ohhh and all those bunnies-

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 still tweaking the instructions and organizing how I'll be selling this pattern. I may have a few kits, some individual supplies and eventually the PDF pattern and directions. I'll be sure to post all the info as soon as I get everything ready.

Let There Be Peace Clip Ornament- Kits-

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...
I've also made a few kits which had previously sold out available again- check them all out and HAPPY CRAFTING!

Home again Home again- Unpacking and...

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!

workworkworking...

Today has been a very busy day writing directions and making illustrations for my workshops at TCC- in less than one week. Thank goodness for my parents who came into town to help me look after Claude on these long workdays in the studio. He's been enjoying his time with them and I'm looking forward to having all my prep work donedonedone. Wish me luck.

no shortage....

Looking at the blog it appears not much has been happening in the studio, but there's been no shortage of action around here. I've been working diligently on preparing for my workshops at the Creative Connection (which is NEXT WEEK!) by making kits, gathering materials, prepping instructions and putting the finishing touches on the few bears and animals I'll be bringing along. I still have way too much work in front of me- but things are coming together. Last night I dyed all the yarn for a surprise project in the "Let there be Peace" workshop... We'll be making another little bird ornament and I couldn't help myself - I had to make individual yarn bundles in a variety of colors- they're beautiful- no?

Rose Mille~Bloom

More from Rose Mille and Bloom-

Along with myself and Michelle Rose Jorgensen (the proprietor of Rose Mille), Karri Meng, Jo Packham and Cathy Mogull were all there. It's clear why I don't photograph events- once I got home I realized I only took a photo of Jo- and where was everyone else??? I need to get better at these things. Ok well... take my word for it: they're lovely, smart, dynamic ladies-
Karri was signing books and teaching, Cathy had a beautiful collection of vintage objects for sale, and Jo was there to talk about the Creative Connection, Where Women Create- and and and (is there anything she doesn't do?!)


ohhh and then there was the Shopping. Rose Mille is the amazing combination of dream thrift shop, vintage craft supply head quarters, and quirky outfitter. Not to mention the beautiful stationary and paper goods- (I'll be posting more about that soon- I found some really good stuff!)

Back from Bloom~ Kits!

I had such a nice weekend- Saturday I spent the day at Bloom and Sunday was a full family day. That's a weekend very well spent. I'm just working on posting some images from the workshop and the gathering at Bloom. It was such a beautiful event- intimate and thoughtful... wish you all could have been there to see it. My workshop went really well and I was so pleased with all the variations created based on my Birdie in the Tinsel Nest- Here are a few:

Ohhh and I have a few kits left! Email me if you'd like one- they're $38 each.
Note- I've sold all the kits- thanks everyone!

workshop!

I'm gathering my materials, making my kits, and packing everything up for my workshop at Bloom this Saturday. I'll be bringing a few of my bears and animals to the event too- ohhhh so much to do!

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.

...

In just a few weeks- I'll be teaching a workshop at Bloom hosted by Rose Mille in Stillwater Minnesota, just 40 minutes from Minneapolis/St.Paul ... This workshop will be a fun, open, 3 hour class where we'll make a little pom pom bird and create a personalized shadowbox for her to "nest" in. I love the idea that that we're all surrounded by so much love- so this little bird is nesting "in a family tree". I've written all the names of my loved ones on the leaves of this blooming branch. Come make your own with me on May 22...




Sign up for just my workshop or join in for the weekend and learn from Kaari Meng and Michelle Rose Jorgensen too. This event will be held at Rose Mille- a wonderful shop in the heart of Stillwater... come to create and stay to shop the many many antique shops which line the streets of this charming river town. Check out all the details here.

Ohhh and for everyone who loves fabric, loves to quilt, or just likes to be in the crafting know- The International Quilt Market in Minneapolis is the same weekend!

I'm so Excited!

I've just gotten off the phone with Michelle from Rose Mille in Stillwater MN and I'm going to be teaching a workshop next month at Bloom! Both Kaari Meng of French General and Miss Michelle Rose Jorgensen herself will be teaching classes all sent in the beautiful Rose Mille Shop Classroom. For anyone who's never been to this shop or to Stillwater in general- it's well worth the trek. Plus the International Quilt Market in Minneapolis is the same weekend!

Stay Tuned for all the details or check out the Bloom Website (I'm not up there just yet- but hey, we just decided everything today!)

...

Let There Be Peace Clip Ornament

One of the two classes I'll be teaching at the Creative Connection is the Let There Be Peace Clip Ornament Workshop. This workshop is replacing the Wool Felt Pin Cushion Workshop at this event.

This tiny clip ornament will bring a bit of sparkle to your holiday… We’ll be using vintage glass beads and bulbs, an old tree clip, tinsel, and pom poms to create this sweet nesting bird.



Sign up for one day (that's two different workshops) or 3 fun filled days of projects, lectures, outings and more... Check out all the details here.

...

The second class I'll be teaching at the Creative Connection is very exciting for me... This will be the first time I've shared my process of making jointed stuffed pieces- The Basics of Sewing Heritage Toys. In this workshop you'll make a stuffed mohair bunny with jointed arms that’s perfect for holiday gifting or display in your home. Buy a presewn pattern at the workshop, or sew your own and bring it with you to class.* Either way, you’ll learn the ins and outs of basic pattern making and vintage toy construction, including machine sewing on mohair, stuffing with excelsior, joining systems, and hand sewing techniques.

*Students opting to sew the bunny beforehand will receive a pattern, information on where to purchase the fabric, and sewing instructions by mid-June. You will need to order 1/4 yard of fabric, draw and cut out the pattern pieces, and sew the pieces together. The machine sewing should take about 1 hour.





Sign up for one day (that's two different workshops) or 3 fun filled days of projects, lectures, outings and more... Check out all the details here.

Silver Bella...

I just returned home from Silver Bella, and it's all too much to even wrap my head around- I'm not sure where to begin. Hmmmm.

Well to start with it was a whirlwind of fun, beauty and talent.... I met so many wonderful ladies- miss Bella herself- Teresa, all the other instructors, the guest speaker- Jo Packam of Where Women Create... and the bright shinny 200+ ladies who attended.

I think I had around 130 students in my workshops and I was overwhelmed by the kindness, talent, and just plan good mojo surrounding me each day. Thanks to all who patiently listened to me formulate my ideas- this Mommy Brain of mine is a little thick some days- but I was so happy with how everyone's pieces came out. I wish I had had a photographer on hand! While I remembered to photograph everyone at work, I completely forgot to take image of the finished snowman... but I shot a few of the Bundle Up Birdie Shadow Boxes.

For anyone interested, I may (if I can get it all together!) be selling a few additional kits from these two projects. Email me if you're interested...





More photos soon- I have to chat about what I saw, who I met, and all the goodness- but it has to sink in a little more... ohhh my- suffice to say- if you haven't been to Silver Bella before- make plans to come next year!