Finally, I’m able to display the complete finished piece of the Carolina Mixed Media Artists Guild M4 Challenge. My process was posted on C&T Publishing’s blog today. Check it out:

Altered Timtex Background Up For the Challenge

This piece is available for purchase on my Etsy Store:  http://nanettesayz.etsy.com/

This weekend Harriet Hargrave, a quilting pioneer taught in North Carolina.  Harriet encouraged the revolution of machine quilting. Prior to Harriet’s acceptance in the industry, quilting by machine was frowned upon and was considered non-traditional. Harriet mastered the art of using the electric needle (sewing machine) to make fabulously stitched heirloom quilts. She fought and won battles that allowed machine quilting to have the acceptance it does today. She also wrote the first book on Heirloom Machine Quilting, which is currently in its 4th edition. She paved the way for people like me, who don’t have interest in sewing by hand.

I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from Harriet. Amongst the drama in my life this week, I was able to attend Harriet’s 2-day class on Heirloom Quilting. At times, it was difficult to make the long drive to Greensboro. I don’t want to make heirloom quilts, so I debated about even signing up for the class. However, I teach machine quilting and I know any new knowledge I gain will improve my teaching. Oh boy…did I gain, this class was more than worth my efforts.

I like to know facts, I like to know what works, but I like to also know that I don’t have the quilt police watching me with an evil eye. I won on all counts. I have never met a teacher…ever…that focused on the science of learning a new skill, but this is how Harriet teaches. She knows her subject, but she also knows the reality of making it work. There’s no magic dust. It is focused practice that builds on skills which makes you learn. It was amazing for me to hear her say that machine quilting is mental activity. You teach your brain and your hands will follow. Well, yes!…why didn’t I know this? This is how I learn. My brain struggles learning new multi-step physical processes. I need my instructions in bite-size candy bites, not the entire King-size bar. For this reason, you won’t find me in aerobic classes…by brain can’t keep up with the instructor. I’m a klutz!

Because of the knowledge I gained this week, I will become a better teacher and better quilter.  Hopefully, I’ll be able to attend another of Harriet’s classes…maybe her boot camp at her shop in Colorado. I am honored to have learned from such a pro and pioneer. In the mean time, let’s partake in eating the bite size candy?

It has been an unbelievably rough winter for most of the US. Although it has been cold here, we are fortunate not to have all the snow and rain that is piling up in the northern states.

Spring has finally sprung here in the Southereastern United States. My dogwoods are about to peak into glorious blooms. I’ve had my share of territorial birds attacking their reflections in my windows. Today we opened all the windows full sash. Fresh Air!

The crazy thing is rather than spring weather, we are immediately dropped into summer high 80 degree temps. Thank goodness the humidity is low, it doesn’t feel oppressive…yet.

So, I’m enjoying this spring break in weather knowing full well in a week or so the pine pollen will be hurling through the air. If you don’t live in the south, you can’t really appreciate this event. Yearly a cloud of yellow smog descends on use, covering everything in site. All too soon, we’ll have to shut the windows to keep the gritty pollen out of the house. Red cars turn orange, my black dogs turns yellow, and gritty pollen dust coats all flat surfaces in the house.

So I am enjoying my windows being open this weekend, because I know soon they’ll have to be shut to keep the pollen out. Breathe!

I know I’ve promised you a full shot of my challenge piece from last week. Well, I’ve decided to keep it under wraps for a little longer. You’ll see why. Until then, I’ll leave you with another peak and hope you can open up your windows to get some air into your room. Ah…Spring!

Just a few more days until the big gallery show for Palustris Festival in Southern Pines, NC. I have been helping Artist Alley set up for the event.  Because of my “inside” connections, I’ve seen all but two of the completed pieces created by the 25 participants from the Carolina Mixed Media Artists Guild. It amazes me how 25 women could all receive the same list of materials to work with and then come up with such diverse pieces. Works range from delicate jewelry to tabletop displays to pieces that command an entire room or window display.

My thoughts are “How did they envision that?” But mostly I think “Wow!” This is the one event that I think captures the essence of this Guild, we are mixed media artists

Another sneak peek

Although I consider myself a fiber artist, my piece doesn’t “feel” fibery. That’s what the challenge is all about to me.  I’m stretching and forcing myself to try something different. I got frustrated with it during the process. “Now What?” was my biggest question along the way. Yeah…I could piece a quilt and hang things from it. Or knit a sweater embedded with challenge “ornaments.” Or laminate adornments within the layers of needle felt. But that’s ordinary to my life. I chose to stretch myself, do something kind of out of my comfort zone, try new things.

My idea came early, primarily since I have a history with the Long Leaf Pine tree. In my “other career,” I spent a lot of time studying plants and animals that live in the long leaf ecosystem. I roughly sketched my idea on paper (an unusual step for me), then spent weeks thinking and processing. The thought process happened while I was busy with everything else going on in my life the last 2 months. Then I finally “started”…and it just happened. The “now what’s?” came, but each time they resolved themselves. Little by little the components came together.  I am pleased with my final piece. I used techniques I was comfortable with, but I also experimented a lot. I learned a lot. That’s why I love this challenge. I learn.

“Here’s to the land of the long leaf pine,
The summer land where the sun doth shine,
Where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great,
Here’s to “Down Home,” the Old North State!”
From A Toast to North Carolina by Leonora Martin and Mary Burke Kerr

I know it has been awhile since I last posted. I was doing good about making regular post, but over the past month life got in the way.  Remodeling, family visits, and work as a free-lance technical editor and teacher kept me quite busy and little free time for my artist career.

The little extra time I did have was used for the Mixed Media Madness Mission (M4) that my friend Jean offers to our Mixed Media Guild. This year’s theme coincides with the 1st Annual Palustris Festival. My last post I showed you a picture of one of my  inspiration photos. Today, my photo is a snippet of the final piece. We have been vowed to secrecy with our pieces only to show them at the Artist Alley gallery opening next Friday (March 26) evening. But a little sneak peak here won’t hurt.

All will be revealed March 26th, 2010

Hope you can join my friends and I for the M4 opening. We were tasked with a list of 22 items to use in our finished pieces, which creates quite a challenge. Its a great learning tool to help push your creative abilities out of their comfort range. Last year I completed in the event and was quite surprised at how easy it the pieces went together. (You can read about and see my results from last year’s challenge here: My Blog Post and Carolina Mixed Media Guild Showcase.)

This year’s list of challenge components are:

• Pine…Pine Needles…A Pine Cone…Anything and Everything “Pine” Will Qualify
• Something that Starts with The Letter *P*
• Light Bulb(s)
• Metal Washer(s)
• Fabric
• Something made of Wood
• Twine, String, Fiber or Thread
• Bead(s) (As many as you’d like, and as many different kinds as you’d like.)
• Key(s)
• Something Blue
• Coin(s) or Token(s) (As many as you’d like, and as many different kinds as you’d like.)
• Something Made of Glass
• Treasure(s) From The Great Outdoors
• Part or All of a Book
• Ribbon(s)
• Something from the Kitchen
• Foil
• Wool
• Tissue Paper(s)
• Thing-a-Ma-Jig (Optional)
• Doo-Hickie (Optional)
• Gee-Gaw (Optional)

Stay tuned next week to see what my final piece looks like. I think I was able to get everything in.

Goodness where have I been. February is a blur, between 2 sessions of contractors to remodel a bathroom, my work as a technical editor, teaching gigs, family visitors and general life occurrences this month has been non-stop busy for me. My only creative outlet has been to work on an Olympic knitting challenge where we promise to finish a knitted object in the amount of time it takes for the Olympic games. I am currently 9 rows short of completing a shawl and I’ve hit a scheduling snag (and getting too close to comfort on the amount of yarn I have to complete this project).  The next few days I will be stuck painting walls so the finishing touches can be made to my bathroom remodel next week. I am so close but yet so far from closing night ceremonies.

Today I have a bit of free time and will try to squeeze in a few creative projects (need to make more funky felted flowers) while the workers are busy.

It is also time for the 2nd Annual M4 Challenge with the Mixed Media Guild I belong to. This year’s theme is Palustris as in Pinus palustris (aka longleaf pine trees). Its a stress-filled challenge / scavenger hunt. You need to find 22 items in which to make your kit and then use these items to create a piece of artwork. I just started mine yesterday and have 2 weeks to finish…Yikes! The pine photo is one of my inspiration pieces for this challenge.

During the process, we all get anxious about what we’re doing. The inner critique starts telling you how impossible it is and how you’re work is not worthy to be amongst the others who are participating.  In the search for the reasoning behind our inner critiques I found this on the Internet published in the Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry, On the Artist and the Creative Process by M.O. Stahl, MD:

“…creativity is the art of making form out of chaos, of combining
elements in such a way that “something new” is formed. It is experienced
as “giving birth” to new life where none had existed-and most artists
experience sudden ecstasy, a “eureka” sensation, when the phase of
creative synthesis is completed. This glorious feeling is sometimes also
frightening; it can arouse a fear of exposure, a fear that the work is
not good enough to be acceptable. The more original and significant it
is, the more the artist is open to scrutiny. A true artist must be brave
enough to express his or her inner self. In contrast, repression is
detrimental because it can cause the artist to censor valid emotionally
laden ideas and intuition, and block insights.”

So in other words, we must be brave and tell the inner critique to SHUT UP Already! Then we must hope she listens.

When I was a child, I remember telling my mom I was bored. I’m sure many mother’s have heard their children say the same.  I do remember finding creative ways to keep myself occupied. For instance, I remember making paper mache masks and taking empty clear pill bottles filling them with a little crayon shavings, then melting the bottle in the oven to make pendents. But still I remember at times being bored. Early on my mother must have taught me something special, because one thing I lack as an adult is a reason to be bored.

In the south, a little bit of snow or ice shuts everything down. Today is one of those days. I stopped at the grocery last night, we made sure we had enough propane for the gas logs, and spare water (we live with a well, so no electricity no water). We were ready to be “snowed in” for the weekend. So you would think, being snowed in I’d worry about getting cabin fever. That will NEVER happen to me.

I started this morning slowly, with no real agenda for the day. As I sat reading the paper and eating my breakfast, I thought of all the options of things I could do today without having to leave the house. I realize my problem, instead of boredom, is having too many things to capture my attention.

Just thought you’d like to see a glimpse of my table with project ideas waiting for my attention (see picture). I hate to be bored and I feel fortunate that I have the opportunities to enjoy my creative passion. I also work from home as a freelance technical editor, so there’s always work to do. Recent home improvements have also supplied me with the (fun) job of painting some walls in a “new” closet.

With all this, I’m glad to say, I won’t be bored this weekend!

p.s. no…the rest of my house does not look like this table. Please don’t call the producers of  “Hoarders“…yet!

During the first week of January, the History Channel aired a week of shows dedicated to Armageddon, the end of the world in 2012. A couple weeks later, Haiti was hit with a devastating earthquake.  I’m sure the Haitians feel that they are living through a form of Armageddon right now.

The History Channel’s programming and the Haitian earthquake has opened up some dialog amongst some of my friends and family. Mass destruction, by man or nature, is possible. We’ve all seen it…hurricanes, wars, earthquakes floods, and tsunami’s. What could you do to help with the survival of human kind? Deep question.

My first thought about myself, was “I don’t know anything.” I buy my groceries at the store and cook in a microwave and electric stove. I don’t know how to get anywhere without my car. And without a TV or hair dryer, I’d think I’d be lost.

However, during our friendly discussion someone said…well, “Nanette knows how to make blankets and sew.” My brain went “AhHA!!” I have an extremely valuable asset. I can make things! Even if I had to, I could make clothes. They may not fit well, but in a post-Armageddon world,  high-fashion is worthless. I will be able to keep my clan warm and comfortable.

And yet another “AhHA” moment I thought…I can even make my own yarn! Last December, I took a class on spinning wool. I am becoming quite fascinated with using a drop-spindle to make my own yarn. This skill is 100% powered by Nanette. No electrical outlets needed here.

Of course sewing, may be my down fall. I don’t like sewing by hand. So if you know anyone that has a treadle sewing machine they want to sell, let me know. With that, I will be a valuable member in our post-Armageddon world. When Chicken Little comes running to tell us the sky is falling, I’ll be ready!  All I need to know is where’s the sheep? Then come see me for some warm clothes, a blanket, and maybe a sock monkey or 2!

Twice in the last two weeks I had discussions with people about the perceived value of craftsmanship. I have also personally debated myself about whether what I do is  art or craft. I have finally come to a personal resolve to this quandary, but I’m not sure the rest of the world would agree.

As you may, or may not, know, there is a particular snobbery about “true” art. Some believe only the true masters like van Gogh, daVinci, Rembrandt and those that follow the master’s style of realism are considered true artists. I have heard people say that modern art, including works made by Pollock, Picasso, and Warhol, is not art.

But I wonder what is the definition of art? Why do some artists refuse to be associated with art shows that include craftsmanship? Why must there be labels on what is and isn’t acceptable forms of art? Most of the time, I think people compare the word craft to utilitarian work, like sewing and woodwork. The word “craft” often seems demeaning, and conjures up things less worthy of the title “art.” When people think of the word “craft” most think of craft stores and craft fairs where dime store yarn is used to make toilet paper cozies.

But the same term, “craft,” is also used to define people like Frank Lloyd Wright,  George Nakashima, and Sam Maloof. These men are recognized for their artistic ability with their craft of wood working. At what point does a person who is craftsman become an artist? Why do most craftsman never get recognized as artists? When does a craft become viewed as art?

Take the Quilts of Gee’s Bend. These quilts were made by poor southern women, who used only what they had on hand to make blankets for their families. Somewhere along the line, these blankets were noticed as something more than craft and since 2002 have been on a touring exhibit at such places as Whitney Museum of American Art in NY and The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. Why have these blankets received the acknowledgment of true art but the blankets at the craft show are just craft? The women of Gee’s Bend never meant for their quilts to be anything but bed coverings.

To me the art is in the craft. A person who can take a block of wood, scraps of fabric, or globs of paint and rework the material into something beautiful is an artist. Of course beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder, but in my mind a talented craftsman is well-worthy to carry the title of artist. The term artist  is broad in my mind and encompasses many fields.

It takes skill and practice to become a talented painter, potter, woodworker, or quilter. Whether a piece is utilitarian or show quality, it still can be art. One is meant to be used and the other merely meant to be seen. Perceived value is also interpreted through the classification of art vs craft and thus opens another level of discussion. I’ll save that for another time. Until then think about it, is what you see around you Art or Craft?

Its cold outside. I’m sure its the same all over the US. What would you expect for the early weeks of January? Sometimes the best thing to do on a cold day is just stay under the covers, especially if you’re the type that prefers wearing Bermuda shorts all year long. Well, Bolo Chicken-Salad couldn’t stay in this weekend. He’s been waiting for the The Quilting and Fiber Art Marketplace for several months now. Nothing, not even a sub-freezing start to the morning, could keep Bolo the fiber fiend from experiencing this first time venue in Sanford, NC.

Although the weather was cold outside, Bolo soon realized he was properly dressed for this hot event. 38 Vendors and a countless numbers of shoppers packed into the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center on Friday and Saturday. This was a fiber and quilting artists dream day. Bolo took over 3 hours to stroll the exhibit hall. Occasionally, he couldn’t help himself and was found playing in the vendor’s stash.

Bolo’s first playful stop was at Unique Yarns. Where he indeed found some unique handpainted yarn. Such lovely colors of yarn, some earthy colored sock yarn was added to Bolo’s stash.

His second stop was at Local Colour Hues. Fiber artist Lorin Fields is a fabric dyeing extraordinaire. Bolo loved playing on the rolled cotton fabric bundles, but settled on some dyed Noir silk to bring home.

Oh how can you not have fun at Random Arts’ booth? Owner Jane Powell, was happy about showing off her bits and baubs of random things. If you like old funky things, then you’ll love Random Arts. Bolo was busy checking out the funky ribbons and added some to his take home stash.

Next stop for Bolo was Thimble Pleasures. Here Bolo spent some time hanging out with the owner, Julie Holbrook. What a nice lady! At this booth, Bolo danced around the bins of fabric  and found the perfect animal print for a soon-to-be baby quilt. Bolo also enjoyed seeing the new patterns Thimble Pleasures carry. I think Bolo plans to visit Chapel Hill soon, so he can spent time exploring the beautiful new brick-and-mortar store Julie owns.

Like any fine craftsman, you need the right tools for the job. Bolo’s favorite notions dealer is Schoolhouse Quilts. They’re regulars at most local quilt shows and related events. Any kind of notion you can imagine, they seem to have. So many tools, so little time. When Bolo strolls their booth, you can hear him grunting like Tim, the toolman.

Bolo and I were greatly impressed with this event. As a first time event, we hope that it was as much a success for the vendors and organizers as it seemed to be for the shoppers. For those involved, please come back next year, because nothing could be finer than this fun fiber extravaganza in Carolina.