Thinking about Spring

My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece. — Claude Monet

Groundhog’s Day is around the corner.  If it’s sunny, Mr. Groundhog will see his shadow and tuck in for another
six weeks of winter.  Fingers crossed for clouds, because I am done with winter.  St. Louis hasn’t been hit as hard
as other parts of the country, but I’m not real thrilled with my fingers going numb and white from the cold.  

Weaving on a Knitting Loom or Knitting Board

We sleep, but the loom of life never stops, and the pattern which was weaving
when the sun went down is weaving when it comes up in the morning.  — Henry Ward Beecher

These last few months I’ve been weaving on my knitting boards and looms.  Weaving was my first passion, so it’s been great fun to return to it.

Yarn "Bomb" Installation at New Motorola Offices

Others have seen what is and asked why. I have seen what could be and asked why not.   —  Pablo Picasso

The Chicago Artists Coalition contacted me several months ago about working on a potential project for an architectural firm.  Sure.  Little did I know I’d been asked to consider yarn bombing the reception spaces at the new Motorola office and research facility.  Holy yarnola!  Working under the guidance of the architects and CAC, I am creating a permanent installation inspired by the yarn bombing movement. I knew there was no way I could tackle a 12’ x 65’ fence / wall on my own, so I’ve called in vegan crafter extraordinaire Mary K. Lawrie to assist.

Textile / Yarny Arts Round Up from CHA 2014 Mega Show

Think left and think right and think low and think high.  Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!  ~Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!

As usual, there was much to see in regards to the textile arts at the Craft and Hobby Association's trade show. I love the embroidery kits at Simplicity. They were witty and well designed.  Look carefully at the one featured above and you will see the embroidery itself is a bit messy.  Perfect! They also had these cute kits which had me drooling.

Getting Crafty at the CHA 2014 Mega Trade Show

Creativity is the marriage humanity makes with eternity.  —  Eric Maisel

I got back this weekend from the CHA 2014 Mega Show.  HOLY CRAFT!  I am on such crafty overload, I had to take the weekend off to just reflect on all I saw and tried out. 

Banners of Hope

Hope rises like a phoenix from the ashes of shattered dreams. — S.A. Sachs

The Fabric Arts Council of the Craft and Hobby Association has launched a new charitable project titled Banners of Hope. Each 8” x 12” banner will be on display at the upcoming trade show and then travel to the Charity Wings Art Center where it will be featured in their 24 hour crafty online fundraiser before traveling to hospitals and other health centers around the country.  

When offered the opportunity to participate, I leaped at the chance.  This seemed a no brainer for me.  Much of my work centers on the concept of hope often with a medical theme.  But I will be honest, this project proved incredibly challenging.