they're multiplying!

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what about all those ladies???

Well, I've been working on them each and every day- and slowly but surely they're coming together. Right now I have about half of them all lined up and ready to get dressed- It's really cool to see them all together... All those sweet faces, so similar but each unique.

happyhappyhappy

learning and teaching- part three

This cozy event hosted in the beautiful Rose Mille in Stillwater is coming up in just a couple weeks- May 22nd. Come for one workshop taught be myself, Karri Meng, or Michelle Rose Jorgensen, or stay for all three and the sweet Soiree held later in the afternoon. I hope to bring a few of my original pieces to the Soiree. They'll be in good company as Kaari will be bringing a handful of special items from her wonderful shop French General, and Michell will have Rose Mille stocked with the gorgeous vintage millinery flowers, ribbons and findings as usual. Check out the Bloom Website for all the details!
as an added bonus- Jo Packham from Where Women Create and the Creative Connection will be stopping by to say hello and shoot a few photos...

learning and teaching- part two

The larger of the two events I'll be teaching at this year is THE CREATIVE CONNECTION held on September 16th, 17th, and 18th. It's a 3-day conference and market created by Nancy Soriano and Jo Packham of Where Woman Create for creative women and women entrepreneurs. There are so many events, workshops, panels, and one on one tutorials packed into these three days. Find out all the details on the Creative Connection website, blog, facebook, and twitter... but below you'll find a short list of just some of the highlights-

THE CREATIVE CONNECTION will bring together women who are passionate
about being creative in their lives as artists, business owners, bloggers, and more.
Come learn, network, market, and create.

• Take part in daily hands-on workshop classes in jewelry, knitting, painting, sewing, journaling, and more, all taught by industry leaders like Betz White, Kaari Meng, Wendy Addison, Ruth Rae, Camille Roskelley, Carol Kemery, Dara DiMagno, Debbie Murray and Shea Fragoso , Halligan Norris of Maximal Art, Jenni Bowlin, Joanna Figueroa , Laurie Meseroll, Leslie McCabe, my mom Pat Murphy, Kristin Nicholas, Robyn Charchula, and Myself!
  

• Learn how to use tech and social media to grow your audience and business.
• Sign up daily at the Smart Bar for one-on-one and small group advice.

• Attend Entrepreneurial panels, a vibrant HandMade Market where you can shop for great items (and sell your own), and events where women entrepreneurs in the tech, craft, and artisan communities will talk freely about what they love most.
• Key Note Speakers:
  

learning and teaching- part one

Part of the reason I've been thinking about my long history of making (and wrote about it yesterday) is because I've just begun to tackle the huge process of working and writing for the workshops I'll be teaching this year at Bloom and the Creative Connection. Preparing for a workshop is a tedious process where I dissect each and every step I make while creating my work. This analytical approach is completely at odds with my usual process. Scientists talk about the transfer of activity from the left side of the brain to the right- and everyone knows the magic of flow- but breaking down my practice is a tricky activity which leaves me caught between these two worlds and while in this thoughtful, creative, but analytical state today I could help but think about how we get to be such individual makers.

My practice is truly insular. The only person I really share with is my Mom, and I'm always amazed when we get together to make something how we do things surprisingly different- "ohhh that's, how you do that?!" and "really,?! I would have never thought about it like that"... We've learned from each other over the years and still we're surprised by each others methods. So part of what excites me most about these workshops- is not only getting out of my studio to share how I do things but also to watch each of you- to see the innovative and unique ways your creating too. When I taught at Silver Bella last November that was what I found so inspiring- I was SURROUNDED by creative women. I came there to teach my two workshops- but I left feeling totally exhilarated by the uniqueness and individuality of all those around me.
After that experience I realized how truly valuable these events are for me... I'm so excited to be both learning and sharing- So over the next few days I'll be sharing more information about both Bloom and the Creative Connection.

I've very excited to go from this top image (me working solo) to an environment like that in the images below (from my workshops last winter). I believe the upcoming events will be unique and exciting gatherings- made even better by more creative and dynamic women participating... I do so hope you're able to come- I know Minneapolis may be a trek, but I think will be worth the trip.

way back when-

I started sewing animals when I was 11- and while my mom has a lot of the pieces I made then I don't have many- well, honestly I just have this one: a bright orange kangaroo. He's so bright orange in fact I had to take him down a notch in photoshop- it was just too orange to handle and a little unbelievably bright. He's been in every studio I've ever had for as long as I can remember. I haven't kept him on purpose. I wasn't all that fond of him or attached. He was just a prototype of for a pattern I made but couldn't sell because no one wants an obnoxiously orange felt kangaroo, but over the years he's burrowed his way into my heart. He refuses to be lost - after spending years in this or that odd drawer or shelf- only to pop up unexpectedly while cleaning or moving- he's finally made his way out into a position of prominence in my studio. He now sits proudly on my sewing desk - and greets me each day- brightly. After 20+ years I think I'm happy he's stuck around... He's a mascot of sorts- a sign of my childhood and example of how long I've been sewing.
Writing this post reminded me of the photo my mom sent me a few years ago. This is me at 10 arranging the first group of bears I ever made out in our front yard. Funny to see that little girl- I almost don't recognise myself- but then I look at those hands. Oh yep- that's me. It's odd to see those adult hands on that little girl-

A surprise for you... two new bears!

Just in time to arrive for Mothers Day- I've made these bears as a surprise for all of you who read the blog- I'm offering them to you first!
I've been working on all of the Special order Lady Bears for the last weeks and while working on them I thought a Mother and another "little one" were in order. The black bear "Little One" is the same size as the Ladies, and "Mother" is larger- They look like a big family altogether in my studio right now...

If you'd like to place an order just email me- These two pieces are ready to ship off to their new home tomorrow (or as soon as payment is received). Check out all the images and info below- or see more images on my website. (layaway is available).

----------- Little One -----------
Black Mohair, Wool Felt Pads, Stuffed with Excelsior, Fully Jointed,
Glass Eyes, Hand Dyed Wool Pants and Liberty of London Shirt.
"happy Mother's Day" pin (removable) sign.
Lightly Dyed and Aged, Limited Edition of 2, 6.5" Tall.
$210 + shipping.
- sold -

----------- Mother -----------
Long Cream Mohair, Wool Felt Pads, Stuffed with Excelsior,
Fully Jointed, Glass Eyes, Hand Dyed Wool and Cotton Dress
with a vintage buttons. Vintage "Mother's Day" Pin Back Button.
Lightly Dyed and Aged, Limited Edition of 2, 9.5" Tall.
$250 + shipping.
- sold -

Hope you're all enjoying your weekend! It's beautiful here today- and now that my work is done for the day- I'm headed into the Garden. I'll be checking in and replying to emails sporadically throughout the day.

HAPPY MAYDAY!

I can't be there to ring your doorbell and leave these-
so here's a virtual bouquet- (images via Oh Joy)

<---- coming soon----->

Check back tomorrow for more info-
(secretive I know- but secrets can be kinda fun no?!)