Kentucky Crafted, The Market is coming soon.  March 7-8 in Lexington.  This is my favorite time of the year to create new work for my booth.  No. 311.  A little bit I follow trends.  Like orange and blue and turquoise.  But following the seasons is more fun.  And since Truly Wearable Art is a "Power Tool," it can be worn all year, any year, anywhere, when you want to make a statement.  After I Shibori pole wrap the silk or Felted merino wool,  I create palettes to reflect the colors surrounding me.  Palettes that will compliment your wardrobe.  In late winter, aka early spring, I add a little bit of each colors compliment to my formulas as I prepare to drizzle the dye.  I am always amazed at how well the fabrics I dye blend with the natural scenes.  After seeing all the Chihuly installations at Fairfield Gardens a few weeks ago I was inspired by the bright contrasts.  Be Bold, Be Striking. Take the risk to express your self.  It's worth it!

A New Year begins with Wabi Sabi

The Wabi-Sabi principles that all things are impermanent, imperfect, and incomplete just about sum up my life.  I try for perfection, I really do.  However, something always shows up slightly askew. I respond, then accept it, share, and move on, make more and share again. I will not let a tiny flaw or typo hold me back.  As the year begins I pull out all my old journals and make new ones to continue my daily writing practice and develop and record a clear and strategic road map for 2015.

"Pare down to the essence, but don't remove the poetry."  Leonard Koren

 What I am Dreaming

freedom to create

being of service 

writing more

and sharing. 

Online and in person

one to one to many

exploring my story

personal, deep, and now.

If there is no risk involved

there is no point.

There were many Garden Girls involved in this morning's writing practiced that I pared down into the above poem. They, too, will be resurrected this year.  They are working on publishing their own journals.  I will let you know when one is available.

This year will be filled with continued exploration of shibori   dyeing fabrics other that silk.  I like the idea of using hemp and will come to accept that the Vinyl Sulphon colors are not as brilliant as when I dye silk. I will keep using them, however, because of all the colors I have already learned to  formulate. (I prefer to use my learning curve moments in other ways :)) And I love the Wabi-Sabi of shibori, always consistent, yet filled with variables that tease and delight expectations.

More merino and alpaca vests are on their way.  Using the FeltLOOM I have discovered the 1/3# bats available from the FeltLOOM are the best.  Save the date March 7-8, 2015 for the Kentucky Craft Market in Lexington!