Art Fairs, Art Fun, Art Folks

You never know where art will take you.  There are times to plan and set goals and other times to let things just flow and see where it leads.  Earlier this year I met Emily Smith at a one night art show in a church nearby.  Not only do we share a love of vintage, but I think we are traveling the same path of late.  She's opened up my world to several art groups where in a short time I've met some wonderful artists and tried some new art techniques.  I've learned that the artist community supports one another; sharing of their craft, their experiences, and their encouragement.

Emily and I signed on (at the last minute) to our first outdoor festival.  It was a wonderful experience and well run with a huge interactive focus.  This was the fourth IART Show put on by the Redford Parks and Art Conservancy  www.rpaconservancy.org.  Turnout was fair, given the heat of the weekend.  But the connections and interactions with the artists and crowd was well worth it.  We both sold a few things and made a little money, but more so, there was an encouraging array of comments that soothes the soul and valuable information about other connections for future endeavors.

Emily creates beautiful totes, aprons, and other useful items from vintage laces and fabrics, be it a tablecloth or table runner. She also makes lovely vintage dolls with polymer clay, fabric flowers, bears from vintage chenille, etc. etc. etc. Isn't that the way of most artists? One thing leads to another. Because I create mixed media from a variety of items from found items, be it collaged framed pictures, trinket boxes, jewelry, journals, etc etc. etc., each item is one of a kind and always with a vintage feel. In talking with those that stopped by, it is clear that using the old to make the new, is a wonderful way of not only being 'green', but connecting generations. Here are a few photos of our booth:

So, there are several shows coming up in  September that we need to get ready for.  We hope to be at Greenmead on September 9 in Livonia, the Antique Barn on September 15/16 in Northville, and possibly a few others.  We have other things in the works, too, so stay tuned.

Visions of the Heart

Where have I been and why does it always take me so long to get here? Demands of life seem to keep us away from what we truly love to do. I do 'think' about what I am working on oh so often....the two books I am writing, the Sunshine Boxes, and all the wonderful ideas flowing in my head. I am creating.... every time I see the vision of my creations it fills my heart and I just know that in fact, it is REAL! We can be all we can be and carry these ideas in our heart. One day, all at once they will also become real to others. I am gentle on myself.... and I know it will be worth the wait... and someday it will be my day. I hope you too are filling your heart with those things you love.

A Month Goes By

A month goes by so quickly.  I just realized it's been that long since I updated my blog.  It's not been because I haven't done anything artful or SimplyJoyful.  I've been more then busy with such things. 

I joined in this month on a mini-book swap with Crafting Ireland with the only request that I be teamed with a partner outside of the USA.  I was fortunate to be partner with Felicia Thomas who lives in County Kerry, Ireland and is on the Crafting Ireland design team.  I've already received her (now mine) beautiful book in the mail.  It is wonderfully made with a lovely "vintage" feel which was designated as the theme.  The colors, embellishments, and craftsmanship is inspiring.  You can see and hear about the book at: http://scrapzville.blogspot.com/2012/06/karens-vintage-mini.html#comment-form   Check out Felicia's other artwork while you're visiting her site.  There is something soul-satisfying about sharing art across the grand spanse of the world.  I'm on deadline and need to get my book mailed to her on Monday. She sent me a tease before she mailed me mine,  so I shall do the same. 

 
This darling girl caught my heart.  I've named her Matilda (Tillie) Flynn and celebrated her vintage life. 

I've other things to share, but will hold off for a couple of days.  I started a weaving project at our RunningWithScissors group here locally and will post some photos of that in progress.  I'm in the middle of several painting projects.  No, not watercolor.   I'm making some room upstairs for my "art junk" so have been busy painting bedrooms and the bathroom.  I'll post a photo of my art space when I get it all put together.  So much to do, so little time.