The Creative Connection was a great event- a few little snafus here and there, but by in large three days packed with lectures, classes, and events to overflow ones proverbial crafting cup...
On Thursday I taught
The Basics of Sewing Heritage Toys- where everyone made a mohair bunny. At one point I looked around the room and saw everyone intensely working, furrowed brows, and heard what had become a soundtrack of constant sighing. Oh no... I was sure I'd lost them. Sewing on mohair and stuffing with excelsior isn't exactly hard, but if you haven't done it it's a whole lot of new information and technique to pack into one 3 hour class (no stuffing pun indented). In fear of having an angry crafting mob on my hands I stayed an extra 1/2 hour to see that most everyone finished up and with so much help from
my Teaching Assisting- Miss Patricia Murphy herself... it seemed that the class was a hit. Phew. Most everyone left smiling and thanking me for such a fun class. Double phew- and yes, I did just write Double Phew.
On Friday afternoon I taught the
"Let There be Peace" Clip Ornament workshop- which was such a pleasure. I had a much smaller class of only 8 people and we all chatted and made birds and marveled at the individual cuteness that abounded... seriously cute little birds.
Saturday I taught both classes a second time back to back and the second time was the charm if I do say so myself. Everything seemed much easier and even the bunny Class was relaxed.
So that's the brief run down of my classes but there were so many social engagements which I haven't mentioned where I saw old friends, finally met some people I've been conversing with via email for years, and was introduced to new artists, crafters and brilliant women... I didn't make it to many of the lectures and panels because I was in class, but I seriously enjoyed hearing Amy Butler talk about her work, life, and the act of making. She was so generous and open- I left that night feeling super tired but genuinely grateful. Grateful to be someone who makes a living making things, surrounded by kindness, and happy about it all-
So now I'm home. I know I didn't actually get on a plane this last week- but I was so far out of my routine. With Jay in NYC on business, my parents here helping out, rarely in the studio, and sadly only seeing Claude in short bits- I'm SO happy to be home.
I'll be posting more soon- I'm working on Kits... yep! kits!
I was just talking to my mom on the phone and we got chatting about how rarely in our little sewing businesses we actually sew. I estimate it's- uuuuuhhhh- about 5%? I'm sure from the outside everyone imagines me in my little studio- happily stitching away with bears piling up on each side, but does any one's day really look the way we imagine it? Well, today- I'm all over the 5%. It's been a few weeks, but now I'm actually making a few bears- first on the list, this little black bear and a couple of his brothers. It feels good to hunker down on this rainy gray day and quietly sew. There is something so calm and lovely about looking at the day ahead- it's going to be a good one.
I wish I had had more time (and foresite) to take photos of each bunny made in last weeks workshops. They all turned out so well... everyone unique and imbued with so much individual personality. Here's just a handful of bunnies and happy makers- so cute right?!
I'm so happy I had the foresight to make extra kits so I can now to offer to all of my my blog readers... This Workshop at The Creative Connection went so well and now you can make your own. I've posted them in my Etsy Shop- just choose the color you'd like (all the options are listed on etsy) and I'll send it right off to you...
It's been really enjoyable working on all the one of a kind pieces for the Creative Connection- The process is quite different than making limited editions. It's much more open and I'm able to allow each piece to unfold in its own unique way. I'm rather fond of this bunny I finished this morning. He's good looken if I do say so myself. I'd happily allow him to hold my pins and needles.... What kind of pin cushion do you use?
