I'm Baaaack.....

Yowza.  It's been a long time since I've posted .  Where to start, where to start... I'll soon be posting my 2012 show schedule as it develops.  This is the toughest time of year for artists. We apply to juried shows and then wait and wait.  Will I be accepted?  Will I be on a wait list? Will they reject me?  Nothing is guaranteed--you  can be an award winner at a show one year and be rejected the next year.  It all depends on the current jury.  In part, it's a numbers game.  One recent jury had  over 1300 applicants for 120 spots. 

In the meantime, I 'm working on new designs, working on a new website and will be posting new photos soon! 

Is there such a thing as an anti-rain dance?

Or maybe a patron saint for weather?   This weekend is the first outdoor show of the season (Elmhurst Art in the Park) and the weather report is iffy.  As in rain, strong winds  and possible hail.  I just spent the afternoon waterproofing the tent (thanks, Mary!) and I'm figuring out ways to supplement the weights for my tent.

The other night  I had dinner with some artist friends of mine --all more seasoned than I--and was regaled with stories about tornados and hurricanes at art shows: tents blown away or twisted beyond belief; artists suspended mid-air Mary Poppins style as they try to hold the fort down,  so to speak.   So I'm a wee bit freaked out.  Last year I did just three outdoor shows--this year I am scheduled for nine.

But on the bright side,  lots of my artist friends will be there along with many folks I don't know yet. I'm looking forward to meeting  new artists and customers at this new venue!

I Need One of These

Well, "need" is not really true.  It's more like "really, really  want".   I was at Dick Blick art supply the other day (between art stores and hardware stores,  I can spend a lot of time perusing the aisles....) and this item stopped me dead in my tracks.   They had several styles on a table and instead of photos,  they had construction paper flowers hanging from the clips.   Looked really cool and I immediately thought of using one for my felted flowers.  I've seen a few jewelers at shows using  these for their earring cards and it makes for a really eye catching display.

What do you think of using it for these?

First Show of the Year and $5 Coupon

This Sunday is my first show for the 2010 season.  Stop by Architectural Artifacts between 10:00-5:00 for a cool selection of fun artists. This is always a fun show, because you get to see what we all have been working on since the holiday rush: new items new designs, etc.  And the setting of course, is amazing.

For details on the show, check out the listing from Time Out Chicago

I've been working on new capes and shawls and  lightweight nuno felt scarves for warmer weather. Dyeing silk, fiber and playing around with new designs. I've added to my scarves made from vintage sari silk. And make sure to check out the new ribbon felt scarves, which can be worn so many ways.  My schedule is shaping up--check it out on the right.  I'll be busy this year!    As soon as I hear back from a few more shows, I'll make sure to post them.

Mention this blog and get $5 off your Felt Inspired purchase! 

What's Cookin'?

More likely than not, it is fiber of some sort (as in silk fabric or wool roving, as opposed to a high-fiber dish)  I've been busy in the kitchen cooking up silks for nuno felting and experimenting with space-dyed wool roving.  The beauty of dyeing for felting, is that it doesn't have to be  perfect.  The fabrics are even prettier when imperfect-I intentially let portions of the fabric bubble up to the surface where they don't get as much dye--the uneven color looks great for nuno felting and adds another dimension to the design.

Looking at these photos reminds me of all the kitchen things I use for fiber arts (I love repurposing items).   The list includes: a stock pot for dyeing, hot dog tongs for handling hot stuff in the dyepot, whisk for mixing dyes, salad spinner for drying fibers, electric knife for slicing felt,  pasta maker for clay and a toaster oven for clay.

Nuno Felt Class this weekend!

Ok, it's been waaay too long since I've last posted. January-March is generally my "rest-after- the-holiday-rush" and "research and development" period (playing around with new designs). Lots of fun new designs to introduce--right now I'm working on taking photos of everything.

In the meantime, I wanted to let you all know about my nuno felt class this weekend at the Fine Line Creative Arts Center. I'm always amazed by the work produced by the participants--come and join us!

Jury Photos

This is art show application season--the rush of the holiday season is quickly followed by the rush of due dates for most of the major shows. While I'm grateful that the digital format is taking over from slides, I'm not as keen on the online application format. These systems are all about the photos, with little or no room for information about the artist or previous awards/recognition.


My jury photos are 4-5 years old and my work has changed so much in the past few years, so I am in desparate need of new ones. I have used Guy Nichols in the past and really like his work-thanks to his shots, two of my pieces were featured in the Crafts Report. But I know that there are others out there who specialize in jury shots with models. And now that I'm doing larger pieces like shawls and capes, I think I may need to pony up for more jury shots with a model.

Anyone out there have any recommendations for photographers in the Chicago area specializing in wearable art?

Best Christmas Photo Ever!

Ahhh, the Christmas of '87, also affectionately known in the family as the "Karate Pajama Christmas". This was the Christmas right before I left for the Peace Corps, so the whole family was home--14 of us, with sleeping bags all over the place. Note the awesome shag carpeting and gold velour couch. And yes, if you were to venture into the kitchen, you would find avocado green appliances....

My Mom in all her Grandmotherly wisdom decided to get all 5 nephews karate pajamas that year. This photo was taken at probably the only moment that they actually stood still--I'm still amazed that it isn't blurry...With five guys under the age of 6, there was a whole lot of kicking, chopping and "hiyAA-ing". Good times....

Wishing you all memorable holidays with family and friends!

-Laura

Last show of the Season!!

This Sunday will be the last show of a busy season for me! Come on out to the Architectural Artifacts Holiday show on Sunday, 11 - 5:00. For those of you who haven't been there, it is an amazing environment and everything in their showroom will be on sale, as well!

Mention this blog and get $5 off your Felt Inspired purchase!

Strange Brew

I'm all for recycling, I really am. I reuse boxes all the time, especially for sending out packages. So do some of my wool suppliers. One supplier in particular has a penchant for liquor boxes.

.

I have ordered from this wool supplier fairly frequently in the past weeks and have received whiskey boxes, rum boxes and now this one. I hesitate to imagine what my neighbors are thinking....

Fine Art of Fiber Right Now!

Well...I meant to write this post several days ago in anticipation of my biggest show of the year. Instead, I was coughing up a lung due to my seemingly annual bout of bronchitis which struck early and at a verrry bad time this year. So much for trying to replenish inventory from the previous shows. I did to a certain extent, but not nearly as much as I wanted to.

So I'm making up for it now, midway though the show. The show started just last night and I'm already out of all just a few of my shawls and Flamenco scarves. I'm certainly not complaining--it's a good problem to have! Thanks God for coffee and Diet Pepsi....

The weather for this weekend is supposed to be gorgeous, just like the past two days. Even though mostof the leaves are on the ground, the Chicago Botanic Garden is still beautiful at this time of year.

Stop on by!

They like me, they really like me!

Forgive me for chanelling Sally Field for a moment, but I'm have my own Academy moment. In the past two weeks, I've won two awards for my work: the Juror's Choice award for Best Body of Work at the Uncommon Threads runway show (my first runway show ever!) and First Place at Fall into the Arts in Bloomington!

As a primarily self-taught person, this is so gratifying and makes me feel like I'm gaining "street cred" in the art/fashion world. The funny this is, I have so many other designs in my head that I didn't have have time to make--designs that I thought would be cooler than what I did make. Hopefully, this means that I won't be a one-trick pony.

Back at the studio, I'm plodding along to keep up: filling orders and replenishing my inventory for the Fine Art of Fiber, which takes place next weekend.

Sneak Preview

Here are two of my designs that will be on the runway at Uncommon Threads this weekend. The photos are compliments of Mary, who takes amazing shots of her kids and scenes in Chicago. And a very good friend who always makes me laugh.

.

The top piece was really a challenge and took forever to make. The bottom piece was much more fun to do--it has merino wool that I hand-dyed and silk organza that I got during my trip to the NY garment district.

New Store!

My felted geode pincushions are now carried at gift shop of Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature preserve in Niles, MI. I can't quite remember how they found me--I think the executive director might have been to the Hyde Park show and suggested them to the gift shop manager. Or something like that.

Make sure to check out their website--they have gorgeous gardens and lots of educational programs. I definitely need to make a road trip over there. And I noticed that they have an annual road trip to the Fine Art of Fiber at the Chicago Botanic Garden! I love being a part of museums and non-profits like this -- I much prefer it over regular stores. Makes me feel good that a purchase of one of my pieces does a bit of good for an organization.

And speaking of doing good, Uncommon Threads, the annual fundraiser for the Fine Line Creative Arts Center is this weekend. Tickets are still available for the luncheon and fashion show--the boutique will run from 10:30 am until 1:00, then will open again after the luncheon, around 2:30. This will be the first year that my pieces will be in the runway show--I have to say, I'm pretty excited about it!

Fall into the Arts in Bloomington

Tomorrow I head off to Bloomington for a new show--Fall into the Arts. It will be on Illinois Wesleyan's campus during their Homecoming festivities. I'm both excited and a bit leery about this show.

Excited because it's a new venue for me and my sister is coming to help me during the show. I am so used to doing it all myself that it will be a treat having someone there with me. And one of my nephews went to Illinois Welseyan, so I know the campus.

Leery because it's a new show--how will be the crowds be? Have the organizers done enough advertising and marketing? The hours of the show are odd: 9 am to 4 pm both days. I forsee several dead morning hours. And 4:00 seems to early to close.

I've been working furiously to replenish my inventory after Art in the Barn. After this show, I have a mere 6 days until Uncommon Threads. I guess I'll sleep after that!

Fingers Crossed....

In less than 24 hours, we'll find out about Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympics. While our city is not perfect, I would love for Chicago to be the host of the Olympics. I grew up loving the Olympics--Mark Spitz made a BIG impression on me during the '72 games and made me want to swim. Years later, I tumbled around the yard a 'la Nadia. I would love to get involved if we get the bid.

.

As a former collegiate rower, I love the fact that the rowing facility will be front and center in the city--such a great boost to a little-known sport.

.

While I do think that it is time that a South American city gets a chance, I really think that Buenos Aires would be a better choice than Rio.

.

I'm on pins and needles here...good thing I have lots of felting to keep me busy...

Art in the Barn this Weekend!

This weekend is the Art in the Barn show up in Barrington. As the photo will attest, my booth is indeed in a barn (former, and without animals).

The show runs both Saturday and Sunday and is on the campus of Good Shephard Hospital off of Route 22. I'm working furiously to finish everything up--I think my hands are permanently wrinkled from all the felting.

(UPDATE: Just got back from setting up my booth tonight and I have the same space as last year: A-5 in the lower barn.)

I actually have two deadlines this weekend: one for the show and the other is for Uncommon Threads in October--the runway items are due tomorrow!

A BIG thank you to Mary for doing the photo shoot this afternoon of my runway pieces! If only the "model" were better looking....

Montage Monday

I came across this montage of my Flamenco Scarves on an Italian design blog several months ago--I think they did a great job on the photo! And here's the descrition they provided:

"Che dire, infine, delle spettacolari architetture di Felt Inspired? Personalmente, quando cado in crisi mistica alla ricerca della stola perfetta su un abito da sera, d'ora in poi saprò a chi rivolgermi. Le creazioni de Felt Inspired le potete trovare in vendita su Etsy, un bel sito dedicato al mondo dell'handmade!"

.

Translated:

.

"Finally what shall I say about the the spectacular architectures of Felt Inspired? Personally, when I fall in mystical crisis to the search of the perfect stole for an evening dress, now I will know who to address. You can find the creations of Felt Inspired on sale on Etsy, a beautiful site dedicated to the world of handmade!" '

.

I was tickled to find such an effusive review from the country of fashion! And I'm thilled to know that I can be of assistance in the case of a "mystical crisis"....

Meet What's-his-name

So, I finally adopted a new studio mascot last week. I highly recommend the Anti Cruelty Society here in Chicago--great folks and animals. I ended up adopting a three-year-old tabby (funny how I don't really have a "type" of man, but I do have a "type" for cats--this is my third brown tabby). The photo is from the shelter--I haven't gotten around to taking any shots here at home.

I also haven't gotten around to naming him yet. His shelter name was Snoops, but I'm not really fond of that name, so I'm looking for another. He doesn't really answer to that name anyway, so I don't think it's that big of a deal. I have a bunch of names in contention, with a few front-runners. Thought I would run them by you all for feedback. So here they are in no particular order:

.

Rufus -- no real reason, except that the "oo" vowel sound matches Snoops, which is apparently what animals recognize in their name (in case he actually does recognize his name)

Leo-my sign, plus it is a feline name

Mocha--I like chocolate, I like coffee.....

Dude --he's a really mellow cat, plus it has that "oo" thing going for it

Motor--he constantly purrs

Murray--I was thinking of something fiber related and ruled out Merino, which led me to Murray. And I always liked that character on the Mary Tyler Moore show.

Monkey--the cat does this weird splaying of his limbs when he's happy and I swear that his front limbs kinda look like monkey arms. You'll just have to trust me on this.

.

Or, he could just go nameless for a while....

One Week 'til Big Shoulders

Just one week until Big Shoulders, Chicago's only open water race on Lake Michigan. I'm doing the 5k this year and think (hope?) that I'm prepared for it. I've done more long distance swimming than in previous years, plus I swam during the winter with the Evanston Masters.

One of my greatest pleasures during the summer is swimming in Lake Michigan. There is something so peaceful about open water swimming (usually--sometimes the weather adds excitement). But being in Lake Michigan in the city is something else--seeing the skyline every time you take a breath...well, that is just something you have to experience.

And swimming with other open water folks is just the best. I've been swimming with a group called Open Water Chicago--great group of people. It's all about the lake and enjoying your swim-no competition and no posturing that you often see with the triathlon crowd. I'm generalizing here, but it seems that most triathletes are not as comfortable swimming, so there is a lot of nervous energy when they are down at the lake. And don't get me started with the primping and preening over their wetsuits--honestly, I think many spend more time squeezing themselves into their suits and fussing with the zippers than actually swimming.

As for me--I don't have a wetsuit. I am blessed with *ahem, cough, cough* my own natural insulation and padding :)

By the way, this is me in the photo- you'll just have to take my word on it.

Photo taken by Steve Hernan of Open Water Chicago