It all starts with a lot of sewing. (How many bag handles can you count?)
Then comes the fun part.... drawing with thread.
Finally the big day arrived. All that prep, and set up, and suddenly you are part of a show put on by two wonderful women in support of local craftswomen and an amazing grassroots non-profit called Arts for Life.
I have to tell you that it was just a lovely event. The women who are invited to sell at this show are some of the friendliest and most talented. It was really something.... an absolute pleasure.
It wasn't just about the money I made or the money that we raised for Arts for Life, although all of that was wonderful. This was the second year of the show, and I have begun to feel a sense of community with these women. I had some amazing conversations that inspired me to want to create and explore more.
I also received so many affirmations about myself as a blossoming quilter and artist. This last little bit may be hard for me to explain, but I'll try. There were many talented and tasteful women there who gave me compliments about my work. Visualizing myself as an artist is something I've been working through for many years. There are certainly some self esteem issues to sort through and old messages to cleanse. I'm working on it; this weekend was such a positive step in that process. So on that note, I want to say thank you to all of my friends and my family who supported me. It was important to me in more ways than you can possibly imagine.
(P.S. I did have a handful of bags left that I will post for sale on my etsy by the end of this week. If you're local and didn't get a chance to stop by, email me and you can come take a look.)
6 comments:
Hello,friend. I check in every day to see if you are around-- glad to hear you had such a wonderful experience. I know what you mean... when people ask what I do, I usually say "nothing." Why do we do that to ourselves? I tried free motion quilting for the first time this week-- it ain't easy, is all I can say. You ARE an artist-- hope you sell out this season!
Love the post Heather. I had a great time with you at the show.Your work was all amazing and a big hit. I am proud of you..of all of us and what we can accomplish!
Congratulations! That is an accomplishment in so many ways. proud of you all the way up here.
Look at all those gorgeous bags! I have been reading your blog looking for ideas for holiday crafts- it makes me feel so connected to be able to do something you and your sis have done. I am so thrilled about your awesome show! I wish I could come over and take a look at your stuff...
From the non-artist perspective, it always amazes me to hear your self-doubt because I see none of the imperfections in artistry and writing that you see in them. As your engineer-sister I value these gifts in you with a passion because I struggle to find this creativity and inspiration in my daily life. I am inspired in totally different ways and by different things, and your view is so life-affirming and fresh! I firmly believe that your path is glorious and important on a global perspective! None of us find out the effect until it's too late too change the action. You must have faith in your good soul and conscientious decisions... they've only seldom led you astray and those few times have been worth it to learn. -c
Wow, your free motion is AMAZING!
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