so on the way to dinner last night, I dropped in to JoAnn's and got a small packet of fat quarters, a yard of a batik, three threads and a small packet of batting. (It was too late to want to head to the other side of the city to the studio.)

When I came home, I whipped together a little piece to quilt on my new lady. I think it turned out kinda cute, nothing miraculous. But the piecing and quilting on the machine felt SO good!

Before dinner, but after getting the machine, I stopped in to visit my baby nephew Alex. He got to have some time in his Bumbo - isn't he ADORABLE? He is eight weeks, and it so good at holding his head full of crazy awesome hair up all on his own!

He's so cute, he's nearly edible! (I am not biased at all!)

Oh, and on Friday while running around and getting groceries for a big BBQ here at the house, I saw this out on the streets of Minneapolis! I love Jurassic Park, but apparently someone else loves it WAY more!

It also had the decal on the front that said "Jurassic Park" with the T-Rex head!

So this morning, I am going to be piecing together another little something, just so I can have more time with MY new baby, who is as yet, unnamed. But soon, my Bernina 1260 will whisper her name to me, I have a feeling she's gonna be a great best friend!

Have a great Labor Day!

2009-09-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

In the light...of the silvery moon....

It's full moon time in the fall, and I couldn't be happier! Last night was spent with very good friends at their RV having a cookout. Tonight is the biggie with a large cache of friend and family coming over for grilling! Yeehaw! Oh...and I CAN SEE! Without pain even - knock on wood!

I have my lists already, first list is what needs to be done cleaning-wise, the second is grocery lists. Also on the list is a new firepit, as our is rusting out and has plants growing in it, hmmm.

As long as my eye continues to do this well, I should be quilting by next week, and I can not wait! I'm itching to get back to my art! I also have some intuition classes that will be taught in my studio coming up, so that means cleaning the place up a bit. Check out Fiber Arts Studio to see the classes coming up.

The fall always seem to end up being such a busy time for me. I also have a grant deadline coming up, and I need to try any put together a proposal for that. Any grant writer's out there have any tips/tricks?

Other plans up my sleeve? Well, I'm currently lusting to write for a quilt magazine. So I think I'll have to add that to my "bucket list". I wonder if I should just try writing a couple small pieces and just submit them to some different magazines. (Though there are two in particular that I would LOVE to write for.)

Well, I'm off to clean (bah) and then to shop (yeah!) Have an awesome day - and remember folks, don't rub your eyes! ;)

2009-09-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

Recovering

I had a "relapse" Friday night, just hours after having the bandage contact taken out. Friday night was spent on Tylenol with codeine, and horrid nightmares! (I HATE codeine!)

So Saturday I was able to get an emergency appointment with the on call doctor. She put in another contact, this one more long term. It can stay in a week or two, but I have an appointment this afternoon, and I don't know if they'll take it out or not. (I almost hope they don't, because I am terrified of it ripping again, and HURTING!)

But, with the aid of this new contact, the vision has greatly improved as it heals. It's almost back to normal, except for a very small part of my view that is still blurry. So, I was able to do some doodling last night and this morning.

As long as the eye thing goes okay, I am hopeful that I will be able to get back to the Road to California piece this week still! Woohoo! Keep those fingers and toes crossed!

Anyway, this is what I've been up to. Nothing spectacular but I got to play with my new markers more! :)

2009-08-27T14:36:00.000-07:00

Out of Commission

Well folks, I started on a piece for Road to California, but it's on hold indefinitely right now, because it turns out that I have a corneal abrasion = scratched eye. :( It seems that all the eye itching from hay fever, resulted in a nice big scratch across the fron of my eye.

I currently have a "bandage contact" on my left eye, to allow the surface of the eye to heal properly and smooth. This is just about the worst thing I have ever gone through, so I highly recommend you NEVER rub your eyes. Ugh!

Right now my eye continuously runs tears, and the vision is really poor (Dr tells me this will improve though), but for now that eye sees like there is gel smeared all over my eye.

So, for the time being, I'm stuck with pretty much nothing to do but listen to audio books on my ipod. I'm "re-reading" Harry Potter right now.

I am going to try to go to the Minnesota State Fair for awhile tonight, I don't want to miss out on everything fun over this. I'll stay as long as I can, and bring the patches and tape just in case. :( Crappy week!