Silence and then not so much....

I've not had the time to post lately...life is usually pretty busy here, but then it goes on steroids and gets CRAZY, out of control, heavier than one thinks one can handle. Such is life here right now, and an end of it may be in sight soon. The operative word is "may". Since I've not had time to post, I've had even less time to make felt. Here is the latest work...time is a gift. (I want more presents!)

For felting news....It's kind of cool! A friend of mine is getting married and has asked me to make her bouquet out of felt flowers. How cool is that! I am so excited and honored to do this for her...and I get to work with two of my favorite colors, white and purple! I used to do floral design on the side, so this is going to be great fun for me. She is knitting her wedding dress (can you imagine!) out of lace weight kid mohair, she'll carry felt flowers, and I think I am going to try to incorporate nuno ribbons coming from the bouquet as well. Anyone got ideas that they want to share with me?

Gotta run for now. Plainwell is having the ART HOP tonight and I need to hit the shower and get ready for a fun, fun night. Pop over if you can, many wonderful artist there!

Kisses and Peace to you all,
Suzanne
Oh, the second photos is of a wall hanging: "Birth: To Spill Forth"
It is made of merino wool silk fabric, silk fibers, Mohair and Teeswater locks, cheese cloth and beads.

Island City Art Hop HUGE Success!

Ms. Allison finished up her boots in time for the wonderful Island City Art Hop last night. She decided to bead the rams on the outer side of the boots. They got many comments of high praise and unfortunately, they did not sell. They are so lovely, I'm sure that they will.

The Plainwell Art Hop was a a huge success, even for me in a rather out of the way location. I can only imagine that many of the folks that were in the "walking" part of show had a wonderful response to their exhibits. The main part of the hop was in the downtown Plainwell shops, all walking distance from each other. The weather was wonderful, cool, crisp, clear, no wind, not snow. It really was just wonderful for those that attended. I sold a ton of stuff and came home with far more money than I ever thought I would. Sold a bunch of hats, wraps, felted soaps, and have made wonderful contacts, including several galleries that I want to carry my items. I did not expect much, but much was delivered from this first time Art Hop. I hope everyone had as much fun as I did and brought home as much money as I did. Suffice it to say, I was shocked at my earnings. Thank you Plainwell and surrounding areas! I am honored that you spent the time and the money with me.

Since I closed my shop several years ago, there are so many people, customers, that I don't get to see anymore. It was such delight to be able to see them again. We kinda got the chance to catch up, share, talk about classes, and just be together.

Today, I will unpack the van, put stuff away, answer some emails, pack up the orders, talk with my mom, take a nap, have salmon for dinner, a glass of wine before bed, a count the many blessings of this day. Today, I will rejoice, give thanks, and be glad in this day.

Shalom and joy to you,
Suzanne

The Scent of a Woman on Felt

This past Sunday, my dear friend Alice, along with 16 others, was here for Sabbath dinner. After we ate a wonderful feast, had good fellowship, and a good bit of laughter, Alice wondered out to the front porch (my mini shop on the front of our house--that has no insulation, is all glass and where I freeze all winter, and get slow roasted all summer) to find my felted bracelets. She immediately took two of them. Alice has purchased several of my felt hats, scarves, vessels in the past, but the jewelry was quite a different thing. In the past, Alice and I have long talked about the joys of wearing felt, how the scent of the woman becomes a part of the fabric in a unique way, we think, maybe unlike other fabrics. We find this to be especially true in felt jewelry and felt hats. Alice, like me, does not like to coolness of metal jewelry. These felt bangles solve the problem of coolness next to the skin, provide some warmth, and hopefully, some pleasure to the wearer and the observer.

There are two 100% felt cuffs that were then beaded, then there are several that are felted beads strung together, and then there are the wooden bangles that are encased in felt. All have been great fun to make, the beading is getting more enjoyable ( now that I keep my cheaters close by) and so far, I think folks think they are kind of pretty.

Now to get ready for the Plainwell Art Hop.

http://renatos-veltinis.blogspot.com/

is a blog for bag gals to check out. really lovely stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shalom to you,
Suzanne