Happy Holidays, Felting and Snowmen Ornaments

It's been awhile since I've posted. I've pulled up my blog dashboard many times in the last few weeks in hopes of thinking of something inspiring to write. But, alas, nada, nothing, zilch, has come to mind. I think I have been wanting to write more about creativity and what it means to me. But, a writer I am not. Never have been really.

So, it seems I will continue to just write a bit about whatever I am thinking about at the moment I sit down to finally give my blog an update. Usually something along the lines of what it is I have been doing that falls within the realm of artistic creation in my life. So, here it goes:


I made a lot of new felted items for the three shows I was in the last couple of weeks. I had a lot of fun at the shows as usual, but I think I've decided that in addition to taking a break from all weekend art shows that I will also be taking a break from one day craft fairs. I get to met cool people and talk about my art, but financially, well, I just don't do that great. At least not right now in this economy. Or it could me that I'm not the best at marketing or making a pretty tablescape. Or, whatever. I'm not down about it and I think I've learned to not let sells of my artwork effect how I feel about what I create. It doesn't really matter, I have to make it one way or another. And, sometimes it's just finding the right person. I don't expect my items to appeal to everyone. Not sure I would even want them to. I just don't know what to do with all of this stuff I make! Ahh! It's taking over my house! I suppose I can gift it a lot of it but I really hate to as I know it's not always wanted. Maybe I'll slowly donate as much as I can to little fundraisers or whatnot. I have been having a lot of fun needle felting and wet felting beads for bracelets and necklaces, and making lots of little cases. I have taken some photos but haven't really been in the photo session mood just lately. I've posted lots of these items in my etsy shop if you want to take a look.

While doing all of this felting I did discover that I REALLY like bamboo roving. I ordered combo bamboo/merino roving from an etsy seller and it felted up beautifully. Very, very soft.

I've also been playing around with making snowmen ornaments with my kids and love that too! Such a nice break to get back to some real "crafting" for a change. I've actually been thinking a lot about how maybe I want to just "craft" for awhile and not stress so much about creating pieces for exhibits, shows to sell, etc. and just make fun crafty kind of things. Sell them, gift them or just do them for fun with the kids. Maybe I could get them excited about art again if I were more flexible. Here is one of the snowmen ornaments. I didn't photo the others and some are already on our tree or given away as gifts.



I do have several other things perking along in the background. I've made significant progress on a commissioned stole piece. It's taken me many months to find the motivation but I was finally really feeling inspired and like the way it looks so far. I am also going to be working on a AIDS quilt panel with members of my Fiber Art Fusion group starting sometime in January. The group will be making several panels to be joined into a large 12' x 12' quilt. My group will be working on a panel for Michael Jeter. You may have known him as Mr. Noodle's brother Mr. Noodle, from Elmo's World on Sesame Street. Such a loss of a great talent. If you don't know his name but look up his photo, once you see him you will remember him from many great television shows and movies.

I am also a member of the Georgia chapter of the Surface Design Association. We are planning an exhibit of our work for next year and I have many ideas about pieces I hope to finish for the show. Some in progress and some never started.

I am still hoping to resume teaching. I think that is where my passion really is these days. I miss it tremendously. I want to find a way to do more teaching in 2009.

I think just those things plus a third annual Fiber Arts Fusion exhibit (next year in September I think) are enough to keep me busy. Along with my 3 and 7 year old. Which, by the way, yesterday's creative activity was making homemade playdough for the Georgia state map. Making playdough and also making a sort of paper mache for the ornaments has me thinking about paper mache sculpture artwork. Hmm, maybe I'll make a paper mache tree topper since I can't find my old one, which I believe was broken anyway. Maybe I tossed it last year. So look for photos coming soon of a paper mache tree angel. That should keep me busy for a few days.

Off to vote in our run-off elections before I pick up the wee one.

Create something every day!


Heidi